National:

Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs
KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015

Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, raising a conflict-of-interest questions. A review of records and interviews by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
New York Times – Michael Schmidt | Published: 3/2/2015

Hillary Clinton used a private e-mail account for her official government business when she was secretary of state. She did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was not clear why Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, created the private account. But the practice appears to bolster long-standing criticism that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have not been transparent.

Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz | Published: 2/28/2015

A rare conviction of a Virginia campaign operative is part of a broader focus by the U.S. Justice Department on cases in which candidates may be violating a federal ban on sharing strategic information with well-funded independent allies. The department’s move comes as complaints have stalled before the FEC, which has not moved ahead with any coordination investigations since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 triggered a proliferation of big-money groups. The newly aggressive stance by the Justice Department is certain to have wide reverberations at a time when candidates are taking more leeway than ever in their relationships with independent allies. Many potential 2016 candidates are working hand-in-glove with super PACs set up to support them.

Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison
Washington Post – Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz | Published: 3/3/2015

David Petraeus reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to avoid an embarrassing trial over whether he provided classified information to a mistress when he was the director of the CIA.  Petraeus will plead guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He also acknowledged he misled FBI investigators. Federal prosecutors will not seek prison time for the retired four-star general but instead will ask a judge to impose a probationary period of two years. Prosecutors had pushed for charges after FBI agents discovered Petraeus’s former mistress, Paula Broadwell, was in possession of sensitive documents while writing a book about him. The affair forced his resignation as CIA director in 2012.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors
AL.com – John Archibald | Published: 2/27/2015

Prosecutors released emails involving indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard that show he was having financial problems and was hitting up high-placed lobbyists and friends for assistance. The court filing is the first glimpse of the evidence against Hubbard, who will go to trial on ethics charges in October. The emails depict Hubbard as stressed after losing his job. He asks former Gov. Bob Riley and others for help in finding a job or investors in his company. An executive at a company paid by the Alabama Republican Party complained in an email they were being “forced” to use Hubbard’s company for campaign printing work. Prosecutors say Hubbard used his political position for financial benefit. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said the filings were designed to mislead the public.

Arizona – Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a voter-approved plan that stripped Arizona lawmakers of their role in drawing congressional districts in a bid to remove partisan politics from the process. The court’s conservatives asked questions during the argument that indicated there could be a majority willing to find the ballot initiative violated the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that state Legislatures set congressional district boundaries. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Should the justices reject Arizona’s commission, at least one other, in California, is also likely to be in peril.

California – Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who want to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage, and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, in part, because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation, and employer.

California – Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big
Los Angeles Times – Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser | Published: 3/3/2015

The Mayor’s Fund has received numerous contributions from companies with a stake in Los Angeles City Hall decisions and from charitable foundations. Modeled on similar nonprofits in New York and other cities, the fund provides a financial boost for civic programs that might otherwise fall victim to city belt-tightening. But the nonprofit, which took in about $5.2 million between its formation in June and last month, can also offer a discreet destination for special-interest money that is not subject to campaign finance restrictions. City law caps contributions by individuals or businesses at $1,300 per election for mayoral candidates. By contrast, the average donation to the Mayor’s Fund has been $111,000.

Illinois – As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 3/2/2015

The super PAC Chicago Forward recently made an independent expenditure of $110,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s campaign fund for “political communications.” That means there will be no campaign fundraising limits for the April 7 mayoral run-off between Emmanuel and city Councilperson Jesus Garcia. Under state law, once a candidate in a local race receives a donation to his or her campaign of at least $100,000 within a year of the election, all contribution limits for all candidates in the race are lifted.

Iowa – The Real Iowa Kingmaker
Politico – Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 3/3/2015

Bruce Rastetter, an agribusiness mogul, has long worked behind the scenes to help bankroll conservatives candidates across the country. Now he is about to host a dozen potential Republican presidential hopefuls at the first Iowa Agriculture Summit. It is an event designed to promote farm policy in a state where pigs outnumber voters by 10-to-one, but it is also a bold display of the political power Rastetter has amassed, and a reminder to candidates that his endorsement would be a big get ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Rastetter’s moves over the past decade look like a “how to” guide for becoming a political power player.

Massachusetts – Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/2/2015

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg raised $93,000 for her inauguration and transition costs, over two-thirds of which came in large donations from special interests that deal directly with her office. The practice of inaugural committees collecting large contributions, including from corporations, is not illegal in Massachusetts. Incoming governors, in particular, have routinely tapped special interests to finance their transitions and inaugurations. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, said the system, which also has no requirements for detailing expenses, heightens the potential for conflicts-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney | Published: 3/3/2015

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return following an investigation that included a federal raid on his statehouse office and home. Fox acknowledged he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairperson of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges taking $108,000 from his campaign account for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, his American Express bill, and purchases at Tiffany’s and Warwick Animal Hospital. Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.

