November 5, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying: “Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus” by Ben Protess and Eric Lipton for New York Times “Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise” by Robert Swift for Citizens Voice “Ex-Lawmakers Predict Post-Election Return of Earmarks” by Katelyn Plantz for National […]
Lobbying:
“Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus” by Ben Protess and Eric Lipton for New York Times
“Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise” by Robert Swift for Citizens Voice
“Ex-Lawmakers Predict Post-Election Return of Earmarks” by Katelyn Plantz for National Journal
“Complaint: D.C. law firm illegally lobbied Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Ethics:
“California Lawmakers’ Campaign Credit-Card Spending Often Lacks Disclosure, Sacramento Bee Review Finds” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee
“How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting” by Daniel Vock for Governing
“Ex-Homestead Mayor Now a Convicted Felon” by David Ovalle for Miami Herald
Elections:
“Rogue Pastors Endorse Candidates, but IRS Looks Away” by Rachael Bade for Politico
“Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014” by Aaron Smith for Pew Research Center
Campaign Finance:
“Election 2014: A new level of collaboration between candidates and big-money allies” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
“Surplussing: How donors, parties legally circumvent campaign contribution caps” by Austin Jenkins for KPLU
November 5, 2014 •
Arkansas Passes Ethics Constitutional Amendment
Voters passed a constitutional amendment on the November 4 ballot to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations. The Arkansas Elected Officials Ethics, Transparency, and Financial Reform Amendment of 2014 bans […]
Voters passed a constitutional amendment on the November 4 ballot to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations.
The Arkansas Elected Officials Ethics, Transparency, and Financial Reform Amendment of 2014 bans corporate and union contributions to political campaigns, prohibits gifts from lobbyists to legislative and executive officials, and extends term limits for legislators to at least 16 years.
The new provision allows lawmakers to serve 16 years in the same office, or even longer for senators winning special two-year terms after each decennial census and redistricting process.
The amendment is effective today, November 5, 2014.
November 4, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Hard-Nosed Advice from Veteran Lobbyist: ‘Win Ugly or Lose Pretty’” by Eric Lipton for New York Times “At Fast-Growing Brookings, Donors May Have an Impact on Research Agenda” by Tom Hamburger and Alexander Becker for Washington Post “After Probe, […]
Lobbying
“Hard-Nosed Advice from Veteran Lobbyist: ‘Win Ugly or Lose Pretty’” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“At Fast-Growing Brookings, Donors May Have an Impact on Research Agenda” by Tom Hamburger and Alexander Becker for Washington Post
“After Probe, Ferguson Seeks Limits on Former AG Staff Lobbying” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
Campaign Finance
“A Flood of Late Spending on Midterm Elections, from Murky Sources” by Nicholas Confessore and Derek Willis for New York Times
“Straw into Gold: Candidates Trading Leadership PAC Dollars for Campaign Cash” by Viveca Novak and John Sugden for The Center for Public Integrity
“Judge Refuses to Toss Campaign-Finance Allegations against AG” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Service) for East Valley Tribune
“Judge Hears Arguments in Campaign Coordination Case” by Bruce Vielmetti for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ethics
“Firebrand Alabama Republican Collides With Ethics Law He Espoused” by Campbell Robertson and Alan Blinder for New York Times
“Staff Lawyer Sues Georgia Ethics Commission” by Lisa Coston for Courthouse News
“SC House Moves to Limit Speaker’s Terms, Ban Some PACs” by Cassie Cope for The State
Elections
“Cancel the Midterms” by David Schanzer and Jay Sullivan for New York Times
“Senate Control May Be Decided by Runoff Votes in Louisiana and Georgia” by Campbell Robertson and Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times
“K Street Descends on Kentucky” by Anna Palmer for Politico
“State Supreme Court Orders Election for Harrell’s Seat to Continue Tuesday Pending Review” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
November 3, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Advice on How to Stay Out of Jail – From a Lobbyist Who Didn’t” by Kevin Ring for Washington Post Missouri: “Missouri Attorney General May Face Inquiry over Money from Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Advice on How to Stay Out of Jail – From a Lobbyist Who Didn’t” by Kevin Ring for Washington Post
Missouri: “Missouri Attorney General May Face Inquiry over Money from Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Donors Get Special Access to GOP Governors as Potential 2016 Contenders” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
California: “Once a Crusader against Big Money, Gov. Brown is Collecting Millions” by Michael Finnegan and Ben Welsh for Los Angeles Times
