Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Ottawa, Canada: “City rules allow lobbyists to donate to councillors’ campaigns” by Joanne Chianello in the Ottawa Citizen.

Campaign Finance

“FEC Publishes New Contribution Limits for 2013-2014” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Delaware: “Del. lawmakers eye campaign finance bill” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

Maine: “Maine rethinking campaign contribution limits after Supreme Court ruling” by Reid Wilson (Washington Post) in the Bangor Daily News.

New York: “NY ethics board tells 4 advocacy groups it won’t shield names of their financial backers” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Ethics

California: “California lawmakers propose reforms to regain public trust after series of scandals” by Fenit Nirappil (Associated Press) in the Daily Bulletin.

Georgia: “Deal proposes overhaul of Ga. ethics commission” by Phillip Lucas (Associated Press) in The Telegraph.

Georgia: “Another lawsuit from ex-ethics staffer is in the works” by Greg Bluestein in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Senate committee approves ban on cash gifts” by Amy Worden in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

From the State Legislatures

California: “State lawmakers’ per diem claims topped $1.1M in 2013” by Nick Heynen and Matthew Defour in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Elections

“Report finds states cutting wait times for voters” by Martha T. Moore in USA Today.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists kick in for Ready for Hillary” by Anna Palmer in Politico.

Alabama: “Lobbying for former Alabama Legislature limited” by The Associated Press in the Daily Press.

Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: Health care lobbying tops spending list first two months of 2014 session” by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission in KyForward.

New York: “Lobbyists ready to get to work now that state budget is completed” by Tom Precious in The Buffalo News.

Wisconsin: “Lobbyist bill draws sharp reactions” by Bill Lueders in The Dunn County News.

Campaign Finance

“High Court Rejects New Campaign Finance Case” by The Associated Press in Time.

“Nancy Pelosi pushes campaign finance reforms” by Lauren French in Politico.

“John Roberts’s rules of money in politics” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

“Campaign finance ruling shakes political world” by James R. Carroll in The Courier-Journal.

“Rep. Robert Pittenger Pays $31,000 Fine” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California:  “How Will the Change in Campaign Finance Law Affect California?” by Scott Shafer in The California Report.

Connecticut: “Foleys Plead Guilty In Campaign Scheme Linked To Rowland” by Edmund H. Mahony and Jon Lender in The Courant.

Michigan: “Election campaign finance reports in Kalamazoo County to go online under Michigan pilot program” by Alex Mitchell in Michigan Live.

Ethics

“FEC Member Says it Aloud: We’re Dysfunctional” by Charles S. Clark in Government Executive.

Colorado: “Colorado ethics group hears arguments in Gov. Hickenlooper complaint” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Georgia: “Former State Ethics Commission Director testifies in court” by Richard Elliot in WSB TV News.

Georgia: “Former ethics attorney said bosses didn’t want deep Deal investigation” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Missouri: “Mo. Senate panel endorses ethics law overhaul” by The Associated Press in The Rolla Daily News.

Pennsylvania: “States look harder at rules on gifts to lawmakers” by Amy Worden in The Inquirer.

Rhode Island: “R.I. lawmakers debate ethics oversight bills, hold for further study” by Randal Edgar in The Providence Journal.

West Virginia: “Ethics commission talks board changes” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.

Beginning August 1, 2014, a lobbyist may not lobby a public official while at the Utah Capitol Hill complex unless the lobbyist is wearing a newly required name tag in plain view.

House Bill 246, which Governor Gary Herbert signed this week, will require all lobbyists be issued name tags bearing the word lobbyist and the lobbyist’s full name in at least 18-point type. The procedure to apply for name tags is being developed by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and will be available before August 1, 2014. The Capitol Hill complex includes the grounds, monuments, parking areas, buildings, and other man-made and natural objects within the area bounded by 300 North Street, Columbus Street, 500 North Street, and East Capitol Boulevard, in Salt Lake City.

