The Arizona Corporation Commission released a code of ethics draft that would ban lobbyists from buying gifts or food for commissioners, as well as require lobbyist registration with the state.

The draft can be amended before the Corporation Commission adopts the code of ethics, which is expected by March.

Lobbying

Illinois: “Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract” by Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg for Chicago Tribune

Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal

Ethics

“Obstruction Inquiry Shows Trump’s Struggle to Keep Grip on Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN

Kentucky: “Panel Appointed to Investigate Kentucky House Speaker” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

Michigan: “Michigan Senator Says His Hands Are Clean in Towing Bribery Scandal” by Paul Egan and Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press

Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Not Punished Over Remark About Hanging” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Fort Worth Star-Telegram

New York: “Reform Groups Launch ‘Restore Public Trust’ Campaign” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette

Elections

Connecticut: “Is It Possible to Balance Statewide Tickets in Age of Primaries?” by Mark Pazniokas for Conneticut Mirror

Legislative Issues

Iowa: “A Lobbyist Got Married in the Iowa House, and a Portrait of Donald Trump Was Removed Before the Ceremony” by Jason Noble for Des Moines Register

National:

‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests
New York Times – Benedict Carey | Published: 1/2/2018

Fake news evolved from Internet sideshow to serious electoral threat so quickly that behavioral scientists had little time to answer basic questions about it. But now the first hard data on fake-news consumption has arrived. Researchers posted an analysis of the browsing histories of thousands of adults during the run-up to the 2016 election, a real-time picture of who viewed which fake stories, and what real news those people were seeing at the same time. The reach of fake news was wide indeed, the study found, yet also shallow.

Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 12/31/2017

As the #MeToo movement to expose sexual harassment roils the nation’s capital, political partisans are exploiting the moment, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support accusers who come forward with charges against President Trump and members of Congress, even amid questions about their motivation. As accusations take on a partisan tint, activists and lawyers fear such an evolution could damage a movement that has shaken Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Congress – and has taken down both a Democratic fundraiser, Harvey Weinstein, and a conservative stalwart, Bill O’Reilly.

The Modern Campaign-Finance Loophole: Governors Associations
MSN – Susan Pulliam and Brody Mullins (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 1/2/2018

Companies have found a loophole in state campaign finance rules by funneling donations through the Republican Governors Association (RGA) and its Democratic counterpart. Donors cannot earmark money for a candidate. Instead, they can simply – and legally – tell the groups they have “an interest” in a race or are contributing “at the request” of a candidate. Companies can give unlimited sums to outside groups that support candidates, but those contributions are generally disclosed. Corporate donations to the governors’ associations are also disclosed, but once the money is given to campaigns or organizations supporting them, it is labeled as coming from the RGA or the Democratic Governors Association.

Federal:

How the Russia Inquiry Began: A campaign aide, drinks and talk of political dirt
New York Times – Sharon LaFraniere, Mark Mazzetti, and Mat Apuzzo | Published: 12/30/2017

The hacking of Democratic emails and the revelation that a member of Donald Trump’s campaign, George Papadopoulos, may have had inside information about it were driving factors that led the FBI to open an investigation into Russia’s attempts to disrupt the election and whether any of Trump’s associates conspired. If Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, was the improbable match that set off a blaze that has consumed the first year of the Trump administration, his saga is also a tale of the Trump campaign in miniature. He was brash, boastful, and underqualified, yet he exceeded expectations. And, like the campaign itself, he proved to be a tantalizing target for a Russian influence operation.

Trump Disbands Commission on Voter Fraud
New York Times – Michael Tackett and Michael Wines | Published: 1/3/2018

President Trump announced he is disbanding a controversial panel studying alleged voter fraud that became mired in multiple federal lawsuits and faced resistance from states accusing it of overreach. The decision is a major setback for Trump, who created the commission last year in response to his claim, for which he provided no proof, that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots. The commission met only twice amid the series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the president’s party.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 12/31/2017

Los Angeles requires people who are paid to try to influence city officials on municipal legislation to register and turn in regular reports on their spending. But it currently exempts some nonprofits from having to register and report their lobbying. The Ethics Commission recommended the city expand its current exemption, allowing any 501(c)(3) organization that gets less than $2 million in total income annually to avoid registering. The commission also recommended exempting any 501(c)(3) nonprofits that were formed primarily to provide assistance to disadvantaged people at reduced rates, no matter how much money they took in.