Rhode Island – Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 2/28/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s transition committee recommended raising the registration fees for lobbyists and increasing the fines for failing to register. Its report suggests legislation is needed to “modernize the state’s antiquated lobbying laws.” The committee also recommended updates to the state’s lobbying tracker system, described as “unnecessarily complicated.” Lobbyists currently must register separately in the General Assembly and executive branch, but the group recommended consolidating the reporting requirements.

Utah – Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 3/3/2015

An attempt to set limits on campaign contribution failed in Utah. House Bill 60 would have capped donations at $20,000 for statewide offices such as governor, $10,000 for legislative races, and $40,000 for PACs or parties. House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson said limits would just increase the amount of unregulated “dark money” spent by third parties in campaigns. Utah is one of just four states without limits on political donations.

Virginia – Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/28/2015

Virginia lawmakers adjourned after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials. The ethics-reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state, but it also adds a long list of exceptions. It creates an ethics council but gives it no power to investigate or issue fines and penalties. Negotiations went down to the wire on the ethics changes, which lawmakers have said was one of their top priorities for the session. The new measures were their second effort at tightening the rules after the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell that stemmed from his acceptance of gifts, loans, and trips.

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.

Lobbying

West Virginia: “‘Cookie Lobbyist’ Tries Sweet-Tooth Approach to Sway W.Va. Legislators” by Douglas Imbrogno for Charleston Gazette

Campaign Finance

“How Campaign Finance Law Makes Senators Early Lame Ducks” by David Karol for Washington Post

“Awash in Cash, Bush Asks Donors Not to Give More Than $1 Million – for Now” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

California:”California Lawmaker Seeks Tax on Independent Political Spending” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times

California: “Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big” by Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Utah: “Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune

Ethics

“Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs” by Ryan Foley (Associated Press) for KSL

Illinois: “Rahm Emanuel Runoff: Chicago mayor tied to lobbyist for city’s red light camera firm, review shows” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota for International Business Times

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Lawmaker Asks Facebook Friends to Buy Baby Registry Gifts” by Leslie Rangel for KFOR

South Carolina: “Effort Underway to Resurrect Ethics Reform after Senate Defeat” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post and Courier

Q. Many of the state legislatures I lobby are currently in session. Does this affect when my lobbying reports are due?

A. While some states have reporting schedules that do not vary from year to year, others tie their lobbyist reporting schedules to their legislature’s activity. Currently, 11 states have reporting schedules that vary to some degree with their legislative sessions: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. Some of these states require additional reports during the legislative session, while others tie reporting dates to the session’s adjournment.

For example, Georgia requires legislative lobbyist reports twice per month while the Legislature is in session. Reporting frequency decreases to once per month once the Legislature adjourns. Connecticut, Arkansas, and Alaska all require monthly legislative lobbyist reports while their legislatures are in session.

Other states have reports tied to the official adjournment of the legislature. Mississippi requires an end-of-session report 10 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die. Some legislatures, such as Mississippi and Nebraska, have the flexibility to change their planned adjournment date, in which case a report may be due earlier or later than previously announced. It is also important to note only official adjournment dates affect the reporting schedule. State legislatures concluding business for the year, but not officially adjourned, may still require a lobbyist to use the “in session” reporting schedule. Rhode Island, for example, requires monthly reports only when the Legislature is in session, but the Legislature does not officially adjourn until January of the following year.

Special legislative sessions may also trigger a lobbying report. States such as Nebraska and Hawaii require an additional report following the adjournment of a special legislative session. In states requiring special session reports, a report may be required even if the full legislature did not convene in special session.

Each jurisdiction’s statutory reporting schedule is different. Be sure to know your state’s reporting schedule and whether a legislative session will change your requirements.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: experts@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Campaign Finance

California: “Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case” by Bob Egelko for San Francisco Chronicle

Illinois: “As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune

Minnesota: “Minnesota GOP Leaves Unpaid Bills with National Vendors” by Patrick Condon for Minneapolis Star-Tribune

West Virginia: “Senate Continues Discussions on Campaign Finance Bill” by Joel Ebert for Charleston Daily Mail

Ethics

“Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison” by Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz for Washington Post

“Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Alaska: “APOC Wary of Legislature’s Plan to Collect Fees from Third-Party Spending” by Matt Buxton for Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Rhode Island: “Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges” by Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney for Providence Journal

Virginia: “McDonnell Launches Effort to Have Corruption Conviction Thrown Out” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

Elections

“The Real Iowa Kingmaker” by Helena Bottemiller Evich for Politico

Redistricting

Arizona: “Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea’s transition committee has issued recommendations “to improve the public’s perception of their government.”

