Lobbying

“Lobbyists shift strategy amid gridlocked Congress” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“GOP hardliners reach out to K Street” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Primary challenges would require shift from Chamber of Commerce” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Grocery Manufacturers Assn. Discloses Federal and Washington State Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

“Lobbying Heats Up Before Farm Talks” by Ron Nixon in The New York Times.

Campaign Finance

“Political influence by county: A new way to look at campaign finance data” by Ryan Sibley and Bob Lannon and Ben Chartoff in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

California: “California’s political watchdog settles with shadowy Arizona group criticized for not disclosing donors” by Jessica Calefati in the San Jose Mercury-News.

California: “Political watchdog to levy $1-million fine on out-of-state groups” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut: “Reporters grill Malloy on fundraisers” by Ken Dixon in the Connecticut Post.

District of Columbia: “McDuffie’s Campaign Finance Reform Bill Isn’t Strong Enough, Says Wells” by Matt Cohen in dcist.com.

New York: “Ex-Liu campaign treasurer appeals conviction in NY” by Larry Neumeister in the Post-Star.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Fond du Lac Reporter.

Ethics

Iowa: “Three words make big difference in Iowa legislative ethics rules” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

State Legislatures

Montana lawmaker term limits: “Montana lawmakers seek to strengthen Legislature” by The Associated Press in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

Tech and Social Media

“Change.org Enables Elected Leaders To Respond To Petitions” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist with a personal relationship with a state legislator.  I would like to give her a gift for a special occasion.  Is this permissible?

A. As a registered lobbyist, you should always be aware of the restrictions placed on you for providing things of value to a state official.  A number of jurisdictions have strict “no gift” laws in place.  Wisconsin prohibits a lobbyist from providing things of pecuniary value to a legislator with very limited exceptions.

A gift can be permissible based on the personal relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  Texas and Florida allow gifts between a registered lobbyist and a legislator if they are related to a certain degree.  Please note that jurisdictions can examine the circumstances of the gift such as the extent of the relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  The lack of a history of gift giving between the parties or evidence of a personal relationship may render the gift impermissible.  The federal “friendship” exception also does not apply to state and local jurisdictions.

A registered lobbyist may be allowed to give a gift based on the special occasion or reasoning behind it.  In Massachusetts, a lobbyist may give a legislator gifts on certain occasions of religious or personal significance.  Connecticut allows gifts for certain major life events.  Be sure to confirm if any occasions are excluded.  Massachusetts does not consider a birthday to be an occasion of personal significance!

A gift may not be prohibited even if you are a registered lobbyist.  Confirm whether an intended gift is permissible with your state’s ethics office.

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

“There’s no sunrise yet on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“The state of K Street: Flat” by Byron Tau in Politico Influence.

“Major oil group boosts lobbying” by Ben Geman in The Hill.

“Facebook Lobbyist to Head Up Cory Booker’s Senate Staff” by Andrew Ramonas in the Blog of the Legal Times.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Horne denies campaign finance wrongdoing” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Montana: “Appeal filed over documents tied to dark money” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Ethics

Georgia: “Ethics commission chair: Board close to finalizing plan for outside investigation” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“More female governors expected after 2014” by Emily Schultheis in Politico.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Alaska Redistricting Board to meet” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Initiative 522, which would require labeling on genetically modified foods in Washington state, has drawn negative attention from many of the nation’s largest and most recognizable food manufacturers, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Nestle.

Pepsi is the biggest contributor to the effort to oppose the initiative, with its contributions accounting for $1.6 million of the $7.2 million total contributions collected to date.

Voters will decide the issue on November 5, with the election marking one of the most expensive initiative battles in the history of Washington state.

Lobbying

“Lobbying bonanza as US firms try to influence EU” by Eric Lipton and Danny Hakim on CNBC News.

“Clustering Near the Seat of Power” in The New York Times.

“Lobbyists Ready for a New Fight on U.S. Spending” by Eric Lipton in The New York Times.

