October 16, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lights! Cameras! Action on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus on The Hill.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
New York: “Lobbying spending dips in NY to lowest in 5 years” by Joseph Spector in the Democrat and Chronicle.
New York: “JCOPE Mid-Year lobbying data is out” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.
Campaign Finance
“Why striking down campaign contribution limits might make politics better” by John Sides in The Washington Post.
“The Political-Monetary Complex” op-ed by Thomas B. Edsall in The New York Times.
“Extra! Extra!! Get your real time campaign finance data here!!!” by Jacob Fenton in the Sunlight Foundation blog.
Arizona: “Arizona court blocks new campaign finance law” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
New Jersey: “N.J. election spending soars: Political groups’ $21M shatters Jersey record” by Michael Linhorst in The Record.
Ethics
New York: “NY corruption commission expands probes” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Connecticut Post.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “N.C. panel calling for fairer redistricting scheduled to meet” by The Associated Press in the News & Record.
Tech and Social Media
Maryland: “Hough argues for webcasting committee votes, floor sessions” by Bethany Rodgers in The Frederick News-Post.
October 15, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists’ lobbying group wants a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“No, overturning campaign contribution limits really would be a problem” opinion piece by Bob Biersack in The Washington Post.
“The next, next Citizens United” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“McCutcheon v. FEC: Why it matters” by Jerad Najvar and Dan Backer in The Daily Caller.
Missouri: “Candidates to file campaign finance reports with Missouri Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New Mexico: “Candidates face campaign finance report deadline” by The Associated Press in KFDA News.
Ethics
Missouri: “St. Louis Firefighters PAC fined for campaign violations in St. Louis mayoral race” by Nick Pistor in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
New York: “Lawsuit: Silver breached ‘contract’” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.
Open Government
“Mass. lawmakers weighing public records bills” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.
October 14, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Abramoff Talks Lobbying” by Sam Abrams in The Hoya.
“Lobbyist Who Doesn’t Lobby Still Gets Paid” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.
Nevada: “State lawmaker hired as lobbyist for medical marijuana bill he helped pass” by Andrew Doughman in the Las Vegas Sun.
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Andy Dillon’s campaign investigated over handling of $130,000 loan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.
Ohio: “Federal trial of North Canton businessman on campaign finance charges scheduled for June 2014” by James F. McCarty in The Plain Dealer.
Ethics
California: “San Diego mayoral PAC fined for ethics violations” by The Associated Press in The Sacramento Bee.
Illinois: “IDOT official out over Sandoval fund-raising flap” by Chris Fusco in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Rhode Island: “Political Scene: Ethics panel clears 6 of ‘revolving door’ conflict” by Philip Marcelo, Katherine Gregg and Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.
South Carolina: “Gov. Nikki Haley describes ethics fine as ‘business expense’ in campaign report” by Corey Hutchins in the Charleston City Paper.
October 11, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 11, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
A Federal Budget Crisis Months in the Planning
New York Times – Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Mike McIntire | Published: 10/5/2013
A New York Times article detailed a plan among conservative activists to derail the Affordable Care Act. The outside groups believed the GOP could stop the health care overhaul if conservative lawmakers were willing to push fellow Republicans into cutting off financing for the entire federal government. The report said the billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, have been deeply involved with financing the overall effort.
Supreme Court Skeptical of Limits on Federal Campaign Contributions
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 10/8/2013
The U.S. Supreme Court seemed prepared to strike down a part of federal campaign finance law left intact by its decision in Citizens United in 2010: overall limits on direct contributions from individuals to candidates. The justices seemed to divide along familiar ideological lines, and they expressed different understandings of the role of money and free speech in American politics.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Portion of Campaign Finance Law Overturned
Arizona Republic – Edward Gately | Published: 10/4/2013
U.S. District Court Judge James Teilborg ruled the part of Arizona’s campaign finance law that defines political committees is unconstitutional. But the law will remain in effect pending an injunction or until lawmakers can address the problems. “We will likely file an injunction to basically put everything on hold until the Legislature can convene in January,” said Stephanie Grisham, a spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office.
California – Assemblyman Offers to Suit up Campaign Donors
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/8/2013
California Assemblyperson Henry Perea is raising campaign money by offering donors a custom suit in exchange for a $2,000 contribution. A number of lobbyists said the fundraiser puts participants in an ethical quandary, leaving them with a valuable gift, while some women said it is excluding them by only offering suits for men.
