July 27, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 27, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
IRS Says It Will Examine Rules for Nonprofit Political Activity
Lawyers Raking in Cash as Campaign Spending Hits Records
Millionaire Political Donors Club: Where are the women?
From the States and Municipalities:
California
San Bernardino County: Campaign finance reform boosted by bill
Connecticut
Campaign Money Scandal Rattles Congressional Race
Georgia
Governor Admits to Ethics Violations
Nevada
Americans for Prosperity May Have Opened Donors to Public Scrutiny by Entering State Race
Pennsylvania
Pa.’s Tough, New Voter ID Law Lands in Court
Pennsylvania
SEPTA Says It Didn’t Think It Had to Report Lobbyist Spending
Utah
ALEC Conservatives Reject Charges of Corporate Cronyism
Vermont
Vermont AG: No limits for independent expenditure PACs
Wisconsin
Prosser Converts Campaign Account to Legal Defense Fund
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.
July 25, 2012 •
Ethics Ordinance Passes Chicago City Council Vote
New rules to take effect November 1st
The Chicago City Council voted unanimously to pass Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ethics ordinance. The ordinance, which is the first overhaul of the city’s ethics code in 25 years, institutes the recommendations made by an ethics board Emanuel appointed to study the city’s ethical issues.
The newly passed ordinance will increase the gift prohibition for city officials and employees. Officials and employees will now only be able to accept gifts that are less than $50 in value. It also limits the ability of lobbyists and contractors to make political contributions. It also includes a reverse revolving door provision, which limits a city official or employee’s participation in matters involving former employers.
The ordinance will go into effect on November 1, 2012.
Photo of Chicago’s City Hall and Daley Plaza by JeremyA in Wikipedia.
July 24, 2012 •
Campaign Finance, Campaign Ads, and Ethics in the News
You’ll find many articles in today’s campaign finance and ethics news summary:
Campaign Finance
“Apps to Identify Who Backs Political Ads” in Government Technology.
“Romney-Obama Lawyers Raking in Millions” by Jonathan D. Salant in Bloomberg News.
Massachusetts: “Mass. groups take aim at Citizens United” in the Patriot Ledger.
Montana: “Group seeks to take measure saying corporations aren’t people off ballot” by Charles S. Johnson in the Billings Gazette.
Campaign Ads
“Ad-Rating Project Will Assess Campaign TV Spots by Asking Voters” by Gregory Giroux on Bloomberg News.
“Voters Say They Are Wary of Ads Made Just for Them” by Tanzina Vega in The New York Times.
“Obama, Romney Attack Ads Top Charts” by Tim Hanrahan in The Wall Street Journal.
“Obama puts $46.7M into ads, outspends what he raised in June” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars in USA Today.
“Report: Super PACs make up 80 percent of Romney ad spending” by Chris Moody in ABC News.
“Florida PAC Lets Internet Users Create Own Voiceovers For Romney Campaign Ad” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
Ethics
Arizona: “Legislator files ethics complaint against another” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Daily Sun.
Georgia: “Governor admits to ethics missteps, but major cases dismissed” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
July 20, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 20, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
House Ethics Panel Has Track Record of Leniency
Son of Liberal Financier George Soros Launches Anti-Super PAC Super PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Alabama Casino Developer, Lobbyist, Ex-Lawmaker Sentenced to Prison in Statehouse Gambling Scheme
California
Battle Lines Drawn over Payroll Deductions
California
Feds Detail Scale of Graft in Cudahy
Michigan
Prosecutor: Bolger conspired with party switcher, but didn’t break law
Minnesota
Minnesota GOP, Former Chairman Face Fines Over Recount
Nevada
Felon Was a Lobbyist for Catholic Officials in Nevada
New Jersey
FBI Raids City Hall in New Jersey’s Capital
New York
NY Ethics Board Member Resigns from Lobbying Group
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.
July 20, 2012 •
Proposed Chicago Ethics Ordinance Passes Committee Vote
Proposal moves to full city council vote
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s new proposed ethics ordinance has advanced out of committee and will now head to a full city council vote. The proposal, which stems from the first set of recommendations handed out by Emanuel’s appointed Ethics Board, will, among other things, lower the value of gifts that city’s employees and officials may receive. Currently, the limit is $100, but the proposed ordinance lowers that limit to $50.
The proposal is expected to pass the city council. The ethics board is expected to release its second set of ethics recommendations in late summer.
July 19, 2012 •
Be Ready for the 2012 National Party Conventions!
We have everything you need in our new report.
