National:

Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016
New York Times – Jason Horowitz | Published: 3/15/2015

David Lane travels the country trying to persuade clergy members to become politically active. His hope is the politicized pastors will help mobilize congregations that have been disheartened by the repeated failure of socially conservative candidates, and by a Republican Party that has softened its opposition to same-sex marriage. It is an organizing approach far different from those in the days when larger-than-life leaders could activate evangelical voters simply by anointing a candidate. But close observers of evangelicals and their political involvement say Lane is emblematic of a new generation of leaders who draw local support or exert influence through niche issues or their own networks.

Federal:

IRS May Broaden Rule to Police Political Nonprofits
Politico – Hillary Flynn and Rachel Bade | Published: 3/18/2015

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said the agency may expand a yet-to-be-released rule governing 501(c)(4) social welfare groups to include political groups known as 527s, which focus on elections. It could require them both, as well as other types of tax-exempt organizations, to operate under the same definition of “political activity.” The law is currently vague, requiring that 501(c)(4)s operate “primarily” for social welfare. It is one of the reasons the IRS found itself in hot water for pulling tea party groups for extra scrutiny between 2010 and 2012.

Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane | Published: 3/17/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) will resign on March 31 following questions about spending by his office and campaign. Schock has faced a torrent of bad publicity that began when it was revealed he had his office redecorated – for free – in the style of the PBS series “Downton Abbey.” Schock repaid $40,000 for the redecoration, but the initial story set off a series of reports on his lavish spending habits. Subsequent reports detailed a dozen charter flights worth over $40,000 on donors’ planes and $24,000 in campaign funds spent on concerts and events. The Chicago Tribune published a report raising questions about the use of campaign funds to finance the construction and sale of a house that Schock owned in Peoria.

The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 3/15/2015

Companies rooted in data analytics are attempting to change the way lobbying is done in Washington, D.C. At least four companies have introduced new ways to sell data-based political and competitive intelligence that offers insight into the policymaking process. They are turning lobbying, which was once based entirely on personal connections, into more of a science, and the idea is gaining traction among the field’s most established power brokers. In some ways, technology is just automating and verifying knowledge a lobbyist may already have, based on instincts and experience. But access to statistics is now key to selling lobbying services to clients, who increasingly want empirical evidence to back up claims about a lawmaker’s reputation.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 3/15/2015

The campaign behind Charter Amendments 1 and 2, which changed Los Angeles’ election dates and gave some officials an extra 18 months in office, reported its funding from the union that represents most Department of Water and Power employees 90 minutes before the polls closed. That money was part of a larger phenomenon in this year’s campaign season: big contributions that arrived too late to be disclosed on mailers or, in some cases, too late even to be part of the public debate.

Connecticut – Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment
New York Times – Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora | Published: 3/18/2015

Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a political consulting scheme, exactly one decade after he was ordered behind bars in an earlier scandal that forced him from office. Rowland committed the latest crimes as he maneuvered to insert himself in two separate congressional campaigns. He was convicted on charges he conspired to conceal payment for the work, which he knew would bring unwelcome publicity to the candidates because of his criminal history. Prosecutors said Rowland was paid $35,000 to work on the failed 2012 campaign of Lisa Wilson-Foley and conspired to hide those payments through a consulting contract with a business owned by her husband. They say he tried to strike a similar deal with another failed congressional candidate.

Florida – Marco Rubio’s House of Horrors
Politico – Marc Caputo | Published: 3/16/2015

A house in Tallahassee jointly owned by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and former U.S. Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) could be a headache for Rubio if he goes ahead with an expected run for president. The property is a stubborn symbol of both a politically problematic friendship and lingering questions about Rubio’s personal finances, which dogged him on the campaign trail in 2010 and may do so again. Rubio’s critics are waiting to make hay of any revelations that may come of the federal campaign finance investigation of Rivera and to point to their status as roommates during the years when Rivera allegedly engaged in illegal campaign activities.

New Mexico – Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse
KRQE – Matt Grubs | Published: 3/17/2015

New Mexico Rep. Jim Dines agreed to run for a House seat with the condition that he would not take campaign money from lobbyists or special interests. When Dines got to Santa Fe, he continued his independent streak. He refused to accept all the coffee mugs, jewelry, and free food that normally find their way onto a lawmaker’s desk during the session. Dines does not think a free meal or a stuffed animal or even free golf passes from a lobbyist equate to a promise to vote the way that lobbyist would prefer. But he said that does not really matter. “The perception of the public is … there’s a reason things are being given,” said Dines.

New Mexico – House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe
Taos News – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2015

State Rep. Brian Egolf wants an investigation into why the New Mexico House delayed sending a bill on lobbyist disclosure to the Senate. Egolf says the delay in sending the measure to the Senate likely killed it as the legislative session nears its end. House Bill 155 would require lobbyists to disclose what issues or causes they have been hired to represent. It also would extend how long the state keeps lobbyist records. The House approved the legislation on March 7 but did not send it to the Senate until March 13. Normally, bills are sent within a day.

North Carolina – Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal
Raleigh News & Observer – Colin Campbell | Published: 3/17/2015

The North Carolina Ethics Commission in February ruled that sex between a lobbyist and state official is not a gift that must be formally disclosed. Some lawmakers now want to make it clear that such relations require officials to step back from governmental action. House Bill 252 says an official must avoid acting if the official is married to a lobbyist and the lobbyist or the company the person works for could gain financially. It also applies if the two are dating or have a sexual relationship.

North Dakota – Lawmakers Say ‘No’ to Letting Voters Decide on State Ethics Commission
Dickinson Press – Mike Nowatzki (Forum News Service) | Published: 3/16/2015

The North Dakota House defeated a resolution that would have allowed voters to decide if a state ethics commission should be established. Assistant Minority Leader Corey Mock, the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3060, said the lack of an ethics agency creates a perception problem for the state, and he questioned why lawmakers would want to wait until something egregious happens before creating one. But Rep. Scott Louser said while some states have a culture of corruption, North Dakota has a culture of openness and accessibility.

Texas – In Dallas, Most Ethics Complaints Go Nowhere
Dallas Morning News – Elizabeth Findell | Published: 3/15/2015

The Dallas City Council recently took steps to cut down on the number of frivolous complaints filed with the city’s Ethics Advisory Commission, and to allow the city to reimburse the subjects of such complaints for their defense costs. But ethics complaints, frivolous or otherwise, are rare at City Hall, shows a review by The Dallas Morning News. And when a complaint is filed, the chances are slim that anything will happen as a result. Of the 69 complaints filed since 2001, six were immediately declared invalid because they were submitted incorrectly or related to activities by people not affiliated with the city. Of the remainder, 56 were dismissed by a preliminary panel review.

Vermont – Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill
Seven Days – Terri Hallenbeck | Published: 3/17/2015

The Vermont Senate passed Senate Bill 93, which would require registered lobbyists, principals, and lobbying firms to disclose advertisements or advertising campaigns that they spend $1,000 or more on during a legislative session. The advertising report requirement is in addition to lobbyists’ current obligations to file expenditure reports, and the bill would increase the number of times per year lobbyists need to file those expenditure reports from three to five.

Washington – Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program
The Daily Journal – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2015

Supporters of Washington’s film and television industry staged a mock zombie apocalypse at the Capitol as part of their lobbying efforts on a measure to expand a tax-incentive program designed to lure more projects to the state. More than 200 people, including actors, crew, and support staff, staged a daylong shoot for a spot they planned to release later in support of Senate Bill 6027, which would increase the amount of money available every year under Washington’s tax incentive program for the industry. Dozens of actors dressed as zombies were part of action scenes where the script included monologues or conversations about the bill.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Federal:

Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015

Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of state, saying she had turned over to the Obama administration all correspondence about government business but had erased records of communications about private matters, like yoga routines and her daughter’s wedding. In a news conference about her exclusive use of a private email account while secretary, Clinton sought to squelch the furor about those communications. She acknowledged it would have been wiser to use a government email for official business, but said she had “fully complied with every rule” and was going “above and beyond” what was required of her in asking the State Department to make public much of her email correspondence. Clinton said she had only convenience in mind in choosing to use just a personal email account.

K Street Aims for Global Expansion
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/12/2015

After dropping the word “lobbyist” from its name in 2013, the Association for Government Relations Professionals (AGRP) has added hundreds of new members as the group looks to boost its clout and extend its reach, both geographically and in terms of the professionals it represents. Leading the makeover of the organization formerly known as the American League of Lobbyists is Jim Hickey, who was elected as AGRP’s president in December. Hickey wants to break out of Washington and establish an industrywide database that would connect government affairs professionals at the state, federal, and international levels. If a corporation or grassroots firm, for example, needs to find an advocate with a certain policy expertise within a specific state capital, Hickey wants to be able to provide that resource.

Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus
Politico – Lauren French | Published: 3/10/2015

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on “Meet the Press” that he has never sent a single email in his life. Graham’s complete aversion to email might be an extreme case even in the technologically antiquated Senate, where lawmakers still file their campaign finance reports on paper, but he certainly has plenty of company in the Luddite Caucus. The email habits of lawmakers are suddenly in the spotlight after it was reported that Hillary Clinton used a personal email account as her official correspondence while serving as secretary of state and stored the emails on a private server in her home.

Menendez Is to Face Corruption Charges, U.S. Official Says
New York Times – Kate Zernike and Matt Apuzzo | Published: 3/6/2015

The Justice Department is likely to file criminal charges against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly accepting gifts and lavish vacations in exchange for political favors for a longtime friend and political benefactor. Menendez has been the subject of an investigation for two years centering on his relationship with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a South Florida ophthalmologist. According to court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed, prosecutors have been examining whether Menendez improperly tried to persuade Medicare officials in recent years to change reimbursement policies in a way that would make millions of dollars for Melgen, one of the country’s biggest recipients of Medicare funds.

Pope Weighs in on Campaign Finance, but Will He Go Before the FEC?
Washington Post – Al Kamen and Colby Itkowitz | Published: 3/11/2015

Pope Francis warned that campaign donations lead elected officials to act against the interests of the people. “In the financing of electoral campaigns, many interests get into the mix, and then they send you the bill,” said .Francis. He also called for transparency in fundraising for political campaigns. His comments caught the attention of Ellen Weintraub of the FEC, who mentioned it before the panel’s most recent meeting. They joked that maybe the pope would like to testify at an FEC hearing when he visits Washington this fall. “I am happy for anyone to recognize campaign finance; this might be even better than Stephen Colbert,” said Weintraub.

From the States and Municipalities:

Idaho – Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward
Idaho Statesman – Bill Dentzer | Published: 3/5/2015

The head of Idaho’s pro-business lobby has been placed on temporary leave after sending a profanity-laden email criticizing a state senator and suggesting the group introduce retaliation legislation. The board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry made the decision regarding President Alex LaBeau. “The president of the organization said some very inappropriate things about impacting the process over here just to spite a specific senator, which is completely and absolutely inappropriate,” said Sen. John Tippets.

Indiana – Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Mark Alesia | Published: 3/5/2015

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma revealed he has done legal work for the Indy Eleven soccer team for the past two years. But he did not publicly disclose that work until after the House voted in favor of the $82 million stadium funding proposal for the team, and even then, he did so only after being pressed by reporters to comment on the measure. House Ethics Committee Chairperson Greg Steuerwald said he has done legal work for Keystone Construction Corp., which is owned by Ersal Ozdemir, who also owns Indy Eleven. The revelations come as Bosma and Steuerwald lead a push for ethics reforms in the wake of several high-profile scandals involving state officials.

Kentucky – Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 3/10/2015

Anthony Wilhoit is stepping down as executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, a post he has held since November 1997. Wilhoit, who will turn 80 this year, said “it’s time for new blood” for the agency that enforces ethics laws and regulates conduct by legislators, lobbyists, and employers of lobbyists. He will remain on the job until the commission finds a replacement. It is taking applications for the job until April 1.

New Jersey – N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor
Newark Star-Ledger – NJ Advance Media | Published: 3/5/2015

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), which oversees the state’s 984 registered lobbyists, is proposing to increase the fee they have to pay to register each year from $425 to $575. The fee for lobbyists has not been increased since 2004. The proposed amendment was published in the latest New Jersey Register. The 60-day comment period now begins, and ELEC will hold a public hearing on May 19.

Pennsylvania – 3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy | Published: 3/10/2015

Two state lawmakers from Philadelphia and an ex-legislator have been charged with pocketing cash in an influence-peddling case taken up by District Attorney Seth Williams after being dropped by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee, and former Rep. Harold James, who last served in 2012, face conspiracy, bribery, and other counts. The arrests raised to six the number charged in the case. They are all accused of improperly accepting cash or gifts from informant Tyrone Ali, a lobbyist working undercover for prosecutors. Kane rejected the case in 2013, saying it was flawed by witness credibility problems, entrapment issues, and allegations of racial targeting.

Rhode Island – New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) | Published: 3/5/2015

A task force formed by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea working to clarify and strengthen Rhode Island’s lobbying laws met for the first time recently. Gorbea said the executive and legislative lobbying statutes are unnecessarily complicated. Her transition committee recommended raising registration fees for lobbyists and increasing fines for those who do not register. Although the Department of State oversees lobbyists, it cannot independently oversee and enforce the laws and charge offenders, said Gorbea. The secretary of state is not granted subpoena powers for administrative hearings, and the penalties for breaking the lobbying laws are minimal. “Stronger laws discourage bad behavior and penalize those who willfully break the law, and renew people’s faith and trust in government,” said Gorbea.

