February 19, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Maine: “Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Forecaster Michigan: “Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014” […]
Lobbying
Maine: “Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Forecaster
Michigan: “Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
Utah: “Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
Campaign Finance
“States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity
“This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations” by Andrew Prokop for Vox
“Activists Bristle at Hillary Clinton Fundraising Pleas” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico
Nebraska: “Nebraska Bill Would Change Campaign Disclosure Requirement” by Grant Schulte (Associated Press) for Beatrice Daily Sun
Ethics
Oregon: “Lawmakers to Consider Ethics Reforms in Response to John Kitzhaber, Cylvia Hayes Scandal” by Ian Kullgren for Portland Oregonian
Texas: “In State of the State, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Virginia: “In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
February 18, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying North Carolina: “NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer North Dakota: “North Dakota’s GOP Chairman Breaks Lobbying Rules” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org Texas: “Watson Wants More Disclosure […]
Lobbying
North Carolina: “NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer
North Dakota: “North Dakota’s GOP Chairman Breaks Lobbying Rules” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org
Texas: “Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
California: “Foes Question Firm’s Work for Steve Veres’ City Council Race” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Kansas: “Kansas Republicans, Democrats Agree on Raising Campaign Contribution Limits” by Nicholas Clayton (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic
Ethics
Indiana: “House Approves Ethics Bill Requiring More Financial Disclosure” in Indianapolis Business Journal
Mississippi: “Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements” by Emily Le Coz for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Oregon: “Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit” by Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Political Activist Gene Stilp Will Retire” by Kate Giammarise for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
South Carolina: “Ethics Reform Proponents Hope to Overcome Senate Roadblock” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
February 17, 2015 •
New Mexico Revolving Door Bill Advances
A bill to extend revolving door prohibitions has been recommended by a unanimous vote in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. House Bill 241 prohibits former statewide elected officials, public regulation commissioners, legislators, and cabinet secretaries from accepting […]
A bill to extend revolving door prohibitions has been recommended by a unanimous vote in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. House Bill 241 prohibits former statewide elected officials, public regulation commissioners, legislators, and cabinet secretaries from accepting compensation as lobbyists for a period of two years after leaving public service.
The bill is expected to pass the House, but will likely face opposition in the Senate.
Last year, a similar proposal cleared the House 43-23, but the Senate Rules Committee failed to advance the mirror version of the bill.
February 17, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying New Mexico: “Citizen Lobbyists Learn the Ropes” by Gwyneth Doland (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News North Carolina: “Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer Campaign Finance “Freshman Lawmaker Aims […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Citizen Lobbyists Learn the Ropes” by Gwyneth Doland (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News
North Carolina: “Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer
Campaign Finance
“Freshman Lawmaker Aims to Close Campaign Money Loophole” by The Associated Press for KBOI
Virginia: “Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions” by Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold for Washington Post
Wisconsin: “Bill Would Limit John Doe Probes into Political Crimes” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Ethics
Connecticut: “FBI Goes After ‘Corrupticut’ with Billboards” by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Miami-Dade Mayor and Trump Discussed Crandon Golf Takeover” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Montana: “Montana Budget Panel Cuts Political Practices” by Charles Johnson for Ravalli Republic
South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Kills Ethics Measure – Possibly for the Year” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
Elections
“Democrats Choose Philadelphia for 2016 National Convention” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
Procurement
“House Passes Reform, Transparency Act” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
February 13, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 13, 2015
National: Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014 Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 2/5/2015 Business interests poured money into ballot question fights last year, largely to protect their own revenue, with overwhelmingly positive results. More than […]
National:
Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 2/5/2015
Business interests poured money into ballot question fights last year, largely to protect their own revenue, with overwhelmingly positive results. More than three-quarters of the $272 million given by the top 50 donors to ballot measure groups nationwide came from corporations or business trade organizations. They contributed most of their money to defeat proposals and were almost always successful, winning 96 percent of the time.
Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant
The Missoulian; Staff | Published: 2/5/2015
When advocates, lawyers, journalists, or others want to investigate the influence of campaign finance on public policy, they often turn to a nonprofit with a massive database: the National Institute on Money in State Politics. The institute’s website, FollowTheMoney.org, offers the public access to an archive covering contributions to candidates in every state over several decades. The institute now has $1-million more to further its work, one of nine nonprofits that were honored with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Federal:
Forum Becomes Campaign Cash Free-for-All
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 2/11/2015
With the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent McCutcheon decision as the starting point, attendees at an FEC hearing laid out a wide range of ideas for improving disclosure and preventing political corruption. Equally split between Democrats and Republicans and lacking decisive direction from Congress, the commissioners are not likely to take any sweeping action in the wake of the hearing. That did not discourage an outpouring of interest from reform groups and free speech organizations, well beyond the scope of developing rules to implement last year’s decision by the high court.
The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 2/5/2015
Over the past several years, many nonprofits and super PACs have paid Mary Pat Bonner’s consulting firm in excess of $6 million to help them cultivate wealthy donors and raise money. Bonner’s contracts give her firm a commission on any money she brings in from her network of rich Democrats and liberals. Her tenacity and ties to wealthy givers have made Bonner among the most successful practitioners of a trade that is virtually invisible to voters but has taken on power and influence in the post-Citizens United world. But the growing influence of paid fundraisers and the terms of their compensation have also drawn the ire of donors in both parties, who have grown increasingly skeptical of Washington’s consultant class and the secret, often lucrative deals they reach with campaigns.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 2/7/2015
Fourteen years after California voters approved a measure that imposed candidate contribution limits for the first time, the pipeline of money between donors, political party committees, and far-flung candidates in competitive races continues to grow. Political parties’ role as money middlemen effectively skirts the limits while making it difficult for voters to figure out which special interests support a candidate. The transactions are complex, sometimes involving multiple committees, yet entirely legal if there is no coordination between donors, committees, and candidates. Such cases are difficult to prove and only a relative handful of politicians, consultants, or political committees have gotten in trouble for money laundering.
Florida – Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Andy Reid | Published: 2/9/2015
Builders, lobbyists, and others who have business before local government are among the top sponsors of the Palm Beach County Mayor’s Ball fundraiser for the homeless. The February 28 event offers the chance for those paying $250 per ticket to socialize with elected leaders as a way to raise money to fight homelessness. While event backers say it is a way for local leaders to raise money for a good cause, critics warn that fundraisers like this can create the perception of buying influence with elected officials.
Hawaii – Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission
Greenfield Daily Reporter; Associated Press – | Published: 2/5/2015
David Arakawa, executive director of the Land Use Research Foundation, lobbied on the foundation’s behalf between 2008 and 2014 without registering himself or the organization with the Hawaii Ethics Commission as required by state law. The commission also said neither Arakawa nor the foundation filed lobbying expenditure and contribution reports during that period. As a result, Arakawa and the foundation will each pay $2,000 in fines.
Illinois – Illinois Governor Acts to Curb Power of Public Sector Unions
New York Times – Monica Davey and Mitch Smith | Published: 2/9/2015
In a move that surprised lawmakers and infuriated public-sector union officials, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed an executive order absolving members of the state workforce under his control from having to contribute so-called fair share dues. Rauner said a review found current law unconstitutional because it requires nonunion workers to pay union dues that may help fund political campaigns they do not agree with. Under state law, employees can decline to join a union but are still on the hook for fair share fees related to collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The statute prohibits those fees from being used to support political activities, but Rauner contended it is nearly impossible to draw a distinction because public sector unions directly negotiate with the government.
New Mexico – New Mexico Lobbyists Spend on Lawmakers but Disclosure Lacks
Las Cruces Sun-News – Sandra Fish (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 2/7/2015
Individual lobbyists spent more than $1.6 million on gifts, meals, and entertainment for New Mexico’s elected officials and staff in the four years from 2011 through 2014. Over the same period, businesses and organizations spent more than $379,000 directly to fete elected officials with parties, golf passes, and more. But the lack of required disclosure creates haziness when tracking how the money flows to state lawmakers and other public officials. Filings for 69 percent of the total spending in the last four years, more than $1.1 million, do not list specifics on who was being entertained. That is because New Mexico does not require lobbyists to disclose specifics about who they entertained if the expense is less than $75.