California – California Strategies Walks Line between Lobbying and Public Affairs
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/6/2013
California Strategies is not the only public affairs firm in Sacramento that offers clients a variety of services requiring a careful dance along the line that separates lobbying from less regulated forms of advocacy. But it has been a target of competitors who say the firm’s approach creates an uneven playing field – it has a long list of partners who have deep connections inside government but do not register as lobbyists.
Colorado – Complaint: Free weed at rally not reported
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Charles Ashby | Published: 10/8/2013
No Over Taxation has given out free marijuana at rallies in Denver and Boulder to convince voters to oppose Proposition AA, a ballot measure that would impose taxes on recreational pot when it becomes available for sale in Colorado next year. Colorado Ethics Watch filed a complaint contending the donors that contributed the marijuana should have been identified in No Over Taxation’s campaign finance reports as providing in-kind donations, but were not.
Florida – Hays and Ring: Forget auditing lobbyists; repeal the law
Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 10/7/2013
After media attention to lobbyists’ pay, Florida legislative leaders agreed to kick-start legally required audits of those paid to influence lawmakers and state officials. The Legislature’s joint auditing committee was told the random audits of some two-dozen firms could cost in excess of $1 million, sparking criticism from some on the panel.
Georgia – Ex-Ethics Commission Employee in Georgia Says Docs Altered
Chattanooga Times Free Press; Associated Press – | Published: 10/9/2013
John Hair, a former Georgia ethics commission computer specialist, said he removed, changed, and condensed documents from the investigative file of complaints accusing Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal of misusing campaign funds in the 2010 election. Hair said he was fulfilling orders from commission Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge and her top aide, Lisa Dentler.
Massachusetts – Cardinal O’Malley Invites Lawmakers to a Get-Together
Boston Globe – Jim O’Sullivan and Lisa Wagsness | Published: 10/9/2013
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Boston, will meet with the Massachusetts lawmakers who represent cities and towns within the archdiocese in what one of his aides described as “relationship building.” The church does not command the presence on Beacon Hill that it did years ago, when it played a much more prominent role in society. Some lawmakers remain angry at what they viewed as overly aggressive lobbying techniques that church lobbyists and some priests used in opposing same-sex marriage
Michigan – Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Corruption
Washington Post; Associated Press – | Published: 10/10/2013
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in prison on his conviction for public corruption charges including bribery and extortion that prosecutors said exacerbated the city’s financial crisis. Kilpatrick spent lavishly at the helm of a conspiracy that damaged Detroit’s reputation and cost taxpayers millions of dollars, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds said, adding that the sentence was intended to send a message that corruption would not be tolerated.
New York – Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein in Ethics Board He Created
New York Times – Jesse McKinley and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 10/8/2013
According to people familiar with the work of the Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, its effort is burdened by resistance from the New York Legislature, which has refused requests for information about lawmakers’ outside income, and by unexpected involvement by the governor’s office, which has leaned on the commission to limit the scope of its probes.
North Carolina – Plain-Clothes Officer Attended Moral Monday Planning Meetings
WRAL – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 10/8/2013
About 940 people were arrested at weekly “Moral Monday” rallies opposing Republican-backed policies at the North Carolina Legislature that protesters said damaged public education, voting rights, and working people. The Raleigh Police Department conducted undercover surveillance at meetings of the North Carolina chapter of the NACCP held to organize the mass protests.
South Carolina – State House for Sale: SC ethics law a muddled mess
The State – Adam Beam | Published: 10/5/2013
While South Carolina has strict rules on who can donate to political campaigns, and how much they can give, state law has little to say about how legislators can spend that money. And what it does say is in dispute. Critics say South Carolina needs to follow the lead of 26 other states and have one independent ethics commission set the rules for all candidates. But most lawmakers say that would violate the state constitution.
Texas – Red River Rivalry Fundraising a Growing Trend
Texas Tribune – David Maly | Published: 10/9/2013
The annual football game between the University of Texas and Oklahoma University is increasingly becoming a fundraising hotspot for lawmakers in both parties. Deborah Ingersoll, a lobbyist who has worked in Texas politics for more than 20 years, organizes an annual guide of legislative fundraising surrounding the game and said this is the biggest year she has seen.