Additionally, the new law has raised the lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $110 and now requires lobbyists to inform public officials of the identity of whom the lobbyist is representing at the beginning of a lobbying communication.

National:

New G.O.P. Bid to Limit Voting in Swing States

New York Times – Steven Yaccino and Lizette Alvarez | Published: 3/29/2014

Some swing states under Republican control are enacting new restrictions on registering and voting that go beyond recent voter identification requirements. The bills, laws, and administrative rules shake up fundamental components of state election systems, including the days and times polls are open and the locations where people vote.

Federal:

Supreme Court Strikes Down Overall Political Donation Cap

New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 4/2/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court freed wealthy donors to give more money directly to congressional candidates. The conservative majority struck down aggregate limits that barred political donors from giving more than $123,000 in an election cycle to candidates running for seats in the House or Senate. The court said this limit violated the free-speech rights of the donors, and it was not needed to prevent corruption of the political process. The justices noted donors must still abide by rules that prevent them from giving more than $2,600 per election per candidate.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Wren Resigns

Montgomery Advertiser – Kala Kachmar and Brian Lyman | Published: 4/1/2014

Alabama Rep. Greg Wren resigned and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor ethics violation in a deal that will secure his cooperation with a corruption investigation at the Capitol. Court documents said Wren, an insurance agent by trade who served as chairperson of the Joint Legislative Medicaid Committee, tried to insert language in the state budget that would have given American Pharmacy Cooperative an edge in certain Medicaid contracts. At the same times, management with the cooperative helped Wren secure a contract with RxAlly for consulting worth $24,000.

California – Case against State Sen. Yee Raises Fundraising Questions

San Francisco Chronicle – Melody Gutierrez and Carla Marinucci | Published: 3/31/2014

Much of the money donated to California lawmakers comes from groups or individuals with pending business before the Legislature. The recent arrest of state Sen. Leland Yee prompted several lawmakers to suggest it is time to revisit campaign finance reform to fix inadequacies in the law or to, at the very least, stop politicians from using campaign donations to pay for their legal defense following criminal charges.

Connecticut – Co-Conspirators’ Guilty Pleas Make John Rowland a Target

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 4/1/2014

A former congressional candidate and her husband pleaded guilty in a scheme to set up a phony contract to hide the role played in the campaign by former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned a decade ago in a corruption scandal. Prosecutors said Lisa Wilson-Foley, Brian Foley, and Rowland entered into an unlawful conspiracy in 2011 to make illegal contributions to Wilson-Foley. Rowland was paid about $35,000 for services to the campaign. The payments originated with Foley and constituted campaign contributions but were not reported to the FEC.

Delaware – Judge Grants Injunction Sought by Conservative Group Challenging Delaware Campaign Finance Law

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Randall Chase (Associated Press) | Published: 3/31/2014

A federal judge ruled in favor of Delaware Strong Families in its challenge to a 2012 state law requiring groups that spend $500 or more during an election period on third-party advertisements to disclose the source of donations. The judge issued a preliminary injunction that halts this reporting requirement.

District of Columbia – Councilwoman Bowser Defeats Incumbent Gray in D.C. Mayoral Primary

Washington Post – Mike DeBonis and Aaron Davis | Published: 4/1/2014

District of Columbia Councilperson Muriel Bowser won an upset victory in the Democratic primary for mayor in a race that turned on the integrity of the incumbent, Vincent Gray. Only three weeks before the election, Gray was comfortably ahead in the polls when a donor pleaded guilty to illegally pumping nearly $700,000 into Gray’s campaign four years ago. The donor said the mayor had participated in the plot. Gray denied knowledge of the under-the-table effort on his behalf, but overnight, a listless race became a referendum on the mayor’s credibility.