“Cassidy lobby shop goes social” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Maine: “New lobbying group to represent owners of Maine franchises” by Jessica Hall in the Kennebec Journal.

Tennessee: “Ingram filings call him Haslam campaign consultant” by Andy Sher in the Times Free Press.

Campaign Finance

“Get Over It: Campaign Finance Limits Don’t Work” by James Oliphant in National Journal.

“Washington’s open secret: Profitable PACs” by Steve Kroft on CBS News’ 60 Minutes.

“Pepsi, Coke, Nestle among brands donating to effort vs. labeling genetically modified foods” by Mike Baker (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Montana: “Bullock campaign violated campaign finance law” by Manee Banks in KXLH News.

Texas: “Court Nixes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations” by Jack Bouboushian in the Courthouse News Service.

Ethics

Alabama: “Alabama considers creating election commission” by Phillip Rawls (Associated Press) in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Hawaii: “Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

“Texas: APNewsBreak: Patrick PAC paid his radio station” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

Redistricting

Arizona: “Arizona redistricting panel running out of money” by The Associated Press in KSAZ TV News.

Tech and Social Media

“Legislative panel to take up Facebook access” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a referral to request a draft lobbying ordinance in order to improve transparency and accountability in county procurements. County Counsel, Orry Korb, is tasked with reviewing existing lobbying regulations in other localities for drafting purposes. The referral specifically mentions San Jose’s lobbying ordinance as one with a proven track record and able to provide much of the necessary framework and language.

A presentation and consideration of a draft lobbying ordinance will be presented to the Finance and Government Operations Committee before a final version is brought to the full board in December, 2013.

Photo of the Santa Clara Government Center courtesy of Coolcaesar in Wikimedia Commons.

Federal:

Business Groups Stand by Boehner, Plot against Tea Party

Washington Post – Jia Lynn Yang and Tom Hamburger | Published: 10/17/2013

Rather than revisit their strategy of supporting Republicans after the stand-off that nearly drove the country to a debt default, influential organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are standing behind U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. More importantly, Boehner’s friends in the business community are getting ready to take sides in a few GOP primary races against tea party candidates in Michigan, Idaho, and Alabama who could cause him more trouble.

Lobbyists’ Lobbying Group Wants a New Name – One That Doesn’t Mention Lobbying

Washington Post – Holly Yeager | Published: 10/15/2013

The board of directors for the American League of Lobbyists has made its choice for the organization’s new name: the Association of Government Relations Professionals. The group’s bylaws require two-thirds approval by its members before the name can be changed. There have been surveys and other research revealing a majority of members no longer identify themselves only as lobbyists.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Court Blocks New Arizona Campaign Finance Law; Opens Door for Candidates to Receive More Money

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 10/15/2013

The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a preliminary injunction against the state’s higher campaign contribution limits. The order directs Secretary of State Ken Bennett not to enforce the law. The ruling makes it likely the state will turn to the Arizona Supreme Court to review the case.

Arizona – Ex-Phoenix Lobbyist Indicted over Contributions

San Francisco Chronicle; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/10/2013

Gary Husk, a once influential lobbyist in Phoenix whose key clients included the Fiesta Bowl, has been charged with eight felonies for using his firm’s money to reimburse staff after directing them to make specific campaign contributions. The donations went to high-profile politicians with whom Husk sought access and influence, including Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

California – Bob Filner, Former San Diego Mayor, Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

New York Times – Rob Davis and Adam Nagourney | Published: 10/15/2013

Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pleaded guilty to three criminal counts related to the sexual harassment allegations that drove him from office after a summer of scandal. Filner pleaded guilty to one criminal count of false imprisonment by violence, fraud, menace, and deceit, and two misdemeanor counts of battery. Sentencing was set for December 9, and documents indicate he will get three years of probation and no prison time.