New Mexico: “PRC Member Told He Can’t Pay Himself to Campaign” by Thomas Cole for Albuquerque Journal
Texas: “Ethics Commission Approves Dark Money Regulation” by David Saleh Rauf (San Antonio Express-News) for Austin American-Statesman
Ethics
Alabama: “Jury Finds Alabama Lawmaker Not Guilty of Perjury” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Ohio: “State Rep. Sandra Williams Found Guilty of Profiting from Ohio State Football Tickets” by Jim Siegel for Columbus Dispatch
South Carolina: “Bobby Harrell: A quick rise to power, and a quicker fall” by Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Knopf for Charleston Post & Courier
Texas: “Houston Drops Subpoenas to Get Speeches from Pastors Opposed to Anti-Discrimination Ordinance” by The Associated Press for Fox News
Elections
“Election Could Tip Historic Number of Legislatures into Republican Hands” by Reid Wilson for Washington Post
California: “L.A. Officials to Consider Ballot Measures to Change Election Years” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Louisiana: “Louisiana’s Rogues Yield to National Issues” by Campbell Robertson and Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Minnesota: “Campaigning to Extend, or End, One-Party Rule” by Monica Davey for New York Times
Montana: “Stanford Research Gaffe: School apologizes to Montana voters for ‘election guide’” by Katy Murphy for San Jose Mercury News
South Carolina: “State Election Officials Opt to Delay Election in Bobby Harrell’s Old House Seat” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
Political Advertising
“In Democratic Election Ads in South, a Focus on Racial Scars” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
October 31, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 31, 2014
National: In Democratic Election Ads in South, a Focus on Racial Scars New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 10/29/2014 Democrats in the closest U.S. Senate races across the South are turning to racially charged messages jolt African-Americans into voting […]
National:
In Democratic Election Ads in South, a Focus on Racial Scars
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 10/29/2014
Democrats in the closest U.S. Senate races across the South are turning to racially charged messages jolt African-Americans into voting and stop a Republican takeover in Washington. The images and words they are using are striking for how overtly they play on fears of intimidation and repression. And their source is surprising. The effort is being led by national Democrats and their state party organizations – not, in most instances, by the shadowy and often untraceable PACs that typically employ such provocative messages.
Lobbyists, Bearing Gifts, Pursue Attorneys General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 10/28/2014
State attorneys general are now the object of aggressive pursuit by lobbyists and lawyers who use campaign contributions, personal appeals at lavish corporate-sponsored conferences, and other means to push them to drop investigations, change policies, negotiate favorable settlements, or pressure federal regulators, found an investigation by The New York Times. A robust industry of lobbyists and lawyers has blossomed as attorneys general have joined to conduct multistate investigations and pushed into areas as diverse as securities fraud and Internet crimes. But unlike the lobbying rules covering other elected officials, there are few “revolving-door” restrictions or disclosure requirements governing state attorneys general.
Federal:
FEC Deadlock Keeps Internet Free from Broadcast Campaign Ad Regulations
Washington Times – Stephan Dineen | Published: 10/26/2014
Democrats on the FEC want to extend the agency’s reach to online political ads, a change in policy that critics fear could lead to tough new limits on speech. The FEC deadlocked on whether to investigate Checks and Balances for Economic Growth, a group that ran a pair of online advertisements attacking President Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. While the organization may have spent close to a million dollars on the ads, it did not file any disclosure reports with the FEC, as it would have if the ads were run on television or radio. The carve-out for online-only communications has existed for more than eight years, but FEC Vice Chairperson Ann Ravel said the rules have not kept pace with the changing times.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Lobbyists Aid Campaigns of Doug Ducey, Fred DuVal
Arizona Republic – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Rob O’Dell | Published: 10/26/2014
Arizona gubernatorial candidates Fred DuVal and Doug Ducey have each relied heavily on the state’s lobbying corps for advice and to finance their campaigns. Combined, the candidates have collected at least $435,000 from donors who have registered as lobbyists and many of whom hope to have access to the next governor and his administration. “Lobbyists are premier players on both sides, and these lobbyists represent big interests that have large stakes in the outcome of the election; they do what comes naturally – they try to influence the results,” said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.