Florida – Tallahassee Commission Approves Separation Package for City Manager
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 1/3/2018

The Tallahassee City Commission accepted the resignation of City Manager Rick Fernandez. He was on paid administrative leave since November following an investigation by the Florida Commission on Ethics. He was accused of accepting football tickets to a Florida State University football game and receiving a $5,000 catering discount from the city-backed restaurant, The Edison. The tickets were arranged by a lobbying firm owned by Adam Corey, who also owns The Edison. Corey is one of several individuals named in federal subpoenas exploring dealings between the city Community Redevelopment Agency and several high-profile businesspeople.

Massachusetts – Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign
MassLive – Shira Schoenberg | Published: 1/2/2018

Massachusetts campaign finance officials have required a group that funneled large donations to 2016 ballot questions regarding charter schools and marijuana legalization to disclose the identity of their donors. Officials said Strong Economy for Growth raised and spent $1,168,000 to support the ballot questions. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance required Strong Economy for Growth to form a ballot question committee, disclose its donors, and pay $31,000 to the state for violating campaign finance laws – all the money left in its bank account. The group also agreed not to engage in any election-related activity in Massachusetts through 2018.

Michigan – FBI Wiretaps Reveal How Towing Titan Fiore Built His Empire
Detroit Free Press – Tresa Baldas and Keith Matheny | Published: 12/29/2017

Towing company owner Gasper Fiore was so politically connected that his daughter last year helped write an amendment to the Michigan Department of Transportation budget that ensured his company would win a multimillion-dollar contract, federal documents show. In wiretap evidence, the FBI offers a glimpse into how the Fiore built his towing empire by currying favor with high ranking officials across southeast Michigan. While Fiore has admitted to bribing just one Macomb County official, the FBI says he was in cahoots for years with many, from state lawmakers to police officials to a Detroit councilperson who was dating his daughter.

Missouri – Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 1/2/2018

The Missouri Ethics Commission said it “finds no reasonable grounds” to believe businessperson David Humphreys violated state law governing lobbyists and the principals who employ them. State Rep. Mark Ellebracht filed the complaint against Humphreys, who along with his family donated more than $14 million to mostly Republican candidates and campaigns in 2016. At the center of the complaint was Paul Mouton, who was fined last year for illegally lobbying lawmakers on Humphreys behalf without registering.

New York – Howe Emailed Cuomo Officials on Private Accounts
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/30/2017

In the years before he pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges, lobbyist Todd Howe regularly emailed top officials in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration about government business using their personal email accounts. The use of private email for public business would violate official state policy, and is contrary to Cuomo administration directives to conduct state business on state email accounts, to avoid the perception of an intent to hide communication from the public.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Report Reveals New Details of How Cylvia Hayes Used Her Position to Profit
Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 1/4/2018

Former Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes violated state ethics laws by using her position for the financial benefit of herself and her business, failing to avoid conflicts-of-interest, and receiving a gift of greater than $50, according to an investigation. Her fiancé, former Gov. John Kitzhaber, resigned in 2015 amid influence peddling allegations related to her contracting. He faces an ongoing inquiry by the state’s ethics watchdog agency. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will vote whether to agree with the recommendation that violations took place. If so, Hayes will have the opportunity to appeal the ruling.

South Carolina – Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates
Charleston Post and Courier – Andrew Brown | Published: 12/30/2017

Travel and other records reveal how South Carolina’s public service commissioners frequently eat, drink, and play golf with the people they regulate. They also show how on trip after trip, commissioners failed to properly report these as gifts as required under state ethics laws. Selected by state lawmakers, these regulators serve four-year terms and earn more than $100,000. They are supposed to be impartial, balancing the needs of utilities to make fair returns on investments with the rights of customers to pay fair rates. But the analysis of state travel records paints a picture of cozy gatherings and opportunities for influence-peddling.