New York – Political Corruption in Albany a Very Old Story
Albany Times Union – Paul Grondahl | Published: 2/10/2015
Since 2000, 28 state legislators in New York have left office due to criminal or ethical issues, and four more have been indicted. Political corruption in Albany is an old game. When Teddy Roosevelt was a freshman legislator in 1882, he kept a diary and once wrote that Assemblyperson John Raines had “the same idea of public life and civil service that a vulture has of dead sheep.” Roosevelt witnessed several colleagues accepting bags of cash from Tammany Hall operatives to defeat bills that would adversely affect their business partners.
Oregon – Love and Politics Collide as Scandals Plague Oregon’s Fourth-Term Governor
New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 2/11/2015
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber is confronting a barrage of criticism, calls for his resignation, and a potential recall petition. After simmering for months, influence-peddling allegations boiled over on Kitzhaber, when an editorial by The Portland Oregonian calling for his resignation shined a national spotlight on the controversy. A series of reports have revealed Kitzhaber’s fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, did paid consulting work for organizations with an interest in public policy in the state. During the same period, she worked as an unpaid adviser in the governor’s office on some of the same issues. Kitzhaber has said he and Hayes took care to avoid conflicts.
Pennsylvania – A Section of City Code Has Money from Law Firms, Corporations Drying Up in Philly Politics
Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 2/8/2015
A densely written passage in the city code has arguably has done as much to alter how political campaigns in Philadelphia are conducted as any recent attempt at campaign finance reform. Designed to attack the city’s “pay-to-play” culture, Section 17-1405 has all but eliminated large law firms and corporations, and thousands of partners and directors at those entities, as major financial contributors to campaigns. In the process, it has drained a vast pool of ready campaign money once available to candidates and is one reason, some believe, that mayoral candidates are struggling to raise money. As a consequence, critics of the law say, candidates will be ever more dependent on the efforts of third-party campaign committees that have no limits when it comes to money raised and few requirements when it comes to transparency.
Texas – State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas
Dallas Morning News – James Drew | Published: 2/7/2015
Critics say Texas’ lobbying law has significant loopholes and weaknesses that make it difficult for the public to track the alliance between lobbyists and lawmakers. They contend the rules are so complex that even lobbyists can get confused, there is a lack of transparency about the legislation that lobbyists are trying to influence, and the Texas Ethics Commission routinely does not aggressively pursue alleged violators. Lobbyist Don McFarlin said he has no problem if the Legislature were to require more public disclosure. “If you look at other states, they have some pretty stringent ethics laws; Texas is pretty lax,” said McFarlin.
Virginia – Va. House and Senate Unhappily Pass Ethics Bills; Governor Awaits Deal
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/10/2015
The Virginia House and Senate both approved their latest versions of ethics reform. Now the focus will turn to hammering out the differences between the two bills. Both chambers included a general $100 gift cap, whether those gifts be tangible items, meals, or trips. That is down from the $250 cap the General Assembly adopted last year, when the cap did not apply to meals, trips, or event tickets. The rules would apply not just to legislators, but to the all state and local government elected officials and employees. The proposals do not tighten campaign finance rules, but focus instead on the gifts lawmakers receive and how they should be reported. Both bills include a new ethics council. Its duties vary between the bills, but its general role would be to give advice and grant waivers.
Washington – State Ethics Board Says Lawmakers May Accept Free U.S. Open Tickets
Seattle Times – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 2/10/2015
The Legislative Ethics Board said some Washington lawmakers can receive free tickets to the U.S. Open golf tournament without violating rules limiting gifts to legislators. It agreed the $110 tickets are acceptable exemptions to state rules that cap gifts at $50. The board said the advisory request from Pierce County made it clear that lawmakers would not be at the event primarily as spectators. Instead, they will learn about developments to the site of the tournament. Lawmakers will be able to choose one of two three-hour tours the county is organizing during the June tournament at Chambers Bay Golf Course near Tacoma.
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.
