November 12, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal. “Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today. “Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal.
“Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today.
“Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers in Politico.
Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry glitches being worked out, integrity commissioner says” by Derek Spalding in the Ottawa Citizen.
Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry ‘useful,’ watchdog reports” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.
Campaign Finance
“FEC poised to allow Bitcoin campaign donations” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Bitcoins Could Prove to Be Windfall — or Bust — for Political Campaigns” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Massachusetts: “Campaign bill would order fast disclosure of donors” by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe.
Michigan: “Michigan proposal would double limits on individual donations to political candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in MLive.com.
Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign finance regulators’ database isn’t adding up” by Glenn Howatt and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Missouri: “Former Mo. Rep. McGeoghegan fined by Ethics Commission for 2012 campaign materials” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Montana: “Montana judge considers fine for political group as attorney asks to be removed” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.
New Hampshire: “New Hampshire lawmaker may seek higher campaign spending limits” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “Refigure campaign financing” editorial by Cynthia DiBartolo in the Times Union.
Virginia: “Leftover campaign money can fund almost anything in Virginia” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.
Ethics
Alaska: “Legislative Ethics Committee Says Senator Hoffman Failed To Disclose Income” by Ben Matheson in Alaska Public Media.
Mississippi: “Newspaper wants ruling from Ethics Commission on emails” by The Associated Press in the Mississippi Business Journal.
Ohio: “Lack of oversight over JobsOhio raises concerns for ethics commission, auditor, now high court” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Elections
Iowa: “Libertarian Mayor in Iowa Re-Elected Despite His Wishes” by Richard Winger in Ballot Access News.
Ohio: “Libertarians file legal challenge against Ohio’s new rules for minor political parties; Greens may follow suit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Tech and Social Media
Pennsylvania: “Website redesign shines more light on Capitol” by Melissa Daniels in The Tribune-Review.
Virginia: “Going Beyond the Boundaries of the Obama Digital Model in Virginia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
November 8, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 8, 2012
National: G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013 Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government […]
National:
G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013
Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government shutdown. They are pushing their party to rethink how it chooses nominees and advocating changes they say would result in the selection of less extreme candidates.
Federal:
Third Navy Official Arrested in Bribery Probe
Washington Post – Craig Whitlock | Published: 11/7/2013
A third U.S. Navy official, Commander Jose Sanchez, was charged with receiving bribes, including cash and prostitutes, from a contractor who provides port services for American ships in Southeast Asia. Another commander and a senior investigator for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were arrested in September, likewise on charges of providing inside information to Glenn Defense Marine in exchange for favors.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Attorney Asks AZ Supreme Court to Reinstate Increased Campaign Donations
East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Service) | Published: 11/4/2013
Arizona’s Republican legislative leaders are asking the state Supreme Court to allow higher campaign contribution limits to be reinstated, citing confusion among candidates and donors. The filing is the latest in a legal volley over House Bill 2593, which raised contribution limits nearly 10-fold for candidates in all offices, from school board to governor.
California – California Donor Disclosure Case Exposes How Nonprofits Can Play in Politics
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 11/4/2013
New revelations in California provide a glimpse at one national network of nonprofit groups that helped move $15 million into ballot-initiative campaigns last fall while working hide the identities of their donors. Two conservative nonprofits were together fined a record $1 million, while two political committees were ordered to repay the state for $15 million in donations they received.
California – San Diego City Attorney Maneuvered to Force Filner from Office
Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry | Published: 11/3/2013
For six weeks, San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith maneuvered to force then-Mayor Bob Filner out of office by squeezing him financially, bluffing him about state law, embarrassing him by releasing documents showing the anger of his staff, and threatening to force a trial on his alleged misuse of public funds. On the eve of a court hearing, Filner finally resigned.