Virginia – McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella | Published: 3/9/2015

A group of 44 former state attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting ex-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. The brief argues the charges filed against McDonnell set dangerous precedents surrounding corruption law. In particular, the attorneys general argued the case federalized what should be state public corruption charges and sought to criminalize what they believe should be considered innocuous behavior. A jury determined McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, used the governor’s office to help businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. promote his dietary supplement company in exchange for $177,000 in loans, personal gifts, and luxury goods. McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to a year and a day.

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.

National:

Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs
KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015

Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, raising a conflict-of-interest questions. A review of records and interviews by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
New York Times – Michael Schmidt | Published: 3/2/2015

Hillary Clinton used a private e-mail account for her official government business when she was secretary of state. She did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was not clear why Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, created the private account. But the practice appears to bolster long-standing criticism that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have not been transparent.

Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz | Published: 2/28/2015

A rare conviction of a Virginia campaign operative is part of a broader focus by the U.S. Justice Department on cases in which candidates may be violating a federal ban on sharing strategic information with well-funded independent allies. The department’s move comes as complaints have stalled before the FEC, which has not moved ahead with any coordination investigations since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 triggered a proliferation of big-money groups. The newly aggressive stance by the Justice Department is certain to have wide reverberations at a time when candidates are taking more leeway than ever in their relationships with independent allies. Many potential 2016 candidates are working hand-in-glove with super PACs set up to support them.

Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison
Washington Post – Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz | Published: 3/3/2015

David Petraeus reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to avoid an embarrassing trial over whether he provided classified information to a mistress when he was the director of the CIA.  Petraeus will plead guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He also acknowledged he misled FBI investigators. Federal prosecutors will not seek prison time for the retired four-star general but instead will ask a judge to impose a probationary period of two years. Prosecutors had pushed for charges after FBI agents discovered Petraeus’s former mistress, Paula Broadwell, was in possession of sensitive documents while writing a book about him. The affair forced his resignation as CIA director in 2012.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors
AL.com – John Archibald | Published: 2/27/2015

Prosecutors released emails involving indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard that show he was having financial problems and was hitting up high-placed lobbyists and friends for assistance. The court filing is the first glimpse of the evidence against Hubbard, who will go to trial on ethics charges in October. The emails depict Hubbard as stressed after losing his job. He asks former Gov. Bob Riley and others for help in finding a job or investors in his company. An executive at a company paid by the Alabama Republican Party complained in an email they were being “forced” to use Hubbard’s company for campaign printing work. Prosecutors say Hubbard used his political position for financial benefit. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said the filings were designed to mislead the public.

Arizona – Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a voter-approved plan that stripped Arizona lawmakers of their role in drawing congressional districts in a bid to remove partisan politics from the process. The court’s conservatives asked questions during the argument that indicated there could be a majority willing to find the ballot initiative violated the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that state Legislatures set congressional district boundaries. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Should the justices reject Arizona’s commission, at least one other, in California, is also likely to be in peril.

California – Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who want to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage, and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, in part, because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation, and employer.

California – Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big
Los Angeles Times – Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser | Published: 3/3/2015

The Mayor’s Fund has received numerous contributions from companies with a stake in Los Angeles City Hall decisions and from charitable foundations. Modeled on similar nonprofits in New York and other cities, the fund provides a financial boost for civic programs that might otherwise fall victim to city belt-tightening. But the nonprofit, which took in about $5.2 million between its formation in June and last month, can also offer a discreet destination for special-interest money that is not subject to campaign finance restrictions. City law caps contributions by individuals or businesses at $1,300 per election for mayoral candidates. By contrast, the average donation to the Mayor’s Fund has been $111,000.

Illinois – As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 3/2/2015

The super PAC Chicago Forward recently made an independent expenditure of $110,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s campaign fund for “political communications.” That means there will be no campaign fundraising limits for the April 7 mayoral run-off between Emmanuel and city Councilperson Jesus Garcia. Under state law, once a candidate in a local race receives a donation to his or her campaign of at least $100,000 within a year of the election, all contribution limits for all candidates in the race are lifted.

Iowa – The Real Iowa Kingmaker
Politico – Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 3/3/2015

Bruce Rastetter, an agribusiness mogul, has long worked behind the scenes to help bankroll conservatives candidates across the country. Now he is about to host a dozen potential Republican presidential hopefuls at the first Iowa Agriculture Summit. It is an event designed to promote farm policy in a state where pigs outnumber voters by 10-to-one, but it is also a bold display of the political power Rastetter has amassed, and a reminder to candidates that his endorsement would be a big get ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Rastetter’s moves over the past decade look like a “how to” guide for becoming a political power player.

Massachusetts – Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/2/2015

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg raised $93,000 for her inauguration and transition costs, over two-thirds of which came in large donations from special interests that deal directly with her office. The practice of inaugural committees collecting large contributions, including from corporations, is not illegal in Massachusetts. Incoming governors, in particular, have routinely tapped special interests to finance their transitions and inaugurations. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, said the system, which also has no requirements for detailing expenses, heightens the potential for conflicts-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney | Published: 3/3/2015

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return following an investigation that included a federal raid on his statehouse office and home. Fox acknowledged he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairperson of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges taking $108,000 from his campaign account for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, his American Express bill, and purchases at Tiffany’s and Warwick Animal Hospital. Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.

Rhode Island – Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 2/28/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s transition committee recommended raising the registration fees for lobbyists and increasing the fines for failing to register. Its report suggests legislation is needed to “modernize the state’s antiquated lobbying laws.” The committee also recommended updates to the state’s lobbying tracker system, described as “unnecessarily complicated.” Lobbyists currently must register separately in the General Assembly and executive branch, but the group recommended consolidating the reporting requirements.

Utah – Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 3/3/2015

An attempt to set limits on campaign contribution failed in Utah. House Bill 60 would have capped donations at $20,000 for statewide offices such as governor, $10,000 for legislative races, and $40,000 for PACs or parties. House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson said limits would just increase the amount of unregulated “dark money” spent by third parties in campaigns. Utah is one of just four states without limits on political donations.

Virginia – Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/28/2015

Virginia lawmakers adjourned after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials. The ethics-reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state, but it also adds a long list of exceptions. It creates an ethics council but gives it no power to investigate or issue fines and penalties. Negotiations went down to the wire on the ethics changes, which lawmakers have said was one of their top priorities for the session. The new measures were their second effort at tightening the rules after the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell that stemmed from his acceptance of gifts, loans, and trips.

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.

Federal:

Report: Illinois Rep. Schock billed private planes, concerts
Tacoma News Tribune – Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) | Published: 2/23/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to donors for private flights and spent campaign money on several concerts and festivals. An Associated Press report said Schock spent at least $40,000 of taxpayer money for flights on private planes owned by donors, which could be a violation of House rules, as it is illegal for candidates and lawmakers to use noncommercial aircrafts for official or campaign business. Allegations of improper spending have been trickling out against Schock since a Washington Post reporter in February stumbled upon a redesign of his congressional office. The office was painted and redesigned to resemble the ornate dining room featured on the television show “Downton Abbey.”

The Inside Story Of How Citizens United Has Changed Washington Lawmaking
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal and Ryan Grim | Published: 2/26/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision is reshaping how, how much, and to whom money flows in Washington. How the flood of money released by the ruling has changed elections has been the subject of much discussion, but the decision’s role in allowing that same money to infuse the legislative process has largely gone unreported. According to a review of documents, as well as interviews with lobbyists and policymakers, independent spending has become increasingly intertwined with lobbying and legislation, the precise appearance of corruption campaign finance laws were meant to curb.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search
AL.com – Erin Edgemon | Published: 2/24/2015

The Alabama Ethics Commission selected Tom Albritton as its new director. Albritton replaces Jim Sumner, who retired last October after 17 years at the helm. The commission received 27 applications for the post, and interviewed six of them.

California – California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 2/19/2015

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved new regulations banning political fundraisers in the homes of lobbyists. The panel rejected a proposal to allow fundraisers in lobbyists’ homes as long as the candidate pays for the use of the home. Legislation on the issue was passed after the FPPC imposed a record $133,500 fine last year against lobbyist Kevin Sloat and his firm for violating campaign contribution rules by providing alcohol and cigars at lavish fundraisers held at his home for lawmakers’ campaigns.

District of Columbia – For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 2/21/2015

Ward 8 voters in the District of Columbia will again get to choose the name Marion Barry on April 28, when the only son of the late, legendary former mayor will try to replace his father on the city council. Victory, however, is far from assured for a son who wrestles with some of the same demons as the father: drugs, the law, the wrong kind of media attention. And the reservoir of goodwill, political favors, and campaign support from which the elder Barry drew to overcome his own troubles does not run so deep for his son.

Hawaii – Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Ian Lind | Published: 2/25/2015

At a recent meeting of the Hawaii Ethics Commission, Executive Director Les Kondo briefed commissioners on his plan to revisit and potentially reverse a 2007 policy requiring so-called goodwill lobbying to be disclosed. Kondo said he now believes the specific language of the statute is not broad enough to demand disclosure of social gatherings, whether one-on-one dinners between legislators and lobbyists, or receptions bringing dozens of lawmakers together to drink and dine with special interest groups, where specific legislation is not discussed.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 2/24/2015

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to capture a majority of the vote in his bid for a second term, an embarrassment for the former White House chief of staff who now faces an April 7 runoff against Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia. The result exposed possible vulnerability for an incumbent who has widespread support from business leaders, national name recognition, and millions of dollars in campaign funds.

Kansas – Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents
Kansas City Star – Brad Cooper | Published: 2/24/2015

Conservatives’ virtually unchallenged control of the Kansas Capitol opens the way for new policies that could undercut the influence of their traditional opposition for years to come. Those efforts figure to weaken the lobbying efforts by cities, hamstring the power of teachers unions, limit how academics can speak out on public controversies, and mold a more conservative judiciary. “The reason why conservatives gained control of the House, the Senate and the governor’s office is because the people wanted us to,” said state Rep. Scott Schwab. But aggressive action on several fronts has triggered criticism – some of it coming from fellow Republicans – the conservative majority might strip away basic fairness from the state’s political dynamics, especially with bills seen as targeting professors and the media.

Louisiana – Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources
New Orleans Advocate – Marsha Shuler | Published: 2/22/2015

The Louisiana Board of Ethics said groups funding political ads do not have to disclose those expenditures unless they advocate voting for or against a particular candidate. They also would not have to disclose the source of the money received for a particular ad based on the advisory opinion. The board’s opinion aligns with recent court rulings but did not sit well with some members who favor disclosure of the outside election spending and its source.

Massachusetts – Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions
MassLive.com – Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) | Published: 2/23/2015

A conservative group sued the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance on behalf of two local businesses, arguing the commonwealth has banned companies from making political donations while allowing unions to contribute up to $15,000. The lawsuit by the Goldwater Institute says “businesses and unions are functionally equivalent organizations,” and alleges violations of free speech and equal protection under the U.S. and state constitutions.

Nevada – As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/17/2015

Many elected officials have professional relationships that extend outside the Legislature, creating a web that reveals the close-knit nature of Nevada politics. Those who submitted disclosures have not been accused of any conflict-of-interest. But critics maintain the relationships speak of a system where cronyism is common.

New York – Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress
New York Times – Alexander Burns | Published: 2/24/2015

Daniel Donovan, the Staten Island district attorney, handled the investigation into the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, an inquiry that touched off demonstrations across New York City and beyond when a grand jury declined to deliver an indictment. Now Donovan is considered the likely successor to former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a fellow Republican who vacated his seat in January after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion. But while Grimm came to be defined by his acknowledged criminal actions, Donovan has come to be identified by the Garner grand jury’s inaction.

North Carolina – Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules
Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo | Published: 2/23/2015

The Charlotte City Council adopted a new ethics policy in response to the Patrick Cannon corruption scandal last year that put the former mayor in federal prison. It forbids elected officials from accepting gifts or meals. Exceptions include tickets to events where the city has a business reason for being represented. Officials could also accept food and drink at such events. Nominal gifts under $50, mementos related to civil events, and gifts from friends and family are also exceptions under the ordinance. The policy does not address lobbying disclosure, which some council members had called for.

Utah – Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 2/20/2015

Utah Sen. Curt Bramble is seeking to repeal the requirement that lobbyists wear special badges. The problem, he says, is while it covers contract lobbyists or advocates working for particular companies, there are many who fall into a gray area, such as citizen activists, nonprofit entities, government employees, and others who are not required to wear the badges. With the lack of clarity, Bramble said, it makes sense to repeal the requirement, which lobbyists had complained about in the first place.

Virginia – Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/20/2015

Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a bribery scheme that ended her husband’s political career. Ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison. A jury found the McDonnells guilty of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessperson Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company’s nutritional supplements. Maureen McDonnell is likely the first modern-day spouse of a governor convicted on felony charges arising from her occupancy in an executive mansion.

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.

National:

States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White | Published: 2/17/2015

State legislators in Maine, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have introduced bills that demand a majority of shareholders approve corporate donations to political committees or candidates. The sponsor of the Maryland bill said he has heard from about a dozen lawmakers from different states who are interested in the idea. Supporters see the legislation as a way to limit the influence of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, which ruled corporations had a right to spend unlimited amounts of money calling for the election or defeat of candidates. The ruling affected laws in about half the states. Companies with deep pockets are now seen as major players in elections at all levels.

This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations
Vox – Andrew Prokop | Published: 2/17/2015

Adam Bonica, the Stanford University political scientist and co-founder of the website Crowdpac, argues fundraising data allows for a better quantitative comparison among presidential candidates than past votes or positions do. That is because there are over 100 million records of political donations over several decades, contributions from people who, presumably, have their own views on issues and give mostly to candidates who share those beliefs.