Georgia – Trial Begins in Lawsuit against Georgia Ethics Commission

Marietta Daily Journal – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 4/1/2014

A jury will decide whether they believe the claims brought by former state ethics commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman in a wrongful termination lawsuit, who says she was forced out her job in an effort to stifle an investigation of Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, or side with state attorneys who argue she left after her salary was reduced by 30 percent for budgetary reasons in 2011 and it was unrelated to the governor’s ethics probe.

Illinois – NRA Lobbyist Breaks Hunting Law, Then Lobbies to Change It

Chicago Sun-Times – Dave McKinney | Published: 4/1/2014

Todd Vandermyde, the National Rifle Association’s Illinois lobbyist, was fined $120 last December for breaking a state hunting law. A month later, he worked with House Minority Leader Jim Durkin to rewrite the law he broke. “If I … changed the law because I got a ticket, people would be screaming bloody murder; I don’t think it’s any different when someone with the level of influence and access that he has does it, too,” said Rep. Kelly Cassidy.

Kentucky – 2014 Changes Will Strengthen Kentucky Ethics Law

Russellville News-Democrat & Leader – George Troutman (Legislative Ethics Commission) | Published: 4/3/2014

Kentucky lawmakers gave final approval to House Bill 28, which makes significant changes to the lobbying statute, including a “no cup of coffee” rule, meaning lobbyists and their employers will be prohibited from buying a meal, or even a cup of coffee, for an individual legislator, candidate, or the spouse or child of a lawmaker or candidate. In this opinion piece, George Troutman of the Legislative Ethics Commission delineates the reforms, and the positive effects he believes will ensue if Gov. Steve Beshear signs the measure into law.

Missouri – Pledge Asks Missouri Lawmakers to Refuse Gifts from Lobbyists

Columbia Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 3/30/2014

Missouri Rep. John Wright is calling on lawmakers to sign a pledge promising not to accept gifts from lobbyists. Last year, lobbyists purchased almost $1 million worth of meals, trips, golf outings, and sports tickets for lawmakers, including tickets to the World Series and University of Missouri football and basketball games. “Most of the people here are good people, but a lot of bad habits have developed and there is a culture of lobbyist gifts and a culture of entitlement that needs to be completely reset,” said Wright.

Montana – Commissioner Says Senate Majority Leader Art Wittich Broke Campaign Laws

The Daily Journal – Matt Volz (Associated Press) | Published: 4/1/2014

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl concluded Senate Majority Leader Art Wittich violated the law by coordinating with Western Tradition Partnership and other entities to accept illegal corporate donations in his 2010 primary election campaign. Motl asked a state judge to weigh his findings and decide whether Wittich’s actions merit removal from office and from the 2014 election ballot.

New York – Capitol Corruption Panel’s Demise Angers Watchdogs

New York Times – Jesse McKinley and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 3/31/2014

Ethics provisions attached to the state budget signed into law by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo disbands the Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, which was formed last July and given a broad mandate to restore public trust in government. Cuomo said the reforms he wanted would be accomplished by changes to campaign finance reporting requirements and bribery laws, and the public financing of elections in this year’s race for state comptroller.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Leaders Impose Ban on Most Cash Gifts

Philadelphia Inquirer – Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 4/2/2014

Legislative leaders adopted a new ethics rule that prohibits members of the Pennsylvania House from accepting cash gifts, although money from specified close family members and non-lobbyist friends is allowed. A spokesperson for House Speaker Sam Smith said the policy change was made in response to reports in The Philadelphia Inquirer that four House members accepted payments from a lobbyist who was part of a sting operation.

Wisconsin – Lobbyist Bill Draws Sharp Reactions

WisconsinWatch.org – Bill Leuders | Published: 4/1/2014

Senate Bill 655, which was signed into law recently by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, allows lobbyists to start making personal donations the day candidates can circulate petitions for office, which is April 15. Under the previous law, they could not make any contributions until June 1. The bill has been assailed for both its process and its substance. Meanwhile, some lament that this dissent led to it being watered down.

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

New York: “Lobbying in New York hit $210 million in 2013–3rd highest total ever” by Ken Lovett in the New York Daily News.