Virginia – A Random Drawing Out of a Bowl Helped Republicans Win a Tied Virginia Election.
Washington Post – Laura Vozella | Published: 1/4/2018

An official of the Virginia State Board of Elections pulled out the name of Republican David Yancey from a bowl, breaking a tied race that is pivotal to control of the House of Delegates. The outcome means the House remains narrowly in the GOP hands, 51 seats to 49. The spectacle drew national attention as an odd way to decide a highly consequential contest. But it might not be the last word in the saga.

Washington – With Veto of City Council Ordinance, Condon Says Campaign Finance Better Left to the State
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Chad Sokol | Published: 12/29/2017

Spokane Mayor David Condon said he would veto a campaign finance ordinance passed by the city council that would impose new reporting requirements and halve the maximum amount a candidate can receive from any single donor. The mayor said he supports certain efforts to curb the role of “dark money” in politics. But he said the issue is better managed at the state level and predicted the proposed ordinance would not stand up to constitutional challenges.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Q. I’m an in-house lobbyist planning to meet with California legislators to influence state government action. If I go to the meeting accompanied by a registered lobbyist, isn’t my time at the meeting exempt from counting toward the lobbyist registration threshold under the “ride-along” exception?

A. That depends. The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) amended its regulations in 2016 to narrow the so-called “ride-along” exception.  The exception is now only available to in-house employees who act as “subject matter experts” in communicating with California government officials while accompanied by a registered lobbyist employed or retained by their employer. If the exception does not apply to your circumstances, you must…

Read the full article (You must have a subscription to www.stateandfed.com)

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Lobbying

South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

Massachusetts: “Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive

Virginia: “Several New Delegates Form Caucus to Reduce Corporate Money in Virginia Politics” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Ethics

“Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times

“Paul Manafort Sues Mueller and Asks a Judge to Narrow the Russia Investigation” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times

“How the Federal Government Hides Sexual Harassment Payouts” by Andrew Restuccia, Emily Goldberg, and Rebecca Morin for Politico

Illinois: “CPS Employees Stole Gift Cards Meant for Students, Watchdog Says” by Juan Perez Jr. for Chicago Tribune

Michigan: “Ex-Detroit Police Official Waffles, Pleads Guilty” by Robert Snell for Detroit News

Missouri: “Missouri Democrats Place Target on Greitens Through Pre-Filed Legislation” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

New York: “Corruption Trials Loom over Albany as New Year Begins” by Joe Mahoney for Oneonta Daily Star

Legislative Issues

Kentucky: “House Speaker Who Resigned Over Harassment Claim Reconsiders” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Lobbying

“Roger Stone Retroactively Registers Lobbying Contract” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

California: “L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times

Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

New York: “Howe Emailed Cuomo Officials on Private Accounts” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

“The Modern Campaign-Finance Loophole: Governors Associations” by Susan Pulliam and Brody Mullins (Wall Street Journal) for MSN

Washington: “With Veto of City Council Ordinance, Condon Says Campaign Finance Better Left to the State” by Chad Sokol for Spokane Spokesman-Review

Ethics

Michigan: “FBI Wiretaps Reveal How Towing Titan Fiore Built His Empire” by Tresa Baldas and Keith Matheny for Detroit Free Press

South Dakota: “Ethics Measure Approved to Be on South Dakota’s 2018 Ballot” by James Nord (Associated Press) for PBS

Elections

“‘If We Don’t Run, Then We Won’t Achieve.’ Why a Record Number of Women Are Eyeing a Run for Governor.” by Karen Tumulty for Washington Post

“‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests” by Benedict Carey for New York Times

“How the Russia Inquiry Began: A campaign aide, drinks and talk of political dirt” by Sharon LaFraniere, Mark Mazzetti, and Mat Apuzzo for New York Times

“Orin Hatch, Utah Senator, to Retire, Opening Path for Mitt Romney” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times

Lobbying

Louisiana: “LA’s Ethics Commission Wants More Transparency from Lobbyists” by Libby Denkmann for KPCC