In the committee’s report, they endorse the creation of a lobbying task force to “guide efforts to strengthen, simplify and clarify Rhode Island’s lobbying law.” Calling the current lobbying laws antiquated, the committee recommends increasing both the fines for violations and the fees for registration. The report argues the increases “will help incentivize lobbyists to be compliant” with the state’s laws. Other recommendations include overhauling the Lobby Tracker reporting system, more “robust” education about the lobbying laws, and increased oversight of lobbyists.

The report makes other policy suggestions unrelated to lobbying, such as reviewing the photo ID requirement at polling places for its possible impact on suppressing voter turnout.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have passed a motion requesting the government implement a lobbyist registry in the territory. The registry would identify lobbyists and each meeting with elected officials.

MLAs have also asked the government to develop an online database to allow public access to the registry.

Only New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the three territories are without a lobbyist registry.

Lobbying

“Other States Require Lobbyists to Report Compensation” by Michael Sol Warren for New Mexico In Depth

Rhode Island: “Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups” by Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz for Washington Post

Maine: “Lawmakers Seek Reform for Maine’s Clean Election Law” by Scott Thistle for The Sun-Journal

Massachusetts: “Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Montana: “Senate Passes Reform Proposal to Increase Campaign-Finance Disclosures” by Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal

New Jersey: “Chris Christie Faces New Jersey Bill Restricting Campaign Cash from Firms Managing Pension” by David Sirota for International Business Times

Texas: “Former Dewhurst Aide Buddy Barfield Gets 7 Years for Embezzling” by Tom Benning for Dallas Morning News

Ethics

Alabama: “Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors” by John Archibald for AL.com

Virginia: “Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill” by Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post

Lobbying

Montana: “Senator’s Aide Asked to Leave after Registering as Lobbyist” by Laura Lundquist and Troy Carter for Bozeman Chronicle

Campaign Finance

Florida: “Fundraising Binge Begins for Lawmakers” by Jeremy Wallace for Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Montana: “Senate Panel Advances Major Campaign-Finance Reform Bill” by Mike Dennison for Montana Standard

Ohio: “Campaign Contributors Can Give More Cash in Ohio” by Jackie Borchardt (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ethics

“Foreign Governments Gave Millions to Foundation While Clinton Was at State Dept.” by Rosalind Helderman and Tom Hamburger for Wasington Post

“Aaron Schock Didn’t Report Gifts, Meals in London” by Anna Palmer, John Bresnahan, and Jake Sherman for Politico

Idaho: “Idaho Lawmakers Narrowly Agree to Consider New Inspector General for Complaints, Corruption” by Betsy Russell (Spokane Spokesman-Review) for Idaho Statesman

Mississippi: “Ex-Prison Boss and Businessman Admit to Bribery Scheme” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for The Sun-Herald

New Jersey: “Hard Work or Abuse of Power? Joseph Ferriero Corruption Trial Opens with Widely Varying Portrayals” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record

New Mexico: “Ethics Commission Moves Forward” by Michael Reichbach for New Mexico Political Report

Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Sues Oregonian to Keep Records Secret” by Hannah Hoffman for Salem Statesman-Journal

Federal:

Report: Illinois Rep. Schock billed private planes, concerts
Tacoma News Tribune – Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) | Published: 2/23/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to donors for private flights and spent campaign money on several concerts and festivals. An Associated Press report said Schock spent at least $40,000 of taxpayer money for flights on private planes owned by donors, which could be a violation of House rules, as it is illegal for candidates and lawmakers to use noncommercial aircrafts for official or campaign business. Allegations of improper spending have been trickling out against Schock since a Washington Post reporter in February stumbled upon a redesign of his congressional office. The office was painted and redesigned to resemble the ornate dining room featured on the television show “Downton Abbey.”

The Inside Story Of How Citizens United Has Changed Washington Lawmaking
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal and Ryan Grim | Published: 2/26/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision is reshaping how, how much, and to whom money flows in Washington. How the flood of money released by the ruling has changed elections has been the subject of much discussion, but the decision’s role in allowing that same money to infuse the legislative process has largely gone unreported. According to a review of documents, as well as interviews with lobbyists and policymakers, independent spending has become increasingly intertwined with lobbying and legislation, the precise appearance of corruption campaign finance laws were meant to curb.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search
AL.com – Erin Edgemon | Published: 2/24/2015

The Alabama Ethics Commission selected Tom Albritton as its new director. Albritton replaces Jim Sumner, who retired last October after 17 years at the helm. The commission received 27 applications for the post, and interviewed six of them.