McCutcheon v. FEC

“Supreme Court strikes down limits on overall federal campaign donations” by Robert Barnes in The Washington Post.

“Excerpts of high court campaign finance opinions” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.

“State Impact of the Supreme Court’s Campaign Donations Ruling” by Ryan Murphy and Aman Batheja in Governing.

“Court kills limits on campaign cash” by Benjamin Goad in The Hill.

“Lobbyists groan as fundraising cap falls” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Campaign Finance Ruling Winners: The Political Pros” by Frank James on NPR.

“After campaign finance ruling, battle for Congress likely to heat up” by Lisa Mascaro and Michael A. Memoli in the Los Angeles Times.

“Democrats bash SCOTUS ruling” by Seung Min Kim in Politico.

“Supreme Court Decision Puts Members of Congress at Risk” opinion piece by Kent Cooper in Politico.

Rhode Island: “R.I. reaction to Supreme Court’s campaign-finance ruling divided along party lines” by Thomas J. Morgan in The Providence Journal.

Campaign Finance

Delaware: “Democrats plan campaign finance reform bills” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.

Nearing the end of its 2014 session, the Kentucky General Assembly passed significant ethics legislation containing recommendations the Legislative Ethics Commission has requested for years. House Bill 28 prohibits employers of legislative lobbyists and permanent committees from making campaign contributions to legislators and candidates for the General Assembly during a regular legislative session. Employers of legislative lobbyists must disclose on their expenditure reports the cost of advertising supporting or opposing legislation during a session of the General Assembly.

The bill also includes the “no cup of coffee rule,” eliminating the exception previously allowing legislative lobbyists to spend up to $100 on food and beverage for a legislator, extends the gift prohibition to legislative candidates, and prohibits legislative lobbyists and their employers from providing out-of-state transportation or lodging for legislators.

The bill awaits signature by Gov. Beshear.

After more than two years of debate, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan passed a bill containing a lobbyist registration scheme. Under the new law, lobbyists, as defined therein, must register and file activity reports online.

There are several notable provisions excepting some individuals from the registration requirement, including officers, directors, or employees, when acting in their official capacity, of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of of Rural Municipalities, and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. The bill also contains revolving door restrictions, prohibiting former public officials from lobbying within one year of leaving office.

The act becomes effective upon proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor. Justice Minister Gordon Wyant estimates no such proclamation will be issued for at least nine months, as the province must still develop protocols to administer and enforce the new law.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Corporate Lobbyists Assail Tax Overhaul They Once Cheered” by Eric Lipton and Jonathan Weisman in The New York Times.

“Revolving door spins for Connecticut delegation” by Ana Radelat in the Connecticut Mirror.

California: “Indicted lobbyist keeps clients, political access” by Mitch Blacher in ABC 10 San Diego News.

Campaign Finance

“$100K in Campaign Funds Given To Charity” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

New Jersey: “Christie’s Contractors: Backers Barred From Donating Found Loophole” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Pennsylvania: “Stilp alleges in lawsuit that ethics rulings give incumbents a re-election advantage” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot News.

Ethics

“FEC opens case on Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign” by Kevin Diaz in the Houston Chronicle.

California: “California senator suggests an ethics ombudsman” by Jim Miller in The Sacramento Bee.

District of Columbia: “Scandal-plagued DC mayor ousted in primary” by Rebecca Shabad in The Hill.

Georgia: “Jury hears opening statements in ethics trial” by Kate Brumback in The Telegraph.

Louisiana: “Ethics bill spurred by ‘Louisiana Purchased’ series passes Senate: Snapshot” by Lauren McGaughy in The Times-Picayune.

Missouri: “Missouri bill would require lawmakers to pay lobbyists back for gifts” by The Associated Press in the Kansas City Star.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmaker tells how he declined bizarre cash offer made in Rotunda” by Brad Bumsted in the Tribune-Review.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“K Street firm takes major hit in ruling” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Florida: “FPL, three other electric utilities, influence legislature through lobbying and campaign donations, report finds” by Susan Salisbury in The Palm Beach Post.