District of Columbia – Ethics Reforms Shepherded by Bowser Look Better in Hindsight, Some Say
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 10/28/2014
When the District of Columbia Council passed an ethics reform bill more than two years ago, Councilperson Tommy Wells said the bill’s lack of teeth was “embarrassing.” Now, Wells supports the legislation, which was shepherded through the council by Muriel Bowser, who is running for mayor. It is an indication of how Bowser’s much-criticized ethics package looks considerably better in hindsight. Observers say they have seen a marked improvement in the city government’s handling of ethics matters, even if there is more room for improvement.
Atlanta Magazine – Jim Walls | Published: 10/23/2014
During this year’s election season, questions about ethics allegations filed against Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal four years ago have grown stronger. His opponent, Jason Carter, returns to them almost daily. Technically speaking, all the complaints against Deal were resolved in 2012, when he paid $3,350 in administrative fees for filing defective campaign and personal finance disclosures. But a review of the state ethics commission’s files shows the investigation leading to that settlement was never really completed. Commission staffers abandoned inquiries into tens of thousands of dollars spent on air travel and credit card charges, and questioned no one but lawyers for the campaign accused of wrongdoing.
Kentucky – State Rep. Keith Hall Indicted on Bribery Charge
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 10/23/2014
A federal grand jury indicted Kentucky Rep. Keith Hall on bribery charges, alleging he paid a state inspector more than $46,000 to ignore environmental violations at his Pike County coal mines. The indictment also charged the inspector, Kelly Shortridge, who resigned in February from his job in the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement. The indictment alleges Hall paid bribes to Shortridge as bogus consulting fees, most of them from a company owned by Hall through a shell corporation.
New York – Mayor’s Old Pal Wins New Biz as Lobbyist
Crain’s New York Business – Chris Bragg | Published: 10/26/2014
Soon after vetting administration hires as a member of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, Harold Ickes opened a New York branch of his K Street lobbying firm, the Ickes & Enright Group. He and his employees have since lobbied a dozen de Blasio administration officials for a rapidly growing number of clients. In recent months, the Ickes & Enright Group has signed a number of clients seeking to influence local government. At the same time, Ickes remains a key de Blasio political adviser.
Ohio – State Rep. Mallory Pleads Guilty to Improperly Accepting, Disclosing Gifts from Lobbyists
Columbus Dispatch – Jim Siegel | Published: 10/29/2014
Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor ethics law violations related to taking Cincinnati Bengals tickets from lobbyists then failing to properly report them on required disclosure forms. The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee referred Mallory for prosecution after finding he improperly accepted tickets from payday lending industry lobbyists in 2009 and 2013 that exceeded the $75 gift limit. Lawmakers also must disclose any gift valued at over $25. A pair of lobbyists connected to the matter have already pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.