Colorado – Colo. Pot Advocates File Unusual Campaign Finance Report

CBS News; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/17/2013

No Over Taxation, a group that had distributed free marijuana cigarettes at a rally opposing possible new taxes in Colorado, filed a disclosure report saying the joints were worth $1,250, and were paid for by a lawyer funding its campaign. Colorado Ethics Watch had filed a complaint alleging the marijuana was an in-kind campaign contribution and the anti-tax group had failed to initially report it.

Georgia – FBI Contacts Attorney in Ethics Case

Augusta Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/10/2013

FBI agents have questioned Georgia ethics commission attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein, who raised concerns about the panel’s investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal. Murray-Obertein is a key figure in the allegations lodged in a pair of whistle-blower lawsuits accusing commission Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge of bragging about her relationship with Deal and saying he “owed her” after the agency dismissed the most serious campaign finance complaints raised in its investigation of the governor.

Hawaii – Circuit Hears Hawaii Campaign Finance Case

Courthouse News Service – Tim Hull | Published: 10/14/2013

A-1 A-Lectrician, Inc. sued the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission in 2010, arguing the state’s non-candidate committee donation caps, advertising definition, disclaimer requirements, and ban on government contractors donating to candidates were all unconstitutional. The case is now before a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hinted it may delay a ruling until the U.S. Supreme Court decides a similar case.

Michigan – Bobby Ferguson Sentenced to Serve 21 Years in Federal Prison for Corruption

Detroit Free Press – Jim Schaefer, Tammy Staples Battaglia, and Eric Lawrence | Published: 10/11/2013

Bobby Ferguson, the friend and favorite construction contractor of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Ferguson was convicted of nine felonies, including racketeering and bribery.  He was accused of illegally securing $70 million in city contracts through his friendship with the ex-mayor, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in the extortion and racketeering scheme.

Montana – State of Montana Slaps Conservative ‘Dark Money’ Groups for Campaign Violations

The Missoulian – Mike Dennison | Published: 10/17/2013

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said he found sufficient evidence to show Western Tradition Partnership violated state campaign finance law in a 2010 Republican House primary race. Motl found the “dark-money” group, now known as American Tradition Partnership, illegally coordinated campaign expenditures with candidate Dan Kennedy.

New York – Judge Rejects Bid by PAC to Raise Large Sums for Lhota

Wall Street Journal – Andrew Grossman | Published: 10/17/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty rejected a request by New York Progress and Protection PAC to overturn a state law that prohibits individuals from giving more than $150,000 each year to campaigns and political committees. Crotty said granting the injunction would be disruptive because it would come too close to the November 5 election.

Pennsylvania – Philly Ethics Board Proposal Allows $200 Limit on Gifts

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 10/17/2013

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics has drafted a list of regulations that are supposed to better explain what is allowed under the current code for “gifts, loans, and favors to city personnel.” For example, the proposal would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source. A hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 20.

Virginia – Star Scientific Chief Thought McDonnell Was Helping Firm Get State Funding

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Carol Leoning | Published: 10/11/2013

Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams Sr. has told federal investigators he believed Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was helping his company get funding from the state’s tobacco commission at the same time that Williams was giving money and gifts to the governor and his family. Under federal law, it can be illegal for elected officials to agree to take official actions in exchange for gifts or money, even if they do not ultimately follow through on their promises or have the power to do so.

Washington – Washington State Sues Lobbyists over Campaign against GMO Labeling

Reuters – Carey Gillam | Published: 10/16/2013

The state of Washington filed a lawsuit alleging the Grocery Manufacturers Association illegally collected and spent more than $7 million while shielding the identity of its donors in an effort to oppose Ballot Initiative 522, which would require labeling of genetically modified foods. The attorney general’s office is asking the court to order the group to immediately comply with state disclosure laws. It also said it would seek civil penalties.

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

“Uber hires first DC lobbying firm” by Bendon Sasso in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“McCutcheon and the Future of Campaign Finance Reform” by Rick Cohen in the Nonprofit Quarterly.

“Former FEC Commissioner, Lessig debate campaign finance reform (video)” on Harvard.edu.