Campaign Finance

“New Hope, New Problem: Will Federal Election Commission shut down?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

Arizona: “Law’s Wording to Play Key Role in Court Case Involving APS’ Political Spending” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star

California: “L.A. Real Estate Developer and Billboard Executive Fined Over Political Donations” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times

Ethics

California: “Former Beaumont City Officials Plead Guilty to Felony Charges” by City News Service for Los Angeles Times

Florida: “Jack Latvala Resigns from the Florida Senate” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times

Nevada: “NV Legislature’s Administrative Arm Expands Harassment Rule” by Scott Sonner (Associated Press) for Sacramento Bee

Canada: “Trudeau Apologizes for Violating Ethics Laws with Visits to Aga Khan’s Island” by Catharine Tunney for CBC News

Elections

“Clashes Over State Ballot Initiatives Could Spill Into 2018” by James Nord (Associated Press) for Federal News Radio

“Senate Investigators Scrutinize Another Presidential Candidate: Jill Stein” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times

Virginia: “Virginia Court Tosses Out One-Vote Victory That Briefly Ended GOP Majority in House” by Jim Morrison and Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

On December 19, the Los Angeles, California Ethics Commission approved a set of recommendations requiring more disclosure from lobbyists, which will go to City Council for approval.

The recommendations require lobbyists to disclose direct communications with city employees by specifying the date of the communication, the employees title, division, and agency.

Additionally, the recommendations expand the current registration exemption for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Lobbying

Florida: “The Florida House Speaker Who Attacks Special Interests Spends Their Money Lavishly – and Won’t Apologize” by Adam Smith and Eli Zhang for Tampa Bay Times

New York: “JCOPE Tweaks Proposed Lobbying Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

South Carolina: “Lobbying Is Completely Unregulated in Most S.C. Cities, Leaving Room for Possible Corruption” by Abigail Darlington for Charleston Post and Courier

Campaign Finance

“Surge in Out-of-State Donors Fuels Dems in Special Elections” by Ben Wieder and Alex Roarty for McClatchy DC

“Federal Regulators Approve Narrow Facebook Ad Disclosure” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today

“In Small Win for Democrats, the Final Tax Bill Will Not Include a Provision Allowing Churches to Endorse Political Candidates” by Heather Long for Washington Post

New Mexico: “Public Financing System Undercut by Budget Holes” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican

Wyoming: “Did Lawmakers Accidentally Open the Flood Gates for Political Dark Money in Wyoming?” by Arno Rosenfeld for Casper Star-Tribune

Ethics

Michigan: “Businessman Gets 21 Months in Macomb Corruption Scandal” by Robert Snell for Detroit News

Texas: “Board’s Handling of Ethics Policy Called a ‘Mockery’ by Concerned Citizens” by Diane Smith for Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Wisconsin: “Judge Acknowledges He Shouldn’t Have Authorized Release of Ethics Probe Details” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal

Ethics

Montana: Judge Eases Rules on Ethics Complaints Confidentiality for Elected Officials by Phil Drake for Great Falls Tribune

North Carolina: Does A ‘Good Ol’ Boy’ Culture Pervade The North Carolina General Assembly? By Jeff Tiberii for KUNC

South Carolina: Corruption Probe Evidence Suggests Pervasive Pattern of Political Meddling by Powerful Quinns by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier

South Dakota: South Dakota Lawmakers to Train in Sexual Harassment Prevention by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader

West Virginia: WV House Leaders Back Bill Amending Ethics Act to Include Volunteers by Jake Zuckerman for Charleston Gazette

Lobbying

Executives of Springfield Nonprofit Linked to $1 Million in Illegal Political Activity by Harrison Keegan and Alissa Zhu for Springfield New-Leader

Utah: Salt Lake Hires Ex-Utah League of Cities and Towns Director by Katie McKellar for Deseret News

Virginia: Dorothy McAuliffe Put Aside Pomp as Hard-Lobbying Virginia First Lady by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

Fallout from Allegations of Tea Party Targeting Hamper IRS Oversight of Nonprofits by Robert O’Harrow Jr. for Washington Post