Oklahoma – Rule Change Will Allow Lobbyists to Spend More on Oklahoma Lawmakers
The Oklahoman – Rick Green | Published: 10/27/2014
Current rules limit to $100 the amount a lobbyist can spend on an Oklahoma lawmaker, but that amount can be multiplied by the number of clients the lobbyist represents. Under new rules that take effect next year, lobbyists will be limited to spending $500 on a particular lawmaker, no matter how many clients they represent. The net effect will be that some lobbyists, particularly those with fewer clients, could see an increase in the amount of money they can spend per legislator, and some, particularly those with numerous clients, could see a decrease.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Lobbyist Fees Increased to Pay for Public Disclosure Database
Harrisburg Patriot-News – Christian Alexandersen | Published: 10/23/2014
The Independent Regulatory Review Committee voted to increase Pennsylvania’s lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $300. The increase will go to offset the cost of maintaining the department of state’s online disclosure database. The state attorney general’s office must review the committee’s decision in the next 30 days before the fee increase can be implemented for the 2015-2016 legislative session. The attorney general is expected to approve the increase.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Justice in Porn Email Scandal Retires
Greenfield Reporter – Mark Scolforo and Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/27/2014
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery, embroiled in an email pornography scandal and accused of other workplace misconduct, retired days after he was suspended from his job. McCaffery, who served for nearly seven years, was named in a review by the court’s chief justice as exchanging hundreds of pornographic emails with lawyers in the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office. McCaffery also was accused of authorizing hundreds of thousands of dollars in referral payments by personal injury law firms to his wife, helping fix a traffic ticket she received, and improperly attempting to influence the assignment of judges in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
South Carolina – Bobby Harrell: A quick rise to power, and a quicker fall
Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Knopf | Published: 10/24/2014
When Bobby Harrell first entered the South Carolina Legislature in 1993, he quickly proved adept at moving up the ranks. When he became House speaker in 2005, some members expected the gregarious leader with an open-door policy would usher in a new era of inclusion. Harrell’s charm remained as strong as ever, but he did not shy away from flexing the considerable power of the speaker’s office when he felt he needed to. Harrell’s resignation due to ethics violations has generated sympathy in Columbia, but observers also see a cautionary tale. His critics have said Harrell had begun to feel “bulletproof,” becoming more focused on the trappings of his leadership position than legislative agendas and policy.
Texas – Ethics Commission Approves Dark Money Regulation
Austin American-Statesman – David Saleh Rauf (San Antonio Express-News) | Published: 10/29/2014
The Texas Ethics Commission approved a new rule that requires so-called dark money groups to reveal their donors. At the heart of the commission’s regulation is an attempt to determine when a nonprofit’s political activity crosses the line to qualify it as a bona fide PAC that is required under state law to disclose donors. Under the new rule, a nonprofit would have to start disclosing donors if 25 percent or more of its expenditures can be classified as politically motivated. It also would require disclosure if political contributions account for more than 25 percent of the group’s total donations in a calendar year.
Virginia – McAuliffe’s New Virginia Ethics Panel Meets for First Time
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 10/27/2014
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s ethics reform commission is poised to recommend a tightening of gift and travel rules for state leaders, but consensus proved more difficult on other points during the panel’s first meeting. The Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government plans to have recommendations ready by December 1. It will be up to the General Assembly to write the actual rules. The commission also decided to move redistricting reform to the front burner after a federal judicial panel ruled the state’s Third Congressional District lines are unconstitutional.
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.
October 30, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbyists, Bearing Gifts, Pursue Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times “K Street Files: Is that a lobbyist knocking on your door?” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call “K Street’s Republicans Hope for Uptick in Business” by […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists, Bearing Gifts, Pursue Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“K Street Files: Is that a lobbyist knocking on your door?” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
“K Street’s Republicans Hope for Uptick in Business” by Anna Palmer for Politico
“State Rep. Mallory Pleads Guilty to Improperly Accepting, Disclosing Gifts from Lobbyists” by Jim Siegel for Columbus Dispatch
Campaign Finance
“House Dems Shame Stingy Members” by Mike Lillis for The Hill
“Super PACs Keep Candidates Afloat with a Little Help from Their Friends” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
“Finance Laws Aim to Be Clear” by Joy Hampton for Moore American
Ethics
“Ethics Reforms Shepherded by Bowser Look Better in Hindsight, Some Say” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
Elections