Connecticut – State Parties Unable to Wean Themselves off Special Interest Money
The News Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/2/2013
A loophole in Connecticut’s campaign finance law allows the state’s major political parties to accept money from contractors and lobbyists. It has drawn scrutiny since a California fundraising trip by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is the subject of a complaint filed by the state Republican Party with the Election Enforcement Commission.
Florida – Lawmakers-Turned-Lobbyists Help Tip Scales for Large Lobbying Firms
St. Augustine Record – Matt Dixon (Morris News Services) | Published: 11/4/2013
Florida’s lobbying corps includes former governors, agency heads, House and Senate leaders, and lawmakers and executive branch officials. Opponents say the practice amounts to elected officials and agency staff using taxpayer-funded jobs to later cash in on high-paying lobbying positions. Lobbying firms say former insiders are needed to help clients navigate a complex state government.
Florida – Tallahassee Lobbyists Won’t Be Audited until 2015
Orlano Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 11/4/2013
A Florida legislative committee adopted rules for the long-delayed auditing of lobbyists’ financial reports. Sen. Joe Abruzzo said no reviews will be done next year but auditors will begin studying the 2014 reports in 2015. The draft guidelines allow for lobbying firms to keep some documentation confidential, but also will allow lawmakers critical of the mandate to repeal it during the next legislative session.
Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Gets Five Years’ Probation
Louisville Courier-Journal – Mike Wynn | Published: 11/1/2013
Rhonda Monroe, the sister of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, received five years’ probation for her role in a campaign finance scheme that allowed her brother to take money from his 2007 re-election fund. Monroe was accused of using her position as assistant executive director of the state Registry of Election Finance to help Farmer pocket leftover campaign cash with phony expense claims.
Louisiana – Louisiana’s Top 400 Campaign Donors Get Around Legal Limits to Magnify Political Influence
New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2013
Searching the mountain of state and local records, reporters identified hundreds of donors who gave from tens of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million to campaigns across Louisiana in the four years that ended in 2012. The journalists said the records show wealthy special interests and businesses are able to magnify their influence through loopholes, lax enforcement, and weak penalties to take advantage of the system.
Nevada – Nevada Judge Dismisses Suit against AFP
San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/6/2013
A District Court judge ruled Americans for Prosperity was not required to register with the state or file contribution reports as argued in the civil lawsuit filed by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller. The group is funded by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch.
New York – New York City Takes Left Turn
Wall Street Journal – Sophia Hollander | Published: 11/6/2013
Political analysts say the election of Democrat Bill de Blasio as mayor of New York City could become the biggest test yet of a recent revival of liberalism in American political life that is occurring in urban areas. In 2000, Republicans led five of the nation’s largest dozen cities. By the end of 2012, they no longer led any.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lawmakers Question Conduct after Convictions
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2013
Last year, former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan was convicted of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. This year, state Rep. Randy Terrill was convicted of offering a legislative colleague a state job in exchange for her promise not to seek re-election. Lawmakers are considering whether the way they conduct the people’s business and the multiple prosecutions will chill legislative debate and action.
South Carolina – State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions
The State – Jeff Wilkinson | Published: 11/2/2013
Scores of companies have donated to the campaigns of individual South Carolina candidates in a melding of corporate money and public policy that is banned in 21 states and in federal elections. Corporate officials say those contributions are not an effort to buy legislative votes on a particular issue. Watchdogs maintain corporate donations are just the tip of the iceberg in a political system that favors big business over others.
Texas – Candidates to Lead Texas Accept Meals, Gifts, More from Lobbyists
Dallas Morning News – Christy Hoppe | Published: 11/2/2013
All of the major candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Texas have, to varying degrees, kept company with lobbyists, show dozens of disclosure reports examined by The Dallas Morning News. In the last five years, they have received tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, gifts, and help holding campaign fundraisers, all from representatives of companies and industries with major business before the state.
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.
November 7, 2013 •
New Brunswick, Canada Introduces Lobbyists’ Registration Act
A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 […]
A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly.