Virginia – Reforming Va. Laws a Priority for Politicians
Richmond Times Dispatch – Olympia Meola and Jim Nolan | Published: 10/6/2013
Recognizing the public reaction to the scandal involving Gov. Robert McDonnell, both major party candidates to succeed him have proposed reforms to Virginia’s gift and disclosure laws. Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox is leading a working group of House Republicans studying various reforms ahead of the legislative session. Cox said the changes could include more frequent reporting than the current annual filing, and synchronizing the reporting dates for elected officials and lobbyists.
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.
October 10, 2013 •
Arkansas Potential Special Session May Include Ethics
Lawmaker proposes campaign finance changes
Rep. Warwick Sabin has suggested nearly a dozen changes to the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws potentially to be considered during a special session the governor may call to address teacher insurance costs. Sabin proposed the bills in an email to House and Senate members on Wednesday, October 10.
The changes would empower the Ethics Commission to initiate investigations, lower the minimum reporting amount for campaign expenditures from $100 to $50, and require the secretary of state to develop a searchable website for campaign finance records. The bills could only be considered in a special session if Gov. Mike Beebe included them in a proclamation.
Photo of the Arkansas State Capitol courtesy of jglazer75 in Wikimedia Commons.
October 10, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“K Street embraces ‘go small’ approach” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Lobbying on the Slow Track During Shutdown” by Elliott Jager in Newsmax.
“Business groups see loss of sway over House GOP” on CNBC.
“Yelp hires Issa aide as first lobbyist” by Brendan Sasso in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Obama says lifting caps on campaign contributions would shut regular Americans out of politics” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
“An upside-down campaign finance system” by Jennifer Rubin in The Washington Post.
“Sandra Day O’Connor bemoans Citizens United decision” by The Associated Press in the Portland Press Herald.
Hawaii: “Panel hears finance law challenge” by Derrick DePledge in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Michigan: “State extends probe into fundraising by Duggan, super PAC” by Darren A. Nichols in the Detroit News.
New Hampshire: “State senator wants more transparency for political groups” by Garry Rayno in the New Hampshire Union Leader.
New York: “N.Y. Comptroller Supporters Get Prison for Donor Fraud” by Patricia Hurtado in Bloomberg.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Arkansas lawmaker floats ethics bills for session” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Tech and Social Media
“Quién Manda: A Pinterest For Politician and Lobbyist Relations?” by Rebecca Chao in TechPresident.
“Government shutdown: Why are only some federal websites shut down?” by Andrew Restuccia in Politico.
“Government on Social Media: How Did Brimfield, Ohio (a Town of 10,000) Get 88,000 Facebook Likes?” by Heather Kerrigan in Governing.
Redistricting
“Could the government shutdown prompt congressional redistricting reform?” by Jason Noble in the Des Moines Register.
October 9, 2013 •
California Governor Signs FPPC Bills
FPPC to get more authority and give more advice
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed three bills sponsored by the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) designed to promote government transparency:
- Assembly Bill 409 creates an electronic filing system for public officials who file annual statements of economic interest (Form 700), allowing greater public accessibility to the statements;
- Assembly Bill 552 gives the FPPC greater authority to collect fines from individuals and entities who violate laws regarding campaign finance, lobbying, and conflicts of interest; and
- Assembly Bill 1090 allows the FPPC to give written or telephone advice to public officials about conflicts of interest in government contracts.
Assembly Bill 409 takes effect immediately. Assembly Bill 552 and Assembly Bill 1090 are effective January 1, 2014.
October 9, 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.
Louisiana: “Veteran lobbyist leaves Louisiana Association of Business and Industry” by Julia O’Donoghue in The Times-Picayune.
Campaign Finance
“Justices clash over campaign finance law” by Sam Baker in The Hill.
“Supreme Court conservatives skeptical of campaign finance limits” by Josh Gerstein and Byron Tau in Politico.
“Chief Justice Roberts: A Campaign Finance Moderate Who Gets It?” by Rick Hasen in the Election Law Blog.
California: “Brown signs three FPPC bills, vetoes campaign finance bill” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.
Colorado: “Campaign-finance complaint filed against opponents of pot-tax issue” by Jeremy P. Meyer in The Denver Post.
Kentucky: “Supreme Court ruling in campaign finance case could affect Kentucky Senate race” by Sam Youngman in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
New York: “NY Minute: Will voters decide fate of publicly financed campaigns?” by Teri weaver in the The Post-Standard.