“Nothing in Moderation” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
“Iowan’s Playbook, for Women to Win Men’s Vote” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times
October 29, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Former Senator Tom Daschle Forms New Lobbying Group” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance “Would Stronger Parties Mean Less Polarization?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times “Michigan’s New Campaign Contribution Limits Benefiting Republicans More Than Democrats” […]
Lobbying
“Former Senator Tom Daschle Forms New Lobbying Group” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“Would Stronger Parties Mean Less Polarization?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
“Michigan’s New Campaign Contribution Limits Benefiting Republicans More Than Democrats” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
“W.Va. Delegate’s Campaign Expenses Include Steer Bought at County Fair” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Ethics
“Politics of Ebola Tricky for Christie, Cuomo” by Jonathan Lemire and Jill Colvin (Associated Press) for ABC News
“Finding: Farmer girlfriend violated ethics code” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
“William Lantigua, Mired in Political Controversy from the Start” by Bruce Wright for Boston Globe
“Coakley Denies Allegation She Had No-Interest in DiMasi Case” by Gintautas Dumcius and Matt Murphy (State House News Service) for Lowell Sun
“Pennsylvania Justice in Porn Email Scandal Retires” by Mark Scolforo and Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Greenfield Reporter
“McAuliffe’s New Virginia Ethics Panel Meets for First Time” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Political Advertising
“Pants on Fire? Ohio Campaign Ads Take Liberties, Both Parties Say” by Darrell Rowland for Columbus Dispatch
October 28, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arizona: “Lobbyists Aid Campaigns of Doug Ducey, Fred DuVal” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Rob O’Dell for Arizona Republic New York: “Mayor’s Old Pal Wins New Biz as Lobbyist” by Chris Bragg for Crain’s New York Business Oklahoma: “Rule […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “Lobbyists Aid Campaigns of Doug Ducey, Fred DuVal” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Rob O’Dell for Arizona Republic
New York: “Mayor’s Old Pal Wins New Biz as Lobbyist” by Chris Bragg for Crain’s New York Business
Oklahoma: “Rule Change Will Allow Lobbyists to Spend More on Oklahoma Lawmakers” by Rick Green for The Oklahoman
Campaign Finance
“The Cost of Campaigns” by Clyde Haberman for New York Times
“Campaign Finance Officials Aim to Cure the Paper-Obsessed Senate through Crowd-sourcing, Algorithms” by Nancy Scola for Washington Post
“FEC Deadlock Keeps Internet Free from Broadcast Campaign Ad Regulations” by Stephan Dineen for Washington Times
Connecticut: “In Connecticut Race, a Loophole Lets Party Money Flow for a Kennedy Scion” by Alison Leigh Cowan for New York Times
Kansas: “A Kansas Group’s Push to Oust Judges Reveals a Gap in Campaign Finance Rules” by Robert Faturechi for ProPublica
Ethics
Florida: “Palm Beach County Considers Changes to Ethics Rules” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Pennsylvania: “Federal Grand Jury Reviewing Liquor Control Board Violations, Sources Tell Trib” by Kari Andren for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Political Advertising
“As Bottle Bill Politics Hits Supermarket Aisles, Shoppers Have Mixed Reactions” by Shira Schoenberg and Carolyn Robbins for MassLive.com
October 27, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Pa. Lobbyist Fees Increased to Pay for Public Disclosure Database” by Christian Alexandersen for Harrisburg Patriot-News Campaign Finance “IRS Notches Legal Victory in Tea Party Cases” by Rachel Bade for Politico District of Columbia: “Guilty Plea for Hakim Sutton, […]
Lobbying
“Pa. Lobbyist Fees Increased to Pay for Public Disclosure Database” by Christian Alexandersen for Harrisburg Patriot-News
Campaign Finance
“IRS Notches Legal Victory in Tea Party Cases” by Rachel Bade for Politico
District of Columbia: “Guilty Plea for Hakim Sutton, Former Treasurer of Disgraced D.C. Council Member” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Montana: “Judge Refuses to Enjoin State Campaign Finance Laws” by Charles Johnson for Helena Independent Record
Ethics
Florida: “Former Homestead Mayor, Wife Reaped $200,000 from Favor Seekers” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
Georgia: “Five Questions the Georgia State Ethics Investigation of Governor Nathan Deal’s 2010 Campaign Never Answered” by Jim Walls for Atlanta Magazine
Kentucky: “State Rep. Keith Hall Indicted on Bribery Charge” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Philadelphia, PA: “Ex-Traffic Court Judge Charged in Once Abandoned Sting Case” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
North Providence, RI: “Developer Baccari Found Not Guilty in North Providence Corruption Scandal” by Mark Reynolds for Providence Journal
Wisconsin: “Rep. Bill Kramer Faces Jail Time after Pleading to Sexual Assault” by Bruce Vielmetti for Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
October 27, 2014 •
Canada Commissioner of Lobbying Announces Proposed Changes
Commissioner of Lobbying Karen Shepherd has drafted a revised Code of Conduct and invited written submissions on the proposed revisions. The changes focus on the relationship between lobbyists and public officials, while removing rules relating to the relationship between lobbyists […]
Commissioner of Lobbying Karen Shepherd has drafted a revised Code of Conduct and invited written submissions on the proposed revisions. The changes focus on the relationship between lobbyists and public officials, while removing rules relating to the relationship between lobbyists and clients.
