Campaign Finance

Montana: “Report: Rosendale uses accounting to skirt contribution limits” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record

Elections

National: “4,500 Tech Workers, 1 Mission: Get Democrats elected” by Kevin Roose and Sheera Frenkel (New York Times) for CNBC

Ethics

National: “In Trump’s U.K. Visit, Some See ‘Infomercial’ for Money-Losing Golf Resort” by Katie Rogers for New York Times

National: “Maria Butina, Russian Gun Rights Advocate, Charged in U.S. with Acting as Russian Federation Agent” by Tom Jackman and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for MSN

Arizona: “Video: Arizona lawmaker caught speeding says he drives as fast as 140 mph, claims immunity” by Rachel Leingang and Kimberly Rapanut for Arizona Republic

Maryland: “As Governor, Larry Hogan’s Real Estate Business Continues to Thrive – Prompting Questions” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers Go Public with Their Finances in Effort to Boost State Integrity” by Kristian Hernandez for Center for Public Integrity

New York: “Ex-New York Pension Director Gets 21 Months for Pay-to-Play” by Chris Dolmetsch and Bob Van Voris for Bloomberg.com

On July 24, the Berkeley City Council will meet in order to adopt the first reading of a new lobbying ordinance.

The ordinance requires the registration and reporting of lobbyists in the city.

Information in the ordinance includes requirements for lobbyist training, reporting periods, audits, gift restrictions, and penalties.

The City Council will also discuss an amendment to the revolving door provision, increasing it from one to two years.

Last week, Mayor Marty Walsh vetoed a Boston City Council Ordinance on lobbying reform. Mayor Walsh first proposed an overhaul to the city’s lobbying laws in 2016, stating a need for an increase in transparency.

His proposal brought stricter lobbying laws mirroring those of the state in the form of a home rule charter which would require approval by the state legislature. Council passed its own version of the ordinance in late June hoping it would go into effect immediately upon signature by the mayor.

In vetoing the ordinance, Mayor Walsh indicated the passed ordinance failed to define and regulate lobbying and did not create an adequate enforcement mechanism.

Mayor Walsh stated his continued confidence in his recommended proposals, but Boston’s lobbying reform is headed back for more debate.

Campaign Finance

National: “Investment Firm EnCap to Pay $500,000 to Settle Pay-to-Play Claims” by Liz Hampton for Reuters

National: “Exclusive: Secret money funds more than 40% of outside congressional ads” by Frereka Schouten for USA Today

Elections

National: “Mueller Indicts 12 Russians for DNC Hacking Days Before Trump-Putin Summit” by Darren Samuelsohn, Cory Bennet, and Josh Gerstein for Politico

Ethics

National: “The Quest to Get a Pardon in the Trump Era: ‘It’s who you know’” by Campbell Robertson (New York Times) for MSN

Alabama: “Ivey Takes Small Step on Sheriff Jail Food Funds but Can’t End the Practice on Her Own” by Connor Sheets for AL.com

New Jersey: “How Ex-Horizon Exec Kept Ties to Company” by Brent Johnson and Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star Ledger

New York: “Architect of Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Project Is Convicted in Bid-Rigging Scheme” by Benjamin Weiser and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) for WRAL

Lobbying

Massachusetts: “Walsh Vetoes City Lobbying Rules, Calling Proposal ‘Inadequate’” by Milton Valencia for Boston Globe

Missouri: “KC Council Members Slam Gift Ethics Plan as Jason Kander Drops Casual Campaign Video” by Bill Turque for Kansas City Star

Virginia: “New Virginia Business Aims to Be Kickstarter for Political Influence” by Katherine Hafner for The Virginian-Pilot

State and Federal Communications intern Kayliegh Crumb is bringing you the news this week in News You Can Use Video Digest!

