October 22, 2012 •
S.C. Governor Initiates State Ethics Review by Executive Order
Independent commission to recommend changes in 2013
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has created an independent commission responsible for making recommendations to reform state ethics and open records laws.
The executive order establishes an 11-member panel to review several ethics areas including conflict of interest rules, lobbying regulation, and enforcement of existing laws.
The governor expects a report from the commission by January 28, 2013, just weeks after the beginning of the next legislative session.
Photo of Governor Haley courtesy of Albert N. Milliron on Wikipedia.
October 19, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 19, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
American Bridge Super PAC Uses Unique Research, Tracking Strategy to Hold Republicans Accountable
Lobbyists Ready for a Comeback under Romney
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
91-Year-Old Alabama Mayor Admits to $201,000 Theft
California
Campaign Watchdogs Say Arizona Group’s $11 Million Donation Exploits Loophole in California Law
Florida
Legislature’s New Leaders Back Tough Ethics Reform
Georgia
Loopholes Abound in Some Lobbyist Gift Bans
Illinois
City Axes Speed Camera Firm’s Bid, Citing Delay in Reporting Ethics Case
Montana
Montana Contribution Limits in Place through Election
New Jersey
Bergen Executive’s Veto of Changes to Political-Contributions Law Draws No Challenge
Ohio
Ohio Early Voting Cleared by High Court in Obama Victory
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Will Lose Three Key Workers on Same Day
Pennsylvania
Lobbyists’ Checks Buy Lawmaker Access
Washington
Seattle City Council Revamps Campaign Finance Rules
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 17, 2012 •
Santa Ana Passes Sunshine Ordinance
Additional Disclosures Will Not Include Lobbyist Registrations
City Council has passed the resident-driven Sunshine Ordinance with the intention to make city government more transparent. The ordinance requires builders to hold community meetings in connection with certain developments and calls for online posting of additional information regarding requests for proposals.
Although advocates originally proposed registration requirements for lobbyists, the new law provides only online access to city officials’ scheduled meetings with lobbyists and to information on forms already required to be filed by campaign committees and public officials.
The measure’s effective date will be November 14, 2012, 30 days from Monday’s final vote.
Photo of the Santa Ana City Hall courtesy of Eli Pousson on Wikipedia.
October 15, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Start the week off right with these government relations news articles:
Campaign Finance
“PACs attack: N.Y. seeing a flood of outside money” by The Associated Press in Pressconnects.com.
Florida: “Meet Florida’s big-time donors to super PACs” by Alex Leary in the Miami Herald.
“Md. referendum campaigns raise $53 million” by John Wagner and Aaron C. Davis in The Washington Post.
Lobbying
“Loopholes abound in some lobbyist gift bans” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Patton Boggs moves to reinvent itself” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
“Lobbying Efforts From Tech Companies Surge On Capitol Hill” in Fast Company.
Kentucky: “Ellen Williams joins McBrayer lobbying team” by Tom Lotus in the Courier-Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists could be subject to open-records law” by Dan Miller in the Patriot-News.
Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists’ checks buy lawmaker access” by John L. Micek in the Morning Call.
Ethics
“Jackson Jr. probe focuses on house” by Kevin Robillard in Politico.
Campaigns and Elections
“Candidates turn to geo-targeting in ads” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“For politically playful news orgs, the 2012 election means social interactivity” by Adrienne LaFrance in Nieman Journalism Lab.
“Campaigns Mine Personal Lives to Get Out the Vote” by Charles Duhigg in The New York Times.
October 12, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Have a terrific weekend everyone!
Lobbying
“Lawmaker Sues State Bar Over Lobbying” by Joe Harris in the Courthouse News Service.
“Long-time lobbyist to retire” by Bill Rankin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Campaign Finance
“Changing campaign-finance laws might not deter corruption” by Lydia Coutré in the Columbus Dispatch.
“Top donors go all in on state ballot measures” by Will Evans in the Bay Citizen.
Ethics
“State Ethics Commission clears Sen. Gary Siplin in newsletter complaint” in the Miami Herald.
Social Media and Technology
“The Rise of Mobile in Election 2012” by Matt Petronzio in Mashable.
“Online, Next Presidential Debate Will Feature a Moderator that Wasn’t” by Micah L. Sifry in TechPresident.
“Code for America Accelerator Program Takes Shape” by Sarah Rich in Government Technology.