Federal:

Clinton Foundation’s Global Network Overlaps with Family’s Political Base
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Tom Hamburger, and Steven Rich | Published: 2/18/2015

The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation has raised close to $2 billion since its inception in 2001. The total includes $262 million that was raised in 2013, the year Hillary Clinton stepped down as secretary of state and began to devote her energies to the foundation and to a likely second run for president. The financial success of the foundation, which funds charitable work around the world, underscores the highly unusual nature of another Clinton candidacy. The organization has given donors entree, outside the traditional political arena, to a possible president. Foreign donors and countries that are likely to have interests before a potential Clinton administration, and yet are ineligible to give to U.S. political campaigns, have affirmed their support for the family’s work through the charitable giving.

Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold | Published: 2/15/2015

Tyler Harber, the former campaign manager for congressional candidate Chris Perkins, pleaded guilty to illegally coordinating spending between the campaign and a super PAC, in a case that officials described as the first-ever such federal prosecution. Super PACs can take donations of unlimited size, but they are not allowed to coordinate with the campaigns of federal candidates. Harber persuaded a donor who had given the legal maximum $2,500 contribution to Perkins’ official account to give $300,000 to the National Republican Victory Fund, a super PAC Harber helped run. Harber then got the super PAC to spend $325,000 on advertising against Perkins’ opponent. That amounted to illegal coordination, according to the plea agreement. Some of the money also found its way back to Harber.

From the States and Municipalities:

Georgia – With Growing National Support for His Cause, Atlanta’s Former Fire Chief Sues the City over His Dismissal
Washington Post – Abby Ohlheiser | Published: 2/18/2015

The former Atlanta fire chief who was fired after self-publishing a book that described homosexuality as a perversion has sued the city and Mayor Kasim Reed. Kelvin Cochran has said he was fired because he expressed his religious beliefs in the book, which he said he did not write in his capacity as fire chief. The mayor has said he fired Cochran because he lacked judgment and management skills. Reed has also contended the former chief violated the city’s code of conduct because he published the book without permission and distributed the literature to city employees who did not want to read it. Cochran said he was given permission to publish the book by Nina Hickson, Atlanta’s ethics officer.

Maine – Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws
The Forecaster – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 2/18/2015

On January 22 and 23, Time Warner, the leading cable television provider in the state, invited a select group of Maine House and Senate members to a “Winter Policy Conference” at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. The conference included meals and rooms. A major topic was the growing movement by communities to build high-speed broadband networks themselves, bypassing the service offered by companies like Time Warner. As of February 17, neither Time Warner nor legislative officials would release more than a handful of the names of those who were at the event, and there are few, if any, legal disclosure requirements to do so.

Michigan – Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014
MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 2/18/2015

A new report says lobbyists spent a near record total of about $37 million in 2014 trying to influence legislation in Michigan. That is just short of the record spending reported for 2012. Rich Robinson, who heads the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, said the state’s lax disclosure laws do not shed much light on the nature of efforts to lobby lawmakers. Michigan lags behind other states when it comes to lobbying disclosure, according to Robinson, who said the federal government might provide a better model. Lobbyists who meet with U.S. House members are expected to list the issues or bills they discussed, for instance.

Mississippi – Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Emily Le Coz | Published: 2/15/2015

Mississippi Rep. Gene Alday told The Jackson Clarion-Ledger he was against increased funding for education, in particular funding to improve literacy. During his explanation, Alday said he comes “from a town where all the blacks are getting food stamps and what I call ‘welfare crazy checks.’ They don’t work.” He also told the newspaper about a time he visited an emergency room. “I liked to died. I laid in there for hours because they (black people) were in there being treated for gunshots,” Alday was quoted as saying. He did not deny the comments attributed to him. However, Alday said he was not a racist.

Nevada – Citing Error, High Court Reverses Campaign Finance Ruling
Reno Gazette-Journal – Riley Snider and Michelle Rindels (Associated Press) | Published: 2/16/2015

The Nevada Supreme Court reversed itself and ruled in favor of conservative activist group Citizen Outreach, which was accused of violating campaign finance law by publishing flyers attacking former Assemblyperson John Oceguera without disclosing donors or expenses. The majority opinion found state law requiring campaign disclosures only applies to communications containing so-called magic words or key political terms like “vote for” or “elect.” The court had issued a ruling with the opposite conclusion. Court officials blamed that on a clerical error and rescinded it.

North Carolina – Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure
Charlotte Observer – Steve Harrison | Published: 2/10/2015

Charlotte is the nation’s largest city with no registration requirement for lobbyists. In the wake of the scandal that sent former Mayor Patrick Cannon to prison on corruption charges, a city council committee has approved changes that would tighten its ethics policy. But council members focused on defining what gifts are appropriate for them to accept. They also proposed adding more requirements on financial disclosure forms. There was little talk about adding any transparency requirements for lobbyists.

North Carolina – NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable
Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 2/13/2015

Sex between lobbyists and state officials covered by North Carolina’s ethics law do not constitute a “reportable expenditure” or “things of value,” according to a ruling the State Ethics Commission published just before Valentine’s Day. The advisory opinion, issued at the request of the secretary of state’s Lobbying Compliance Division, added that such relationships would be unlikely to trigger the state’s “goodwill lobbying” registration requirements. In 2012, the commission investigated two lobbyists who had intimate relationships with top aides to then-House Speaker Thom Tillis. His chief of staff resigned and his policy adviser was asked to resign. A key focus of that investigation, which did not result in any public penalties, was whether the lobbyists provided things of value to the public officials.

Oregon – Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit
New York Times – Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson | Published: 2/15/2015

Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned from office, completing the sudden unraveling of his political career. Just one month after becoming the first Oregon governor to start a fourth term, Kitzhaber became the first to resign because of alleged misconduct, as he and his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, continue to be investigated for misusing their influence for personal gain. Kitzhaber is facing inquiries into whether Hayes benefited financially from her personal relationship with him, and whether she properly disclosed all the consulting fees she had been paid. Federal prosecutors have begun a sweeping investigation, subpoenaing six years of records related to contracts awarded to Hayes or her company. The state attorney general has also started a criminal probe.

Texas – Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 2/16/2015

State Sen. Kirk Watson introduced three bills that would shine more light on lawmakers being entertained by lobbyists. Senate Bill 585 would lower the reporting threshold for lobbyist expenditures to $50. Senate Bill 586 would guarantee disclosure even if multiple lobbyists banded together to get around the new $50 limit. If more than $50 is spent on a state official, all the lobbyists who paid for it would have to provide detailed reporting as if they each had spent the higher amount. Senate Bill 587 would ensure the reports are made available on the Internet.

Utah – Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 2/17/2015

In 2013, special interests sponsored 32 lunches for Utah lawmakers during the session’s 33 working days. This year, the number scheduled has dropped to 14. The difference can be attributed to the Legislature changing its pay structure to eliminate what had been a financial incentive to accept free meals. But while free lunches are waning, receptions are on the upswing. They are cheaper for sponsors than full-blown meals and also take less time for lawmakers, who can stop by for a few minutes instead of investing an hour or more to sit, eat, and listen. The events annually rekindle a debate about whether they give wealthy interests better access to lawmakers, and perhaps more influence.

Virginia – In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/17/2015

Ethics reforms approved by Virginia lawmakers have fewer teeth than what some, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, had pressed for after his predecessor’s conviction on public corruption charges. Both the House and Senate agreed with McAuliffe and imposed a $100 annual cap on gifts, with notable exceptions. Only McAuliffe wants to create an ethics council with subpoena and audit powers. The Senate would authorize random inspections of financial disclosures, but the House called for neither idea. Both chambers will consider the other’s bill in the next two weeks.

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.

National:

Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 2/5/2015

Business interests poured money into ballot question fights last year, largely to protect their own revenue, with overwhelmingly positive results. More than three-quarters of the $272 million given by the top 50 donors to ballot measure groups nationwide came from corporations or business trade organizations. They contributed most of their money to defeat proposals and were almost always successful, winning 96 percent of the time.

Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant
The Missoulian; Staff    | Published: 2/5/2015

When advocates, lawyers, journalists, or others want to investigate the influence of campaign finance on public policy, they often turn to a nonprofit with a massive database: ­the National Institute on Money in State Politics. The institute’s website, FollowTheMoney.org, offers the public access to an archive covering contributions to candidates in every state over several decades. The institute now has $1-million more to further its work, one of nine nonprofits that were honored with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

Federal:

Forum Becomes Campaign Cash Free-for-All
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 2/11/2015

With the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent McCutcheon decision as the starting point, attendees at an FEC hearing laid out a wide range of ideas for improving disclosure and preventing political corruption. Equally split between Democrats and Republicans and lacking decisive direction from Congress, the commissioners are not likely to take any sweeping action in the wake of the hearing. That did not discourage an outpouring of interest from reform groups and free speech organizations, well beyond the scope of developing rules to implement last year’s decision by the high court.

The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 2/5/2015

Over the past several years, many nonprofits and super PACs have paid Mary Pat Bonner’s consulting firm in excess of $6 million to help them cultivate wealthy donors and raise money. Bonner’s contracts give her firm a commission on any money she brings in from her network of rich Democrats and liberals. Her tenacity and ties to wealthy givers have made Bonner among the most successful practitioners of a trade that is virtually invisible to voters but has taken on power and influence in the post-Citizens United world. But the growing influence of paid fundraisers and the terms of their compensation have also drawn the ire of donors in both parties, who have grown increasingly skeptical of Washington’s consultant class and the secret, often lucrative deals they reach with campaigns.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 2/7/2015

Fourteen years after California voters approved a measure that imposed candidate contribution limits for the first time, the pipeline of money between donors, political party committees, and far-flung candidates in competitive races continues to grow. Political parties’ role as money middlemen effectively skirts the limits while making it difficult for voters to figure out which special interests support a candidate. The transactions are complex, sometimes involving multiple committees, yet entirely legal if there is no coordination between donors, committees, and candidates. Such cases are difficult to prove and only a relative handful of politicians, consultants, or political committees have gotten in trouble for money laundering.

Florida – Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Andy Reid | Published: 2/9/2015

Builders, lobbyists, and others who have business before local government are among the top sponsors of the Palm Beach County Mayor’s Ball fundraiser for the homeless. The February 28 event offers the chance for those paying $250 per ticket to socialize with elected leaders as a way to raise money to fight homelessness. While event backers say it is a way for local leaders to raise money for a good cause, critics warn that fundraisers like this can create the perception of buying influence with elected officials.

Hawaii – Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission
Greenfield Daily Reporter; Associated Press –   | Published: 2/5/2015

David Arakawa, executive director of the Land Use Research Foundation, lobbied on the foundation’s behalf between 2008 and 2014 without registering himself or the organization with the Hawaii Ethics Commission as required by state law. The commission also said neither Arakawa nor the foundation filed lobbying expenditure and contribution reports during that period. As a result, Arakawa and the foundation will each pay $2,000 in fines.

Illinois – Illinois Governor Acts to Curb Power of Public Sector Unions
New York Times – Monica Davey and Mitch Smith | Published: 2/9/2015

In a move that surprised lawmakers and infuriated public-sector union officials, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed an executive order absolving members of the state workforce under his control from having to contribute so-called fair share dues. Rauner said a review found current law unconstitutional because it requires nonunion workers to pay union dues that may help fund political campaigns they do not agree with. Under state law, employees can decline to join a union but are still on the hook for fair share fees related to collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The statute prohibits those fees from being used to support political activities, but Rauner contended it is nearly impossible to draw a distinction because public sector unions directly negotiate with the government.

New Mexico – New Mexico Lobbyists Spend on Lawmakers but Disclosure Lacks
Las Cruces Sun-News – Sandra Fish (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 2/7/2015

Individual lobbyists spent more than $1.6 million on gifts, meals, and entertainment for New Mexico’s elected officials and staff in the four years from 2011 through 2014. Over the same period, businesses and organizations spent more than $379,000 directly to fete elected officials with parties, golf passes, and more. But the lack of required disclosure creates haziness when tracking how the money flows to state lawmakers and other public officials. Filings for 69 percent of the total spending in the last four years, more than $1.1 million, do not list specifics on who was being entertained. That is because New Mexico does not require lobbyists to disclose specifics about who they entertained if the expense is less than $75.

New York – Political Corruption in Albany a Very Old Story
Albany Times Union – Paul Grondahl | Published: 2/10/2015

Since 2000, 28 state legislators in New York have left office due to criminal or ethical issues, and four more have been indicted. Political corruption in Albany is an old game. When Teddy Roosevelt was a freshman legislator in 1882, he kept a diary and once wrote that Assemblyperson John Raines had “the same idea of public life and civil service that a vulture has of dead sheep.” Roosevelt witnessed several colleagues accepting bags of cash from Tammany Hall operatives to defeat bills that would adversely affect their business partners.

Oregon – Love and Politics Collide as Scandals Plague Oregon’s Fourth-Term Governor
New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 2/11/2015

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber is confronting a barrage of criticism, calls for his resignation, and a potential recall petition. After simmering for months, influence-peddling allegations boiled over on Kitzhaber, when an editorial by The Portland Oregonian calling for his resignation shined a national spotlight on the controversy. A series of reports have revealed Kitzhaber’s fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, did paid consulting work for organizations with an interest in public policy in the state. During the same period, she worked as an unpaid adviser in the governor’s office on some of the same issues. Kitzhaber has said he and Hayes took care to avoid conflicts.