Federal:

Atypical Lobbying Shop Targets Lawmakers from Poorest Districts
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 7/10/2018

A new lobbying shop, United By Interest, is so far a commercial flop, if judged solely by the number of clients it has attracted: zero. But the lobbyists behind the effort, all of whom have their own separate K Street businesses, have managed to move an infrastructure bill with support of lawmakers from the Freedom Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus. In a time when gridlock dominates Congress, these lobbyists say they are searching for a model that can produce greater flow between left and right, and legislation that will pass. In their research about what might motivate members of Congress from the extremes of both parties, they stumbled on a common theme: the poorest congressional districts. Their idea is to push together the fringes by aligning them on economic development projects back home.

Ex-Lawmakers See Tough Job Market with Trade Groups
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 7/11/2018

Retiring lawmakers could find it harder than ever to find a job at trade groups next year. Headhunters who specialize in finding candidates for high-level K Street jobs said industry groups are no longer clamoring for the cachet of hiring a former elected official. Instead, they say hiring trends have changed and high-powered groups are looking for people with management skills, policy knowledge, and industry smarts. Snagging a marquee name years ago may have been the ideal choice for some groups, but headhunters say political gridlock in Washington and the expanded work of trade associations has ushered in the need for candidates with a larger skill set.

Giuliani Works for Foreign Clients While Serving as Trump’s Attorney
Chicago Tribune – Josh Dawsey, Tom Hamburger, and Ashley Parker (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2018

Rudy Giuliani is reportedly still working on behalf of foreign clients at his security firm Giuliani Partners after joining President Trump’s legal team, which raises conflict-of-interest concerns and could violate federal ethics laws. Lobbying experts said Giuliani’s work at the firm more than likely requires registration under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. His decision to continue representing foreign entities also departs from standard practice for presidential attorneys, who in the past have generally sought to sever any ties that could create conflicts with their client in the White House. Giuliani told the Post that he never discusses his clients with the president and has turned away potential clients, including a Russian business.

Showdown on a Trump Subpoena Could Overshadow Brett Kavanaugh’s Confirmation
WRAL – Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 7/10/2018

President Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, has expressed strong support for executive power and gun rights, and hostility to administrative agencies. Those are conventional positions among conservative lawyers and judges. But there is one stance that sets Kavanaugh apart, and it could not be timelier: his deep skepticism of the wisdom of forcing a sitting president to answer questions in criminal cases. Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Trump and his associates, raised the prospect of subpoenaing the president during a meeting with one of his lawyers. If Mueller goes down that road, the dispute could quickly reach the Supreme Court. And if Kavanaugh is on the court by then, it could thrust him into the middle of an issue he has been wrestling with for most of his professional life.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado: Denver Council Approves Ethics Exemption After Debate Over City-Provided Air Travel, Freebies
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 7/9/2018

The Denver City Council adopted new rules that will allow council members and the mayor to continue receiving gifts from other city employees. The council approved an amendment that exempts city officials and departments from being considered “donors” of gifts under restrictions in the ethics code. It also requires city officials to file new semi-annual public reports listing items received from city government that are worth more than $50. Council members acted after the Board of Ethics issued an advisory opinion that questioned the providing of gifts by agencies or departments when they are seeking contract approvals or other favorable decisions.

Florida: Mayors Push to Strengthen Lobbying Laws in Broward
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Meryl Kornfield | Published: 7/9/2018

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Coconut Creek Mayor Josh Rydell want to strengthen their cities’ lobbying rules, saying Broward County’s ethics laws do not go far enough. By changing the laws in 2016, the county left it up to cities to craft penalties for any lobbyist who fails to submit logs of their exchanges with elected officials. Under the county’s ethics laws, it used to be up to the government officials to log their calls, meetings, and emails. But after April 2016, the responsibility of documenting those meetings shifted to lobbyists. County officials say no lobbyists have been investigated for failing to log meetings.

Indiana: Attorney General Curtis Hill Under Investigation Following Calls by Top Indiana Republicans
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Ryan Martin | Published: 7/5/2018

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leaders called for state Attorney General Curtis Hill to resign amid what they say are credible claims that Hill drunkenly groped four women, including a lawmaker, at an Indianapolis bar. They also called for an investigation by Inspector General Lori Torres, which Torres would occur. Hill has denied the groping allegations and said he had no plans to step down. Criminal investigations into statewide office holders are not unprecedented for the inspector general’s office.