Legislative Issues
“Bill limits N.J. legislators’ unexcused absences” by The Associated Press in NorthJersey.com.
October 12, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 12, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Are Voter ID Opponents Winning the Battle but Losing the War?
Federal:
House, Senate Campaigns Welcome Lobbyists Shunned by Team Obama
Obama, Romney Face Most Narrow Electoral Map in Recent History
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
State Lawmaker Ben Arredondo Pleads Guilty to Two Felonies
Florida
Butterworth Skirts State Lobbying Laws to Land $44 Million-a-Year Contract in Broward
Illinois
Federal Judge Upholds Limits on Contributions to State Candidates
Maryland
Del. Tiffany Alston Suspended from Office, General Assembly Lawyer Says
Montana
Appeals Court Reinstates Campaign Finance Limits
Nevada
Ross Miller Pursues Campaign Finance Law Violations against AFP
Ohio
Texas
DeLay Attorneys: Ex-GOP Star Didn’t Launder Money
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, 2012 •
Today’s Government Relations News
Take a look at the latest articles in campaign finance, ethics, and the political campaigns:
Campaign Finance
California: “Prop 32: Union and Corporate Campaign Contributions” by Ben Adler in Capital Public Radio.
New Mexico: “Non-N.M. Groups Give Thousands” by Dan Boyd in the Albuquerque Journal.
Texas: “Court hears DeLay appeal in campaign finance case” by Peggy Fikac in the Houston Chronicle.
Ethics
“Hawaii Ethics Commission Still Missing a Member” by Anita Hofschneider in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
“W.Va. Ethics Commission sets Jan. 28 hearing on allegations against Beckley mayor” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Social Media and Government Tech
“Hardly Anyone Using Campaign Apps, Survey Says” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.
“Where is E-Government Communication Headed?” by Matt Williams in Government Technology.
October 9, 2012 •
Tuesday Campaign Finance and Ethics News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Campaign Finance
“Members’ PACs Test Unregulated Spending” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Harvard Law professor talks campaign finance corruption” by Ben Atlas in the Michigan Daily.
South Carolina: “Groups calling for probe into Harrell spending” by Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.
Ethics
“Texas Ethics Commission fines Texas Rep. Allen Fletcher” by Caleb Harris in the Tomball Magnolia Tribune.
“Edward Wasserman: TV ‘watchdogs’ quiet as political ad cash rolls in” by Edward Wasserman in the Bellingham Herald.
South Carolina: “This year’s ‘hot’ SC campaign issue? Ethics” by Adam Beam in The State.
Elections
“Across the electoral map, a mixed picture for candidates down the ballot” by Karen Tumulty in the Washington Post.
October 8, 2012 •
California FPPC Delays Review of Campaign and Gift Regulations
Staff will obtain additional public input
The Fair Political Practices Commission has announced cancellation of the October 18, 2012 meeting. Regulations previously scheduled for review included a requirement for political committees to report expenses associated with online communications such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Biennial adjustment reviews of campaign contribution limits, voluntary expenditure ceilings, and gift limits have also been postponed.
These and other potential regulation changes are tentatively scheduled to be considered during the December 13, 2012 commission meeting at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in Board Chambers Room 310, County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California 92101.
October 8, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Start the week off right with these government relations news articles:
Campaign Finance
“Big donors give far and wide, influencing out-of-state races and issues” in NBC News.
“Prosecutors face off over suspect campaign activity” by Jeremy Duda in the Arizona Capitol Times.
“Connecticut firm at center of new ‘Citizens United’ controversy” by Michael Beckel in the CTMirror.org.
“Boutique PACs making big splash in surprise races” by Susan Davis in the Indianapolis Star.
Ethics
“Congressional ethics committees protect legislators, critics say” by Scott Higham in the Washington Post.
“Congress members back legislation that could benefit themselves, relatives” by Kimberly Kindy, David S. Fallis and Scott Higham in the Washington Post.
Florida: “Ethics commission ‘wish list’ waiting for Legislature” by Matt Dixon in the St. Augustine Record.
Campaigns and Elections
“Voter Data: What the Candidates Know About You” by Elana Varon in Mashable.
“Campaigns Use Social Media to Lure Younger Voters” by Jenna Wortham in The New York Times.
October 5, 2012 •
Our Friday Campaign Finance and Lobbying News
Enjoy your weekend!