Pennsylvania – A Section of City Code Has Money from Law Firms, Corporations Drying Up in Philly Politics
Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 2/8/2015

A densely written passage in the city code has arguably has done as much to alter how political campaigns in Philadelphia are conducted as any recent attempt at campaign finance reform. Designed to attack the city’s “pay-to-play” culture, Section 17-1405 has all but eliminated large law firms and corporations, and thousands of partners and directors at those entities, as major financial contributors to campaigns. In the process, it has drained a vast pool of ready campaign money once available to candidates and is one reason, some believe, that mayoral candidates are struggling to raise money. As a consequence, critics of the law say, candidates will be ever more dependent on the efforts of third-party campaign committees that have no limits when it comes to money raised and few requirements when it comes to transparency.

Texas – State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas
Dallas Morning News – James Drew | Published: 2/7/2015

Critics say Texas’ lobbying law has significant loopholes and weaknesses that make it difficult for the public to track the alliance between lobbyists and lawmakers. They contend the rules are so complex that even lobbyists can get confused, there is a lack of transparency about the legislation that lobbyists are trying to influence, and the Texas Ethics Commission routinely does not aggressively pursue alleged violators. Lobbyist Don McFarlin said he has no problem if the Legislature were to require more public disclosure. “If you look at other states, they have some pretty stringent ethics laws; Texas is pretty lax,” said McFarlin.

Virginia – Va. House and Senate Unhappily Pass Ethics Bills; Governor Awaits Deal
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/10/2015

The Virginia House and Senate both approved their latest versions of ethics reform. Now the focus will turn to hammering out the differences between the two bills. Both chambers included a general $100 gift cap, whether those gifts be tangible items, meals, or trips. That is down from the $250 cap the General Assembly adopted last year, when the cap did not apply to meals, trips, or event tickets. The rules would apply not just to legislators, but to the all state and local government elected officials and employees. The proposals do not tighten campaign finance rules, but focus instead on the gifts lawmakers receive and how they should be reported. Both bills include a new ethics council. Its duties vary between the bills, but its general role would be to give advice and grant waivers.

Washington – State Ethics Board Says Lawmakers May Accept Free U.S. Open Tickets
Seattle Times – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 2/10/2015

The Legislative Ethics Board said some Washington lawmakers can receive free tickets to the U.S. Open golf tournament without violating rules limiting gifts to legislators. It agreed the $110 tickets are acceptable exemptions to state rules that cap gifts at $50. The board said the advisory request from Pierce County made it clear that lawmakers would not be at the event primarily as spectators. Instead, they will learn about developments to the site of the tournament. Lawmakers will be able to choose one of two three-hour tours the county is organizing during the June tournament at Chambers Bay Golf Course near Tacoma.

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.

National:

National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections
Center for Public Integrity – Ben Weider | Published: 1/28/2015

National political organizations, such as the Republican Governors Association, gave significantly more money than political parties, unions, corporations, or wealthy individuals to influence state-level campaigns. The contributions went beyond races for governor. The funds made their way into lower-ballot contests such as attorney general, Supreme Court justice, and state legislator. The national groups also cropped up on the lists of the biggest donors in most states, outgiving homegrown political players in a sign that all politics may now be national. They also were more successful in backing winners than most donors, becoming the de facto kingmakers of state politics.

Federal:

Measles Prove Delicate Issue to GOP Field
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Richard Pérez-Peña | Published: 2/2/2015

As the latest measles outbreak raises alarm, and parents who have decided not to vaccinate their children face growing pressure to do so, the national debate is forcing the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential hopefuls to confront questions about whether it is in the public’s interest to allow parents to decide for themselves. The controversy is a twist on an old problem for the GOP: how to approach matters that have largely been settled among scientists but are not widely accepted by conservatives. It is a dance Republican candidates often do when they hedge their answers about whether evolution should be taught in schools, for example.

The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans
New York Times – Nate Cohn | Published: 1/30/2015

How does the Republican Party, seemingly dominated by the South, energized by the tea party, and elected by conservative voters also consistently support relatively moderate presidential nominees such as John McCain and Mitt Romney? The answer is the blue-state Republicans. They make it far harder for a very conservative candidate to win the GOP nomination than the party’s reputation suggests. They also give a candidate who might seem somewhat out of touch with today’s Republican Party, like Jeb Bush, a larger base of potential support than is commonly thought.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Oil Industry Doubled Spending on Lobbying in California Last Year
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 2/4/2015

The oil industry nearly doubled its spending on lobbying in California last year as the January 1, 2015, date approached for gasoline to be included in the state’s cap-and-trade program. That increase in expenditures was part of a larger trend in 2014 that saw interest groups spend more on lobbying in California than ever before. Overall, spending on lobbying was up four percent, with interest groups pouring a combined $293.7 million into lobbying state government.

Massachusetts – State Senator’s Lavish Gift Raises Concerns on Ethics
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 1/30/2015

Massachusetts Sen. Brian Joyce is under scrutiny for the expensive sunglasses he gave out as gifts to his colleagues during the holidays. Joyce gave everyone in the 40-member state Senate gold-plated designer sunglasses, customized with each senator’s name engraved on the side. But the glasses that retail for more than $200 may violate state ethics rules for the cut-rate price Joyce paid for them. He originally negotiated a price of just $50 per pair from the manufacturer. Politicians, according to state ethics rules, are not supposed to receive discounts not available to others.

Missouri – Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 2/3/2015

Debates over lobbying and campaign finance rules have a much higher profile this year in Missouri. Leaders in both chambers have said the issue is a top priority, but they differ on how far lawmakers must go. Some members want to ban lobbyist gifts, some want limits, and others want faster, more precise reporting. Sen. Rob Schaaf said a proposed constitutional amendment to ban lobbyist gifts and impose limits on political contributions will serve as the template for an initiative petition drive if lawmakers do not put it on the ballot themselves.

Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 2/1/2015

Registered lobbyists outnumber lawmakers in Jefferson City by almost five-to-one. Over the last decade, as voter-imposed term limits began driving elected officials out of office, lobbyists’ ranks have swelled with former legislators and staff cashing in on their expertise and connections. To critics, that erodes public trust and runs the risk of corrupting policy. It fuels a perception that lawmakers are casting votes to curry favor with potential future employers. Congress and at least 32 states have laws in place limiting when legislators can return to lobby their former colleagues; Missouri is not among them.

Nevada – When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/3/2015

Nevada’s citizen Legislature will inherently pose potential conflicts in a state where just a few industries – gaming, mining, insurance, and construction – have hefty influence. Nevada is one of 16 part-time Legislatures that offer low pay and small staffs, forcing most lawmakers to have full-time employment. Those day jobs, for many elected to office, are in fields overlapping with politics. State law requires lawmakers to recuse themselves from participating in debates if they have significant financial interests or received substantial gifts that could be perceived as swaying their judgment. Nevada’s ethics commission does not have jurisdiction in such matters. Only lawmakers can choose to address those issues within the Legislature’s ethics committees.

New Jersey – Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.
Bergen Record – Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley | Published: 1/31/2015

Created at the behest of Gov. Chris Christie in 2010 to promote business and job growth in the state, Choose New Jersey funded Christie’s recent trip to England with backing from public utilities, labor unions, law firms, and contractors, some that have received multimillion-dollar contracts and tax breaks from the state. The donors also regularly send lobbyists to Trenton to advance their business interests in front of key lawmakers, including the governor. The arrangement is legal, but watchdog groups say it raises questions about whether Christie is benefiting politically from the largesse of firms that have a financial stake in decisions made at the Capitol.

New York – 6 Days That Felled Sheldon Silver, the Speaker Who Ruled Albany for Decades
New York Times – Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, Susanne Craig, and William Rashbaum | Published: 1/28/2015

The six-day, slow-motion toppling of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver began with his arrest on January 22 and culminated when Democrats said Silver would be replaced for the betterment of a chamber repeatedly buffeted by prosecutions, convictions, and sexual harassment scandals. Interviews with more than a dozen legislators indicate it was a idealistic new wave of Assembly members who helped galvanize opposition to Silver, prodded a loyal old guard, and cleared the way for an election of a new speaker and, they hoped, a new start.

Oregon – Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind
Portland Oregonian – Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson | Published: 2/3/2015

Associates of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber helped to create jobs for fiancée and first lady Cylvia Hayes, work that influenced state policy on energy. Hayes’ calendar shows she held the paid posts simultaneously as she served as an unpaid energy adviser inside Kitzhaber’s office. One of the jobs paid her $5,000 for five months after Kitzhaber started his third term.  The second was a fellowship that paid $118,000 over two years. The Portland Oregonian reported both jobs involved foundations and organizations with direct interest in state policy making.

Pennsylvania – Former Pennsylvania Treasurer to Plead Guilty to Extortion in Deal with Federal Prosecutors
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 2/2/2015

Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord could face as many as 40 years in prison and be fined up to $500,000 if he follows through on a tentative plea agreement to resolve charges he tried to extort campaign contributions. McCord is accused of using threats to squeeze contributions from a law firm and a property management company to help finance his failed 2014 campaign for governor. McCord had been midway through his second term as treasurer when he resigned on January 30.

Virginia – Ethics Reforms Advance in Virginia Legislature
Washington Post – Rachel Weiner and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/5/2015

A Virginia House subcommittee and a state Senate committee advanced legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s ethics laws. The bills would reduce the current $250 cap on gifts to public officials to $100 and remove the distinction between tangible and intangible gifts such as travel, meals, and entertainment. But Republicans who control the General Assembly remain at odds with Gov. Terry McAuliffe over the best way for the state to monitor the rules on conflicts-of-interest.

Washington – Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule
Tacoma News Tribune – Jordan Schrader | Published: 1/29/2015

Washington lawmakers are complaining about a new limit of 12 free meals they are allowed to take from lobbyists, saying it does not just impugn their integrity, it is also confusing. “All of us have tried to navigate the maze of what is [considered] a meal,” Sen. Marko Liias said during hearings on the subject. Sen. Brian Hatfield’s bill would apply the limit only to meals worth more than $50. Many meals that are drawing questions would fall below that standard, which is already the threshold for what lawmakers are supposed to disclose on financial forms.

Wisconsin – Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support
WisconsinReporter.com – M.D. Kittle | Published: 2/1/2015

A federal judge ordered state election officials to post links to decisions striking down swaths of Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws on its website. A federal appeals court struck down state laws banning independent political spending by corporations to support or oppose candidates and capping corporations’ political donations. The court also struck down Government Accountability Board (GAB) rules that imposed reporting requirements for groups that make independent political expenditures. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Clevert issued a permanent injunction codifying the appellate ruling. The injunction orders the GAB to post links to the court decisions and keep them active for four years.

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.

National:

5 Reasons State House Speakers May Be Prone to Corruption
Governing – Alan Greenblatt | Published: 1/26/2015

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who is accused of accepting bribes in the form of legal fees, is the fourth speaker of a state House to enter into legal peril over the past 10 months. Last year, Bobby Harrell of South Carolina resigned following his indictment, while Gordon Fox of Rhode Island did the same after a federal raid of his house and his legislative office. Mike Hubbard was re-elected as speaker of the Alabama House, despite being indicted on nearly two-dozen felony corruption charges. Hubbard faces a possible trial this spring. This cluster of indictments opens up the question of whether there is something in the nature of the job of speaker that makes corruption more likely to occur.

Federal:

Koch Brothers’ Budget of $889 Million for 2016 Is on Par With Both Parties’ Spending
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 1/26/2015

A network of conservative advocacy groups backed by Charles and David Koch aims to spend $889 million in advance of the next presidential election, part of an expansive strategy to build on its 2014 victories. The figure comes close to the $1 billion that each of the two major parties’ presidential nominees are expected to spend in 2016, and it cements the network’s standing as one of the country’s most potent political forces. With its resources and capabilities, including a national field operation and cutting-edge technology, it is challenging the primacy of the official parties.

The Rise of ‘Scam PACs’
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 1/26/2015

Since the tea party came to prominence in 2009, the conservative movement has been plagued by an explosion of PACs that critics say exist mostly to pad the pockets of the consultants who run them. Combining sophisticated targeting techniques with fundraising appeals that resonate among grassroots activists, they collect large piles of small checks that, taken together, add up to enough money to potentially sway a U.S. Senate race. But the PACs plow most of their cash back into payments to consulting firms for additional fundraising efforts.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Lobbying Lawmakers with a Personal Touch
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 1/26/2015

A handful of Sacramento lobbyists use their powers of persuasion to advance personal causes. Many of them make their living advocating for the corporations, unions, and Indian tribes that are huge political donors and pour millions of dollars each year into lobbying California lawmakers. But when a piece of legislation hits a chord, concerning a medical condition, for example, or a childhood trauma, these lobbyists use their connections and savoir faire to shape public policy with a personal touch. Some of them deploy their services for free, while others are hired to advocate on a personal cause.

Kansas – Kansas Ethics Official Supports Change to State Lobbying Laws
Wichita Eagle – Bryan Lowry | Published: 1/26/2015

House Bill 2082 would allow individuals to spend up to $1,000 to sway Kansas lawmakers without registering as a lobbyist. The state has had a $100 threshold since 1975. After 40 years of inflation, the threshold should be increased to ensure private residents do not inadvertently break the laws, said Carol Williams, executive director of the Kansas Government Ethics Commission.

Kentucky – Record $18M Spent Lobbying Legislature
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 1/23/2015

Interest groups spent a record-breaking $18.4 million to lobby the Kentucky General Assembly in 2014. That was about three percent more than the 2012 lobbying total of $17.8 million, the previous spending record. Although the Legislature meets annually, its 60-day sessions in even-numbered years are longer and costlier than its 30-day sessions in odd-numbered years. The spending includes what more than 600 groups and businesses paid to retain lobbyists at the Capitol or host receptions for lawmakers. Starting this year, they also will be required to report what they spend on advertising during the session to influence legislation.