Kentucky: Andy Beshear’s ‘Tainted’ Donations May Be More Than What’s in His Fund
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 7/11/2018

When Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear’s top deputy was arrested for using kickbacks and bribes for political contributions, Beshear vowed to donate all the tainted money from his 2015 campaign account to charity. That was two years ago and the money is still there. But now Beshear is running for governor, bringing more scrutiny to his campaign. He has cooperated with authorities, and federal officials have said he had no knowledge of the scheme. Beshear again vowed to donate any tainted contributions to Common Cause, a government watchdog group, but only after the Registry of Election Finance completes an audit of his 2015 account.

Missouri: KC Mayoral Candidate Proposes Limiting Gifts to $5: Ethical move or political ploy?
Kansas City Star – Bill Turque | Published: 7/9/2018

A proposed ordinance sponsored by Kansas City Councilperson Scott Taylor would cut the maximum permissible value of gifts from $1,000 to five dollars. It would also restrict city-funded council travel and extend from one to two years the period ex-officials must stay away from city government before lobbying or working as a contractor. The measure was drafted to mirror portions of “Clean Missouri,” the November ballot issue aimed at reforming state government. Taylor’s council colleagues dismiss the idea that their vote can be bought for a meal or a ticket. They describe the ordinance as election-season pandering.

New York: Cuomo Campaign Amends ‘All-You-Can-Drink’ Fundraiser Invite
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 7/9/2018

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign amended the language of a fundraiser invitation that initially offered an “all-you-can-drink happy hour” – a pitch that appears to violate state law. The invitation to the fundraiser now touts “happy hour drinks.” State Alcohol Beverage Control law prohibits “selling, serving, delivering or offering to patrons an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price.”

Oklahoma: Rule Change Conceals Statewide Candidates’ Personal Finances
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 7/6/2018

Unlike the federal government and nearly three dozen states, Oklahoma does not require candidates to reveal even the most basic details of their finances before Election Day. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission, citing privacy concerns and the burden of added paperwork, stopped requiring candidates to file a financial disclosure statement before the 2016 elections. State ethics rules now require only elected officials to file those statements months after taking office and then annually. The form contains less information than what is required for disclosure by the federal government and many other states.

Virginia: Dominion Claims Lobbying Costs Soared to Fight ‘Fake News’
The News-Leader – Alan Sunderman (Associated Press) | Published: 7/11/2018

Dominion Energy’s tenfold increase in spending to influence Virginia politicians was prompted by the spread of “fake news and propaganda perpetuated by anti-energy groups,” a company spokesperson said. Disclosure forms show the state’s biggest electric utility and most politically powerful company spent more than $1 million on lobbyists, entertainment, meals, and communications from May 2017 to the end of April 2018. Most of the increase in reported spending was due to a boost in communications spending, which the company said totaled nearly $700,000.

West Virginia: Justice Ketchum Steps Away from the Supreme Court
West Virginia MetroNews – Brad McElhinny | Published: 7/11/2018

Menis Ketchum, one of two justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals under fire for spending practices, resigned less than 24 hours before House members consider articles of impeachment against one or more justices. Ketchum, along with Justice Allen Loughry, were singled out by a legislative audit for possibly violating the Ethics Act by using vehicles owned by the court for their personal use. The report specifically criticizes Ketchum for using the court’s vehicles for golf outings. When brought to his attention, he reimbursed the state and amended his tax forms. Ketchum also received criticism for the cost of office renovations and for taking a $2,500 grandfather clock owned by the court.

Wisconsin: Wisconsin Treasurer Candidate Says He Was Fired from Banking Job After Mounting Campaign
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Molly Beck and Max Bayer | Published: 7/9/2018

Travis Hartwig, who is running for state treasurer in Wisconsin, said he was fired from his job as a mutual fund administrator at U.S. Bank because he would not drop out of the race. Hartwig’s campaign was considered by bank officials to be a conflict-of-interest because the bank does work with state agencies and it is currently seeking a $10 million contract with Wisconsin. According to emails, the bank determined “there is substantial risk to [U.S. Bank] if you are allowed to continue in your campaign … while employed at [the bank].”

