November 5, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Start-ups aim for a more democratic lobbying system” by Jeffrey MacMillan in the Washington Post.
“More banks raise efforts on lobbying” by Carter Dougherty (Bloomberg) in NorthJersey.com.
Campaign Finance
“Former lawmakers sit on piles of cash” by Molly K. Hooper in The Hill.
Arizona: “Updated: Arizona group ordered to turn over campaign donation records” by The Associated Press in the East Valley Tribune.
Arkansas: “State senator’s campaign money went to girlfriend, records show” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.
California: “Fight over campaign donation audit goes to California top court” by Tim Gaynor in Reuters.
Michigan: “Campaign spending in Michigan hits $175M” by Chad Livengood in the Detroit News.
Nevada: “Dollars in the Desert: Nevada State Senate Contest Rakes in Big Money” by Ben Wieder in Stateline.
Oklahoma: “Super PACs altering Oklahoma’s political landscape” by Randy Krehbiel and Curtis Killman in the Tulsa World.
Washington: “Big names and big money define Washington state election” by The Associated Press in The Oregonian.
Ethics
“2 top Texas judges on ballot fighting ethics fines” by Jim Vertuno in the Austin American-Statesman.
Campaigns and Elections
“New Jersey to allow voting by e-mail and fax” by Ginger Gibson in Politico.
“In Legislative Elections, Majorities and Supermajorities at Stake” by Josh Goodman in Stateline.
November 2, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 2, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Little Girl Cries over ‘Bronco Bamma’
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
AEA Plays Bigger Role in Politics than Teachers Unions in Most Other States, Study Finds
California
Anti-Tax Group’s Support Can Come with a Price
California
Arizona Nonprofit Must Reveal $11 Million Donor Details
District of Columbia
Inspector General Audit Details Hiring, Ethics Abuses at MWAA
Florida
Justin Lamar Sternad Invokes Fifth Amendment Right in FEC
Idaho
Idaho Nonprofit Reveals Donors after Losing Lawsuit; Bloomberg Gave $200K, Scott $250K
Maine
Senate District 25 Candidate Lachowicz Cleared by Ethics Panel
Michigan
Term Limits Launching Political Careers, Free Press Analysis Shows
Mississippi
Officials to Call for New Anti-Corruption Laws
Montana
Political Practices Reports Apparent Break-in
North Dakota
Judge Blocks ND Election Day Campaign Ban
West Virginia
WV House of Delegates Candidate Killed Because of Storm, Still on Ballot
Wisconsin
Five Wisconsin Lawmakers Settle Suit with Groups Seeking ALEC E-mails
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.
November 1, 2012 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying, Campaign Finance, Ethics
From the States
“Capitols After Dark: A Haunting Prospect” by Mark Wolf in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Lobbying
“Romney Would Limit Lobbyist Roles” by Damian Paletta and Brody Mullins in The Wall Street Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Billionaires, outside groups fueled pricey campaigns” by The Associated Press in the Dallas Morning News.
“30 Issues: Why You Should Care About … Campaign Finance” by Ibby Caputo on WGBH.
California: “Limit on campaign contributions may be increasing the spending of outside groups” by Stephen Hobbs in the Richmond Confidential.
Ethics
“City Council OKs overhaul of ethics board” by Fran Speilman in the Chicago Sun Times.
Campaigns and Elections
“Romney Campaign Will Use Smartphones To Track Voter Turnout” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
“Why there won’t likely be an electoral vote/popular vote split — in one map” by Chris Cillizza in The Washington Posts’ The Fix.
October 29, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
“Federal Offices, Metrorail System in Washington Closed Monday” in the National Journal.
Lobbying
“Lobby shop revenues continue fall” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.
“K Street Lobbyists Hit the Campaign Trail in Virginia” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Jack Abramoff on America’s bipartisan culture of corruption” by Joseph Cotto in the Washington Times.
Michigan: “Most term-limited Michigan officials stay in government or lobbying” in the Lansing State Journal.
Campaign Finance
“In state races, N.Y.C., Albany dominate campaign donations” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat and Chronicle.
Ethics
“Ron Paul-Inspired Group Lobbies for Bill Prompted by Paul Reimbursements” by Jonathan Strong in Roll Call.
Campaigns and Elections
“Campaign lawyers gear up for nail-biter election” by Michael Knigge in Deutsche Welle.
October 26, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Enjoy your weekend!
Lobbying
“American League of Lobbyists asks for end to registration loopholes” by Kent Hoover in the New Mexico Business Weekly.
“K Street’s Q4 Expectations” by Michael Catalini in the National Journal’s Influence Alley.
Ohio: “Ethics laws could get overhaul” by Jim Siegel in The Columbus Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
“Former IRS Official Accuses ALEC of Lying About Assets” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Poll: Majority wants corporate money out of politics” by Jordy Jager in The Hill.