February 12, 2015 •
Georgia Ethics Commission Again Considers Rule Changes
The Campaign Finance Commission has again posted notice of intent to amend, add, and repeal rules relating to lobbying and campaign reporting. Most of the changes were originally considered by the commission in the Fall of 2014. The amendments are […]
The Campaign Finance Commission has again posted notice of intent to amend, add, and repeal rules relating to lobbying and campaign reporting. Most of the changes were originally considered by the commission in the Fall of 2014.
The amendments are designed to clarify campaign reporting thresholds, permit gift splitting by lobbyists, and require reporting of gifts to family members of officials. The commission will hold a public hearing and consider the rules for adoption on February 25, 2015.
The amendments are available here.
February 12, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Hits Snag in House Committee” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News Campaign Finance Arizona: “State Office Working to Close Campaign Finance Loophole” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Hits Snag in House Committee” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “State Office Working to Close Campaign Finance Loophole” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Nevada: “Nevada Supreme Court Rules against Conservative Group Citizen Outreach in Campaign Flyer Case” by Riley Snider and Michelle Rindels (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Lawmaker Arrested for Alleged Misuse of Campaign Money Resigns Leadership Post” by Jennifer McDermott and Michelle Smith (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Ethics
New Jersey: “Wisniewski Seeks to End Christie’s Paid-for Travel” by Matt Friedman for Newark Star-Ledger
New York: “Political Corruption in Albany a Very Old Story” by Paul Grondahl for Albany Times Union
Indiana: “Indiana Lawmakers’ Panel Passes Ethics Reform Package” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Virginia: “Va. House and Senate Unhappily Pass Ethics Bills; Governor Awaits Deal” by Jenna Portnoy and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
Procurement
Texas: “Ethics Bill Would Shed Light on Contracts” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
February 11, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying California: “Legal Clinic Immerses Aspiring Lawyers in the Political Process” by Maura Dolan for Los Angeles Times Florida: “Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel Missouri: “Ethics Bills Move Ahead in Senate, House […]
Lobbying
California: “Legal Clinic Immerses Aspiring Lawyers in the Political Process” by Maura Dolan for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Missouri: “Ethics Bills Move Ahead in Senate, House Committee” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
New Mexico: “New Mexico Lobbyists Spend on Lawmakers but Disclosure Lacks” by Sandra Fish for Las Cruces Sun-News
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Committee: Lobbyists still can’t donate during sessions” by Julia Shumway for Arizona Republic
Illinois: “Illinois Governor Acts to Curb Power of Public Sector Unions” by Monica Davey and Mitch Smith for New York Times
Oregon: “Secretary of State Wants to Limit Campaign Spending” by Hannah Hoffman for Salem Statesman Journal
Pennsylvania: “A Section of City Code Has Money from Law Firms, Corporations Drying Up in Philly Politics” by Chris Hepp for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
New York: “NY Senate Democrats: Ban outside income for lawmakers” by David Klepper and Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) for Seattle Times
Washington: “Lt. Governor Wants Change in How Ethics Are Policed” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
February 10, 2015 •
NY’s JCOPE Issues Report, Recommendations for Statewide Ethics Reform
On February 2, 2015, the commissioners of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) issued a report to the governor and the Legislature outlining requested changes to existing ethics and lobbying laws. Among their recommendations are mandatory electronic filing for […]
On February 2, 2015, the commissioners of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) issued a report to the governor and the Legislature outlining requested changes to existing ethics and lobbying laws. Among their recommendations are mandatory electronic filing for lobbyists and lobbyist employers, disclosure of political consulting or fundraising activities undertaken by lobbyists, assessment of financial penalties for non-compliance with audits, and barring individuals or entities from acting as lobbyists if they have repeat violations of the Lobbying Act.
The report also notes the need for a review of the Lobbying Act to ensure all forms of government advocacy, including grassroots lobbying and strategic consulting, are being captured for reporting purposes.
According to the Times Union, Gov. Cuomo said he is willing to delay budget negotiations in exchange for an ethics reform package from the Legislature, incorporating the recommendations of the JCOPE.
The entire report is available here.