Campaign Finance

National: “Oaktree Fined $100,000 by SEC Over Conflicted Political Giving” by Jesse Westbrook for Bloomberg.com

California: “More Campaign Money Could Flow to California Legislative Leaders Under New Bill” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Maryland: “Baltimore City Council Passes Public Financing Charter Amendment” by Talia Richman for Baltimore Sun

Missouri: “VP Pence’s Top Aide, Tied to Greitens, Targeted in New Missouri Ethics Complaint” by Jack Suntrup and Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Rhode Island: “R.I. Gubernatorial Hopeful Trillo ‘Confused’ by Election Board’s Guidance on Ads” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal

Ethics

National: “Why Was a Citizenship Question Put on the Census? ‘Bad Faith,’ a Judge Suggests” by Michael Wines (New York Times) for MSN

Alabama: “Two Years After Sentencing, Hubbard Appeal Still Pending in State Court” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Kentucky: “Bevin Administration Relents. Kentucky Capitol Opened to Poor People’s Campaign.” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader

Oklahoma: “Rule Change Conceals Statewide Candidates’ Personal Finances” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch

Lobbying

National: “Ex-Lawmakers See Tough Job Market with Trade Groups” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Virginia: “Dominion Claims Lobbying Costs Soared to Fight ‘Fake News’” by Alan Sunderman (Associated Press) for The News-Leader

Colorado lobbyist rule changes were effective June 30. Much of the changes involve recodification to ensure uniform and proper administration and implementation of state law.

Such changes clarify professional lobbyist and lobbyist firm registration and disclosure requirements as well as add or amend several lobbying definitions.

Effective January 1, 2019, a professional lobbyist must also log by date all position changes (monitoring, oppose, or support) on a bill and must file a monthly log contemporaneously with each monthly disclosure statement.

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “At Last, Some Answers About Cincinnati Councilman Jeff Pastor’s Campaign Finances” by Sharon Coolidge for Cincinnati Enquirer

Elections

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Treasurer Candidate Says He Was Fired from Banking Job After Mounting Campaign” by Molly Beck and Max Bayer for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ethics

National: “Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s Supreme Court Pick, Has Sided with Broad Views of Presidential Powers” by Ann Marimow for Washington Post

Colorado: “Denver Council Approves Ethics Exemption After Debate Over City-Provided Air Travel, Freebies” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

Delaware: “Connections Severs Ties with Politicians” by Christine Jedra for Wilmington News Journal

Oklahoma: “Scott Pruitt, Fallen E.P.A. Chief, May Rise Again in Oklahoma” by Richard Fausset (New York Times) for MSN

Washington D.C.: “Federal Prosecutors Abruptly Dismiss All 39 Remaining Inauguration Day Rioting Cases” by Keith Alexander (Washington Post) for Los Angeles Times

Lobbying

National: “Giuliani Works for Foreign Clients While Serving as Trump’s Attorney” by Josh Dawsey, Tom Hamburger, and Ashley Parker (Washington Post) for The News-Times

National: “Atypical Lobbying Shop Targets Lawmakers from Poorest Districts” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Campaign Finance

New York: “Cuomo Campaign Amends ‘All-You-Can-Drink’ Fundraiser Invite” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union

Oregon: “Portland Campaign Spending Measure Petitions Submitted” by Jim Redden for Portland Tribune

Rhode Island: “Bristol Lawmaker Discloses Thousands in Previously Unreported Campaign Contributions” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal

Ethics

National: “From Kellyanne Conway to Stephen Miller, Trump’s Advisers Face Taunts from Hecklers Around D.C.” by Paul Schwartzman and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for San Jose Mercury News

National: “Some Contractors Housing Migrant Children Are Familiar to Trump’s Inner Circle” by Ben Protess, Manny Fernandez, and Kitty Bennet (New York Times) for MSN

Michigan: “Feds Charge Ousted Troy City Manager with Bribery” by Robert Snell for Detroit News

Lobbying

National: “Government Work Done, Tax Policy Writers Decamp to Lobbying Jobs” by Alan Rappaport (New York Times) for MSN

