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.
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.
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