September 18, 2012 •
Canada’s Lobbying Act To Cover More Officials
Additional lobbying penalties still being considered
The federal government has announced plans to extend the reach of the Lobbying Act to senior public servants with spending decision responsibilities. Currently, more than 1,000 people are covered as designated public office holders under the act, which governs interactions between registered lobbyists and politicians, their staffs, and senior bureaucrats. The proposal could more than double the number covered.
The government continues to consider adding small monetary penalties for minor infractions, as well as a removing the exemption for in-house lobbyists whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20 percent of their duties.
September 18, 2012 •
Palm Beach County School Board Developing Lobbyist Registration Policy
Effective date to be determined
The Palm Beach County School Board is in the process of developing a lobbyist registration policy.
Registration will likely be separate from the county’s lobbyist registration.
There is not yet a firm date by which the policy will be implemented, as the details are still being worked out by the school board.
September 17, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Start the week off right with these government relations news articles:
Lobbying
“At Holland & Knight, lobbyists no longer have corner offices” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.
Florida: “Lobbyist’s lobbying group coming to Jacksonville for annual conference” by Matt Dixon in the Florida Times-Union.
Campaign Finance
“Poll: Americans largely in favor of campaign spending limitations” by Morgan Little in the Los Angeles Times.
“Republican super PACs ramp up spending in House races” by Jake Sherman in Politico.
District of Columbia: “Michael A. Brown’s missing campaign funds” in the Washington Post.
Washington: “Parties pouring cash into race for governor” by Andrew Garber and Justin Mayo in the Seattle Times.
Elections
“Voter Information Guides Go Social With TheBallot.org” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
Ethics
Georgia: “Ethics commission: State has defanged its watchdog” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
New Hampshire: Opinion piece by Grant Bosse,“Election laws grow more confusing” in the New Hampshire Watchdog.
Social Media
“Could a workplace social network replace email and phone? One agency thinks so.” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
“Facebook knows how to trick you into voting” by Kevin Charles Redmon in Nextgov.
September 14, 2012 •
Friday News Roundup
Let’s close out the week with these government relations articles:
Campaign Finance
“House Dems push new campaign finance reform” by T.W. Farnam in the Washington Post.
“FEC move on wireless campaign contributions could aid Democrats” by Adam Mazmanian in Nextgov.
“Groups Ask Appeals Court to Keep Issue-Ad Donors Secret” by Tom Schoenberg in Bloomberg News.
“US election system criticised over finance rules and voting restrictions” by Karen McVeigh in The Guardian.
Minnesota: “Campaign Finance Board stands by ‘John Doe decision’” by Tom Scheck in MPR News.
“’Citizens United’ on the Corporate Court” by Jamie Raskin in The Nation.
Lobbying
“Lansing lobbyists’ spending on record pace” by Rich Robinson in the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.
Ethics
“Gov. Christie to stop showing GOP-produced video before town hall meetings” by Jenna Portnoy in the Star-Ledger.
Social Media
“New Tool Verifies Authenticity of Gov’t Social Media Sites” by John K. Higgins in E-Commerce Times.
Redistricting
“Serious problems still exist’ with redistricting maps, attorney tells Pennsylvania Supreme Court” by Nick Malawskey in the Patriot-News.
September 14, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 14, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Democrats Risk No Female Governor, First Time in 17 Years
U.S. Election System Criticized Over Finance Rules and Voting Restrictions
Federal:
Andrews Used wife to Vet Use of Campaign Funds on Trip
Look-Alike Sites Funnel Big Money to Mystery PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Fiesta Bowl Lobbyist Takes Plea Deal in Probe
Illinois
Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Campaign Disclosure Law
Minnesota
Despite Campaign Finance Ruling, Regulators to Continue Requiring Disclosures
Montana
Republicans Ask Court to Axe Montana’s Campaign Contribution Laws
Nebraska
AG: Sen. Council withdrew campaign funds at casinos
New Jersey
Mayor of NJ’s Capital Arrested in Corruption Probe
New York
West Virginia
West Virginia Court Candidate Denied ‘Rescue Funds’
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.
September 13, 2012 •
ELEC Proposes Electronic Filing for Lobbyist Annual Reports
Hearing in October
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has proposed changes to the administrative code allowing for electronic filing for lobbyists’ annual reports.
Electronic filing would be mandatory through ELEC’s website and would replace the requirement to file paper copies. Copies of what a lobbyist files electronically must be retained by the lobbyist.
The proposed amendments cover governmental affairs agents, represented entities, and representatives of “persons communicating with the general public.” The proposals also make technical changes, such as substituting “represented entity” for “lobbyist” throughout the relevant sections. A copy of the proposal can be found here.