It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 for repeat offenses.
Prior attempts to create a lobbyist registry failed in 2007 and 2011.
November 7, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune. Campaign Finance Illinois: “Feds send warning […]
Lobbying
“Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Feds send warning letter to Jackson Jr. over campaign fund” by Katherine Skiba in the Chicago Tribune.
Louisiana: “Louisiana law silent on whether candidates must return illegal contributions” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Louisiana: “Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have showered his campaign with cash” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Michigan: “Bill would double campaign donor limits in Michigan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.
Minnesota: “Independence question vexes Minn. campaign board” by The Associated Press in the Crookston Times.
Ethics
Missouri: “Mo. state representative faces stealing, finance charges” by Aja J Williams on KSDK News.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio legislature passes new ballot-access rules for minor political parties; Libertarians promise lawsuit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Texas: “May 10 date for Texas Senate race special election” by The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle.
Redistricting
“Kentucky lawmakers disagree on which districts they represent” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
November 6, 2013 •
Missouri Online Lobbying Database Created
St. Louis Public Radio and NPR joined together to form a partnership recently. The result was a project aimed at educating the public regarding state lobbying. Using information gathered from the Missouri Ethics Commission, they created an online database with […]
St. Louis Public Radio and NPR joined together to form a partnership recently. The result was a project aimed at educating the public regarding state lobbying.
Using information gathered from the Missouri Ethics Commission, they created an online database with the names of lobbyists, lawmakers, gifts, and transaction details. Also accessible are easy to understand charts and graphs.
See it all at LobbyingMissouri.org.
November 6, 2013 •
Legislation We Are Tracking
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital […]
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying and can be found in the client portion of our website.
Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly email updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regard to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.
November 6, 2013 •
Ask the Experts – Lobbyist Training Requirements
Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc. Q. I am a registered lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions and my reports are timely filed. Do I have to complete a training course? A. Depending on […]
Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc.
Q. I am a registered lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions and my reports are timely filed. Do I have to complete a training course?
A. Depending on where you are registered, you may be subject to a state mandated training requirement. Requiring the completion of a lobbyist training course has been an emerging trend as states expand their ethics and disclosure provisions.
For example, in Utah, a lobbyist must complete training, and obtain a perfect score on the examination, before their lobbying license is issued. In Louisiana, a registered lobbyist must complete one hour of training by December 31 of each year. The state provides in-person training classes, as well as an online training course.
Some states, such as Maryland, require training on bi-annual basis. In New York, the lobbyist is only required to attend a training course once every three years.
Failure to complete the required training can result in penalties to the lobbyist. Louisiana imposes a personal liability requirement on the lobbyist. Failure to complete the mandatory training class may result in a fine of up to $10,000.
While training is mandatory in some states, other states have optional training opportunities available to lobbyists who want to enhance their understanding of the state’s ethics and disclosure provisions. Colorado and Georgia are two of the states currently offering optional training courses.
To obtain additional information about the jurisdictions where you are registered, please visit www.stateandfed.com. Our new website premiered on November 1, 2013.
(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.
November 6, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbing World” in The Hill. “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “TechAmerica Lobbyists Jump Ship for Rival Outfit” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology. Campaign Finance “Secret Persuasion: How Big Campaign Donors Stay Anonymous” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and […]
Lobbying
“Lobbing World” in The Hill.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“TechAmerica Lobbyists Jump Ship for Rival Outfit” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.
Campaign Finance
“Secret Persuasion: How Big Campaign Donors Stay Anonymous” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.
“From Social Welfare Groups, A River Of Political Influence” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.
“‘Unobtainium’ and the blurry lines of campaign finance law” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
“The Dirty Business Of Tax-Exempt Campaign Money Laundries” by Howard Gleckman in Forbes.
Arizona: “State Supreme Court asked to restore increased campaign contributions” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Louisiana: “Database: Search Louisiana campaign finance contributions” by Dmitriy Pritykin, in The Times-Picayune.