2012 is an exciting year for national politics. State and Federal Communications, Inc. is your trusted resource for comprehensive lobbying and campaign finance guidelines to assist your organization with navigating the national party conventions. Here is our User’s Guide to National Party Conventions.
The Republican National Convention is being held in Tampa, Florida at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27th to August 30th. The Democratic National Convention opens at the Time Warner Cable Arena on September 3rd and closes on September 6th with President Obama accepting the nomination of his party at the Bank of America Stadium.
These conventions will be a gathering place for delegates and other party members from across the country and thus will represent an excellent opportunity for your organization to interface with a wide range of public officials.
Knowledge of the applicable federal, state, and local rules governing your interactions with both convention delegates and other public officials in attendance will ensure your organization has the tools available to say, “I Comply.”
What is important as you read the document is knowing the official names of the convention and host committees:
1. Republican Convention Committee —
Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention;
2. Democratic Convention Committee —
The 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc.;
3. Republican Host Committee —
2012 Tampa Host Committee; and
4. Democratic Host Committee —
Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee.
In closing, we hope this resource serves you well during the upcoming convention season. The Research Department of State and Federal Communications, under Manager John Cozine, made sure we looked at all avenues of giving.
We wish you all the best this summer before the conventions.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Bartz
President and CEO of State and Federal Communications
July 18, 2012 •
Today’s Lobbying and Ethics News Roundup
Don’t miss these latest articles:
Lobbying
“NY ethics board member resigns from lobbying group” by The Associated Press in the Wall Street Journal.
The Hill’s “Lobbying World” news summary.
“Farm bill tops health care law in lobbying dollars” by Carolyn Lochhead in the San Francisco Gate.
Connecticut: “Attorney, lobbyist Albert Pirro arraigned on charges he attacked woman at Conn. Restaurant” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
District Columbia: “D.C. lawmakers, lobbyists talked nearly 600 times” by Alan Blinder in the Washington Examiner.
Ethics
“Ethics Committee launches probe of Dem Rep. Robert Andrews” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
“Blagojevich administration official Ali Ata is spared prison for lying” by Annie Sweeney in the Chicago Tribune.
“Ethics panel has track record of leniency” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
July 17, 2012 •
Tuesday News Summary
Campaign finance, lobbying, ethics, and social media
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Vote to kill filibuster on campaign finance bill fails, despite Connecticut senators’ support” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Florida: “Unlimited campaign contributions finding a route to Florida lawmakers” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald.
Lobbying
“ALEC struggles to retain members” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“Tech lobbyists’ new mantra: Strength through unity” by Michelle Quinn in Politico.
Connecticut: “Lobbyists form SuperPAC to help Murphy in Senate race” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Government Ethics
“Former top state administrator fined for conflicts of interest” by Jennifer Gollan in the Bay Citizen.
Gov 2.0
“Despite Cuomo’s Vow of Sunlight, a Bid to Keep Aides’ E-Mail in the Dark” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
“What Social Media Do Government Officials Use Most?” by Matt Williams in Government Technology.
July 13, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 13, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Campaign Donations by Text? Not So fast, Wireless Carriers Say
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
Ethics Measure Falls Short of Signature Goal
California
Bill Would Hire Commission to Enforce County’s Campaign Finance Ordinance
California
Pass the Canapés: Now, lobbyists can serve appetizers, not report it
Colorado
Colorado Public Trustee Spending Raises Red Flags
Connecticut
Feds Indict Braddock, Claim Conspiracy Began Last Year
District of Columbia
Vast ‘Shadow Campaign’ Said to Have Aided Gray in 2010
Florida
Miramar Commissioners Approve $2,500 Stipend for Themselves
Illinois
Quinn Abolishes Legislative Scholarships
Illinois
Quinn Signs Super PAC Campaign Finance Law
New York
Cuomo Turns to Campaign Finance
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.
July 13, 2012 •
New Jersey’s ELEC Now on Facebook and Twitter
a great way to stay on top of ELEC news and updates
Following the work of New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has become easier through social media. According to a press release by Executive Director Jeff Brindle, the agency now has a presence on Facebook and Twitter. You’ll find updates about campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics news. This is probably the quickest way to keep up with meeting agendas and reporting dates.
ELEC has been maintaining a channel on YouTube since 2008 and now has 21 videos giving brief overviews of issues like lobbying, pay-to-play, and reporting.
A hat tip goes to John Schoonejongen, whose article, “You can now follow ELEC on Facebook, Twitter” in the Asbury Park Press, brought this news to our attention.
July 11, 2012 •
Ottawa to Create Lobbyist Registry
and more news in our Wednesday lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics roundup!