February 10, 2015 •
New Mexico Lobbying Bill Fails in Committee
A bill to require additional disclosure of legislative lobbying has stalled after a party-line vote in the House Regulatory and Public Affairs Committee. House Bill 155, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Steinborn (D), received three pass votes from Democrats and three […]
A bill to require additional disclosure of legislative lobbying has stalled after a party-line vote in the House Regulatory and Public Affairs Committee. House Bill 155, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Steinborn (D), received three pass votes from Democrats and three no votes from Republicans.
A majority vote of those present is needed to pass a bill out of a committee.
The bill would require issue disclosure, itemized gift reporting, employer expenditure reporting, and would double lobbyist registration fees to $50.
February 10, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Hawaii: “Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter Minnesota: “Tomassoni Quits Range Job, Citing ‘Distractions’” by Don Davis for Duluth News Tribune Texas: “State Law Allows for […]
Lobbying
Hawaii: “Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Minnesota: “Tomassoni Quits Range Job, Citing ‘Distractions’” by Don Davis for Duluth News Tribune
Texas: “State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas” by James Drew for Dallas Morning News
Campaign Finance
California: “A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee
Pennsylvania: “After Pennsylvania Treasurer Scandal, Pay-to-Play Law Still a Longshot” by The Associated Press for Lehighvalleylive.com
Ethics
New York: “Harassment Suit against Former Assemblyman Vito Lopez and Sheldon Silver Is Settled” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
North Carolina: “City Panel Proposes Stronger Ethics Policy” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer
Oregon: “Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber Faces Call to Resign amid Scandal over Fiancée” by Maria La Ganga for Los Angeles Times
Washington: “Free U.S. Open Tickets for Lawmakers? Ethics Board to Discuss” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune
Legislative Issues
Idaho: “Recodification Bill Would Create New Title of State Law for Ethics, Public Records, Open Meetings” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review
South Carolina: “Lawmakers Hear Calls to Change the Way SC Elects Judges” by Jamie Self for The State
Political Advertising
“Drones Fly into the Political Ad Wars” by Daniel Lippman for Politico
February 9, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “GOP Leaders Says Former Speaker Gave Office Space to Lobbyist” by Patrick Malone (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News Campaign Finance “Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant” in The Missoulian “Big Business Crushed […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “GOP Leaders Says Former Speaker Gave Office Space to Lobbyist” by Patrick Malone (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News
Campaign Finance
“Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant” in The Missoulian
“Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity
“The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
Illinois: “Ald. Deb Mell Hit with Complaint over Free Rent Provided by Dad Dick Mell” by Ted Cox for DNAinfo.com
Montana: “Bullock, Ankney Outline Campaign Finance Reform Bill” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard
Utah: “Politicians May Be Giving Contributions to Charity in the Future” by Amy McDonald for Provo Daily Herald
Ethics
Arkansas: “Lawmakers Favor Expanded Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for ArkansasOnline.com
Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Fines Current and Former State Workers over Free Golf” by The Associated Press for Fox News
New York: “Malcolm Smith, Ex-New York Senate Chief, Is Convicted of Corruption” by Tanzina Vega for New York Times
South Dakota: “Ethics Commission Killed by House Republicans” by Bob Mercer for Rapid City Journal
February 6, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 6, 2015
National: National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections Center for Public Integrity – Ben Weider | Published: 1/28/2015 National political organizations, such as the Republican Governors Association, gave significantly more money than political parties, unions, corporations, or wealthy individuals to influence […]
National:
National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections
Center for Public Integrity – Ben Weider | Published: 1/28/2015
National political organizations, such as the Republican Governors Association, gave significantly more money than political parties, unions, corporations, or wealthy individuals to influence state-level campaigns. The contributions went beyond races for governor. The funds made their way into lower-ballot contests such as attorney general, Supreme Court justice, and state legislator. The national groups also cropped up on the lists of the biggest donors in most states, outgiving homegrown political players in a sign that all politics may now be national. They also were more successful in backing winners than most donors, becoming the de facto kingmakers of state politics.