Louisiana: “Louisiana’s top 400 campaign donors get around legal limits to magnify political influence” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Massachusetts: “Attorney General Martha Coakley’s campaign funds in disarray” by Frank Phillips in The Telegraph.
Minnesota: “Campaign Finance Questions Still Unanswered” by The Associated Press in KAAL TV News.
Ethics
“Twitter IPO Makes House Ethics Nervous” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.
Tech and Social Media
“What NASA Can Teach the Rest of Government About Using Social Media” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.
November 5, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee. Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte […]
Lobbying
“Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
California: “Assemblyman Alejo to return $21,092 in excess campaign contributions” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Ethics
“Hacking Attempts on Federal Election Commisison Website” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
California: “Ex-Senate leader Dean Florez faces fines for misusing campaign funds” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Florida: “Suspend ethics commission, state audit committee tells Palm Beach County” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.
Massachusetts: “Massachusetts: State Ethics Commission conflict plan could have ‘huge effect on towns’” by Andy Metzger in The Republican.
Elections
“Roll Call’s 10 Most Vulnerable House Members Revealed” by Shira T. Center and Emily Cahn and Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
Alabama: “Alabama Special Election Is Proxy Battle for National GOP” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Mississippi: “3 special elections for House seats Tuesday” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.
South Carolina: “Dozens of cities are holding elections in SC” by The Associated Press in GoUpstate.com.
Redistricting
Alaska: “Redistricting board withdraws request for delay” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
November 4, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post. “Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian […]
Lobbying
“Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
“Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Florida: “As lawmakers consider audits, documents show how lawmakers-turned-lobbyists help tip the scales for large lobbying firms” by Matt Dixon in The Florida Time-Union.
Texas: “Candidates to lead Texas accept meals, gifts, more from lobbyists” by Christy Hoppe in The Dallas Morning News.
Campaign Finance
California: “Disgorgement Fight Could Shape Dark Money’s Future in CA” by Ben Adler in Capital Public Radio.
California: “California probe of campaign donations sheds light on ‘dark money’” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.
Washington: “Washington elections draw big out-of-state donations” by Brian M. Rosenthal in The Spokesman-Review.
Ethics
California: “Gifts and elected officials” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.
New York: “JCOPE leader ballot splits commission 9-5” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.
South Carolina: “State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions” by Jeff Wilkinson in The State.
Elections
“Federal Election Commission Lists 2014 Election Dates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Iowa: “Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races” by John Eligon in The New York Times.
New York: “N.Y. to run voter hotline on Election Day” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.
November 1, 2013 •
Newly Introduced Alabama Bill Addresses Early Resignation by Lawmakers
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh filed a bill to be considered during the Alabama Legislature’s upcoming session, beginning January 14, 2014. The bill would ban a former legislator for a period of two years from lobbying members of either […]
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh filed a bill to be considered during the Alabama Legislature’s upcoming session, beginning January 14, 2014.
The bill would ban a former legislator for a period of two years from lobbying members of either chamber of the Legislature. The current law allows former members of the Legislature to lobby members of the other chamber without any waiting period, and imposes a two year waiting period on lobbying members of the former legislator’s chamber.
If passed, this bill would take effect immediately.
November 1, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 1, 2013
Federal: Michelle Obama Policy Initiatives Are a Big Deal for Big Business Politico – Byron Tau and Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 10/30/2013 First lady Michelle Obama’s two signature policy initiatives, the Let’s Move! childhood obesity effort and […]
Federal:
Michelle Obama Policy Initiatives Are a Big Deal for Big Business
Politico – Byron Tau and Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 10/30/2013
First lady Michelle Obama’s two signature policy initiatives, the Let’s Move! childhood obesity effort and the veteran-focused Joining Forces, have earned her bipartisan praise. Those efforts have been developed in close cooperation with some of K Street and corporate America’s biggest players that stand to benefit from the exposure, public goodwill generated from being involved in a public health or charitable effort, or the policy itself.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – California State Sen. Ron Calderon Accepted $88,000 in Bribes, FBI Affidavit Alleges
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/30/2013
California Sen. Ron Calderon allegedly accepted about $88,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent during an elaborate sting operation. An affidavit, filed as the FBI sought a search warrant for Calderon’s office, alleges he worked with interest groups in a “pay-to-play” fashion, accepting money in exchange for promises to carry or amend legislation to their benefit.