Texas: “Six former Patton Boggs partners open Dallas office of McGuireWoods” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Campaign Finance

California: “San Diego County’s system for tracking campaign donations called outdated” by Joe Yerardi on KPBS.

District of Columbia: “D.C. mayor in primary fight as ’10 campaign funds probed” by William Selway (Bloomberg News) in the Chicago Tribune.

Nevada: “Despite Disclosure, Dark Money Stays Dark in Nevada” by Robert Maguire in OpenSecrets.org.

New York: “New York Comptroller DiNapoli: Public Campaign Financing Effort ʹFumbledʹ” by Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.

Ethics

“Members of Congress Buying and Selling Stocks” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Colorado: “Colorado ethics group hears arguments in Gov. Hickenlooper complaint” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Georgia: “Trial begins in Ga. ethics commission suit” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Washington Times.

Georgia: “Judge: Governor doesn’t have to testify in ethics case” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Q. I am currently a registered lobbyist who files reports on a monthly basis.  I incurred a permissible meal expenditure on a covered official at the end of last month.  However, I did not pay for the expenditure until I received my credit card bill this month.  What date should I use to report the expenditure?

A. A common question concerns what accounting method to use for the reporting of expenses. The accrual basis of accounting reports expenditures according to the time the benefit is given. The cash basis of accounting reports expenditures according to the time it is actually paid.

The exact accounting method used depends on the jurisdiction in question. Both Arizona and Michigan prefer the accrual method of accounting. An expenditure is reported when it occurs or is given, not when it is paid. Indiana provides for activity reports to be filed on a cash basis. South Carolina also follows this method requiring an expenditure to be reported at the time it is paid.

Some states do not have a set accounting method to be used when reporting expenditures or permit either method to be used. In California, an expenditure should be reported at the time the benefit is given; however, if it is reported when the money is paid, the actual date of the expenditure should be noted. Pennsylvania allows a registrant to use any reasonable methods of estimation and allocation. However, once a method of accounting is chosen, filers should be consistent in its use. The filer should also keep an internal record of the accounting method used in case there is an audit by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Texas law indicates an expenditure does not have to be reported until the amount is readily determinable. An expenditure made by a credit card may be reported either according to when the expenditure is made or when the bill is received.

After confirming an expenditure is permissible, you must include it on the proper report. Consult with your jurisdiction’s filing office to determine the accounting method used for the disclosure of expenditures.

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.

Lobbying

“The Source: Tracking The ʹUnlobbyistsʹ” by Paul Flahive on Texas Public Radio.

“The Lobbying World for the Rest of Us” by Rebecca Gale in Roll Call.

“Congressman retires, shocks Washington by not becoming lobbyist” by Paul Waldman in The Washington Post.

Kentucky: “Lobbyists Spend $4.3 Million In Kentucky General Assembly” by Jonathan Meador in WFPL NPR News.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Cuomo, Lawmakers Adopt Limited Public Campaign Finance for State Comptroller’s Race” by Karen DeWitt in WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

“Activists Push Public Financing Of N.Y. Political Campaigns” by Peter Overby (NPR) on WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

Ethics

“Culture of Corruption II: Scandals taint Democratic Party in tough election year” by Valerie Richardson in The Washington Times.

“Privately funded trips common for legislators” by Fredreka Schouten and Deborah Barfield Berry in The Advertiser.

California: “Calif. State Senate Votes To Suspend 3 Embattled Lawmakers” by CBS and The Associated Press on CBS Los Angeles.

Florida: “Florida’s Scott Travels on Corporate Tab as Lobbyists Tag Along” by Toluse Olorunnipa in Bloomberg News.