Massachusetts – No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
CommonWealth Magazine – Jack Sullivan | Published: 1/22/2015

Nicole Bollerman, a third-grade teacher at UP Academy Dorchester, has received praise from around the country since she won a $150,000 prize in an essay contest and then donated the money to her school, which educates some of the city’s poorest students. Then she appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where the host presented Bollerman with a $25,000 check and gave out $500 gift cards for every teacher at her school and backpacks filled with school supplies for every student. But nearly all of the cash gifts, except the students’ backpacks, potentially violate Massachusetts ethics laws, possibly even the $150,000 award that Bollerman gave to the school.

Missouri – Committee OKs Ethics Bill to Close ‘Revolving Door’ of Legislators Becoming Lobbyists
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/27/2015

The Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, and Ethics Committee approved legislation that would require Missouri lawmakers to wait two years after leaving office before they can work as lobbyists. The bill also would bar out-of-state travel paid by lobbyists and limit when a lobbyist can report spending on a group of legislators instead of individual members. “There is enough nonsense in this building going on, not necessarily with meals and everything else, I am going to try to clear this up before somebody gets indicted,” said Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard, the bill’s sponsor.

Missouri – Missouri House Speaker Defends Country Club Committee Hearings
PoliticMo.com – Eli Yokley | Published: 1/26/2015

Two Missouri House committee hearings are scheduled to take place at the Jefferson City Country Club and that is drawing criticism. The first hearing is that of the Committee on Utility Infrastructure, chaired by Rep. Lyndall Fraker. He said the Missouri Energy Development Association made the arrangements for his committee to meet at the club, will pay for the meal, and will offer an informational presentation. Pamela Merritt, a spokesperson for Progress Missouri, described the meetings as “sham hearings, away from the Capitol for the sole purpose of consuming free food and drink from lobbyists.” The group is also concerned the hearings might be in violation of the open-meetings law.

Nebraska – Questions Arise after Gov. Ricketts Uses His Own Money to Add Adviser to His Office
Omaha World-Herald – Paul Hammel | Published: 1/27/2015

Jessica Moenning, a longtime political operative of Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, is joining the administration as a privately paid senior adviser. The arrangement has prompted questions about a private employee, paid out of the governor’s own pocket, being involved in public policies and using, at least for a time, publicly funded office space at the Capitol. Jack Gould of Common Cause Nebraska said a privately paid employee most likely would be accountable to the person who paid them, not to the public, and would most likely not be covered by laws governing ethics involving state officials.

New York – Sheldon Silver to Be Replaced as Speaker of New York State Assembly
New York Times – Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 1/27/2015

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver agreed to give up the leadership position he has held for 21 years in the wake of federal corruption charges. The decision came after Democratic lawmakers met behind closed doors for two days to discuss their response to the turmoil that appears likely to end one of the longest active tenures in state politics, and paved the way for them to choose a new leader in an election to be held February 10. Assemblyperson Joseph Morelle, who is the majority leader and a top contender to succeed Silver, will become interim speaker.

Oregon – Cylvia Hayes Discloses another $118,000 for Consulting Fees
Portland Oregonian – Laura Gunderson | Published: 1/28/2015

More of the consulting work done by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancée is coming to light. Cylvia Hayes confirmed she was paid $118,000 over two years to work with the Clean Economy Development Center. At the time, Hayes was advising the governor on similar topics. Ethics experts said Hayes’ job raises questions, such as whether her compensation was reasonable given the amount of work she did and whether her employer sought to use the connection to influence state policy. The admitted payouts conflict with statements Kitzhaber has made regarding Hayes’ consulting work, how his office handled her contracts, and statements he has made in his annual ethics filings.

South Carolina – Lawmaker Asks Would-Be SC Judges about ‘Supreme Being,’ Gay Marriage, Equal Pay for Women
The State – Cassie Cope | Published: 1/27/2015

South Carolina Rep. Jonathon Hill sent out a 30-question survey asking, among other things, about the “personal relationship” would-be state judges have with the “Supreme Being,” whether they would perform a gay marriage, and how they would rule if a woman sued for equal pay. Candidates for judgeships are barred ethically from responding to some of the questions, said Greg Adams of the University of South Carolina law school. “Answering these questions amounts to a promise to decide future cases in accordance with this political pledge,” said Adams.

Texas – Abbott: State Agencies Must Make Contracting Changes
Texas Tribune – Edgar Walters | Published: 1/28/2015

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the need for more oversight and transparency in state contracting is so great that it cannot wait for official action from lawmakers. In a letter to all state agency heads, Abbott ordered them to comply with the provisions of a new bill aimed at addressing problems highlighted by a no-bid contract scandal. The legislation, Senate Bill 353, would require the board chair or head of all agencies to sign all contracts worth more than a $1 million and publicly explain the reason for the lack of competition in any no-bid deal. It also would reiterate that state contract managers must disclose conflicts-of-interest and that officials cannot give a deal to a company in which they have a financial interest.

Utah – Lawmakers Use Swallow Scandal to Stall Campaign-Donation Caps
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 1/27/2015

A House committee voted to hold a bill that would place caps on how much could be contributed to candidates. House Bill 60 would limit donations by individuals to $10,000 every two years for statewide races, and $5,000 in legislative races. It would limit contributions to parties, PACs, and labor unions to $40,000. Lawmakers worried that limits might hamper honest politicians in raising enough money to combat groups that sometimes funnel large amounts of untraceable “dark money” into an election.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

National:

‘Competitive Disadvantage’?: Pay-to-pay rules and the 2016 stakes
NBC News – Carrie Dunn | Published: 1/15/2015

Governors may face a unique challenge when it comes to raising the big money it takes to be president from some of the most generous donors out there: denizens of Wall Street. That is because of federal “pay-to-play” rules put into place by the Securities and Exchange Commission that effectively bar many state officials from receiving substantial political contributions from financial advisers interested in the often-lucrative business of state contracts, particularly the management of huge state pension funds. The rules can be fuzzy and even experts say it is not always entirely clear which donations trigger a violation. It all means that big-dollar Wall Street donors are playing it safe.

The Wealthiest Are Getting Wealthier, and Lobbying Has a Lot to Do with It
PBS – Simone Pathe | Published: 1/19/2015

Oxfam predicts a widening wealth gap and points a finger at lobbying for much the of wealth accumulation at the top. The world’s richest one percent is likely to control over 50 percent of global wealth by next year, according to a report from Oxfam. The report zeroes in on the political influence affordable to the wealthy: lobbying, specifically in the financial and pharmaceutical and health care industries.

Federal:

How Citizens United Has Changed Politics in 5 Years
U.S. News & World Report – Gabrielle Levy | Published: 1/21/2015

In its Citizens United decision, the U.S. Supreme Court said political spending is protected under the First Amendment, meaning corporations and unions could spend unlimited amounts of money on political activities, as long as it was done independently of a party or candidate. The legal protections for corporations mean much of this spending, known as “dark money,” never has to be publicly disclosed. Most observers say the justices made a good-faith effort to promote transparency and prevent coordination in the ruling. But the contradiction between the court’s stated desire for transparency and its definition of corporations as people protected by the First Amendment created a loophole that campaigns and PACs can use to their advantage.

IRS Rarely Audits Nonprofits for Politicking
Center for Public Integrity – Julie Patel | Published: 1/22/2015

More than 100 nonprofit groups have directly involved themselves in elections during recent years, some spending tens of millions of dollars. The rest, largely charities that are generally prohibited from campaigning for politicians, are seldom monitored by the IRS to ensure they follow federal law. The situation leaves the groups largely free to operate like political committees without fear of reprisal. The IRS told the Center for Public Integrity that it has only begun auditing 26 organizations specifically for political activity since 2010. That represents a tiny fraction of the more than 1 million nonprofits regulated by the agency.

Supreme Court Considers Whether Judges Can Directly Ask for Campaign Donations
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 1/20/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared divided as it weighed a free speech challenge to a Florida law that bars candidates running for elected judge positions from soliciting campaign contributions. Lanell Williams-Yulee, who ran for county court judge in Tampa, objected when Florida’s Supreme Court publicly reprimanded her for violating a rule preventing candidates from seeking donations. She argued the rule violated her free speech rights. Conservatives on the Supreme Court appeared to favor her free speech argument. The court’s liberals voiced support for the state’s right to ensure the judiciary’s impartiality.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Phoenix Stalls on Overhaul of Ethics Rules
Arizona Republic – Dennis Gardiner | Published: 1/20/2015

Phoenix City Council members have spent months debating a list of ethics reforms recommended by a task force. The council initially warmed to major changes, but several members reversed course on a proposal to create a commission to enforce any new rules and voted it down. Although the subcommittee scuttled plans for an ethics commission, they have advanced new gift-reporting requirements for elected officials and board members. By requiring leaders to report gifts exceeding $50, supporters say, the new rules promote transparency. But council members added a few exemptions to the requirement, including a provision that would allow elected officials not to report gifts they receive related to travel for city business.

California – Billboard Firm to Put Up Signs Backing Six L.A. Council Candidates
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 1/20/2015

A billboard company challenging Los Angeles’ restrictions on digital signs will donate tens of thousands of dollars in advertising to help city Councilperson Jose Huizar, who heads the committee drafting new sign regulations, and five other candidates in the March 3 election. City law bars campaign contributors from giving council candidates more than $700 during an election cycle. But there are no limits on expenditures such as those being made by Lamar Advertising, as long as they are made independently from a candidate’s campaign.

Connecticut – Can Connecticut’s Campaign Finance Reforms Be Saved?
CT Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 1/19/2015

Prescriptions for fixing Connecticut’s system of publicly financing campaigns vary wildly. Its tight limits on contributions and spending turned porous in 2014, tarnishing what had been a shiny instrument of campaign finance reform. One basic challenge is how the Citizens’ Election Program can remain relevant in an era of unlimited independent expenditures. Another is how it can survive some of the changes made in 2013 in response to the fear of outside money.

Florida – Jeb Bush Kept Key Roles in Florida Firm amid Signs of Trouble
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold | Published: 1/19/2015

One of the first business ventures that Jeb Bush got involved with after leaving the Florida governor’s mansion in 2007 was InnoVida, a company that ended up bankrupt, with two top executives in federal prison. Previously unreported court documents suggest Bush was more involved with the company than has been publicly known, and he deepened his role even as others grew concerned about its financial practices. Bush’s aides say he broke from the company and voluntarily repaid consulting fees as soon as questions arose. Nevertheless, Bush’s involvement with InnoVida provides insight into his approach as a businessperson and illustrates how his corporate ties could affect his presidential aspirations.

Missouri – At $37 Million and Counting, Mega-Donor Sinquefield Says He’s Not Going Anywhere
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott and Virginia Young | Published: 1/18/2015

To hear U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill tell it, multimillionaire Rex Sinquefield pulls Missouri’s political strings like a high-priced puppet master. “He is, methodically, through a number of front groups, trying to buy government, buy judges, buy journalists … buy the Legislature,” warns McCaskill. It is a view widely echoed by fellow Democrats and even some Republicans. Since 2005, Sinquefield has donated more than $37 million to state-level candidates and causes. He is by far the most prolific political patron in the history of the state, and one of the biggest in the country.

New York – Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Is Accused of Taking Millions in Graft
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 1/22/2015

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested on public corruption charges, accused of using his position as one of the most powerful men in Albany to obtain millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks masked as legitimate income. He is charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. The complaint maintains that for more than a decade, Silver devised a scheme “to induce real estate developers with business before the state” to use a real estate law firm controlled by a lawyer who had once worked as Silver’s counsel who orchestrated payments to the speaker for referrals to the firm.

Pennsylvania – Wolf Bans Gifts for Executive Branch First Day as PA Governor
Watchdog.org – Andrew Staub (PA Independent) | Published: 1/21/2015

On his first day in office, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed executive orders banning gifts for members of the executive branch and prohibiting no-bid contracts for private law firms. The ban makes exceptions for gifts from family and friends, bank loans, and free participation in gatherings in which officials are acting in their official duties and have been invited. There also are at least six proposals addressing gifts in the state House and Senate.

Texas – Prosecutor: Perry veto forced an end to several cases
Texas Tribune – Ross Ramsey and Reece Hamilton | Published: 1/17/2015

Texas Governor Rick Perry was indicted last summer for a veto threat of the Travis County public investigation unit’s funding. The vetoed funding killed an investigation into the state Department of Public Safety’s no-bid contracts. The Public Integrity Unit had been investigating the agency for awarding up to $20 million in no-bid contracts to a Virginia defense contractor for Perry’s expanding border security measures. Perry’s nixing of $7.5 million of the unit’s funding depleted its resources, reportedly shuttering the investigation.

Virginia – Judicial Appointment for Puckett’s Daughter Clears Va. Legislature
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 1/20/2015

The Virginia Legislature voted to give Martha Puckett Ketron a juvenile court judgeship. In previous sessions, the Senate had always refused to appoint her to a full, six-year term while her father, Phillip Puckett, served in the chamber, citing an anti-nepotism policy. Phillip Puckett stepped down in June, in part, he said, to clear the way for her appointment. But the timing of his exit, which threw control of the evenly divided Senate to Republicans, infuriated fellow Democrats and triggered a six-month federal investigation that concluded without charges. Puckett also left as he was discussing a job for himself with the state tobacco commission. Democrats accused him of trading his Senate seat for jobs for himself and his daughter.