Florida: “Mayors Push to Strengthen Lobbying Laws in Broward” by Meryl Kornfield for South Florida Sun Sentinel

Missouri: “KC Mayoral Candidate Proposes Limiting Gifts to $5: Ethical Move or Political Ploy?” by Bill Turque for Kansas City Star

Ethics

National: “As Tariffs Near, President Trump’s Business Keeps Profiting from Chinese Ties” by Jonathan O’Connell and David Fahrenthold for San Jose Mercury News

Arizona: “Corporation Commission Director Resigns Amid Concerns of Conflict with APS” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

Illinois: “Federal Judge Orders Illinois to Adopt Ethics Rules for Environmental Regulators” by Michael Hawthorne for Chicago Tribune

Indiana: “Attorney General Curtis Hill Under Investigation Following Calls by Top Indiana Republicans” by Tony Cook and Ryan Martin for Indianapolis Star

South Dakota: “Critics Concerned About Power of Initiative’s Ethics Panel” by the Associated Press for Mitchell Republic

Lobbying

National: “Countries Hosting Trump Businesses Have Added Lobbyists at Rapid Pace Since Inauguration” by Frank Bass for MapLight.org

National: “EPA’s Acting Administrator Has Long Lobbying Record on Issues Before the Agency” by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Procurement

Canada: “Construction Magnate Antonio Accurso Sentenced to 4 Years for Fraud, Corruption” by Paul Cherry for Montreal Gazette

National:

Ethics Charges Could Hurt Fight Against Legionnaires’ Disease
Detroit Free Press – John Wisley | Published: 7/5/2018

Conflict-of-interest charges could derail a nationwide effort to curb outbreaks of deadly Legionnaires’ disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and representatives of the Mayo Clinic have withdrawn from a scientific committee that has been working on the topic for years. At issue is NSF International, a nonprofit research company that has been coordinating an effort to develop new plumbing standards to reduce the growth of legionella bacteria inside buildings. NSF has said one of its for-profit ventures was partnering with Homeyer Consulting Services to help companies meet the new standard once it is approved.

Is This the Year Women Break the Rules and Win?
New York Times – Kate Zernike | Published: 6/29/2018

This year’s midterm elections have produced a surge of women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who defeated U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley, across the country: progressive candidates running outsider campaigns powered by strong personal narratives and women’s activism that began with massive marches the day after President Trump’s inauguration and has grown through protests against gun violence and immigration policies that divide families. Whether other women become overnight stars like Ocasio-Cortez –or Stacey Abrams, whose win in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor – in Georgia sparked similar excitement – depends on the dynamics of each state or district.

Federal:

EPA Leader Scott Pruitt Out After Numerous Scandals
CNBC – Tom DiChristopher | Published: 7/5/2018

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned after months of controversies over his lavish spending, ethical lapses, and contentious management decisions eroded President Trump’s confidence in one of his most ardent Cabinet members. Pruitt’s litany of ethics scandals included questions about taxpayer-funded first-class travel, a discounted condominium rental from a lobbyist, the installation of a $43,000 soundproof phone booth in his office, and asking staff to help search for a six-figure job for his wife. In recent weeks, an exodus of trusted staffers left Pruitt increasingly isolated, and some once-loyal Republican lawmakers wearied of defending him. There are more than a dozen federal inquiries into Pruitt’s spending and management of the agency.

News Media Paid Melania Trump Thousands for Use of Photos in ‘Positive Stories Only’
NBC News – Andrew Lehren, Emily Siegel, and Merritt Enright | Published: 7/2/2018

First lady Melania Trump reportedly earned between $100,000 and $1 million in royalties from Getty Images in 2017 for the use of photographs that under a licensing could only be used in “positive coverage.” At least 12 news organizations last year used some of the photos. Several said they were not aware the images were part of a licensing deal that profited the first lady. While it is not unusual for celebrities to sign deals governing the use of their images, it is unusual for the first lady to be party to such an agreement. Getty’s licensing agreement does not offer any hint that money is also paid to the Trumps, and the arrangement did not appear to have become public until the income was listed in President Trump’s May financial filing.