California: “Political Parties And A Campaign Finance No-Man’s Land” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS Public Broadcasting.

Michigan: “Campaign Finance Expert Visits Dearborn on Oct. 24” by Daniel Lai in the Dearborn Patch.

Montana: “Commissioner says ongoing investigation finds ‘dark money’ groups coordinated with candidate” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Ethics

“Members of Congress Keep Lawyers Busy” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Campaigns and Elections

“6 Major Surprises in House Campaign Fundraising” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Illinois: “Gov. Candidates File Campaign Finance Reports” on WICS News.

New Jersey: “Cory Booker Elected Senator in New Jersey” by Kyle Trygstad in Roll Call.

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma congressmen report campaign contributions” by Chris Casteel in The Oklahoman.

Tech and Social Media

“Democracy.com Hopes to Level Campaign Playing Field With Social Network For Politics” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“The Demise of the Public Hearing” by Rob Gurwitt in Governing.

Lobbying

“Lights! Cameras! Action on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus on The Hill.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

New York: “Lobbying spending dips in NY to lowest in 5 years” by Joseph Spector in the Democrat and Chronicle.

New York: “JCOPE Mid-Year lobbying data is out” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.

Campaign Finance

“Why striking down campaign contribution limits might make politics better” by John Sides in The Washington Post.

“The Political-Monetary Complex” op-ed by Thomas B. Edsall in The New York Times.

“Extra! Extra!! Get your real time campaign finance data here!!!” by Jacob Fenton in the Sunlight Foundation blog.

Arizona: “Arizona court blocks new campaign finance law” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

New Jersey: “N.J. election spending soars: Political groups’ $21M shatters Jersey record” by Michael Linhorst in The Record.

Ethics

New York: “NY corruption commission expands probes” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Connecticut Post.

Redistricting

North Carolina: “N.C. panel calling for fairer redistricting scheduled to meet” by The Associated Press in the News & Record.

Tech and Social Media

Maryland: “Hough argues for webcasting committee votes, floor sessions” by Bethany Rodgers in The Frederick News-Post.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists’ lobbying group wants a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

Campaign Finance

“No, overturning campaign contribution limits really would be a problem” opinion piece by Bob Biersack in The Washington Post.

“The next, next Citizens United” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

“McCutcheon v. FEC: Why it matters” by Jerad Najvar and Dan Backer in The Daily Caller.

Missouri: “Candidates to file campaign finance reports with Missouri Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New Mexico: “Candidates face campaign finance report deadline” by The Associated Press in KFDA News.

Ethics

Missouri: “St. Louis Firefighters PAC fined for campaign violations in St. Louis mayoral race” by Nick Pistor in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

New York: “Lawsuit: Silver breached ‘contract’” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Open Government

“Mass. lawmakers weighing public records bills” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

Lobbying

“Abramoff Talks Lobbying” by Sam Abrams in The Hoya.

“Lobbyist Who Doesn’t Lobby Still Gets Paid” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.

Nevada: “State lawmaker hired as lobbyist for medical marijuana bill he helped pass” by Andrew Doughman in the Las Vegas Sun.

Campaign Finance

Michigan: “Andy Dillon’s campaign investigated over handling of $130,000 loan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.

Ohio: “Federal trial of North Canton businessman on campaign finance charges scheduled for June 2014” by James F. McCarty in The Plain Dealer.

Ethics

California: “San Diego mayoral PAC fined for ethics violations” by The Associated Press in The Sacramento Bee.

Illinois: “IDOT official out over Sandoval fund-raising flap” by Chris Fusco in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Rhode Island: “Political Scene: Ethics panel clears 6 of ‘revolving door’ conflict” by Philip Marcelo, Katherine Gregg and Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

South Carolina: “Gov. Nikki Haley describes ethics fine as ‘business expense’ in campaign report” by Corey Hutchins in the Charleston City Paper.

Steve Friday of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board announced Lobbyist IDs are not yet ready for pickup. Those who received an erroneous email indicating anything to the contrary should disregard it.