Washington – House Follows Senate, Bans Open Gun Display in Visitor Galleries
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Joel Connelly | Published: 1/19/2015

The Washington Legislature adopted rules prohibiting display of weapons in the visitor galleries after an incident in which about 15 armed “open carry” advocates marched from a demonstration on the Capitol steps into the House gallery. Such arms-packing gun rights advocates in the future will be asked to leave or subject to arrest for criminal trespassing.

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.

National:

How Campaigns Are Courting 16-Year-Olds
Politico – Darren Samuelsohn | Published: 1/11/2015

Presidential campaigns are looking to target teenagers who are not yet 18 but will be by Election Day 2016. More than eight million people will become legal adults eligible to vote for the first time by the next general election. Campaigns are eager to find ways to get through to these 16- and 17-year-olds who are still minors and, in most cases, more likely to be concerned with making it to class on time than who should be elected president. Indeed, both Democrats and Republicans are desperate for any edge at the polls, and they say they will be employing data mining techniques in search of supporters from this ripe demographic that has little or no track record in politics.

Federal:

Rating 2016 Candidates by Donors Busts Conventional Wisdom
CNN – Chris Moody | Published: 1/14/2015

Crowdpac uses public campaign finance records, along with other data, to plot where potential White House contenders fall on the political spectrum. Crowdpac’s algorithm displays the contenders on a liberal–conservative spectrum, and rates each person on 15 issues. The third piece of the algorithm, which includes the ideology of donors and examines how the politicians spend their own money, makes Crowdpac’s analysis unusual, and helps provide a clearer picture of how those seeking the White House compare to their peers.  The results can confound commonly held perceptions.

Who Needs Lobbyists? See What Big Business Spends to Win American Minds
The Center for Public Integrity – Erin Quinn | Published: 1/15/2015

When Washington, D.C.’s biggest trade associations want to wield influence, they often put more of their money into advertising and public relations. The Center for Public Integrity attempted to review spending by the nation’s most “politically active” trade groups, ones that spent more than $1 million on lobbying in 2012. The IRS requires the groups to report their top five contractors. Of $3.4 billion in contracts reported by trade groups from 2008 through 2012, more than $1.2 billion, or 37 percent, went toward advertising, public relations, and marketing services, more than any other category.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – L.A. Alliance for a New Economy Confirms Failure to Report Lobbying
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 1/9/2015

The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), an influential group that successfully advocated for hiking the minimum wage for hotel workers, confirmed it left off information on reports filed with the city about how much it had paid to employees who act as lobbyists. Between 2009 and 2014, LAANE did not report any payments to its registered in-house lobbyists or any related expenses, despite the fact that emails and calendars for city officials show those lobbyists met regularly with lawmakers and their aides and helped suggest wording to city lawyers for the hotel wage ordinance. The group also did not list any matters its representatives lobbied on.

Florida – Ethics Deadbeats: Debt collectors seek $500K in outstanding fines from Florida public servants
Miami Herald – Christina Veiga | Published: 1/12/2015

The Florida Commission on Ethics has hired debt collectors to chase $487,549.96 in late fees from public officials and employees that have accumulated, in some cases, for more than a decade. Financial disclosure forms, which list net worth, sources of income, real estate holdings, and debts have been the repeated source of trouble or controversy for politicians over the years. Scofflaws are fined $25 a day until they file or they hit the cap of $1,500 per year. After 60 days, unpaid debts get sent to collections. If the person is still in public office, and receives a salary, then the commission can garnish paychecks, a new power that was given to the agency last year.

Illinois – Illinois Inauguration Raises Questions of Corporate Influence
Reuters – Mark Guarino | Published: 1/11/2015

Watchdog groups say activities surrounding Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s inauguration are among the priciest of any incoming governor and take advantage of a loophole in campaign finance that allows wealthy special interests to gain access to those who hold political power. These groups say Rauner’s inauguration festival, with a total tab estimated to reach $10 million, is emblematic of a trend in other states. Critics say the costly celebrations, funded by private donors, skirt ethics laws and open conflicts-of-interest for elected officials.

Illinois – Rauner Spends 1st Full Day as Governor on Ethics, Reversal of Quinn Actions
Chicago Tribune – Monique Garcia, Rick Pearson, and Ray Long | Published: 1/13/2015

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an executive order banning some state employees from negotiating for a lobbying job while working for the state. The order also prohibits employees in state agencies and the executive branch from taking lobbying positions for one year after they leave their public sector job. The new rules prevent state employees from receiving any free meals, beverages, or gifts from lobbyists and government business interests, or have travel expenses covered to discuss state business. State workers could still receive food and beverages served at business meetings or receptions in the course of their official duties, subject to approval from the governor’s office or agency.

Kansas – Grand Jury Investigates Loans to the Re-Election Campaign of Gov. Sam Brownback
Kansas City Star – Roxana Hegeman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2015

Federal grand jurors are scheduled to hear testimony about loans made to the re-election campaign of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer made three $500,000 loans to the campaign in 2013 and 2014 and was repaid for two of them in days. Such large loans by candidates to campaigns are uncommon in Kansas, and the pattern of repaying one within days is a highly unusual move that has generated unanswered questions about where Colyer obtained such a large amount of cash.  Brownback and his wife also lent the campaign $200,000 last year. No other loans are listed in public reports.

Kentucky – Draft of Report on Kentucky Legislature Remains Untouched, Unreleased after Nine Months
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 1/14/2015

In October 2013, the Kentucky Legislature faced a scandal: a lawmaker who resigned over accusations he sexually harassed women at the Legislative Research Commission (LRC); allegations that sexual misconduct and favoritism made the LRC a hostile workplace; and the abrupt departure of longtime Director Bobby Sherman, whom police investigated for shredding documents days after he quit. The Legislature gave a $42,410 contract to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to perform a performance audit of the LRC, the bureaucracy that runs the legislative branch of state government. NCSL submitted a draft report in April to Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker Greg Stumbo. But the leaders never responded, and rank-and-file lawmakers said they have not seen the report.

Minnesota – Minnesota Sen. Tomassoni Takes Job with Group That Lobbies Legislature
Minneapolis Star Tribune – J. Patrick Coolican | Published: 1/12/2015

Minnesota Sen. David Tomassoni was hired as executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, an organization funded in part by public money that lobbies for those interests at the Capitol. His hiring immediately raised questions about whether the two roles would clash. Tomassoni said his role will be administrative, so he will not be lobbying his fellow lawmakers; the group will hire an independent lobbyist if it feels it needs to. He also promised to recuse himself from any votes where the association stands to benefit. Tomassoni’s work will not start until after the 2015 legislative session ends in late May, and he will take an unpaid leave of absence during every session.

North Carolina – Lobbyists, Not Just Lawmakers, Descend on Raleigh as New Session Begins
Raleigh News & Observer – Lynn Bonner | Published: 1/14/2015

North Carolina lawmakers filled the chambers of the Legislative Building for the start of a new session. But the day also launched the intense work of lobbyists. With 443 registered so far, lobbyists outnumber lawmakers by a ratio of more than two-to-one. While the state’s part-time legislators get much of the attention and cast the deciding votes, many ideas for new laws come from the lobbyists and their employers, which cover all sorts of interests. With permission from lawmakers, lobbyists can submit suggested bill language to legislative staffers.

Texas – House Panel Recommends Texas Legislature Take Action on Dark Money
Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 1/8/2015

Labeling “dark money” spending a corrupting force in the democratic process, the House Committee on State Affairs released a series of recommendations in a report that suggests the Texas Legislature take action to require disclosure of contributors to 501(c)(4) nonprofits. 501(c)(4)s are allowed to make independent expenditures to influence elections without having to disclose donors and have become a hot topic for state lawmakers after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a dark money disclosure measure last session. The state Ethics Commission passed new rules intended to define when a 501(c)(4)’s political activity crosses the line and should have to disclose donors like a traditional PAC. The regulation is currently being challenged in court.

Texas – Judge Blocks City Campaign Fundraising Rule
Houston Chronicle – Theodore Schleifer | Published: 1/9/2015

A federal judge temporarily blocked a law limiting when candidates in Houston municipal elections can raise money. An ordinance prevented city candidates from raising money prior to February 1. The lawsuit against the city, filed by candidate Trebor Gordon, argued his First Amendment right to political expression authorized him to raise money for his campaigns whenever his contributors wished to donate.

Virginia – Jailed Lawmaker’s Return Brings Virginia Capitol More Unwanted Attention
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Laura Vozzella | Published: 1/14/2015

A newly re-elected Virginia lawmaker hitched a ride from the jailhouse to the statehouse to be sworn in, even as legislative leaders discussed how to throw him out. Del. Joseph Morrissey, who spends his nights in jail because of a conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resigned his seat when he was convicted but won it back in a January 13 special election. He was back in his familiar legislative arena as the session convened, but with a whole new set of circumstances: colleagues ignored him, he was stripped of committee assignments, he had to give up his old office, and his desk on the House floor was put in a far corner.

West Virginia – In Unusual Arrangement, W.Va. Party Chairmen Double as Lobbyists
Charleston Gazette – David Gutman | Published: 1/11/2015

Larry Puccio left then-West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin’s staff in early 2010 and became a lobbyist a week later. He was elected as state Democratic Party chairperson five months after that. Now, he is not alone in serving in the dual roles. West Virginia GOP Chairperson Conrad Lucas registered as a lobbyist with the state Ethics Commission in early December. While this might not be unusual in West Virginia – former Democratic Party Chairpersons Nick Casey, Chuck Smith, and Steve White all lobbied while they were leading the party – it is very unusual nationwide. Other than Puccio and Lucas, there are only two other party chairs anywhere in the country who are active registered 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.

National:

Governors’ Inaugurals Fueled by Political Donors
Raleigh News & Observer – Paul Weber (Associated Press) | Published: 1/3/2015

Eleven new governors are taking office in January, and nearly two dozen others are renewing their oaths for second, third, or – in the case of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad – sixth terms. Many will celebrate with bands and blowout balls, with much of the bill footed by the same supporters who bankrolled their victorious campaigns. In many states, corporate money that was banned before Election Day is allowed to cover the tab for inaugural parties. Critics see the events as another means for corporations and wealthy individuals to curry political favor with the state’s highest office, and in many cases without the transparency required by usual campaign finance laws.

Jeb Bush Education Foundation Played Leading Role in Mixing Politics, Policy
Washington Post – Lindsey Layton | Published: 1/6/2015

Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education has played a leading role in many states since its creation in 2008, following his two terms as governor of Florida. It has forged an unusual role mixing politics and policy – drafting legislation and paying travel expenses for state officials, lobbying lawmakers, and connecting public officials with industry executives seeking government contracts. The foundation, from which Bush resigned as chairperson as part of his preparations for a possible White House bid, has been criticized as a backdoor vehicle for major corporations to urge state officials to adopt policies that would enrich the companies.

Federal:

All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street
Center for Responsive Politics – Staff   | Published: 1/5/2015

A key provision of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act reined in lobbying by members of Congress, their top staffers, and other key government officials who move from their federal posts directly into the influence industry. The idea was to limit their ability to benefit immediately on their insider knowledge by lobbying their former colleagues. The restrictions, which vary depending on an individual’s government position, are lifted after a set period of time. But of the 104 former members and staff whose waiting period ends during the first session of the 114th Congress, 29 are already in government relations, “public affairs,” or serve as counsel at a firm that lobbies. And 13 of those are even registered as lobbyists, working to shape policy in Congress or the executive branch on behalf of paying clients.

Judge Candidates’ Free-Speech Rights at Issue before the Supreme Court
Washington Post – Rober Barnes | Published: 1/4/2015

Voters failed to find Lanell Williams-Yulee’s candidacy for Hillsborough County judge compelling, but the U.S. Supreme Court has a greater interest. The justices will consider whether the action that resulted in a rebuke by the Florida Bar Association and a fine of more than $1,800 – violating Florida’s restriction against directly soliciting contributions to judge campaigns – is instead an unreasonable constraint on Williams-Yulee’s right to free speech. Thirty states prohibit judicial candidates from directly asking for campaign contributions, in most cases leaving that work to a committee the candidate establishes. The Florida Supreme Court, found the restriction is constitutional.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Glendale Officials Take Free Tickets to Concerts, Sports
Arizona Republic – Pete Corbett | Published: 1/7/2015

City administrators, Glendale City Council members, and their guests received 90 free tickets for seats in a suite at 13 concerts at the city-owned Gila River Arena the past two years, including shows by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and the Who. Some watchdogs said the practice raises ethical, and possibly legal, issues for city officials. “We’re all cognizant at how the public looks at this, how this looks for us to get free tickets in a taxpayer-funded facility,” said former Vice Mayor Yvonne Knaack.

Maine – LD 1750: A study in how special interests get their way in the Maine Legislature
St. John Valley Times – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 1/6/2015

During the summer of 2013, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection made things harder for wind developers by putting more requirements into permit applications. The wind lobby saw the new requirements as illegal and obstructionist, and they believed the red tape would slow down or even halt the expansion plans of their multi-million-dollar industry. They needed help and by the summer of 2014, they knew where to go: to their friend and supporter Justin Alfond, the president of the state Senate. Critics say the story of how the wind industry’s problem was taken up by Alfond and his staff demonstrates a deep level of coordination between special interests and legislative leaders that often leaves citizens on the sidelines of the democratic process.

Maryland – Official Says He Was Wrong to Ask That His Name Not Be Used
New York Times – Associated Press | Published: 1/7/2015

Frederick County Council member Kirby Delauter apologized for threatening to sue a local newspaper if it used his name without permission, an ultimatum that earned him a two-day skewering in the blogosphere. Delauter said he had acted abruptly and out of frustration. Delauter supporter Tom Caulfield, owner of Chubby’s BBQ, said Delauter is a selfless public servant under constant attack by liberals and The Frederick News-Post. He likened him to Howard Beale, the angry television anchorman in the 1976 film, “Network,” who shouted, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Former county board member Kai Hagen said the scorn heaped on Delauter online was well-deserved. “His behavior is crude. He is completely, it seems, incapable of empathy and sympathy and understanding,” said Hagen.