Supreme Court Defeat for Unions Upends a Liberal Money Base
Seattle Times – Noam Schreiber (New York Times) | Published: 7/1/2018

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that requiring nonmembers to make union payments violated their First Amendment rights, since much of what unions do could be considered political activity at odds with their beliefs. In addition to unions, the decision will impact a network of groups dedicated to advancing liberal policies and candidates. Together, they have benefited from tens of millions of dollars a year from public-sector unions, funding now in jeopardy because of the prospective decline in union revenue. Liberal activists argue that closing that pipeline was a crucial goal of the conservative groups that helped bring the case. “If the progressive movement is a navy, they’re trying to take out our aircraft carriers,” said Ben Wikler, Washington director of MoveOn.org.

Trump Docket: New justice could sway court on president’s personal cases
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 7/5/2018

Lawsuits pending over Donald Trump’s personal and business conduct could put his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court in an awkward position: deciding whether to cast potentially pivotal votes on legal matters of keen importance to the president. Virtually all justices wind up ruling on policy issues affecting the president who appointed them. But Trump is enmeshed in more than half a dozen significant court cases involving everything from his alleged sexual behavior before taking office to claims his businesses are profiting from his presidency and allegations he misused funds through his charitable foundation. The justices also could be asked to rule on whether Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election was legally authorized or whether Trump has the authority to dismiss the special prosecutor.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida: Where Does She Live? A Miami Lawmaker’s Bizarre Attempt to Reside in Her District
Miami Herald – Sarah Blaskey and David Smiley | Published: 7/3/2018

State Sen. Daphne Campbell, longtime owner of a home inconveniently located outside the community she has represented as a member of the Florida House and Senate, has been difficult to find at home over the last 30 months. More accurately, her home has been difficult to find. That is until late June, when she switched her voter registration to a house in North Miami Beach. It is one of at least four addresses she has listed over the last six years after a statewide redrawing of House districts placed her own home outside the boundaries and forced her into a series of temporary residences. The extent to which she has actually lived at any of them is questionable.

Georgia: Campaign Contributions to Top Candidates Raise Questions
Washington Times; Associated Press –   | Published: 6/29/2018

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found donations of more than $325,000 to Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s campaign from people tied to licensees and companies regulated by his office. The newspaper found contributions of more than $240,000 to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle’s campaign before the beginning of the 2018 legislative session from lobbyists, members of their family, or their firms, as well as another $40,000 donated after the session ended. Kemp and Cagle are locked in a runoff for the Republican nomination for governor. Critics say donations to Kemp by people with ties to businesses under the oversight of his licensing or securities divisions could undermine the credibility of one of the state’s top regulators.

Illinois: ‘I Snookered Them’: Illinois Nazi candidate creates GOP dumpster fire
Politico – Natasha Korecki | Published: 6/29/2018

Illinois Republicans botched four opportunities to stop an avowed Nazi from representing their party in a Chicago-area congressional district. Now they are paying the price. Arthur Jones, a Holocaust denier who will appear on the November ballot as the GOP candidate against U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, has become campaign fodder for Democrats as they seek to defeat Gov. Bruce Rauner. And some Republicans even fear the taint from Jones‘s extremist views poses a threat to the party up and down the ticket.

Indiana: New Pay-to-Play Ban Approved
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette – Rosa Salter Rodriguez | Published: 6/28/2018

The Fort Wayne City Council overrode a veto to approve a bill that aims to prevent the appearance of “pay-to-play” practices in the awarding of certain city contracts. The ordinance prohibits “business entities” from bidding on city contracts if any officer, partner, or principal with more than a 10 percent ownership share in the entity and subsidiaries controlled by it contributes more than $2,000 a year to a political campaign of someone with ultimate responsibility for awarding city contracts.