Washington: Spokane City Council Passes Local Campaign Finance Reform Laws by Kip Hill for Spokane Spokesman-Review

Campaign Finance

US Senate Hopeful Opens Coffers to Bitcoin Donations by Chuck Raasch for St. Louis Dispatch

Ethics

Has Ivanka Trump Repeatedly Broken Ethics Laws Since Joining The White House? By Cristina Silva for Newsweek

Nevada Democrat, facing ethics probe, won’t seek re-election by The Associated Press for The New Jersey Herald

Canada: ‘Watch me, you’ll see,’ under fire, new ethics czar vows to let his record do the talking on Trudeau, Morneau investigations by Abbas Rana and Peter Mazereeuw for The Hill Times

Lobbying

With Billions at Stake in Tax Debate, Lobbyists Played Hardball by Kenneth Vogel and Jim Tankersley for The New York Times

Tax lobbying keeps on giving by Theodoric Meyer for Politico

Analysis: 2017 Has Been Nutty for K Street, but 2018 Could Be Insane by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Illinois: Lake Forest city manager: Nearly $200K spent lobbying without council OK by Daniel Dorfman for The Lake Forester

South Carolina: Lobbying is completely unregulated in most S.C. cities, leaving room for possible corruption by Abigail Darlington for The Post and Courier

Lobbying, Pay-to-Play and Special Elections in this weeks news you can use video digest!

National:

‘Fake News,’ Trump’s Obsession, Is Now a Cudgel for Strongmen
New York Times – Steven Erlanger | Published: 12/12/2017

Around the world, authoritarians, populists, and other political leaders have seized on the phrase “fake news,” and the legitimacy conferred upon it by an American president, as a tool for attacking their critics and, in some cases, deliberately undermining the institutions of democracy. Though the term has been around at least since the 1890s, Donald Trump is most responsible for making it a part of the current global conversation. Social media, with its huge reach and its vulnerability to manipulation, has helped to amplify criticism from political leaders and undermine trust in traditional journalism.

For Female Lobbyists, Harassment Often Accompanies Access
New York Times – Trip Gabriel and Julie Bosman | Published: 12/8/2017

Charges of harassment are cascading through statehouses across the country, leading to investigations, resignations of powerful men, and anguish over hostile workplaces for women that for years went unacknowledged. Amid this reckoning, one group of victims has stood apart: lobbyists. Part of a frequently disparaged profession, female lobbyists have emerged as especially vulnerable in Legislatures and in Congress because, unlike government employees, they often have no avenue to report complaints and receive due process. Lobbyists who have been harassed are essentially powerless in their workplaces, all-dependent on access to mostly male lawmakers for meetings and influence to advance legislation and earn their living.

State Lawmakers Blur Line Between Public, Personal Interests
Center for Public Integrity – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) and Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 12/6/2017

State lawmakers around the country have introduced and supported policies that directly and indirectly help their own businesses, their employers, and sometimes their personal finances. The Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity and found numerous examples in which lawmakers’ votes had the effect of promoting their private interests. Even then, the votes did not necessarily represent a conflict-of-interest as defined by the state. That is because Legislatures set their own rules for when lawmakers should recuse themselves. In some states, lawmakers are required to vote despite any ethical dilemmas. Many legislators defend votes that benefit their businesses or industries, saying they bring important expertise to the debate.

Federal:

‘Journalism for Rent’: Inside the secretive firm behind the Trump dossier
Washington Post – Jack Gillum and Shawn Boburg | Published: 12/11/2017

Fusion GPS bills itself as a corporate research firm, but in many ways, it operates with the secrecy of a spy agency. The small firm has been under public scrutiny for producing the document known as the Trump dossier. Senior executives summoned to testify before Congress invoked their right against self-incrimination, and the firm is resisting a congressional subpoena for bank records that would reveal who has paid for its services. But hundreds of internal company documents reveal how Fusion has used investigative reporting techniques and media connections to advance the interests of a range of clients on Wall Street, in Silicon Valley, and in the nation’s capital. The firm has played an unseen role in stories that dominated headlines in recent years.