Ethics
California: “Gov. Brown gives public a closer look at elected officials’ finances” by Patrick McGreevy and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.
Georgia: “Ex-state IT specialist claims he removed documents from Gov. Deal ethics file” by Greg Bluestein in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ohio: “Letters from Mandel show he lobbied for donor” by Joe Vardon in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
South Carolina: “SC senators not sold on independent ethics panel” by Adam Beam in The State.
Tech and Social Media
“Chicago Candidate Wants to Transform Political Discussion” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
Open Government
Maryland: “City broke laws by meeting in secret, state board rules” by Luke Broadwater in the Baltimore Sun.
October 8, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
Alberta: “Lobbying on the rise as Alberta prepares new tobacco bill” by Keith Gerein in the Edmonton Journal.
“Pfizer names new VP of lobbying team” by Megan Wilson in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“McCutcheon v. FEC: Possible Implications for the States” by Karen Shanton in NCSL’s The Thicket.
“Supreme Court Hears Another Challenge To Campaign Finance Law” by Nina Totenberg on NPR.
“Let Bitcoins be used for political donations” opinion piece by Dan Backer in Politico.
Arizona: “Campaign finance changes increasing Arizona contribution limits may boost clout of business” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Maine: “Ethics Commission calls for $32,500 fine against Lewiston casino backers for not disclosing source of campaign contributions” by Scott Thistle in the Bangor Daily News.
New York: “Gaming interests reward legislators” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
Ethics
Indiana: “Ethics panel to consider possible job change” by The Associated Press in the Evansville Courier & Press.
New York: “Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein In Ethics Board He Created” by Jesse McKinley and Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Commission: OK for Chafee administration chief Licht to apply for judgeship” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.
Elections
Arizona: “Arizona plans to require citizenship proof for state elections” by Tim Gaynor in Reuters.
Massachusetts: “House Special Election Next Week Likely to Diversify Mass. Delegation” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Tech and Social Media
“Government Tweets Down Sharply During Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Texas: “Conservative Officials Turn to Crowdsourcing” by Alexa Ura in The Texas Tribune.
October 8, 2013 •
New AZ State Director of Elections Announced
Begins October 21
Beginning on October 21, Christina Estes-Werther will be the new Arizona state election director, replacing Amy B. Chan.
Estes-Werther currently serves as Governor Brewer’s deputy general counsel. According to Secretary of State Ken Bennett’s press release, Chan will be stepping down to devote more time to her family.
Chan was appointed election director by Bennett in March 2009.
October 7, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“ALL Response to Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI-1) Suggestion to Ban Lobbyists from the Capitol” on the American League of Lobbyists website.
“K Street sidelined in shutdown fight” by Ann Palmer in Politico.
California: “California Strategies walks line between lobbying and public affairs” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
New Mexico: “Ex-official won’t lobby state, company says” by Thomas Cole in the Albuquerque Journal.
Tennessee: “Lobbyists spent more on entertainment in 2013” by The Associated Press in WRCB TV News.
Campaign Finance
“Three Things to Watch for in Tomorrow’s Campaign Finance Oral Argument at the Supreme Court” by Rick Hasen on the Election Law Blog.
“Supreme Court set to consider donor limits” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“After Citizens United, Campaign Finance Reformers Look For A Bold New Approach” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.
“Get ready for ‘Son of Citizens United’” by Mary Sanchez in The Chicago Tribune.
Minnesota: “Attorney Christian Sande named to Minnesota Campaign Finance board” by Joe Kimball in MinnPost.
Ethics
Georgia: “Ethics lawyer says chairman pressured her to settle Deal cases” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
New York: “Ethics laws outdated, not used” by Alysia Santo in the Times Union.
South Carolina: “STATE HOUSE FOR SALE: SC ethics law a muddled mess” by Adam Beam in The State.
Virginia: “Gift scandal puts pressure on lawmakers to make changes” by Olympia Meola and Jim Nolan in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: Another bad mark for W.Va.” by Phil Kabler in the Gazette-Mail.
West Virginia: “Statehouse beat: A lot of road time on the state dime” by Phil Kabler in the Gazette-Mail.
On the State Ballots
“Pot, Gambling and GMOs on the Election Ballot” by Jake Grovum in Stateline.
Campaign Tech and Social Media
“Parnell campaign reports email error” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Juneau Empire.