The board is waiting on supplies before the remainder of the ID cards can be processed. An email notification will be sent out when the IDs are ready.

Federal:

A Federal Budget Crisis Months in the Planning

New York Times – Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Mike McIntire | Published: 10/5/2013

A New York Times article detailed a plan among conservative activists to derail the Affordable Care Act. The outside groups believed the GOP could stop the health care overhaul if conservative lawmakers were willing to push fellow Republicans into cutting off financing for the entire federal government. The report said the billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, have been deeply involved with financing the overall effort.

Supreme Court Skeptical of Limits on Federal Campaign Contributions

Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 10/8/2013

The U.S. Supreme Court seemed prepared to strike down a part of federal campaign finance law left intact by its decision in Citizens United in 2010: overall limits on direct contributions from individuals to candidates. The justices seemed to divide along familiar ideological lines, and they expressed different understandings of the role of money and free speech in American politics.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Portion of Campaign Finance Law Overturned

Arizona Republic – Edward Gately | Published: 10/4/2013

U.S. District Court Judge James Teilborg ruled the part of Arizona’s campaign finance law that defines political committees is unconstitutional. But the law will remain in effect pending an injunction or until lawmakers can address the problems. “We will likely file an injunction to basically put everything on hold until the Legislature can convene in January,” said Stephanie Grisham, a spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office.

California – Assemblyman Offers to Suit up Campaign Donors

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/8/2013

California Assemblyperson Henry Perea is raising campaign money by offering donors a custom suit in exchange for a $2,000 contribution. A number of lobbyists said the fundraiser puts participants in an ethical quandary, leaving them with a valuable gift, while some women said it is excluding them by only offering suits for men.

California – California Strategies Walks Line between Lobbying and Public Affairs

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/6/2013

California Strategies is not the only public affairs firm in Sacramento that offers clients a variety of services requiring a careful dance along the line that separates lobbying from less regulated forms of advocacy. But it has been a target of competitors who say the firm’s approach creates an uneven playing field – it has a long list of partners who have deep connections inside government but do not register as lobbyists.

Colorado – Complaint: Free weed
at rally not reported

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Charles Ashby | Published: 10/8/2013

No Over Taxation has given out free marijuana at rallies in Denver and Boulder to convince voters to oppose Proposition AA, a ballot measure that would impose taxes on recreational pot when it becomes available for sale in Colorado next year. Colorado Ethics Watch filed a complaint contending the donors that contributed the marijuana should have been identified in No Over Taxation’s campaign finance reports as providing in-kind donations, but were not.

Florida – Hays and Ring: Forget auditing lobbyists; repeal the law

Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 10/7/2013

After media attention to lobbyists’ pay, Florida legislative leaders agreed to kick-start legally required audits of those paid to influence lawmakers and state officials. The Legislature’s joint auditing committee was told the random audits of some two-dozen firms could cost in excess of $1 million, sparking criticism from some on the panel.

Georgia – Ex-Ethics Commission Employee in Georgia Says Docs Altered

Chattanooga Times Free Press; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/9/2013

John Hair, a former Georgia ethics commission computer specialist, said he removed, changed, and condensed documents from the investigative file of complaints accusing Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal of misusing campaign funds in the 2010 election. Hair said he was fulfilling orders from commission Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge and her top aide, Lisa Dentler.

Massachusetts – Cardinal O’Malley Invites Lawmakers to a Get-Together

Boston Globe – Jim O’Sullivan and Lisa Wagsness | Published: 10/9/2013

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Boston, will meet with the Massachusetts lawmakers who represent cities and towns within the archdiocese in what one of his aides described as “relationship building.” The church does not command the presence on Beacon Hill that it did years ago, when it played a much more prominent role in society. Some lawmakers remain angry at what they viewed as overly aggressive lobbying techniques that church lobbyists and some priests used in opposing same-sex marriage

Michigan – Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Corruption

Washington Post; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/10/2013

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in prison on his conviction for public corruption charges including bribery and extortion that prosecutors said exacerbated the city’s financial crisis. Kilpatrick spent lavishly at the helm of a conspiracy that damaged Detroit’s reputation and cost taxpayers millions of dollars, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds said, adding that the sentence was intended to send a message that corruption would not be tolerated.