Doubting the Intelligence, Trump Pursues Putin and Leaves a Russian Threat Unchecked
Washington Post – Greg Miller, Greg Jaffe, and Philip Rucker | Published: 12/14/2017

Nearly a year into his presidency, Donald Trump continues to reject the evidence that Russia waged an assault on a pillar of American democracy and supported his run for the White House. The result is without obvious parallel in U.S. history, a situation in which the personal insecurities of the president – and his refusal to accept what even many in his administration regard as objective reality – have impaired the government’s response to a national security threat. Rather than search for ways to deter Kremlin attacks or safeguard U.S. elections, Trump has waged his own campaign to discredit the case that Russia poses any threat and has resisted or attempted to roll back efforts to hold Moscow to account.

Foreign Lobbyists Contributed More Than $4.5 Million to Candidates in 2016 Elections
MapLight – Andrew Perez, David Sirota, and Jay Cassano | Published: 12/4/2017

During the last election, lobbyists for foreign governments gave more than $4.5 million to federal lawmakers and candidates. Foreign lobbyists and their firms’ PACs were also responsible for bundling $5.9 million in donations for candidates and party committees. Because the contributions come from foreign governments’ U.S.-based lobbyists, they effectively circumvent American laws designed to bar direct foreign donations. Under federal law, foreign nationals are banned from donating to any federal, state, or local campaigns, or political parties. But foreign governments frequently hire U.S. citizens to represent their interests, and those people face no such contribution ban.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado: Taxpayer Groups File Suit Against Denver to Prevent Disclosure of Nonprofits’ Donors in Election Spending
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 12/13/2017

A lawsuit filed by the Goldwater Institute on behalf of two conservative groups says changes to the campaign finance law approved by the Denver City Council in September violate free speech provisions. The ordinance requires clubs, associations, corporations, and groups that advocate for or against local ballot measures to meet the disclosure requirements of issue committees once they raise and spend at least $500. Once it passes that threshold, an issue committee must identify by name and address each donor who gave $50 or more within that calendar year. The legal challenge, in targeting disclosure requirements’ impact on nonprofit groups, raises an issue that goes back more than a decade in Colorado, pitting donor privacy against the interest of campaign transparency.

Florida: Women in Florida Politics Fear #MeToo Moments Will Backfire
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 12/11/2017

Female staffers and lobbyists who returned to the Florida Capitol for pre-session meetings, discovered many male legislators will no longer meet with them privately. Accustomed to Tallahassee’s Southern culture, where men and women casually and routinely greet each other with hugs, legislators are doing an awkward dance to replace a hug with a handshake. And the fear of retaliation, against women who brought forward allegations or those who may in the future, is as raw as the fear that lawmakers’ political enemies could turn sexual harassment claims into new weapons.

Indiana: Council Defeats Pay-to-Play Veto
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette – Dave Gong | Published: 12/13/2017

The Fort Wayne City Council overrode Mayor Tom Henry’s veto of a “pay-to-play” ordinance that city officials say likely runs afoul of state and federal law. The ordinance limits corporate campaign contributions to elected city officials to $2,000 per calendar year. Donations from any employee who owns more than seven-and-one-half percent of a firm, as well as contributions from that employee’s spouse or live-in children, would count toward that limit. Any firm that exceeds that limit would be barred from bidding on city contracts.

Kentucky: Law Which Prohibits Legislators Accepting ‘Anything of Value’ from Lobbyists Has Been Ruled Unconstitutional by U.S. District Court Judge
Spectrum News – Don Weber | Published: 12/7/2017

U.S. District Court Judge William Bertelsman issued a final order on his June ruling that found Kentucky’s legislative ethics prohibition on gifts and campaign contributions from lobbyists is unconstitutional. Bertelsman, who ruled the laws were too vague to be enforced and violated lobbyists’ freedom of speech, issued a final order which included an injunction telling the Legislative Ethics Commission that it could not enforce the unconstitutional rules. In response to the final order, the Kentucky Chamber announced plans to file an amicus brief along with other business groups urging the appeal of the ruling.