Kentucky: Kentucky Broke Law by Blocking Poor People’s Campaign from Capitol, Beshear Says
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 7/2/2018

Anti-poverty demonstrators were illegally restricted from entering the Capitol in June under a policy that is not an official state regulation, Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear said. The opinion deferred constitutional questions raised by the policy, suggesting those could be addressed if Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration completes the process for establishing regulations on access to the Capitol. The Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign staged a series of seven demonstrations. During each standoff at the Capitol’s front door, scores of demonstrators asked if they could enter as a group. But they were blocked by a large state police presence and told of a new policy that allowed two members of the group to be in the building at a time.

New Jersey: New Jersey to Spend $5 Million on Reviving Local Journalism
WPG Talk Radio – Michael Symons | Published: 7/3/2018

New Jersey’s new state budget includes $5 million for a first-of-its-kind nonprofit effort to help finance local journalism in cities and towns where it has been decimated. Some of the money could be used to strengthen traditional media sources, such as newspapers and radio stations, and existing local websites. Funds might be used for seed investments in startups in areas without local news, or even media literacy programs. “Studies have shown what happens when local news coverage dries up or disappears. Fewer people vote. Fewer people volunteer. Fewer people run for public office. Corruption increases,” said Mike Rispoli of the media reform advocacy group Free Press.

New York: Upcoming SCOTUS Case Could Complicate NY Effort to Close Double Jeopardy ‘Loophole’
New York Law Journal – Colby Hamilton and Dan Clark | Published: 7/2/2018

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case a case challenging the legal principle that the federal government and those of the states represent “separate sovereigns,” a long-held doctrine that has provided a work-around for state and federal prosecutors faced with constitutional double jeopardy concerns. It comes at a critical moment for supporters of changes to New York’s double jeopardy protections. Under certain circumstances, individuals close to President Trump, facing federal prosecution, could see a pardon absolve them of not only federal charges, but bar state prosecutors from bringing a similar case under New York law.

Oregon: Black Oregon Legislator Says Campaigning in Own District Triggered 911 Call
Portland Oregonian – Everton Bailey Jr. | Published: 7/3/2018

A black state representative in Oregon said one of her constituents called the police on her while she was canvassing a neighborhood in her district. Rep. Janelle Bynum said someone called the police on her to report that she “was going door to door and spending a lot of time typing on my cell phone after each house.” Bynum is up for re-election in November and said she was taking notes on her phone from conversations with constituents. A number of incidents in which police were called on people of color doing normal activities have gained widespread attention in recent months.

Virginia: Lobbying Firm to Va. Lawmakers: If you refuse Apco money, you won’t get any from us
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Patrick Wilson | Published: 6/25/2018

The law and lobbying firm Hunton Andrews Kurth said it would no longer make campaign contributions to Virginia lawmakers unless they also accept donations from one of the firm’s clients, Appalachian Power Co. The move affects legislators who signed a pledge saying they will not accept political money from the state’s regulated energy companies – Dominion Energy and Appalachian – to avoid the appearance of the companies’ undue influence on lawmakers. Whitt Clement, who heads the state government relations practice group at Hunton Andrews Kurth, said the lawmakers who do not accept contributions from Appalachian are being shortsighted because the company is an important corporate citizen in Virginia.

Campaign Finance

National: Five Years Ago, the FEC’s Top Lawyer Resigned. No Permanent Replacement Has Yet Been Named. By Dave Levinthal and Suhauna Hussein for Center for Public Integrity

Missouri: Email Appears to Show Coordination by Greitens Campaign, Office, Dark-Money Nonprofit by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

Elections

Oregon: Black Oregon Legislator Says Campaigning in Own District Triggered 911 Call by Everton Bailey Jr. for Portland Oregonian

Ethics

National: Rep. Jim Jordan Accused of Ignoring Allegations of Sexual Abuse While a Coach at Ohio State by Deirdre Shesgreen and Jessie Balmert for USA Today

National: Pruitt Ally Decides Which of His Records See the Light of Day by Anthony Adragna and Emily Holden for Politico

National: Associated Press May Have Led FBI to Manafort Storage Locker by Josh Gerstein for Politico

New Jersey: New Jersey to Spend $5 Million on Reviving Local Journalism by Michael Symons for WPG Talk Radio

Lobbying

National: K Street Staffs Up for a Democratic Takeover by Theodoric Meyer for Politico