New rules would prohibit a lobbyist from lobbying a public official if the lobbyist has campaigned for or has business interests with the public official. New gift regulations would hold a lobbyist responsible for giving a gift the public official is not allowed to accept.
Once Shepherd finalizes the revisions, they will be referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics, before being published in the Canada Gazette.
October 24, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 24, 2014
National: Corporations, Advocacy Groups Spend Big on Ballot Measures The Center for Public Integrity – Liz Whyte | Published: 10/23/2014 Voters may not know it, but the millions of dollars paying for ads on ballot measures they will consider on November […]
National:
Corporations, Advocacy Groups Spend Big on Ballot Measures
The Center for Public Integrity – Liz Whyte | Published: 10/23/2014
Voters may not know it, but the millions of dollars paying for ads on ballot measures they will consider on November 4 come from large companies and national advocacy groups. Many of the messages are tailored to defend or expand the business interests of companies such as Coca-Cola and Monsanto, yet few have their names in the ads. Through October 20, television ad spending on ballot issues totaled roughly $119 million. Four of the five most expensive ballot initiatives feature at least one corporate patron.
How Judicial Campaign Ads May Be Affecting Legal Decisions
Washington Post – Niraj Chokshi | Published: 10/22/2014
A new study found that the more ads aired during state Supreme Court campaigns, the more likely justices are to rule against criminal defendants, potentially from fear of appearing “soft on crime.” That finding is the result of an analysis of 3,000 state Supreme Court criminal appeals from 2008 to 2013 and is the latest in a string of recent research that suggests increased campaign spending, by pro-business groups in many cases, may be distorting judicial rulings. The report also shows outside spending in judicial races has been on the rise in recent years and such groups tend to buy more attack ads than candidates or parties.
Federal:
How Billionaire Oligarchs Are Becoming Their Own Political Parties
New York Times – Jim Rutenberg | Published: 10/17/2014
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling in 2010 effectively blew apart the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act’s (BCRA) restrictions on outside groups and their use of corporate and union money in elections. That same year, a related ruling from a lower court made it easier for wealthy individuals to finance those organizations. The result was a power shift, from the party bosses to the rich individuals who ran super PACs. Individuals with the wherewithal can start what are in essence their own political parties, built around pet causes or industries and backing politicians uniquely answerable to them. “Suddenly, we privatized politics,” said Trevor Potter, an election lawyer who helped draft BCRA.
Why House Republicans Alienate Hispanics: They don’t need them
New York Times – Nate Cohn | Published: 10/21/2014
Republicans would stand little, if any, chance of winning the presidency in 2016 if they do not do more to appeal to Hispanic voters. Yet the party’s congressional leaders show little sign of doing so, blocking an immigration overhaul and criticizing President Barack Obama for his plan to defer deportation for undocumented migrants. There is a simple reason that congressional Republicans are willing to risk alienating Hispanics: they do not need their votes, at least not this year. The GOP would probably hold the House, and still have a real chance to retake the Senate, if they lost every single Hispanic voter in the country.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard Indicted
USA Today – Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) | Published: 10/20/2014
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard was indicted on 23 felony counts in a months-long investigation into allegations of political corruption. According to the indictment, Hubbard used his position as chairperson of the state Republican Party and as a House member to secure business for his companies. He is also accused of soliciting help with his business from some of the most prominent names in the state, including former Gov. Bob Riley, who is now a lobbyist. As part of the wider probe, Rep. Greg Wren pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of using his office for personal gain and resigned his seat. Rep. Barry Moore pleaded not guilty to perjury and giving false statements, and his trial is scheduled to start soon.