October 4, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 4, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
State Watchdogs Band Together to Take on ‘Dark Money’
Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 10/3/2013
The States’ Unified Network Center, a project from watchdog groups to share information on campaign finance legislation across the country, will begin as a Web presence to highlight proposed bills and standing law. It will also organize a database of nonprofit groups that spend money in state elections, in hopes of stitching together the state-by-state patchwork of campaign finance databases.
Federal:
Government Shutdown: Wall Street angry at tea party it has no influence over
Politico – MJ Lee | Published: 10/2/2013
Wall Street’s frustration over the current fiscal impasse is shared by the larger business community, which has tried to convince lawmakers the threat of shutting down the government or failing to raise the borrowing limit should not be used as negotiating ploys. But wealthy financial services executives and their lobbyists have little leverage against tea party lawmakers, who do not care for big banks and do not rely heavily on the industry for campaign money.
Not ‘Essential’: Shutdown would hit FEC hard
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Leventhal | Published: 9/30/2013
The FEC, unlike some agencies filled with employees deemed essential, will effectively shutter under a government shutdown. All but the agency’s active commissioners, who are furlough-proof political appointees, would ultimately stay home.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Ex-Lobbyist Joins Councilman’s Staff and Questions Follow
Los Angeles Times – Robert Zahniser | Published: 9/26/2013
Robert Katherman, a longtime Los Angeles lobbyist, said since joining city Councilperson Curren Price’s staff, he has avoided decisions affecting clients at the advocacy firm he founded and put his wife in charge of. As long as that continues, state conflict-of-interest laws permit Price to act on proposals that benefit Katherman’s wife and her firm.
Georgia – Ethics Commission to Ask for Special Investigator
San Francisco Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 9/30/2013
The Georgia ethics commission voted to request that a special assistant attorney general be appointed for an independent investigation to look into the circumstances surrounding two lawsuits against the agency. Former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman and her onetime deputy, Sharon Streicker, allege they were forced out for pressing an investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2010 campaign.
Georgia – State Senator Balfour Indicted on Charges Related to Expenses
Athens Banner-Herald – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013
A grand jury charged state Sen. Don Balfour with illegally claiming legislative expense pay. The indictment comes after a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into expense vouchers from his work at the General Assembly, where Balfour sought reimbursement for mileage and per diem expenses at the Capitol when lobbyist disclosure reports show he was out of state.
Illinois – Appeals Court Denies Quinn Bid to Keep Pay Freeze
San Francisco Chronicle – Sarah Burnett (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013
A judge overruled Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who had suspended the salaries of state legislators, and ordered the lawmakers to receive back pay with interest. Quinn suspended the paychecks this summer, saying lawmakers had failed to resolve a financial crisis worsened by the ballooning cost of state pension plans. Leaders of the Legislature challenged his authority to suspend the pay.
Iowa – Iowa Lawmaker Resigns over Bachmann Payments
USA Today – Jason Noble and Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/2/2013
Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson resigned after a special investigator found it likely he violated ethics rules by taking money from PACs connected to former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and then denying he had done so. The report contains the most detailed findings yet in a scandal that has swirled around Sorensen since he defected from the Bachmann campaign days before the 2012 Iowa caucuses to support Ron Paul.
Michigan – Corruption Alleged after Detroit Pension Deal
Detroit Free Press – Robert Snell | Published: 9/30/2013
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick backed an investment deal that bankrolled a three-year spree of alleged corruption and helped push the city into bankruptcy. The deal cheated city retirees out of more than $84 million, led to criminal charges against six people, and compounded the impact of the money-losing Wall Street scheme, which could eventually cost Detroit more than $2.7 billion.
Minnesota – Emmer’s Internet Ad Could Prove Troublesome
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Jim Ragsdale and Jennifer Brooks | Published: 9/30/2013
A television ad featuring congressional candidate Tom Emmer vouching for a construction company may violate a federal law banning corporate contributions to candidates. Emmer appeared in an ad for Integrity Exteriors & Remodelers while noting his candidacy and standing by a banner spelling out his congressional ambitions. A YouTube posting for the ad said it had aired on a Twin Cities television station.
Mississippi – Hood Could Appeal Judge’s Ruling That Part of Miss. Campaign Finance Law Is Unconstitutional
Columbus Republic – Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) | Published: 10/1/2013
U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock ruled that part of Mississippi’s campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for individuals or organizations that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. State Attorney Jim Hood an appeal could be difficult because federal courts have not been amenable to states’ defense of their own campaign finance laws.