New York – Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein in Ethics Board He Created

New York Times – Jesse McKinley and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 10/8/2013

According to people familiar with the work of the Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, its effort is burdened by resistance from the New York Legislature, which has refused requests for information about lawmakers’ outside income, and by unexpected involvement by the governor’s office, which has leaned on the commission to limit the scope of its probes.

North Carolina – Plain-Clothes Officer Attended Moral Monday Planning Meetings

WRAL – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 10/8/2013

About 940 people were arrested at weekly “Moral Monday” rallies opposing Republican-backed policies at the North Carolina Legislature that protesters said damaged public education, voting rights, and working people. The Raleigh Police Department conducted undercover surveillance at meetings of the North Carolina chapter of the NACCP held to organize the mass protests.

South Carolina – State House for Sale: SC ethics law a muddled mess

The State – Adam Beam | Published: 10/5/2013

While South Carolina has strict rules on who can donate to political campaigns, and how much they can give, state law has little to say about how legislators can spend that money. And what it does say is in dispute. Critics say South Carolina needs to follow the lead of 26 other states and have one independent ethics commission set the rules for all candidates. But most lawmakers say that would violate the state constitution.

Texas – Red River Rivalry Fundraising a Growing Trend

Texas Tribune – David Maly | Published: 10/9/2013

The annual football game between the University of Texas and Oklahoma University is increasingly becoming a fundraising hotspot for lawmakers in both parties. Deborah Ingersoll, a lobbyist who has worked in Texas politics for more than 20 years, organizes an annual guide of legislative fundraising surrounding the game and said this is the biggest year she has seen.

Virginia – Reforming Va. Laws a Priority for Politicians

Richmond Times Dispatch – Olympia Meola and Jim Nolan | Published: 10/6/2013

Recognizing the public reaction to the scandal involving Gov. Robert McDonnell, both major party candidates to succeed him have proposed reforms to Virginia’s gift and disclosure laws. Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox is leading a working group of House Republicans studying various reforms ahead of the legislative session. Cox said the changes could include more frequent reporting than the current annual filing, and synchronizing the reporting dates for elected officials and lobbyists.

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

“K Street embraces ‘go small’ approach” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbying on the Slow Track During Shutdown” by Elliott Jager in Newsmax.

“Business groups see loss of sway over House GOP” on CNBC.

“Yelp hires Issa aide as first lobbyist” by Brendan Sasso in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Obama says lifting caps on campaign contributions would shut regular Americans out of politics” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

“An upside-down campaign finance system” by Jennifer Rubin in The Washington Post.

“Sandra Day O’Connor bemoans Citizens United decision” by The Associated Press in the Portland Press Herald.

Hawaii: “Panel hears finance law challenge” by Derrick DePledge in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Michigan: “State extends probe into fundraising by Duggan, super PAC” by Darren A. Nichols in the Detroit News.

New Hampshire: “State senator wants more transparency for political groups” by Garry Rayno in the New Hampshire Union Leader.

New York: “N.Y. Comptroller Supporters Get Prison for Donor Fraud” by Patricia Hurtado in Bloomberg.

Ethics

Arkansas: “Arkansas lawmaker floats ethics bills for session” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Tech and Social Media

“Quién Manda: A Pinterest For Politician and Lobbyist Relations?” by Rebecca Chao in TechPresident.

“Government shutdown: Why are only some federal websites shut down?” by Andrew Restuccia in Politico.

“Government on Social Media: How Did Brimfield, Ohio (a Town of 10,000) Get 88,000 Facebook Likes?” by Heather Kerrigan in Governing.

Redistricting

“Could the government shutdown prompt congressional redistricting reform?” by Jason Noble in the Des Moines Register.