California – Critics Howl over Lobbyist Walking Governor’s Dog
San Francisco Chronicle – Carla Manucci | Published: 10/24/2013
Some are questioning whether Jennifer Fearing, senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States, has turned her role as regular walker of California Gov. Jerry Brown’s dog into an effective way to lobby the state’s chief executive on animal rights issues. Fearing had a perfect record this legislative season in getting bills signed by Brown, placing her in the ranks of Sacramento’s most effective lobbyists.
California – L.A. Moves to Boost Limits on Gifts to Lawmakers
Los Angeles Times – Steve Zahniser | Published: 10/25/2013
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission sent the city council its recommendation for new and more stringent limits on gifts to the city officials, part of a much larger package of rule changes. But when the council took up the proposal recently, they sought an increase, not a decrease, in the size of allowable gifts from bidders, contractors, and others with a financial stake in a city decision.
Colorado – Group Tests New Tactic with Ethics Complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper
Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 10/31/2013
Some groups are using ethics complaints to impugn the integrity of candidates in Colorado, even when the complaint is found to be without merit. The move has attracted bipartisan criticism.
Florida – Lobbyist Watch: Superlobbyist Platt’s “Rules for Successful Lobbying”
South Florida Sentinel – Brittany Wallman | Published: 10/29/2013
Broward County lobbyist George Platt has come up with guidelines for being successful in the influence industry. “Somehow the list grows as time passes … [there are] too many who lack a moral compass trying to become lobbyists; unlike some professions, there is no set of qualifications for entry,” said Platt.
Iowa – Big Campaign Group Gets Involved in Tiny Iowa Race
Business Week – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 10/31/2013
Americans for Prosperity, the organization backed by the billionaire Koch brothers, has jumped into the municipal election in Coralville, Iowa and turned it into a referendum on government spending and borrowing. Residents of the town, with a population of 19,000, say they have never seen such an outside effort in a local vote, let alone by a conservative group in the state’s most Democratic county.
Iowa – Iowa Senate Ethics Rule Protects the ‘First-in-the-Nation’ Franchise
Quad City Times – James Lynch | Published: 10/24/2013
State Senate Ethics Committee Chairperson Wally Horn said the chamber’s rule prohibiting senators from being paid staffers of campaigns and PACs is there to protect the franchise of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Other states that closely follow Iowa in the nomination process do not seem to share Horn’s concern, however.
Nevada
Embattled Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler Urged to Resign after Slavery Comment
Reno Gazette-Journal – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 10/30/2013
A YouTube video surfaced of an event at which Nevada Assemblyperson Jim Wheeler said he would vote to allow slavery if that was the desire of his constituents. He said he believes it is his job to represent those who elected him regardless of his own beliefs. “If that’s what they wanted, I’d have to hold my nose … they’d probably have to hold a gun to my head, but yeah,” said Wheeler.
Nevada – Public Policy Maker or Private Lobbyist? 10 State Officials Play Dual Roles
Las Vegas Sun – Andrew Doughman | Published: 10/27/2013
Disclosure reports filed with the Nevada Commission on Ethics detail how legislators and members of state boards and commissions often get paid to do business before state agencies, boards, and commissions. Their elected or appointed positions likely enable them to build relationships and gain expertise useful in their private enterprise, a fact recognized by lawmakers when they passed a disclosure law in 1991.