New York – Elections Officials Narrow Scope of Collection Effort
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 9/26/2013
The New York State Board of Elections had planned to send letters in September to numerous campaign treasurers with judgments against them and the banks that held their funds, informing them the committees’ assets were frozen until their fines had been settled. But only two such letters have been sent.
North Carolina – Voter ID Targeted in North Carolina
Wall Street Journal – Devlin Barrett | Published: 9/30/2013
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging voting restrictions adopted by North Carolina, alleging they discriminate against minority voters. The suit challenges the state’s voter-identification requirement and limits on early voting. It also asks the court to require federal pre-approval for voting-law changes in the state.
West Virginia – Fishing Trip Underscores Close Ties between Suder, United Sportsmen
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley and Jason Stein | Published: 9/30/2013
Records show then-Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder accepted an invitation for a fishing trip offered by the lobbyist for a self-described sportsmen group just days before an affiliate of the organization won a $500,000 state grant. Gov. Scott Walker rescinded the grant after reports the group misrepresented its nonprofit status and its president had been cited for shooting a black bear without the proper license.
West Virginia – W.Va. Judge Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy
San Francisco Chronicle – John Raby (Associated Press) | Published: 10/2/2013
A West Virginia judge pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to conceal alleged illegal drug use and election-law violations by a sheriff who was murdered earlier this year. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop an earlier charge that Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Thornsbury misused his office on several occasions over five years to try to illegally imprison the husband of his former secretary after she ended an affair with him.
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.
October 3, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“No shutdown for K Street as advocates blitz Capitol” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Senate health aide joins top lobby firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Numismatists Have Lobbyists Too” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: $4.18M spent in four months as lobbying spending continues upward trend” by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission in KYForward.com.
North Carolina: “Former Rep. and lobbyist Paul Pulley dies” in the News & Observer.
Campaign Finance
“State watchdogs band together to take on ‘dark money’” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“Zombie Federal Election Commission still wants your quarterly reports” by Al Kamen in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida ethics commission investigating Rep. Jamie Grant’s business venture” by Michael Van Sickler in the Tampa Bay Times.
Iowa: “Iowa pol resigns amid ethics probe” by Katie Glueck in Politico.
New Jersey: “State agency: DiVincenzo misused, obscured campaign funds” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.
Tennessee: “Ethics watchdog files more Deal complaints” by The Associated Press in WRCB TV News.
State Legislatures
Colorado: “Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will not call special legislative session on flooding issues” by The Associated Press on KMGH-TV News.
New Hampshire: “N.H. Panel Delays Vote On Medicaid” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Valley News.
Oregon: “Lawmakers celebrate end of special session on PERS, taxes, GMO (2013 special session)” by Yuxing Zheng in The Oregonian.
October 2, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Shutdown can’t stop lobbyists from their appointed rounds” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“What’s a Hill Résumé Worth on K Street? Maybe Not $500K” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Nevada: “Former Nev. lobbyist sentenced to 2 years in prison” by Martha Bellisle in USA Today.
Campaign Finance
“Wealthy Donors’ Influence May Rise After Next Supreme Court Campaign Finance Case” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
“Donation limits help keep politics honest” opinion piece by Meredith McGehee on CNN News.
Mississippi: “Judge blocks part of Miss. campaign finance law, calls it unconstitutional” by Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) in the Clarion Ledger.
Ethics
“Ethical limits on federal employees would continue in shutdown” by Eric Yoder in The Washington Post.
“As shutdown commences, federal open government databases go dark or dormant” by Stephen Stirling in The Star-Ledger.
“Government shutdown shrinks FEC to just four employees” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Elections
“Election Laws Challenged in Only State to Act Since Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act” by Wendy Underhill in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Alabama: “Special election scheduled to fill Rep. Barry Mask’s legislative seat” by The Associated Press on Al.com.
Nevada: “More Nevadans register nonpartisan in September than other two parties combined” by The Associated Press in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Government Shutdown
“GOV Unplugged: Your Guide to What’s Shut Down During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Feds Warm Up To LinkedIn” by Mark Amtower in Information Week.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Oregon Legislature: Vote count still tight in special session” by Hannah Hoffman and Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
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.