Federal:
Measles Prove Delicate Issue to GOP Field
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Richard Pérez-Peña | Published: 2/2/2015
As the latest measles outbreak raises alarm, and parents who have decided not to vaccinate their children face growing pressure to do so, the national debate is forcing the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential hopefuls to confront questions about whether it is in the public’s interest to allow parents to decide for themselves. The controversy is a twist on an old problem for the GOP: how to approach matters that have largely been settled among scientists but are not widely accepted by conservatives. It is a dance Republican candidates often do when they hedge their answers about whether evolution should be taught in schools, for example.
The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans
New York Times – Nate Cohn | Published: 1/30/2015
How does the Republican Party, seemingly dominated by the South, energized by the tea party, and elected by conservative voters also consistently support relatively moderate presidential nominees such as John McCain and Mitt Romney? The answer is the blue-state Republicans. They make it far harder for a very conservative candidate to win the GOP nomination than the party’s reputation suggests. They also give a candidate who might seem somewhat out of touch with today’s Republican Party, like Jeb Bush, a larger base of potential support than is commonly thought.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Oil Industry Doubled Spending on Lobbying in California Last Year
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 2/4/2015
The oil industry nearly doubled its spending on lobbying in California last year as the January 1, 2015, date approached for gasoline to be included in the state’s cap-and-trade program. That increase in expenditures was part of a larger trend in 2014 that saw interest groups spend more on lobbying in California than ever before. Overall, spending on lobbying was up four percent, with interest groups pouring a combined $293.7 million into lobbying state government.
Massachusetts – State Senator’s Lavish Gift Raises Concerns on Ethics
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 1/30/2015
Massachusetts Sen. Brian Joyce is under scrutiny for the expensive sunglasses he gave out as gifts to his colleagues during the holidays. Joyce gave everyone in the 40-member state Senate gold-plated designer sunglasses, customized with each senator’s name engraved on the side. But the glasses that retail for more than $200 may violate state ethics rules for the cut-rate price Joyce paid for them. He originally negotiated a price of just $50 per pair from the manufacturer. Politicians, according to state ethics rules, are not supposed to receive discounts not available to others.
Missouri – Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 2/3/2015
Debates over lobbying and campaign finance rules have a much higher profile this year in Missouri. Leaders in both chambers have said the issue is a top priority, but they differ on how far lawmakers must go. Some members want to ban lobbyist gifts, some want limits, and others want faster, more precise reporting. Sen. Rob Schaaf said a proposed constitutional amendment to ban lobbyist gifts and impose limits on political contributions will serve as the template for an initiative petition drive if lawmakers do not put it on the ballot themselves.
Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 2/1/2015
Registered lobbyists outnumber lawmakers in Jefferson City by almost five-to-one. Over the last decade, as voter-imposed term limits began driving elected officials out of office, lobbyists’ ranks have swelled with former legislators and staff cashing in on their expertise and connections. To critics, that erodes public trust and runs the risk of corrupting policy. It fuels a perception that lawmakers are casting votes to curry favor with potential future employers. Congress and at least 32 states have laws in place limiting when legislators can return to lobby their former colleagues; Missouri is not among them.
Nevada – When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/3/2015
Nevada’s citizen Legislature will inherently pose potential conflicts in a state where just a few industries – gaming, mining, insurance, and construction – have hefty influence. Nevada is one of 16 part-time Legislatures that offer low pay and small staffs, forcing most lawmakers to have full-time employment. Those day jobs, for many elected to office, are in fields overlapping with politics. State law requires lawmakers to recuse themselves from participating in debates if they have significant financial interests or received substantial gifts that could be perceived as swaying their judgment. Nevada’s ethics commission does not have jurisdiction in such matters. Only lawmakers can choose to address those issues within the Legislature’s ethics committees.
New Jersey – Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.
Bergen Record – Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley | Published: 1/31/2015
Created at the behest of Gov. Chris Christie in 2010 to promote business and job growth in the state, Choose New Jersey funded Christie’s recent trip to England with backing from public utilities, labor unions, law firms, and contractors, some that have received multimillion-dollar contracts and tax breaks from the state. The donors also regularly send lobbyists to Trenton to advance their business interests in front of key lawmakers, including the governor. The arrangement is legal, but watchdog groups say it raises questions about whether Christie is benefiting politically from the largesse of firms that have a financial stake in decisions made at the Capitol.