New Mexico – Report Examines NM Lobbyists’ Largesse
Albuquerque Journal – Deborah Baker | Published: 10/31/2013
A report from New Mexico Common Cause said spending on lobbying “plays an influential role” in state lawmakers’ votes. Common Cause had several recommendations for regulating lobbyists, including requiring more specific information on disclosure reports and limits on their cumulative campaign donations.
New York – Turmoil in Ethics Hiring
Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 10/29/2013
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics hired Letizia Tagliafierro as its new executive director during a closed door meeting. In the brief public part of the meeting, commission member Ellen Yaroshefsky proposed what she called an independent search for an executive director. Yaroshefsky later resigned from the panel.
Oklahoma – Ex-Okla. Lawmaker Guilty in Bribery Trial
BusinessWeek – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 10/30/2013
Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill has been convicted of bribery. Prosecutors alleged Terrill offered to put former Democratic Sen. Debbe Leftwich in an $80,000-a-year job at the state medical examiner’s office if she would agree to not seek re-election in 2010 so a Republican, Rep. Mike Christian, could run for her open seat.
South Dakota – Power Shift Sought in Pierre: Governor’s office has been dominating legislative process
Sioux Fall Argus Leader – David Montgomery | Published: 10/30/2013
South Dakota legislative have begun looking for ways to strengthen their voice in state policy debates. Compared to the executive branch, with a full-time governor and his or her year-round staff, along with myriad state employees, South Dakota’s part-time citizen Legislature has fewer resources, less information, and less time to tackle problems.
Virginia – McAuliffe’s Wealth Could Create Conflicts of Interest
The Virginian-Pilot – Julian Walker | Published: 10/31/2013
If Terry McAuliffe becomes Virginia’s next governor, his business interests could trigger conflicts-of-interest. His campaign says his investments would go into a blind trust, but Republicans remain skeptical, given their view of McAuliffe’s history as a political financier with interests they say could intersect with a governor’s duties.
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.
October 31, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Spending on Lobbying Keeps Slipping” by Russ Choma in the Center for Responsive Politics’ OpenSecrets.org.
“Surging cellphone industry shops for a new lobby chief” by Brendan Sasso and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
New Mexico: “Report examines NM lobbyists’ largesse” by Deborah Baker in the Albuquerque Journal.
Tennessee: “Tennessee Railroads names top lobbyist” by Lori Becker in the Nashville Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Do Rich Donors Really Buy Elections? These Stunning Maps Say It All” by Raphaella Baek in PolicyMic.
New Jersey: “Record Spending in New Jersey Elections” by Heather Haddon in The Wall Street Journal.
Texas: “Complete campaign finance totals for 2013 Houston races” in the Houston Chronicle.
Ethics
New York: “NY corruption commission subpoenas Senate Republican campaign committee records” by The Associated Press in the Post-Standard.
Tech and Social Media
Alaska: “Alaska lawmakers OK Facebook access for gov’t work” by Becker Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.
October 30, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Top Lobbyists 2013” in The Hill.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“K Street sees tax reform slowly dying” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.
Iowa: “Lobbying rules reviewed for former governor’s aide” by The Associated Press in the Omaha World Herald.
Campaign Finance
“SEC Poised to Improve Political Spending Transparency” by Lisa Rosenberg in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.
Nevada: “Sandoval pulls plug on perks for campaign donations” by Sandra Chereb, Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
New York: “Four lobbying groups seek donor exemption from NY ethics board” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat & Chronicle.
Washington: “Seattle Chamber broke campaign finance rules to aid Murray PAC” by Russ Walker on KING5.com.
Ethics
New York: “Source: Commissioner quits NY ethics board” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Auburn Citizen.
Oklahoma: “Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill found guilty of political bribery charge” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.
Tech and Social Media
“Slideshow: How Governments Are Using Instagram” in Governing.
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.