California – Campaign Cash Crackdown OK’d
San Diego Union Tribune – David Garrick | Published: 10/21/2014
San Diego City Council members unanimously adopted a series of new campaign finance regulations. The rules would force PACs to disclose their largest contributors earlier in a campaign. They would also make it harder for a political committee to reproduce and distribute the exact same advertisements and campaign literature used by a candidate the committee supports.
Illinois – Reporter Resigns Following Rauner Complaint
Belleville News Democrat – Sara Burnett (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2014
Dave McKinney quit his job at The Chicago Sun-Times and accused the newspaper of bowing to pressure from gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner by removing him from the campaign beat. McKinney, a 19-year veteran of the newspaper who covered the state capital, said The Sun-Times reassigned him after the Rauner campaign accused him of a conflict-of-interest, which he denies. McKinney said the paper stopped assigning him to cover the gubernatorial campaign after publishing an article by him and two other reporters that alleged Rauner made bullying statements to a person who had threatened to sue one of his companies. The newspaper recently reversed a three-year policy of not endorsing political candidates; its lone endorsement of the 2014 campaign was of Rauner for governor.
North Carolina – Charter School Power Broker Turns Public Education into Private Profits
ProPublica – Marian Wang | Published: 10/15/2014
Businessperson Baker Mitchel has started four charter schools in North Carolina. His model for success embraces decreased government regulation, increased privatization, and, if all goes well, healthy profits. Every year, millions of public education dollars flow through his chain of four nonprofit charter schools to for-profit companies he controls. Over six years, Mitchell’s companies have taken in close to $20 million in fees and rent, some of the schools’ biggest expenses. The schools buy or lease nearly everything from companies owned by Mitchell. Unlike traditional school districts, at Mitchell’s charter schools there is no competitive bidding.
South Carolina – Donors Use Loophole to Pour Money into Governor’s Race
Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden | Published: 10/17/2014
Chowdary Yalamanchili, a Houston real-estate investor, has maxed out campaign contributions to South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for himself and at least 16 business entities. Haley’s opponent, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, has received tens of thousands in donations from several different entities affiliated with the South Carolina Association for Justice, a trial lawyer’s trade group. In both cases, the organizations and people involved were within the state’s $3,500 maximum contribution limit but were able to give more by creating separate but similar business entities. Under South Carolina law, each business or corporate entity is considered a separate person, able to contribute the personal maximum of $3,500.
South Carolina – SC House Speaker Harrell Pleads to 6 Misdemeanor Finance Violations; Gets No Jail Time
The Daily Journal – Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) | Published: 10/23/2014
South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell pleaded guilty to six counts of misconduct in office and will immediately resign his seat. Harrell was sentenced to six years in prison, which will be suspended as long as he completes three years of probation as part of the plea agreement. He also agreed to help prosecutors in any other investigations into wrongdoing involving the Legislature. He must pay a $30,000 fine and reimburse the state $93,958, and cannot to seek or hold public office for three years. Harrell was indicted in September on ethics and misconduct-related charges, including illegally using campaign money for personal expenses and filing false disclosure reports.
Vermont – Court Finds Republican Governors Association Violated Vermont Campaign Finance Law
Columbus Republic – Dave Gram (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2014
A Vermont judge ruled the Republican Governors Association (RGA) violated campaign finance law when it set up a PAC – Green Mountain Prosperity – that the state said was designed to get around a $2,000 campaign contribution limit. Green Mountain Prosperity was active during the close 2010 gubernatorial race won by Peter Shumlin over Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie. The RGA argued Green Mountain Prosperity was an independent expenditure PAC, not coordinating with a party or campaign. The court found the RGA and Green Mountain Prosperity had no separate board, no separate staff, and no separate fundraising apparatus.