New York – 6 Days That Felled Sheldon Silver, the Speaker Who Ruled Albany for Decades
New York Times – Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, Susanne Craig, and William Rashbaum | Published: 1/28/2015
The six-day, slow-motion toppling of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver began with his arrest on January 22 and culminated when Democrats said Silver would be replaced for the betterment of a chamber repeatedly buffeted by prosecutions, convictions, and sexual harassment scandals. Interviews with more than a dozen legislators indicate it was a idealistic new wave of Assembly members who helped galvanize opposition to Silver, prodded a loyal old guard, and cleared the way for an election of a new speaker and, they hoped, a new start.
Oregon – Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind
Portland Oregonian – Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson | Published: 2/3/2015
Associates of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber helped to create jobs for fiancée and first lady Cylvia Hayes, work that influenced state policy on energy. Hayes’ calendar shows she held the paid posts simultaneously as she served as an unpaid energy adviser inside Kitzhaber’s office. One of the jobs paid her $5,000 for five months after Kitzhaber started his third term. The second was a fellowship that paid $118,000 over two years. The Portland Oregonian reported both jobs involved foundations and organizations with direct interest in state policy making.
Pennsylvania – Former Pennsylvania Treasurer to Plead Guilty to Extortion in Deal with Federal Prosecutors
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 2/2/2015
Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord could face as many as 40 years in prison and be fined up to $500,000 if he follows through on a tentative plea agreement to resolve charges he tried to extort campaign contributions. McCord is accused of using threats to squeeze contributions from a law firm and a property management company to help finance his failed 2014 campaign for governor. McCord had been midway through his second term as treasurer when he resigned on January 30.
Virginia – Ethics Reforms Advance in Virginia Legislature
Washington Post – Rachel Weiner and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/5/2015
A Virginia House subcommittee and a state Senate committee advanced legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s ethics laws. The bills would reduce the current $250 cap on gifts to public officials to $100 and remove the distinction between tangible and intangible gifts such as travel, meals, and entertainment. But Republicans who control the General Assembly remain at odds with Gov. Terry McAuliffe over the best way for the state to monitor the rules on conflicts-of-interest.
Washington – Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule
Tacoma News Tribune – Jordan Schrader | Published: 1/29/2015
Washington lawmakers are complaining about a new limit of 12 free meals they are allowed to take from lobbyists, saying it does not just impugn their integrity, it is also confusing. “All of us have tried to navigate the maze of what is [considered] a meal,” Sen. Marko Liias said during hearings on the subject. Sen. Brian Hatfield’s bill would apply the limit only to meals worth more than $50. Many meals that are drawing questions would fall below that standard, which is already the threshold for what lawmakers are supposed to disclose on financial forms.
Wisconsin – Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support
WisconsinReporter.com – M.D. Kittle | Published: 2/1/2015
A federal judge ordered state election officials to post links to decisions striking down swaths of Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws on its website. A federal appeals court struck down state laws banning independent political spending by corporations to support or oppose candidates and capping corporations’ political donations. The court also struck down Government Accountability Board (GAB) rules that imposed reporting requirements for groups that make independent political expenditures. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Clevert issued a permanent injunction codifying the appellate ruling. The injunction orders the GAB to post links to the court decisions and keep them active for four years.
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.
February 5, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Top Frankfort Lobbyists Make Big Money … VERY Big” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal Missouri: “Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune Campaign Finance “Capitalizing on a […]
Lobbying
“Top Frankfort Lobbyists Make Big Money … VERY Big” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
Missouri: “Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Capitalizing on a Political Contribution Cap Hike” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
California: “San Diego County Supervisors Put Caps on Campaign Spending” by City News Service for KPBS
Ethics
“Obama Administration Seeks to Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices” by David Morgan for Reuters
Nevada: “When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun
New York: “State Ethics Panel Seeks More Clout, Leeway” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
New York: “New York City Councilman Arrested on Corruption Charges” by Nikita Stewart for New York Times
Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “After Rapid Rise, Pennsylvania Attorney General Faces Sharp Fall” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
Elections
“The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans” by Nate Cohn for New York Times
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.