Lobbying
Ottawa, Ontario: “Council endorses lobby registry, integrity commissioner” by Errol McGihon in the Ottowa Sun.
The Hill’s “Lobbying World” staff report.
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Assembly to weigh resolution on campaign finance” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.
District of Columbia: “Vast ‘shadow campaign’ said to have aided Gray in 2010” by Mike DeBonis and Nikita Stewart in The Washington Post.
New York: “Cuomo turns to campaign finance” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Pennsylvania: “SEPTA found to violate federal lobbying rules” by Mark Fazlollah in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
West Virginia: “W.Va. group wants contribution limit blocked” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Panel Seated in Ethics Inquiry Into Nevada Lawmaker” by Eric Lipton in The New York Times.
July 10, 2012 •
Today’s Government Relations Recommended Reading
Don’t miss the latest campaign finance, ethics, and procurement news in our Tuesday Roundup:
Campaign Finance
“Political Spending by Unions Far Exceeds Direct Donations” by Tom McGinty AND Brody Mullins in The Wall Street Journal.
“Campaigns to Compete for Ads During Olympic Games” by Nathan L. Gonzales in Roll Call.
Alaska: “Committee weighs in on ethics of pre-election pledges” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
District of Columbia: “Jeanne Clarke Harris is charged in ongoing investigation of Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s campaign” by Mike DeBonis and Nikita Stewart in the Washington Post
District of Columbia: “D.C. activists deliver 30,000 signatures for ballot initiative to ban corporate contributions” by Nikita Stewart and Tim Craig in the Washington Post.
Idaho: “Idaho Democrats use state seal for campaign email” by John Miller (Associated Press) in the Idaho Statesman.
Ethics
“Ethics panel clears Buchanan on charge of misleading Congress” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
Procurement
Arkansas: “New Arkansas Site Reveals State Salaries” in Government Technology. “The contracts page offers details on contracts or individual purchase orders for more than $25,000. Construction contracts with a value of greater than $20,000 are also listed.”
July 6, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 6, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Assets Offshore Raise Romney Wealth Questions
Do Election Laws Encourage Attack Ads in Campaigns?
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Arizona Lawmaker Files $10 Million Claim against Phoenix
Colorado
Gessler Hit with Another Campaign Finance Lawsuit – But This One He May Actually Like
Delaware
Delaware Business to Pay $500,000 in Campaign Probe
Florida
New Ethics Policy Toughens Rules for Lobbying Orange School Leaders
Illinois
Wrigley Renovation Plans Stalled by Political Flap
Maryland
Sports Tickets Banned as Gifts for Baltimore County Elected Officials
Michigan
Cap on Michigan Campaign Donations Survives Challenge
Missouri
Missouri Election Season Arrives without Ethics Law
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers Blackout Period for Filing Complaints
South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Cleared in Ethics Inquiry
Tennessee
Tim Burchett Subpoenas News Sentinel for Visitor Records, Surveillance Videos
Utah
Ruling Blocks Utah Ethics Initiative from Ballot
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.
July 5, 2012 •
Thursday Campaign Finance and Ethics News Roundup
Take a look at these latest campaign finance and government ethics articles:
“Can the Democrats Catch Up in the Super-PAC Game?” by Robert Draper in The New York Times.
“Lawmakers scrambling to nullify Citizens United” by Chris Camire in the Sentinel & Enterprise.
“Countrywide Offered Discounted Loans to Members, Report Says” by Jonathan Strong in Roll Call.
Arizona: “Indicted lawmaker uses campaign cash for legal expenses” by Gary Grado in the Arizona Capitol Times.
California: “Cudahy mayor resigns amid corruption probe” by Ruben Vives in the Los Angeles Times.
Connecticut: “Twardy finds no evidence Donovan knew of illegal campaign contributions” by Keith M. Phaneuf and Jacqueline Rabe Thomas in the CT Mirror.
Colorado: “Gessler hit with another campaign finance lawsuit – but this one he may actually like” by Sarah Burnett in the Denver Post.
Delaware: “Del. business to pay $500k in campaign probe” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Kansas: “FEC fines Kan. GOP for finance violation” by The Associated Press in KFDA News.
Michigan: “Michigan campaign donation limit survives challenge” by The Associated Press in the Lansing State Journal.
Missouri: “Former Governor wants probation on campaign finance violation” by Mike Lear in Missourinet.
Missouri: “Missouri election season arrives without ethics law” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
New Jersey: “Two N.J. politicians are fined for filing campaign finance reports late” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.
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.