Campaign Finance
California: “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Morello rage against Prop. 32” by Michael J. Mishak in the Los Angeles Times.
Montana: “Montana appeals ruling as campaigns eye unlimited donations” by Mike Dennison in the Billings Gazette.
“James Bopp Jr. Gets Creative” by Jon Campbell in Slate.
Lobbying
Florida: “Butterworth skirts state lobbying laws with Broward contract” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Ethics
“Todd Akin Flubs Another Financial Disclosure, Amends 10 Years of Forms” by Neils Lesniewski in Roll Call.
Illinois: “Illinois powerbroker Cellini is sentenced to a year in prison” by Annie Sweeney in the Morris Daily Herald.
Pennsylvania: “Ex-LCB chairman Stapleton resigns amid ethics probe” by Angela Couloumbis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
South Carolina: “Ethics Commission Owed $2 Million Plus in Fines” by Shawn Drury in the St. Andrews Patch.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Digital Campaigning: Meet the Marketing Wizards of D.C.” by Matt Petronzio in Mashable.
“Are Digital States Graduating with Honors, or in Detention?” by Kristy Fifelski in GovTech.
Photo of the U.S. Capitol by UpstateNYer on Wikipedia.
October 5, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 5, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Selling Votes is Common Type of Election Fraud
Federal:
For Election Losers, Many Paths through the Political Wilderness
Medical Research Funding Tied to Advocacy, Study Finds
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
Americans for Prosperity Puts Big Money on Legislative Races in Arkansas
Illinois
Maine
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Appeal by Anti-Gay Marriage in Maine Case
Massachusetts
Native Americans Chafe at Brown-Warren Race
Minnesota
Campaign Finance Board Rules Minnesota Majority’s Dan McGrath Did Not Break Lobbying Rules
Montana
Judge Tosses Montana Campaign Finance Limits
Nevada
Nevada Secretary of State Seeks More Campaign Disclosure, Restrictions in Aurora Act
Oregon
Oregon Supreme Court Refuses to Limit Campaign Spending
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Voter ID Law Shouldn’t Be Enforced This Time, Judge Rules
Rhode Island
Ethics Commission Sets Hearing on Disclosure of Paid Trips for Officials
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 4, 2012 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are a few articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Fundraisers in D.C. Continue Despite Recess” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
New York: “Campaign finance reform uncertain” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Lobbying
“US Rep. Frank: No paid lobbying after Congress” by The Associated Press in the Boston Globe.
Ethics
“SC lawmakers vow ethics reform” by Andrew Shain in The State.
Campaigns and Elections
“5 takeaways from the Denver debate” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.
October 3, 2012 •
Our Wednesday Government Relations News Roundup
Don’t miss the articles you need to keep up with the latest news about lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics:
Campaign Finance
“Freshmen rake in cash through PACs” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Connecticut: “When a candidate’s spouse is powerful, the goal of a campaign donation can be … complicated” by Ana Radelot in the CT Mirror.
Minnesota: “Campaign finance board rules Minnesota Majority’s Dan McGrath did not break lobbying rules” by Paul Demko in Politics in Minnesota.
New York: “NY progressives push for public campaign finances” by Michael Gormley in Bloomberg News.
New York: “Campaign finance firepower gathers” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Capitol Confidential.
Lobbying
“Activists Press Corporations to Cut Ties With Presidential Debate Commission” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Wis. lawmakers sued over emails with conservative group” by The Associated Press in the Chicago Tribune.
Ethics
California: “L.A. Councilman Richard Alarcon and wife ordered to stand trial” by Catherine Saillant in the Los Angeles Times.
Illinois: “Emanuel Revamps City Hall Ethics Board” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.
Campaigns and elections
“Obama, on track to raise $1 billion, came close to that in 2008” by Matea Gold in the Los Angeles Times.
“Jim Lehrer on criticism of his recurring debate-moderator role: ‘It’s a rough, rough world’” by Andrew Beaujon in Poynter.org.
“Daily Ad Track” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
“Zac Efron, Leonardo DiCaprio and Selena Gomez all want you to vote for stuff” by Jen Chaney in the Washington Post.
Government Tech and Social Media
“For the Campaigns, Online Debate Response is All About Mobile” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.
“Social media: On the outside looking in at presidential debates” in Politics in Minnesota.
“Code for America Reveals 2013 Partner Cities and Counties” by Sarah Rich in Government Technology.
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.