Massachusetts – Inaugural’s Top Donors Mingle with Key Officials
Boston Globe – Stephanie Ebbert | Published: 1/8/2015

The night before he was to be sworn in as governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker invited the top private sponsors of his inaugural celebration to a dinner at Alden Castle, where they could meet his incoming Cabinet members. About 100 people were invited to join the governor-elect at the “candlelight dinner.” State employees and Cabinet secretaries are not allowed to be named in fundraising material or featured at fundraising events. Baker senior adviser Jim Conroy distinguished the inaugural-eve gathering from campaign events, saying the presence of incoming Cabinet members was not advertised to donors. He said those who gave $25,000 received two tickets.

Missouri – Publisher’s Parties Highlight Reporting Issues in Missouri Ethics Laws
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/4/2015

The offices of the Missouri Times was the venue last year for legislators and their staffs to enjoy parties with lobbyist-paid liquor and snacks that went largely unreported to the state Ethics Commission. Publisher Scott Faughn called each party an “unveiling,” honoring a particular lawmaker. He text-messaged invitations with the names of sponsoring lobbyists or organizations. Faughn recalled that as many as six were held. A review of reports from individual lobbyists and the registered representatives of organizations named in text messages showed only one was reported. Faughn said he checked with the commission and believes lobbyists are not required to report the money spent for refreshments at the parties.

New Jersey – Christie’s Ties to Cowboys Owner Raise Ethics Questions
USA Today – Bob Jordan (Asbury Park Press) | Published: 1/6/2014

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has now attended three games at the invitation of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who picked up the tab for the tickets and travel. Video of a clumsy hug between Christie and Jones in the owner’s luxury box during a key moment of a playoff game has gone viral. It also has focused fresh attention on the relationship between the potential Republican presidential hopeful and Jones. Christie in 2013 vouched for a Jones group in bidding for a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey contract worth millions of dollars.

South Carolina – McMaster Facing State Ethics Charges
The State – Andrew Shain | Published: 1/6/2015

South Carolina Lt. Gov.-Elect Henry McMaster faces 51 counts of campaign finance violations dating to his 2010 campaign for governor. A closed-door hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 18. McMaster, the state’s former attorney general, lost the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2010 to Gov. Nikki Haley. After the loss, McMaster continued to accept donations in excess of maximum contribution limits, alleges the complaint. “His campaign created a phantom general election in which he was not participating and solicited additional donations for that election in an effort to circumvent the law,” says the complaint.

Virginia – Bob McDonnell, Ex-Governor of Virginia, Sentenced to 2 Years for Corruption
New York Times – Jennifer Steinhauer | Published: 1/6/2015

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison for public corruption. He was accused of selling the influence of his office to the chief executive of a dietary supplements company. A jury found McDonnell and his wife were guilty of accepting more than $165,000 in loans and gifts, including a Rolex watch, in exchange for promoting a nutritional supplement marketed by Star Scientific. McDonnell, who was once considered a possible contender for the White House, initially faced the prospect of up to 20 years in prison, but the judge lowered that range to six-and-a-half to eight years. McDonnell’s lawyers, citing what they described as years of good work and commitment to public service, had argued a sentence of community service should suffice.

Wisconsin – Republicans Eye Rewrite of Campaign Finance Laws, Other Election Changes
Chippewa Herald – Matthew DeFour | Published: 1/4/2015

Republicans are poised to make the most sweeping revisions to Wisconsin’s campaign finance law in decades. Many of those changes are already in effect after a series of federal court decisions made many current laws unenforceable. But a more comprehensive rewrite is in the works, and the overhaul is getting a thumbs up from the Government Accountability Board, a frequent target of GOP ire that is itself in line for a possible makeover. Among other things, lawmakers are considering increasing campaign contribution limits and clarifying the coordination restrictions at the heart of a recent investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s recall campaign.

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.

National:

A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/26/2014

A series of articles in The New York Times examined how lawyers and lobbyists – from major corporations, energy companies, and even plaintiffs’ law firms – have increasingly tried to influence state attorneys general. These outside players have tried to shut down investigations, enlist the attorneys general as partners in litigation, or use their clout to try to block or strengthen regulations emerging from Washington, found the investigation. A debate has started among state attorneys general, even those who believe the problem is more about the perception of a possible conflict-of-interest, over steps that could be taken to insulate them from outside influence.

Cuomo and Christie, Defying Legislatures, Reject Bill to Overhaul Port Authority
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 12/27/2014

Governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo vetoed legislation passed unanimously in both of their state Legislatures that would change the management structure at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Instead, Christie and Cuomo said they accepted revisions recommended by a special panel to reorganize the agency. The veto came as prosecutors continue to investigate the politically motivated lane closings at the bridge last year, a scandal that marred Christie’s reputation. The bi-state agency has also faced ethical questions over its reputation for rewarding politically connected officials with patronage jobs and allies with lucrative contracts.

What We Learned about the American Voter in 2014
Politico – Jonathan Topaz | Published: 12/31/2014

The Republican landslide in the midterm elections has both parties poring over voting data, hoping to glean insights about the current state of the electorate before the 2016 election. But it might take until the next presidential cycle to answer the most pressing question of whether the GOP’s success in 2014 is the result of significant changes in how voters view the two parties, or the structural difference between the electorates in presidential and midterm years so great that Democrats still maintain a strong demographic advantage going into 2016.

Federal:

Big Money Breaks Out
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 12/29/2014

Billionaires Michael Bloomberg, Sheldon Adelson, and David Koch were among the top 10 largest contributors to federal political campaigns in the 2014 midterm elections, according to Politico. The 100 biggest campaign donors gave $323 million in 2014, almost as much as the $356 million given by the estimated 4.75 million people who gave $200 or less. The trajectory is pointing to a heyday of mega-donors, asserted political consultant Mark McKinnon. “When 100 big donors give as much almost 5 million small donors, with whom do we expect candidates to spend their time, and whose interests do we think they will represent?” asked McKinnon.

Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016
New York Times – Jonathan Martin and Jackie Calmes | Published: 12/30/2014

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, acknowledged he spoke to a white supremacy group in 2002, though he said he did not realize what kind of organization it was, is not affiliated with it, and does not agree with its beliefs. The group was the European-American Unity and Rights Organization, founded by David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The controversy erupted as Republicans were making a renewed effort to reach out to black voters. It threatened to cloud their agenda after capturing control of the Senate and adding to their House majority in the midterm election.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times
USA Today – John Wagner (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/24/2014

An administrative judge upheld the dismissal of the director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system in Phoenix for accepting more than $13,000 in airline tickets and other gifts from a consultant for the health care industry and for failing to disclose some of the gifts. The former director, Sharon Helman, had also been implicated in the falsification of the hospital’s waiting lists for care, a problem at Phoenix and other veterans’ hospitals that roiled the VA. But the administrative judge, Stephen Mish, concluded the department had not provided sufficient evidence to justify firing Helman for the manipulation of waiting lists, which concealed delays in providing care to veterans.

California – New FPPC Chair Takes Low-Profile Approach
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 12/24/2014

As Jodi Remke takes the mantle as chairperson of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, she said she is mainly focused on beating bureaucracy at the agency. Her predecessor, Ann Ravel, brought national attention to the sometimes-obscure commission that polices California’s lobbying and campaign finance laws. Remke said she wants to continue Ravel’s work going after serious violations of the state’s Political Reform Act. But she has her own vision for the position, too, one that involves increasing the FPPC’s use of technology and streamlining the requirements involved for officials to follow the law.

California – Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to Fight Specter of Lost Funds
San Francisco Chronicle – John Wildermuth | Published: 12/25/2014

California election law requires candidates to close their campaign accounts and disburse the money within two years after losing an election or being termed out of office, unless they are planning to run for another office. Plenty of out-of-work politicians want to hang on to their campaign cash for as long as they can, however, and the rule has forced some veteran officeholders into some unusual political contortions. At age 82, former state Sen. John Burton is head of the California Democratic Party, but he has opened a not-especially-active campaign for state superintendent of public instruction four years from now.

Georgia – University System of Georgia Spent More Than $48,000 on Perks for State Lawmakers
Columbus Republic; Associated Press –   | Published: 12/28/2014

A state law passed in 2013 prohibits Georgia legislators from receiving gifts worth more than $75. But that law also excludes public employees from being considered lobbyists. University System of Georgia officials spent tens of thousands of dollars in 2014 on football tickets, meals, and events for state lawmakers. Some lawmakers say University System officials acting in a lobbying capacity should have to register as such and report their spending to the state.

Massachusetts – State Campaign Contributions Set to Double
Boston Globe – Joshua Miller | Published: 12/27/2014

Candidates for all municipal, county, and state elected offices in Massachusetts can now raise $1,000 per year from individuals, double the old limit of $500. The change, part of a multifaceted campaign finance package signed into law this summer, is certain to be a boon to campaign accounts. Beyond that, there is dispute about what the increase might mean. Some believe the increase will simply make campaigns more expensive. Others think it might allow politicians to raise the money they need in less time, and spend their newly free hours with regular voters, building support.

Missouri – With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City
PoliticMo.com – Eli Yokely | Published: 12/30/2014

In Jefferson City, where the statehouse is governed by no limits on personal gifts and campaign contributions to lawmakers from lobbyists, it is common practice for legislators to get their meals, lodging, and drinks paid for by lobbyists, according to records maintained by the Missouri Ethics Commission. But on a recent trip to Las Vegas trip attended by three lobbyists and eight lawmakers, the only thing that was reported to the commission was an $8.50 expense from Noranda Aluminum executive Charles Skoda to Rep. Don Gosen. Though no exchange of gifts was reported, the episode reveals the close ties lobbyists form with state lawmakers and the extent to which they can legally go to push their agenda.

New York – U.S. Said to Investigate Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Over Payments
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Thomas, Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 12/29/2014

Federal authorities are investigating the sources of income of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The probe stems from an inquiry U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara began in April after Gov. Andrew Cuomo disbanded a panel examining corruption in the state Legislature. Among the areas the panel looked into was lawmakers’ sources of income, which must be disclosed. In addition to his $121,000 salary from the state, Silver has for years listed income from acting as “of counsel” to Weitz & Luxenberg, though he has declined to say what he does for the law firm. In 2013, Silver said he made from $650,000 to $750,000 from outside work including, though not limited to, Weitz & Luxenberg.

North Carolina – Opinion Says Lawmakers Can Raise Money for Political Nonprofits
WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 12/29/2014

The Legislative Ethics Committee issued an opinion saying North Carolina lawmakers are allowed to raise money for political nonprofits that collect cash to lobby or elect members to the General Assembly. Raising money for political nonprofits is frequently easier than gathering cash into campaign accounts because the same fundraising limits do not apply and nonprofits are often not required to disclose the names of donors. Nonprofits also can raise money from interested groups when an important legislative decision is approaching, rather than having to wait like lawmakers until after the session ends.

Oklahoma – Ethics Agency Fails To Collect Most Fees
KGOU – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 12/29/2014

As of early 2014, candidates, their campaigns, and other organizations owed the Oklahoma Ethics Commission more than $200,000 in unpaid fees for late or no filing of statements of income and spending. The commission’s executive director said many fees probably will never be collected because of a lack of resources. The agency decided to stop assessing late fees this year partly because it needed to establish new rules for imposing fees. Dozens of political groups and campaigns in the 2014 election failed to meet deadlines for filing their statements.

Washington – PDC Finding It Hard to Get Money to Make Upgrades to Its Campaign-Finance Web Site
Tacoma News Tribune – Brad Shannon (The Olympian) | Published: 12/26/2014

The budget for the Public Disclosure Commission is cut by two percent in Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed spending plan for 2015-17, including elimination of three employees that would leave staffing at fewer than 17 full-time equivalent positions. The agency had suggested the staffing cuts, including elimination of a vacant in-house legal counsel position. But it also wanted to invest potentially $200,000 into upgrades making it easier for candidates and lobbyists to file reports and for the public to find and understand them.

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.

National:

Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 12/21/2014

While campaign finance reform is unlikely in Congress, it is possible in some states, where extreme polarization on the issue of money in politics is less evident than in Washington, D.C. Many states and municipalities have already enacted new disclosure laws and rules governing candidates’ coordination with independent groups. Still others have pushed for small-donor matching fund systems to dilute the power of big money, or have passed conflict-of-interest restrictions on gifts from lobbyists and contractors.

Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/18/2014

There is a flourishing industry that pairs plaintiffs’ lawyers with state attorneys general to sue companies, a collaboration that has set off a furious competition between trial lawyers and corporate lobbyists to influence these officials. While prospecting for contracts, the private lawyers have also donated tens of thousands of dollars to campaigns of individual attorneys general, as well as party-backed organizations that they run. The donations often come in large chunks just before or after the firms sign contracts to represent the state, show campaign finance records and more than 240 contracts examined by The New York Times.

Federal:

National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 12/22/2014

The national political parties and some of their biggest donors are embracing a new law that dramatically increases contribution limits, saying it could help the parties stage a financial comeback in an era of unlimited spending by super PACs. Some third-party groups on the left and the right of the political spectrum, however, are not as pleased, warning the national parties will have more power to drown out upstart politicians challenging the establishment’s favored candidates., Everyone agrees on one point: more campaign money will start to slosh through federal elections, just as the 2016 presidential campaign heats up.