Washington – Some Lobbyists Play Key Role in Washington Campaign Finance
KUOW – Austin Jenkins | Published: 10/20/2014
Unions and business interests may be among the top political spenders in Washington this election year, but there is an influential group that does not necessarily show up in the campaign finance reports – lobbyists. So far in 2014, lobbyists have reported nearly $6 million in political donations. But that does not capture the whole picture. Lobbyists only have to report their clients’ contributions if they deliver the checks themselves, or if they are the ones who make the decisions about political giving. Simply advising clients on where to give and how much to give does not trigger the reporting requirement. That means this aspect of the lobbying business happens largely behind-the-scenes.
Wisconsin – Campaign Coordination Suit Filed in a Way to Get Favorable Judge
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 10/17/2014
When a conservative organizations filed a lawsuit over Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws, its attorneys filled out court paperwork in a way that all but guaranteed they got a judge who has already ruled groups and candidates can work closely together. Two weeks after Citizens for Responsible Government Advocates filed its suit, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa issued an order limiting how the campaign finance law could be enforced, opening the door for groups and candidates to team up in the weeks before the November 4 election.
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.
October 23, 2014 •
Pennsylvania Commission Approves Increase of Lobbyist Registration Fee
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved an increase of the state’s biennial lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $300. The additional revenue will help cover the Department of State’s costs of maintaining the lobbyist registration and disclosure database. The […]
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved an increase of the state’s biennial lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $300. The additional revenue will help cover the Department of State’s costs of maintaining the lobbyist registration and disclosure database.
The Department of State unsuccessfully sought increases on two prior occasions, to $700 and $400 every two years, but the IRRC believed this latest proposal was more reasonable.
The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General must approve the committee’s decision before it can be implemented for the 2015-2016 legislative session.
October 23, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbyists Mobilize on Ebola Virus” by Megan Wilson for The Hill. “Some Lobbyists Play Key Role in Washington Campaign Finance” by Austin Jenkins for KUOW.org. Campaign Finance “Super PACs Exploit Disclosure Loophole” by Dave Levinthal for The Center for […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Mobilize on Ebola Virus” by Megan Wilson for The Hill.
“Some Lobbyists Play Key Role in Washington Campaign Finance” by Austin Jenkins for KUOW.org.
Campaign Finance
“Super PACs Exploit Disclosure Loophole” by Dave Levinthal for The Center for Public Integrity.
“Big Spending by Parties, Independent Groups Drowns Airwaves in Negative Attacks” by Matea Gold for Washington Post.
“Campaign Cash Crackdown OK’d” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune.
“Campaign Mailings Fuel Dispute between Parties over Campaign Finance Law” by Jenny Wilson for Hartford Courant.
“Why Las Vegas Chamber Can Give Only $10K to Candidate but $1M to Anti-Margin Tax Campaign” by Connor Shine for Las Vegas Sun.
“Former Aide Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $1.8 Million from Dewhurst Campaign Funds” by Lauren McGaughey for Houston Chronicle.
“Court Finds Republican Governors Association Violated Vermont Campaign Finance Law” by Dave Gram (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic.
Ethics
“City Council Watchdog Sues Emanuel, Aldermen” by Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune.
“Panel Presents Guidelines for Pa. Turnpike Commission” by Paul Nussbaum for Philadelphia Inquirer.
Elections
“Why House Republicans Alienate Hispanics: They don’t need them” by Nate Cohn for New York Times.
October 20, 2014 •
Elizabeth Bartz Presenter at AGRP Lobbying Certificate Program
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is offering her expertise today in Washington, D.C. at the Association of Government Relations Professionals Lobbying Certificate Program session on State Lobbying. Congratulations, Elizabeth! One of the attendees gives this […]
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is offering her expertise today in Washington, D.C. at the Association of Government Relations Professionals Lobbying Certificate Program session on State Lobbying. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
One of the attendees gives this reaction on Twitter:
If you would like to know more about today’s training, here is a decription from the AGRP website:
The states are a breeding ground for new legislation and regulations that will affect your stakeholders and can potentially lead to federal action. Influencing legislators and policy makers at the state level can be a critical component to your overall lobbying efforts. In this upcoming AGRP LCP course, you will learn:
- How to successfully identify whether or not you need to engage at the state level
- Best practices in finding and working with state lobbyists
- How to evaluate your state lobbying efforts
- Making sure that your efforts are compliant with state rules and regulations
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.