Maryland: Supreme Court Will Take Up a Second Gerrymandering Case This Term
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 12/8/2017

The U.S. Supreme Court added a second partisan gerrymandering case to its docket, suggesting the justices are seriously considering whether voting maps warped by politics may sometimes cross a constitutional line. The court has never struck down a voting district as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. A ruling allowing such challenges could reshape American politics. The earlier case, from Wisconsin, was argued in October. The new case, a challenge to a Maryland congressional district, differs from the first case in several ways. It was brought by Republican voters rather than Democratic ones; it is focused on a single district rather than a statewide map; and it relies solely on the First Amendment rather than a legal theory that includes equal protection principles.

Minnesota: Smith to Take Franken’s Senate Seat, Run in 2018
Minnesota Public Radio – Brian Bakst and Tim Pugmire | Published: 12/13/2017

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton chose Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to take over Al Franken’s seat in the U.S.  Senate, keeping a Democrat in the seat for now but setting the stage for a freewheeling 2018 election that could shift the balance of power in Minnesota and in Washington. Franken had announced he would resign after being accused by women of sexual misconduct. Smith will serve as senator until at least next fall, when voters are expected to choose a candidate to fill the remaining two years of Franken’s term. Smith also said she plans to run for the office in that 2018 election.

Missouri: Lobbyist Play Part, Spend Cash in Jefferson City
Kirksville Daily Express – Jason Hunsicker | Published: 12/11/2017

The role of lobbyists in the Missouri Legislature has grown over the last two decades from advocating for businesses, organizations, and causes to include the education of elected officials because of term limits. Their role also includes spending money on lawmakers. Some argue the expenditures lead to undue influence, or at least that perception, which has led in recent years to the introduction of various measures that would reform how lobbyists interact with lawmakers. Lobbyist Michael Gibbons estimated 80 percent of the work lobbyists do is educating lawmakers on issues, from the history of a proposal to how it impacts and relates to various groups across the state.

South Carolina: Rep. Rick Quinn Pleads Guilty in S.C. Corruption Case in Deal That Drops Charges for Kingpin Father
Charleston Post and Courier – Seanna Adcox and Glenn Smith | Published: 12/13/2017

State Rep. Rick Quinn resigned from the South Carolina House and entered a guilty plea to one count of misconduct in office. His plea is part of a deal in which charges against his father, political consultant Richard Quinn, were dropped. But Richard Quinn’s firm will pay a $3,000 fine for failing to register as a lobbyist. The elder Quinn also agreed to testify before a grand jury. Prosecutors alleged Richard Quinn & Associates was paid millions of dollars by some of South Carolina’s most prominent companies and institutions to illegally push bills in the General Assembly. Rick Quinn was secretly and illegally paid some of that money to use his position as a lawmaker to advocate for the proposals, prosecutors said.

Washington: PDC Complaints Becoming Weapons in Political Wars
Spokane Spokesman Review – Jim Camden | Published: 12/10/2017

Some 45 years ago, Washington voters got so tired of hidden money in questionable campaigns that they overwhelmingly approved an initiative with rules on campaign giving and spending. They also set up a commission to make sure the rules were followed. Now those rules are being used by citizen activists and political parties as weapons against their adversaries. Complaints are flooding both the Public Disclosure Commission and the Washington attorney general’s office, which can also investigate and sanction candidates or campaigns for violations.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

On December 13, a bill was entered in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick prohibiting sitting lawmakers from engaging in lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere during and for 12 months after their tenure in office.

Additionally, after a member is first sworn in, the member would be prohibited from being employed in or entering into a personal service contract with a business or organization engaging in lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere. The prohibition to lobbying for the 12 months after leaving office applies to “lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere in relation to a matter having a real and substantial connection to New Brunswick.”

Bill 38, An Act to Amend the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, also creates a detailed definition of lobbying, which includes communications with public office holders in attempts to influence legislative proposals, public bills, grants, and other matters, arranging meetings between public office holders of any jurisdiction and another person, and communicating with public office holders in an attempt to influence the awarding of government contracts.