Rep. Michael Grimm Pleads Guilty in Tax Case, Refuses to Resign
Los Angeles Times – Christine Mai-Duc | Published: 12/23/2014

U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm will not resign despite pleading guilty to one felony charge of filing false tax returns for a restaurant he owned, raising a challenge for Republican leaders if they seek to force him from office. He could be expelled from following a vote by the full House, but those proceedings could take weeks or even months. Grimm, a former FBI agent, was hit with 20-count indictment in April. Initially, federal investigators looked into allegations of campaign finance violations, but no charges were ever filed as part of that probe. Prosecutors accused Grimm of under-reporting his employees’ wages to the IRS, paying them in envelopes full of cash, and said he had lied under oath when he claimed he was not responsible for handling payroll.

Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
Center for Responsive Politics – Dan Auble | Published: 12/22/2014

Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. The Center for Responsive Politics attempted to identify whether particular industries have contributed more than their fair share to the decrease. Lobbying spending may have dropped by 15 percent since 2009, but not all industries have cut their spending. Fifty-six industries outperformed the overall trend, and 24 actually increased spending since 2009. About 33 fell at a more drastic rate than the average, suggesting they may have contributed more to the overall decline than could be made up by those on the rise.

From the States and Municipalities:

Maine – Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying
Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 12/22/2014

Advocates for transparency in government say the failure to require lobbying disclosures at the local level makes it hard for citizens to know who is trying to influence elected officials, at a time when well-funded national groups are pouring millions of dollars into state and local politics. No Maine community has a lobbying disclosure rule, and the only time the state imposes a reporting requirement on cities and towns is when a community with more than 15,000 residents takes up a local referendum question.

Massachusetts – Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players
Boston Globe – Matt Viser | Published: 12/23/2014

The hourly shuttle flights between Boston and Reagan National Airport are a vital connection between the nation’s capital and The Hub in more ways than one. The shuttle provides an airborne showcase of the region’s power players as they travel to private dinners, fundraisers, and congressional hearings. For members of Congress, it can be like office hours, where they are forced to confront constituents who happen to be seat mates. Gate agents report passengers frequently request a new seat assignment so they can be next to a person with whom they are hoping to conduct business.

North Carolina – NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts
Raleigh News & Observer – Ann Blythe | Published: 12/19/2014

The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the Republican-led redrawing of congressional and legislative districts in 2011. Democratic voters and others challenging the boundaries argue that 30 legislative and congressional districts were designed to weaken the overall influence of black voters in North Carolina. The challengers contend the shepherds of the redistricting packed black voters into districts where they had already been successful in electing their candidates of choice despite being in the minority. Republicans have argued they followed the law when creating districts.

Pennsylvania – Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 12/21/2014

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has said an undercover sting investigation that implicated five Philadelphia officials was marred by possible racial targeting, among many other flaws. At a news conference where Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced the arrests of two state representatives who he said took cash from a lobbyist who was working with law enforcement officials in the sting, Williams used the subpoena power of an investigative grand jury to dig into Kane’s statements on why she shuttered the sting and test them for accuracy. He ended up launching a broadside against Kane, saying she had made repeated false statements to justify her decision to end the probe, cited documents that did not exist, and irresponsibly jettisoned a strong criminal case.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts
Columbus Republic – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2014

Sen. Lloyd Smucker said he will introduce a sweeping bill to ban nearly all gifts to public officials and employees in Pennsylvania, including state and local government employees. Such bills have been introduced before, and seen no action, and Smucker said he has no commitment to pass it by House or Senate leadership. But this measure has the added weight of testimony collected by Smucker’s State Government Committee, a pledge by Gov.-elect Tom Wolf to ban gifts to executive branch employees and officials, and a fresh corruption scandal that produced bribery charges against two lawmakers.

Pennsylvania – Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Joe Smydo | Published: 12/22/2014

In the past 15 years, more than a dozen legislators in Pennsylvania have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, crimes ranging from misusing taxpayer resources to hiding income from a second job to leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams recently announced bribery and other charges against Reps. Ronald Waters and Vanessa Lowery Brown. Policing lawmakers is a task the state Ethics Commission shares with committees in the House and Senate. Commission Executive Director Robert Caruso said his agency’s work has been challenged in recent years by staffing shortages, budget cuts, and weaknesses in the state ethics law.

Rhode Island – Mollis Concludes Former R.I. Attorney General Lynch Did Not Violate Lobbying Rules
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 12/18/2014

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis concluded former Attorney General Patrick Lynch did not violate Rhode Island’s lobbying law in his interactions with his successor’s office about federal regulation of Internet gambling and other topics. Lynch has claimed his interactions with Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office were as a lawyer representing clients and, thus, he was exempt from registering as a lobbyist.

Utah – Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment
Politico – Manu Raju | Published: 12/22/2014

What is happening in Utah marks a new chapter in the tea-party-vs.-establishment wars that have defined Republican politics since 2010. At that time, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee seized on conservatives’ frustration with a veteran GOP senator, Bob Bennett, to win the party’s nomination and emerge as one of the country’s most prominent tea party senators. But after four years in Washington, where he has aligned himself with the most conservative wing of the party, some Republicans are weighing whether there is an opening to challenge Lee.

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.

National:

A State Guide to Political Corruption, According to the Reporters Who Cover It
Washington Post – Niraj Chokshi | Published: 12/8/2014

With Congress stuck in the least productive rut in American history, the bulk of important legislative action is taking place in the states. But according to one study, all that power might not be in the best hands. Harvard University’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics published a study looking at state-level corruption throughout the U.S. But instead of relying on conviction data, researchers surveyed some 280 regional reporters and asked them to grade each of the three branches of government in their state on legal and illegal corruption.

Energy Firms in Secretive Alliance with Attorneys General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/6/2104

An investigation by The New York Times found attorneys general in at least a dozen states are working with energy companies and other corporate interests to push back against the Obama administration’s regulatory agenda. The companies in turn are providing them with record amounts of money for their political campaigns, including at least $16 million this year. They share a common philosophy about the reach of the federal government, but the companies also have billions of dollars at stake. And the collaboration is likely to grow: for the first time in modern American history, Republicans in January will control a majority of attorneys general’s offices.

Payouts to McCrory, Sanford from Mortgage Broker Raise Ethical Questions
Charlotte Observer – Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) | Published: 12/16/2014

Soon after taking office, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford accepted six-figure stock payouts from an online mortgage broker, a move that experts say raises ethical if not legal concerns. They were directors at Tree.com, the corporate parent of the website LendingTree. As board members, they were entitled to restricted company stock if they held their positions long enough. Both resigned after their election victories, which would have rendered their unvested stock worthless had the board not taken special action to provide them early payouts. McCrory and Sanford deny they did anything improper by accepting the payments from Tree.com, which were not fully described in their ethics statements.

Federal:

Every Election Is the Most Expensive Election. Or Not.
New York Times – Derek Willis | Published: 12/16/2014

Despite the efforts of the FEC, which has been faithfully disseminating campaign finance data since 1975, there are limitations in the ways that data is collected and summarized that make generating totals and comparisons very difficult. In a paper presented at the American Political Science Association conference this year, Temple University professor Robin Kolodny challenged the idea that we know each election is more expensive than previous ones, or that we even know how much campaigns really cost. Kolodny concludes this lack of knowledge fuels our perceptions of money in politics as an issue.

G.O.P. Angst Over 2016 Led to Provision on Funding
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 12/13/2014

A campaign finance provision in the federal omnibus spending bill that will significantly raise certain contribution limits began with what Republican leaders regarded as an urgent problem: how would they pay for their presidential nominating convention in Cleveland in 2016? The talks ended with a bipartisan agreement that would allow wealthy donors to begin giving more than $1 million every election cycle to each party’s national committees.

Jeb Bush’s Decision to Explore Presidential Bid Scrambles the 2016 GOP Field
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Philip Rucker | Published: 12/16/2014

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said he would “actively explore” a presidential run, immediately sending reverberations through the potential GOP field, tying up donors whom other candidates are courting, and forcing contenders to accelerate their own considerations for 2016. Bush became the first Republican to take an overt step toward a White House bid. He announced he would create a PAC, allowing him to raise money and travel the country ahead of an eventual decision.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Registration Rule for Political Groups Ruled Too Vague
Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 12/6/2014

A federal judge ruled an Arizona law defining a political committee is unconstitutionally vague. Deputy Secretary of State Jim Drake said at the very least, the judge’s order eliminates the requirements for disclosure of funding by groups pushing or opposing ballot measures. It is not unusual for these campaigns to cost millions of dollars. But attorney Paul Avelar of the Institute for Justice said he reads the ruling to apply to all the independent groups pushing to elect or defeat candidates. The order does not bar the state from requiring political committees to register. But legislators will have to redo the law in a fashion that courts find to be constitutional.

Arkansas – Questions Surround Constitutional Amendment on Ethics, Term Limits
Arkansas News – John Lyon (Arkansas News Bureau) | Published: 12/8/2014

Rep. Warwick Sabin and Sen. Jon Woods are aiming to end the confusion surrounding their co-authored and recently passed constitutional amendment, Issue No. 3. But the head of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce said he expects the amendment to face multiple court challenges. The measure enacts significant ethics reforms for state legislators, such as restricting gifts, eliminating corporate campaign contributions, and extending the lobbying period for former legislators once their service is complete. The amendment also extends term limits to 16 years in either chamber of the state Legislature or a combination of both.

Georgia – State Ethics Agency Faces More Changes
Gainesville Sun – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/7/2014

It has been a tumultuous year at Georgia’s ethics commission, which has been hamstrung by a number of lawsuits filed by former employees, personnel issues, and allegations of outside influence with questions raised about its ability to ensure candidates, campaign committees, lobbyists, and others are disclosing their financial activities. Meanwhile, the agency has had 216 open complaints that have been pending an average of three years. A recent audit issued 42 recommendations that state lawmakers might consider to improve the effectiveness and independence of the commission.

Missouri – Ethics Bills Filed to Open Debate on Lobbying and Campaign Finance Rules
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 12/15/2014

Missouri Rep. Caleb Rowden filed a bill that would ban lobbyists’ gifts to individual lawmakers, their staff members, and families. It also would require subcontracting lobbyists hired by principal lobbyists to disclose the actual client being served. Rowden addresses campaign finance issues by requiring that legislators and statewide elected officials disclose donations greater than $500 within 48 hours during legislative sessions.

New York – After Ethics Panel’s Shutdown, Loopholes Live On in Albany
New York Times – Thomas Kaplan, William Rashbaum, and Susanne Craig | Published: 12/8/2014

Investigators for the Moreland Commission, an anti-corruption panel that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo created last year, found a slew of questionable activity. But Cuomo abruptly shut down the commission as part of a deal with the Legislature. In Albany, some of the most questionable conduct by elected officials has long been perfectly legal, safeguarded by the only people who can outlaw it: the lawmakers themselves. Before it was disbanded, the commission urged elected officials to close loopholes, toughen criminal statutes, increase disclosure requirements, and restrict how campaign funds could be spent. Now, eight months after its work was cut short, little in Albany has changed.

Ohio – Work of FBI Squad Evident in Columbus Payday Probe
Marietta Times; Associated Press –   | Published: 12/11/2014

Columbus, Ohio’s growing population and increasing sophistication as a metropolis helped drive the FBI’s decision to dedicate a public corruption unit to the city. State Rep. Dale Mallory was fined for accepting Cincinnati Bengals tickets from lobbyists, Sen.-elect Sandra Williams was fined and sentenced to a suspended six-month jail term for selling Ohio State tickets her campaign purchased to a lobbyist and pocketing the proceeds. Two more state lawmakers, then- Reps. W. Carlton Weddington and Clayton Luckie, received prison time in the long-running investigation of payday-lending lobbyists. Two lobbyists also were convicted.

Pennsylvania – Two Philadelphia Lawmakers Charged in Sting Probe
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 12/16/2014

In a case that Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane said was “not prosecutable,” the Philadelphia district attorney’s office announced felony corruption charges against two state legislators accused of accepting cash from an undercover lobbyist who videotaped the exchanges. Reps. Ronald Waters and Vanessa Brown are charged with criminal conspiracy, bribery, conflict-of-interest, and failure to report on their financial interest disclosure forms – all stemming from allegedly accepting money in exchange for promised political actions. Kane dismissed the case in 2013, citing legal flaws, poor supervision, and a taint of racism to the investigation. District Attorney Seth Williams then took up the inquiry.

Rhode Island – Mollis Adopts Hearing Officer’s Decision that Corso Engaged in Unregistered Lobbying Related to 38 Studios
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 12/5/2014

Rhode island Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has adopted the decision by a hearing officer that attorney Michael Corso engaged in unregistered lobbying relating to 38 Studios. Corso, whose friendship with former House Speaker Gordon Fox helped bring the now bankrupt video-game company to the state, will face a $2,000 fine if he does not file the required reports. Mollis convened the administrative hearing process after media stories shed light on Corso’s role in advocating for $75 million in state-backed loan guarantees in a jobs-creation bill. The funding eventually went to 38 Studios.

Wisconsin – Republicans Seize on Audit Critical of State Elections Board
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 12/12/2014

An audit critical of the nonpartisan board that oversees ethics and elections in Wisconsin fueled calls for change from Republicans who control the Legislature. The long-awaited report detailed a number of problems with the Government Accountability Board, which began in 2008. The audit said board staff did not consistently follow a penalty schedule for enforcing campaign finance, lobbying, and code of ethics laws; did not conduct 16 required reviews over a four-year period to identify felons who may have voted illegally; and did not put in place written procedures for considering complaints.

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.