Missouri: “Jason Kander: Young, In Charge and Taking on Ethics Reform” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Missouri: “Pledge asks Missouri lawmakers to refuse gifts from lobbyists” by Rudi Keller in the Columbia Daily Tribune.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Ethics Law Could Change After Latest Scandal” by Marc Levy on NBC Philadelphia.

Federal:

IRS Rule Would Limit Advocacy Over Nominees

USA Today – Gregory Korte | Published: 3/24/2014

The IRS says a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court or Cabinet secretary should be considered a “candidate” for federal office and is drafting rules to limit how nonprofit groups advocate for or against such nominees. The change in defining a candidate is part of an effort by the Obama administration to clarify how much political activity certain nonprofits can engage in, following last year’s revelation that IRS agents had held up tax-exempt applications for tea party groups.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – FBI: California Sen. Leland Yee took bribes, trafficked guns

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall and Jeremy White | Published: 3/26/2014

California Sen. Leland Yee has been charged with conspiring to traffic in firearms and public corruption as part of a major sting operation spanning the Bay Area. A criminal complaint alleges Yee did favors for an undercover FBI agent in exchange for campaign contributions. Prosecutors said Yee also offered to facilitate a meeting between the undercover agent and an arms dealer, and discussed the types of weapons the agent might need.

Colorado – Colorado Marijuana Regulators Switching Sides to Work for Industry

Denver Post – John Ingold | Published: 3/21/2014

At least three officials at the state agency in Colorado that regulates marijuana businesses have found work doing cannabis industry consulting after leaving the department. The officials say they adhered to ethics rules in switching from the regulators to the regulated, and an expert said the moves are not necessarily a conflict, noting such public-to-private switches are common in many regulated industries. But the moves do show the increasing legitimization of the marijuana industry. And they have caused concern among remaining state officials, who say the moves could send the wrong message to the public.

Connecticut – Philly Flyers Owner: His $10,000 to CT Dems not ‘pay to play’

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 3/24/2014

Three self-reported complaints were recently accepted by the State Elections Enforcement Commission, all in relation to campaign contributions that donors fear could run afoul of Connecticut’s sweeping ban on donations from contractors. A one-year ban on additional state business is a potential penalty for a principal or employee making a prohibited contribution. Connecticut law places the burden for knowing the statute on the donors, not the campaigns or political committees that are the recipients.

Florida – GOP Insiders Incensed, Fascinated by Tirades of Gov. Rick Scott’s Fundraiser

Tampa Bay Times – Steve Bousquet | Published: 3/26/2014

Billionaire Mike Fernandez was co-finance chairperson of Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s campaign, gave $1 million to his re-election effort, and helped raise much more by opening two of his homes to wealthy Republican donors. Fernandez sat near the first family at the State of the State speech before everything fell apart with his resignation followed by leaked e-mails filed with frustration and armchair quarterbacking, a rare public display of campaign dirty linen.

Nevada – Conservative Group to Pay Fine in Nevada 2010 Case Involving Sandoval Ads

Reno Gazette-Journal – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 3/26/2014

A group that ran hundreds of television advertisements supporting Brian Sandoval for governor in 2010 has agreed to a $40,000 fine for failing to register as a PAC in Nevada. The Alliance for America’s Future, a Virginia group that supports Republican candidates, and the office of Secretary of State Bob Miller reached a settlement on his suit against the organization. Miller said the civil fine is the largest ever imposed for a campaign finance violation in Nevada.

New Jersey – Christie Bridge Scandal: Internal report clears governor, calls for Port Authority restructuring

Newark Star Ledger – Ted Sherman | Published: 3/27/2014

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie did not know of his top aides’ plan for a politically motivated traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge, according to lawyers hired by the Christie administration to investigate the “Bridgegate” scandal. But while clearing Christie and his senior staff, the report urged the appointment of a chief ethics officers within the governor’s office. And it called for a restructuring of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

North Carolina – Mayor Cannon Resigns after Corruption Arrest

Charlotte Observer – Mark Washburn, Michael Gordon, and Jim Morrill | Published: 3/27/2014

Patrick Cannon resigned as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina after he was arrested on public corruption charges, as federal law enforcement officials alleged he accepted a trip to Las Vegas, use of a luxury apartment, and more than $48,000 in cash in exchange for helping smooth out municipal obstacles for undercover agents posing as investors. Cannon had been in the mayor’s office only since early December.