California: “California Watchdog Sues Arizona Nonprofit over Secret Donation” by McClatchy News in Governing.
New York: “Bill: Jail campaign finance report scofflaws” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Super PAC clout under challenge” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Campaigns and Elections
“Presidential election hits $2B fundraising mark” by Beth Fouhy in The Associated Press.
“Bing Releases ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for Election 2012 Info” by Alex Fitzpatrick in Mashable.
“Survey: Campaign contributors stick to traditional tools” by Josh Smith in Nextgov.
Ethics
Alaska: “Alaska state Senate candidate Bell fined $390 by APOC over disclosure requirement” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
October 26, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 26, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
K Street Flags Shortcomings of Lobbying Law
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Judge: Listing of PAC contributors unconstitutional
California
California’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Agency Demands Names of Donors to Shadowy Arizona Group
California
Judge Rejects Former Bell Police Chief’s Bid to Double Pension
Florida
State Ethics Commission: David Rivera broke 11 ethics laws while serving in Florida Legislature
Georgia
Atlanta Region Sees Spike in Public Corruption Cases
Idaho
Idaho Sues to Force Disclosure of Secret Donations
Illinois
Appeals Court Allows Illinois Limits on Campaign Financing
Iowa
‘Donations’ to State Agency Let Landlords Avoid Charges
Kentucky
Ethics Panel Wants Lobbyists to Report Ad Spending
Montana
Supreme Court Won’t Block Montana Campaign Finance Law Ahead Of Elections
New Jersey
Infamous Federal Informant Solomon Dwek Is Sentenced to Six Years, Must Pay $22.8 Million
North Dakota
Campaigning Fargo Candidate Finds Body under Tree
Tennessee
With Registry’s Ruling, Burchett Case Closed
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 25, 2012 •
Thursday Campaign Finance and Ethics News
Here is a short roundup of articles for you:
Campaign Finance
“Obama’s Campaign Quick to Capitalize on Text-to-Donate Option” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
Idaho: “Idaho sues to force disclosure of secret donors” by Betsy Z. Russell in the Spokesman Review.
South Carolina: “‘Secret’ money targets some SC legislators” by Gina Smith in The State.
Ethics
“Florida ethics panel hits David Rivera with 11 counts” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Tech and Social Media
“Illinois Open Technology Challenge Seeks Innovative Apps” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
“FCC May Consider Whether Unsolicited Email To Text On Mobile Phones Is Legal” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
October 24, 2012 •
Our Wednesday Government Relations News
Don’t miss the articles you need to keep up with the latest news about lobbying, campaign finance, and elections:
Lobbying
“K Street flags shortcomings of lobbying law” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“Lobbying spending goes up even with Congress away” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“K Street prepares for sequestration battle” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Facebook continues record lobbying spending” by Jennifer Martinez in The Hill.
“Lobbying Groups Object to Proposed NY Ethics Regulations” by Chris Vest in Associations Now.
“Romney and the lobbysists” by Heath Brown in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Citizens United: What Obama, Romney would do about campaign finance reform” by Justin Elliott in the Alaska Dispatch.
“Mauled by Ads, Incumbents Look to Declaw Outside Groups” by Jennifer Steinhauer in The New York Times.
Campaigns and Elections
“Why Are Elections On Tuesdays?” by Selena Simmons-Duffin on NPR.
“Why Campaigns Are Happy Your Vote Isn’t as Private as Many Think It Is” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.
Tech and Social Media
“Federal website satisfaction dips slightly” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
October 22, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Start the week off right with these campaign finance and ethics news articles:
Campaign Finance
“Origins of campaign finance: Why private money floods politics” by David Sirota in the Oregonian.
“Super PACs meet solo PACs” by Brian Bakst (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Colbert’s super PAC may get last laugh” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“The Biggest Increase in Independent Spending Was among Party-Related Groups; Direct Citizens United Impact Not Demonstrated” by Rick Hasen in the Election Law Blog.
“How is modern political fundraising evolving?” by Erik Nilsson in Campaigns & Elections.
California: “Business outspending labor on campaigns” by Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Colorado: “Colorado’s liberal super PACs dominate spending in state races” by Karen E. Crummy in the Denver Post.
Connecticut: “State’s heavy campaign donations carry political clout” by Summer Ballentine in the Connecticut Post.
Montana: “Supreme Court asked to rule in Montana campaign case” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.
New York: “Groups Push to Highlight Campaign Finance Reform” by Thomas Kaplan in the New York Times.
Social Media
“Facebook campaign advertisements don’t work, says new study” by Brendan Sasso in The Hill.
Ethics
“Atlanta region sees spike in public corruption cases” by Bill Rankin and David Wickert in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Arizona: “Arizona attorney general’s office blocked embarrassing info about public officials” by The Associated Press in the Oregonian.
Georgia: “Ga. governor’s campaign chairman tied to lab site” by The Associated Press in the Athens Banner-Herald.
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.
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.