ELEC will conduct a public hearing at its offices concerning this proposal on Tuesday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m.
September 13, 2012 •
Thursday News Roundup
Keep up with the latest lobbying, campaign finance, government ethics, redistricting, and social media news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Keep Busy Despite Legislative Lull” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“How Many Lobbyists Are Really Breaking the Law?” by Elahe Izadi in the National Journal.
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Republicans ask court to axe Montana’s campaign contribution laws” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.
New Jersey: “Political action committees gave $18M to N.J. campaigns last year, analysis shows” by Matt Friedman in the Trenton Times.
Redistricting
Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court says ballot summary for redistricting issue is inaccurate” by Joe Guillen in the Plain Dealer.
Pennsylvania: “Supreme Court to hear redistricting arguments today” in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Ethics
“HHS chief violated law restricting political activity, OSC finds” by Eric Katz in Government Executive.
“Scandals are making uphill battles even steeper for some lawmakers” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.
Alaska: “APOC says Senate candidate failed to disclose clients” by Richard Mauer in the Anchorage Daily News.
Social Media and tech
“You Gotta Have Friends: New Study Shows Facebook Can Get Out the Vote” by Micah L. Sifry in TechPresident.
“Study: Facebook drove turnout in 2010” by Steve Friess in Politico.
“Facebook to Cities: Change Page Names, or Else” by Noelle Knell in Governing.
“Web pioneer providing voter database for free” by Gregory Korte in USA Today.
September 11, 2012 •
Tuesday News Roundup
Take a look at these lobbying, campaign finance, and social media articles:
Lobbying
“ALEC Finds New Friends” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
Arizona: “Ex-Fiesta Bowl lobbyist takes plea deal in probe” by Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic.
Campaign Finance
“Appeals court upholds Illinois campaign disclosure law” by Nate Raymond (Reuters) in the Chicago Tribune.
Minnesota: “Minnesota to keep enforcing campaign disclosure law; federal judge called part of it ‘onerous’” by Martiga Lohn (Associated Press) in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Nonstop Fundraising Stretch Starts” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Rahm Emanuel suspends super PAC fundraising” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
“Shop Talk: Celebrating Campaign Women” by Kyle Trygstad in Roll Call.
“Look-alike sites funnel big money to mystery PAC” by Shaqne Goldmacher in NextGov.
“Corporate Contributions and Disclosure” editorial in the New York Times.
Social Media
“Twitter adopts new targeting method for advertisers” by Steve Friess in Politico.
“Cementing social media’s place in the campaign world” in Campaigns & Elections.
“Social-Media Insights Inspired By Barack Obama, America’s First Truly Social President” by Amber Mac in Fast Company.
“Nine Tech Tips for Starting a New Government Job” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.
“Social Media Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Government Career” by Mark Malseed in OhMyGov!
September 10, 2012 •
Miami-Dade County Amends Lobbyist Ordinance
Reporting no longer required for those with no expenditures
The Board of County Commissioners passed an amendment to the county’s lobbying ordinance on September 6, 2012. Expenditure reports are no longer required if a lobbyist had no expenditures during the reporting period.
The ordinance previously required expenditure reports to be filed even if no lobbying expenditures were made.
The ordinance will become effective 10 days from the date of enactment.
September 10, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 10, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Republicans Losing Election Law War as Campaign Ramps Up
Federal:
Parties Raise Record Cash after ‘Soft Money’ Ban
Politics and Truth: Uneasy partners, easy enemies
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Campaigns against Proposition 8 Fined $80,000 for Reporting Violations
District of Columbia: D.C. Corporate Donations Ban Won’t Be on November Ballot
Georgia: Oversight Weak on Expense System for Georgia Lawmakers
Massachusetts: Lobbyists Sue Galvin Over Disclosure Rule
Minnesota: Court Quashes Part of Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Law
Montana: Denny Rehberg, GOP Senate Candidate, Said Lobbyists Are ‘Solution,’ Government Is ‘Enemy’
New York: New York Ethics Inquiry Won’t Look at Speaker’s Actions
New York: NY Super PAC Disclosures May Miss 2012 Elections
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.