California – California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 2/19/2015

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved new regulations banning political fundraisers in the homes of lobbyists. The panel rejected a proposal to allow fundraisers in lobbyists’ homes as long as the candidate pays for the use of the home. Legislation on the issue was passed after the FPPC imposed a record $133,500 fine last year against lobbyist Kevin Sloat and his firm for violating campaign contribution rules by providing alcohol and cigars at lavish fundraisers held at his home for lawmakers’ campaigns.

District of Columbia – For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 2/21/2015

Ward 8 voters in the District of Columbia will again get to choose the name Marion Barry on April 28, when the only son of the late, legendary former mayor will try to replace his father on the city council. Victory, however, is far from assured for a son who wrestles with some of the same demons as the father: drugs, the law, the wrong kind of media attention. And the reservoir of goodwill, political favors, and campaign support from which the elder Barry drew to overcome his own troubles does not run so deep for his son.

Hawaii – Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Ian Lind | Published: 2/25/2015

At a recent meeting of the Hawaii Ethics Commission, Executive Director Les Kondo briefed commissioners on his plan to revisit and potentially reverse a 2007 policy requiring so-called goodwill lobbying to be disclosed. Kondo said he now believes the specific language of the statute is not broad enough to demand disclosure of social gatherings, whether one-on-one dinners between legislators and lobbyists, or receptions bringing dozens of lawmakers together to drink and dine with special interest groups, where specific legislation is not discussed.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 2/24/2015

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to capture a majority of the vote in his bid for a second term, an embarrassment for the former White House chief of staff who now faces an April 7 runoff against Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia. The result exposed possible vulnerability for an incumbent who has widespread support from business leaders, national name recognition, and millions of dollars in campaign funds.

Kansas – Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents
Kansas City Star – Brad Cooper | Published: 2/24/2015

Conservatives’ virtually unchallenged control of the Kansas Capitol opens the way for new policies that could undercut the influence of their traditional opposition for years to come. Those efforts figure to weaken the lobbying efforts by cities, hamstring the power of teachers unions, limit how academics can speak out on public controversies, and mold a more conservative judiciary. “The reason why conservatives gained control of the House, the Senate and the governor’s office is because the people wanted us to,” said state Rep. Scott Schwab. But aggressive action on several fronts has triggered criticism – some of it coming from fellow Republicans – the conservative majority might strip away basic fairness from the state’s political dynamics, especially with bills seen as targeting professors and the media.

Louisiana – Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources
New Orleans Advocate – Marsha Shuler | Published: 2/22/2015

The Louisiana Board of Ethics said groups funding political ads do not have to disclose those expenditures unless they advocate voting for or against a particular candidate. They also would not have to disclose the source of the money received for a particular ad based on the advisory opinion. The board’s opinion aligns with recent court rulings but did not sit well with some members who favor disclosure of the outside election spending and its source.

Massachusetts – Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions
MassLive.com – Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) | Published: 2/23/2015

A conservative group sued the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance on behalf of two local businesses, arguing the commonwealth has banned companies from making political donations while allowing unions to contribute up to $15,000. The lawsuit by the Goldwater Institute says “businesses and unions are functionally equivalent organizations,” and alleges violations of free speech and equal protection under the U.S. and state constitutions.

Nevada – As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/17/2015

Many elected officials have professional relationships that extend outside the Legislature, creating a web that reveals the close-knit nature of Nevada politics. Those who submitted disclosures have not been accused of any conflict-of-interest. But critics maintain the relationships speak of a system where cronyism is common.

New York – Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress
New York Times – Alexander Burns | Published: 2/24/2015

Daniel Donovan, the Staten Island district attorney, handled the investigation into the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, an inquiry that touched off demonstrations across New York City and beyond when a grand jury declined to deliver an indictment. Now Donovan is considered the likely successor to former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a fellow Republican who vacated his seat in January after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion. But while Grimm came to be defined by his acknowledged criminal actions, Donovan has come to be identified by the Garner grand jury’s inaction.

North Carolina – Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules
Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo | Published: 2/23/2015

The Charlotte City Council adopted a new ethics policy in response to the Patrick Cannon corruption scandal last year that put the former mayor in federal prison. It forbids elected officials from accepting gifts or meals. Exceptions include tickets to events where the city has a business reason for being represented. Officials could also accept food and drink at such events. Nominal gifts under $50, mementos related to civil events, and gifts from friends and family are also exceptions under the ordinance. The policy does not address lobbying disclosure, which some council members had called for.