Pennsylvania – With Lawmakers Caught on Tape Accepting Cash, Fresh Calls for Reform

Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angele Couloumbis | Published: 3/24/2014

State senators are proposing bills to ban Pennsylvania lawmakers from accepting cash gifts. Lloyd Smucker said the legislation was prompted by stories about an aborted sting investigation by the attorney general’s office that captured five Philadelphia politicians, including four state legislators, accepting cash or money orders on tape. Smucker said he was surprised the state allows lawmakers to accept cash gifts, as long as they report them on their annual financial-disclosure forms.

Rhode Island – Few Clues about What Prompted Federal, State Authorities to Raid Rhode Island Statehouse

Columbus Republic – Michelle Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 3/25/2014

Federal and state authorities have refused to comment on the target of their investigation since a raid on Rhode Island Rep. Gordon Fox’s office and home. Fox resigned as House speaker the next day and said he would not seek re-election, but he did not directly address the probe. In his legal practice, Fox performed loan closings and that work got him into trouble with the state Ethics Commission after he failed to report more than $40,000 for work he did for a Providence economic development agency.

Texas – Conservative Activist Michael Quinn Sullivan Fights Lobbyist Label

Dallas Morning News – David Barer | Published: 3/24/2014

Michael Sullivan is the brash leader of the influential Empower Texans, and he is in a battle with the state Ethics Commission over his influence at the Capitol. The commission could stamp Sullivan as a lobbyist and hem in his political activities, but first, its members want to know the sources of the money that props up his nonprofit corporation. Critics contend Sullivan relies on “dark money,” leaving Texans unable to determine who funds his group’s legislative ratings and endorsements, which can affect Republican primaries.

Wisconsin – Gov. Walker Signs Several Bills into Law

WBAY; Associated Press – | Published: 3/27/2014

A bill signed into law by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker allows lobbyists to start making personal donations the day candidates can circulate petitions for office, which is April 15. Under the previous law, they could not make any donations until June 1. In passing the measure, Republican lawmakers backed off from another change that would have let lobbyists hand over campaign checks from others during the legislative session.

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a bill allowing lobbyists to start making campaign donations to candidates seven weeks earlier than previously allowed. 2013 Wisconsin Act 153 allows a lobbyist to personally make political contributions as early as April 15 of a general election year, the same day candidates can circulate petitions for office.

The Act also increases the registration threshold from $25 to $300 for committees making or receiving political contributions.

The Act is effective on March 29, 2014, one day following publication.

Lobbying

“The new business of lobbying” by David Gura on Marketplace.

“Kevin McCarthy pitches Obamacare changes to lobbyists” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Here’s how a $5 million contract slipped out of the grasp of K Street” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Florida: “Senate passes lobbying ban for local elected officials” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Tampa Bay Times.

“Lobbyists cast too many gray shadows” in the Connecticut Post.

Campaign Finance

“Chamber and GOP bury the hatchet” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Would Sheldon Adelson Underwrite the 2016 Republican Convention?” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

New York: “Campaign finance reformers list top NY donors” by The Associated Press in the Glens Falls Post-Star.

Ethics

California: “Scandals plague Democrats in California capital” by Juliet Williams (Associated Press) in The San Bernardino County Sun.

Mississippi: “Bill would give Miss. Ethics Commission power to settle disputes over public-records requests” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

South Carolina: “Swindler Lexington lawyer Breibart gave heavily to politicians” by John Monk in The Island Packet.

Government Tech and Social Media

“New Tool Aims to Counter Congressional Gridlock with Virtual Support” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.