August 31, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 31, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Voters Still Tuned in to Traditional News Media, Poll Finds
Federal:
Four-Day Political Conventions Could Be a Thing of the Past
GOP Plank in 2012 Platform Wants to Leave Campaign Spending Alone
From the States and Municipalities:
California
California Lawmakers Say ‘No Gifts, Please’ But Accept Them Anyway
Colorado
Court Rules against Gessler in Campaign Change
District of Columbia
New D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Would Ban Lobbyist Bundling
Iowa
Trust Donation Rules Spelled Out
New York
Lawmaker-Lobby Guidelines Emerge
South Carolina
Former South Carolina Governor Confirms Engagement to Argentine Ex-Mistress
Texas
Court Blocks Texas Voter ID Law, Citing Racial Impact
Washington
Campaign Finance Watchdog: Churches can’t be intermediary for gay marriage referendum money
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.
August 29, 2012 •
Wednesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Also government ethics, redistricting, and social media
Lobbying
“The Art of Going Corporate at Political Conventions” by Diane Brady in Bloomberg Business Week.
“K Street preps for Hurricane Isaac” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“Lobbyists, businesses pamper New Jersey delegates with food, parties” by Melissa Hayes in The Record.
District of Columbia: “New D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Would Ban Lobbyist Bundling” in the Blog of the Legal Times.
New York: “Lawmaker-lobby guidelines emerge” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
Ottawa, Canada: “New lobby registry looks easy as pie” by Joanne Chianello in the Ottawa Citizen.
Campaign Finance
California: “Unleashing the Campaign Contributions of Corporations” by Eduardo Porter in The New York Times.
Pennsylvania: “With money to burn, Fitzpatrick won’t limit spending” by Gary Weckselblatt in The Intelligencer.
Washington: “Churches can’t be intermediary for gay-marriage law donations, watchdog says” by Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) in The Olympian.
Ethics
Illinois: “Emanuel appointees propose more oversight on ethics” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.
New York: “NY ethics board hires another Cuomo aide” by The Associated Press in the Utica Observer Dispatch.
New York: “Silver’s Sexual-Harassment Payout May Get New York Ethics Review” by Freeman Klopott in Bloomberg Business Week.
New York: “New York Can’t Escape Corruption as Senator Huntley Indicted” by Freeman Klopott and David McLaughlin (Bloomberg) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
North Carolina: “Dalton rolls out ethics package, term limits” by Travis Fain in the Greensboro News and Record.
Utah: “Utah cities, counties, guv preparing for new ethics commission law” by Cathy McKitrick in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Ariz. GOP: Redistricting commission’s existence illegal” by Howard Fischer in East Valley Tribune.
Texas: “Texas redistricting plan ruled illegal” by Gary Martin and Gary Scharrer in the San Antonio Express-News.
Social Media
“Ann Romney Was Most-Searched, Most-Tweeted Tuesday Night Speaker” by Alex Fitzpatrick in Mashable.
August 27, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Here are the latest campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics articles to start your week:
Campaign Finance
Tennessee: “TN nears record for political donations” by Paul C. Barton in The Tennessean.
“Obama Outpaces Romney in Small-Dollar Donations” by Jonathan D. Salant in Bloomberg Business Week.
“Super PACs see GOP convention in Tampa as a fundraising opportunity” by Chris Moody in Yahoo News.
“Convention Contributions Down and More Discreet” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Romney ‘absolutely’ would return to public funding in ’16” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.
Lobbying
California: “20 California lawmakers accepted gifts despite ‘no-gift’ signs” by The Associated Press in the Mercury News.
New York: “Opponent hints McDonald is lobbyist” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
“The 10 Lobbying Firms That Rake In The Most Money” by Abby Rogers in Business Insider.
“Convention is not siren call for K Street firms” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Ethics
“N.Y Can’t Escape Corruption as Senator Says She’ll Be Arrested” by Freeman Klopott and David McLaughlin in Bloomberg News.
August 24, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 24, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Skinny-Dipping in Israel Casts Unwanted Spotlight on Congressional Travel
Text ‘GIVE’ to Obama: President’s campaign launches cell phone donation drive
Twitter’s Role in the Upcoming Conventions
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Higher Lobbyist Fees Approved to Fix Campaign Finance Database
California
San Bernardino County: Contribution limits approved
Florida
Campaign Vendors Say Republican Congressman David Rivera Funded Democrat’s Failed Primary Bid
Illinois
Illinois House Expels Rep. Derrick Smith over Bribery Charge
Minnesota
Donor against Marriage Amendment Will Remain Unnamed
Missouri
Akin Says He’ll Stay in Senate Race, Heightening Tension within GOP
New Hampshire
Most Campaign Money Remains Hidden in New Hampshire
New York
Gifts End in $1.7 Million Deal
North Carolina
Despite Laws, NC Legislators Still Ask Lobbyists for Money
Oregon
Oregon Political Social Scene a Thing of the Past
Pennsylvania
Report Faults Ethics Board: Small staff and lack of authority cited
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.
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.