Utah – Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 2/20/2015

Utah Sen. Curt Bramble is seeking to repeal the requirement that lobbyists wear special badges. The problem, he says, is while it covers contract lobbyists or advocates working for particular companies, there are many who fall into a gray area, such as citizen activists, nonprofit entities, government employees, and others who are not required to wear the badges. With the lack of clarity, Bramble said, it makes sense to repeal the requirement, which lobbyists had complained about in the first place.

Virginia – Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/20/2015

Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a bribery scheme that ended her husband’s political career. Ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison. A jury found the McDonnells guilty of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessperson Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company’s nutritional supplements. Maureen McDonnell is likely the first modern-day spouse of a governor convicted on felony charges arising from her occupancy in an executive mansion.

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.

Lobbying

Hawaii: “Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

Campaign Finance

Utah: “Bill Setting Campaign Contribution Limits Passes Committee” by Lisa Riley Roche for Deseret News

West Virginia: “Bill to Remove Political Contribution Limits Sent to Subcommittee” by Joel Ebert for Charleston Daily Mail

Ethics

“Hillary’s State Department OK’d Bill’s Big-Money Speeches” by Josh Gerstein for Politico

Alaska: “APOC Funding Changes Proposed” by Matt Buxton for Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Michigan: “Another Kilpatrick Aide Avoids Prison in Corruption Fallout” by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press

Texas: “Dallas Council Lessens Fundraising Loophole, Tightens Ethics Complaint Process” by Elizabeth Findell for Dallas Morning News

Elections

Illinois: “Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor” by Monica Davey for New York Times

“Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress” by Alexander Burns for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Kansas: “Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents” by Brad Cooper for Kansas City Star

Lobbying

Missouri: “House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Lobbyist-Paid Travel outside Missouri” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

Campaign Finance

Maine: “Bill Requires Nonprofits to Disclose Donors When Contributing to Maine Political Campaigns” by Scott Thistle for The Sun Journal

Massachusetts: “Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions” by Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) for MassLive.com

North Dakota: “North Dakota Rejects Law Banning Personal Use of Campaign Dollars” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org

Ethics

“She Runs S.E.C. He’s a Lawyer. Recusals and Headaches Ensue.” by Peter Eavis and Ben Protess for New York Times

“Lawmaker with Lavish Decor Billed Private Planes, Concerts” by Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer

Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search” by Erin Edgemon for AL.com

Maine: “Federal Judge Nullifies Maine’s Drug Importation Law” by Jackie Farwell (Bangor Daily News) for The Sun Journal

Massachusetts: “More Legal Trouble for Lobbyist Convicted in DiMasi Case” by Martin Finucane and Andrea Estes for Boston Globe

New York: “Legislative Reform Urged for Outside Income Limits” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union

North Carolina: “Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules” by Ely Portillo for Charlotte Observer

The Campaign Finance Commission has cancelled and rescheduled a meeting to consider amending rules regarding lobbying and campaign finance.

The February 25 meeting has been rescheduled for the week of March 22, 2015.

The commission drafted the proposed amendments with the intention to clarify and supplement 2014 changes to the Campaign Finance Act.

Lobbying

Utah: “Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Vermont: “Lobbyists Split on Plan to Change Advertising Disclosure Laws” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Rutland Herald

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona Senate Panel Votes to Ask Voters to Kill Clean Elections Board, Use Money for Schools” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic

Louisiana: “Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources” by Marsha Shuler for New Orleans Advocate

New Mexico: “State Officials to Form Task Force to Review Campaign Finance System” by The Associated Press for The Tribune

Washington: “Ruling Bars State from Treating Free Legal Advice as a Campaign Contribution” by Sean Robinson (Tacoma News Tribune) for Bellingham Herald

Wisconsin: “Conservative Groups Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Defend Rights of John Doe Targets” by M.D. Kittle for Watchdog.org

Ethics

Nevada: “As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun

New York: “Ethics Plan Now in Budget” by Rick Karlin for Albany Times Union

Elections

District of Columbia: “For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

Indiana House legislators unanimously approved a bipartisan ethics bill aimed at maximizing transparency in the General Assembly.

The reform bill broadens what legislators must disclose on financial interest statements and expands reporting requirements regarding lawmakers’ relationships with lobbyists. The bill also tightens the control over state employees seeking employment in the private sector with a company involved with the state.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Photo of the Indiana Statehouse by HstryQT on Wikimedia Commons.