November 2, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 2, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Little Girl Cries over ‘Bronco Bamma’
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
AEA Plays Bigger Role in Politics than Teachers Unions in Most Other States, Study Finds
California
Anti-Tax Group’s Support Can Come with a Price
California
Arizona Nonprofit Must Reveal $11 Million Donor Details
District of Columbia
Inspector General Audit Details Hiring, Ethics Abuses at MWAA
Florida
Justin Lamar Sternad Invokes Fifth Amendment Right in FEC
Idaho
Idaho Nonprofit Reveals Donors after Losing Lawsuit; Bloomberg Gave $200K, Scott $250K
Maine
Senate District 25 Candidate Lachowicz Cleared by Ethics Panel
Michigan
Term Limits Launching Political Careers, Free Press Analysis Shows
Mississippi
Officials to Call for New Anti-Corruption Laws
Montana
Political Practices Reports Apparent Break-in
North Dakota
Judge Blocks ND Election Day Campaign Ban
West Virginia
WV House of Delegates Candidate Killed Because of Storm, Still on Ballot
Wisconsin
Five Wisconsin Lawmakers Settle Suit with Groups Seeking ALEC E-mails
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
October 26, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 26, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
K Street Flags Shortcomings of Lobbying Law
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Judge: Listing of PAC contributors unconstitutional
California
California’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Agency Demands Names of Donors to Shadowy Arizona Group
California
Judge Rejects Former Bell Police Chief’s Bid to Double Pension
Florida
State Ethics Commission: David Rivera broke 11 ethics laws while serving in Florida Legislature
Georgia
Atlanta Region Sees Spike in Public Corruption Cases
Idaho
Idaho Sues to Force Disclosure of Secret Donations
Illinois
Appeals Court Allows Illinois Limits on Campaign Financing
Iowa
‘Donations’ to State Agency Let Landlords Avoid Charges
Kentucky
Ethics Panel Wants Lobbyists to Report Ad Spending
Montana
Supreme Court Won’t Block Montana Campaign Finance Law Ahead Of Elections
New Jersey
Infamous Federal Informant Solomon Dwek Is Sentenced to Six Years, Must Pay $22.8 Million
North Dakota
Campaigning Fargo Candidate Finds Body under Tree
Tennessee
With Registry’s Ruling, Burchett Case Closed
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
September 28, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 28, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Aflac and Chubb Join Ranks of Companies Expanding Disclosure
Federal:
Judge Backs Obama Ban on Lobbyists Serving on Federal Advisory Panels
Super PACs Get New Use – As Lobbying Arms on Hill
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Judge Sentences Gambling Lobbyist Pouncy to 3 Years Probation
California
Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Bill to Modernize Campaign Disclosure Web Site
Georgia
Deal Lawyer Goes After Accuser for Legal Fees
Maryland
Bill Before City Council Aims to Close ‘Gaps’ in Ethics Code
Massachusetts
Goldman Sachs Will Pay $12 Million in SEC ‘Pay-to-Play’ Case
Minnesota
Catholics Asked to Pay for Marriage Vote Ads
North Carolina
Ethics Guidance on Legislative Staffers and Lobbyists
South Carolina
Harrell Offers No Details on Self-Reimbursement of $325,000 from Campaign Funds
Washington
Lobbyists, Staff Aided Lt. Gov. Owen’s Nonprofit
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
September 14, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 14, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Democrats Risk No Female Governor, First Time in 17 Years
U.S. Election System Criticized Over Finance Rules and Voting Restrictions
Federal:
Andrews Used wife to Vet Use of Campaign Funds on Trip
Look-Alike Sites Funnel Big Money to Mystery PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Fiesta Bowl Lobbyist Takes Plea Deal in Probe
Illinois
Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Campaign Disclosure Law
Minnesota
Despite Campaign Finance Ruling, Regulators to Continue Requiring Disclosures
Montana
Republicans Ask Court to Axe Montana’s Campaign Contribution Laws
Nebraska
AG: Sen. Council withdrew campaign funds at casinos
New Jersey
Mayor of NJ’s Capital Arrested in Corruption Probe
New York
West Virginia
West Virginia Court Candidate Denied ‘Rescue Funds’
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
September 10, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 10, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Republicans Losing Election Law War as Campaign Ramps Up
Federal:
Parties Raise Record Cash after ‘Soft Money’ Ban
Politics and Truth: Uneasy partners, easy enemies
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Campaigns against Proposition 8 Fined $80,000 for Reporting Violations
District of Columbia: D.C. Corporate Donations Ban Won’t Be on November Ballot
Georgia: Oversight Weak on Expense System for Georgia Lawmakers
Massachusetts: Lobbyists Sue Galvin Over Disclosure Rule
Minnesota: Court Quashes Part of Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Law
Montana: Denny Rehberg, GOP Senate Candidate, Said Lobbyists Are ‘Solution,’ Government Is ‘Enemy’
New York: New York Ethics Inquiry Won’t Look at Speaker’s Actions
New York: NY Super PAC Disclosures May Miss 2012 Elections
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
August 31, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 31, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Voters Still Tuned in to Traditional News Media, Poll Finds
Federal:
Four-Day Political Conventions Could Be a Thing of the Past
GOP Plank in 2012 Platform Wants to Leave Campaign Spending Alone
From the States and Municipalities:
California
California Lawmakers Say ‘No Gifts, Please’ But Accept Them Anyway
Colorado
Court Rules against Gessler in Campaign Change
District of Columbia
New D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Would Ban Lobbyist Bundling
Iowa
Trust Donation Rules Spelled Out
New York
Lawmaker-Lobby Guidelines Emerge
South Carolina
Former South Carolina Governor Confirms Engagement to Argentine Ex-Mistress
Texas
Court Blocks Texas Voter ID Law, Citing Racial Impact
Washington
Campaign Finance Watchdog: Churches can’t be intermediary for gay marriage referendum money
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
August 24, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 24, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Skinny-Dipping in Israel Casts Unwanted Spotlight on Congressional Travel
Text ‘GIVE’ to Obama: President’s campaign launches cell phone donation drive
Twitter’s Role in the Upcoming Conventions
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Higher Lobbyist Fees Approved to Fix Campaign Finance Database
California
San Bernardino County: Contribution limits approved
Florida
Campaign Vendors Say Republican Congressman David Rivera Funded Democrat’s Failed Primary Bid
Illinois
Illinois House Expels Rep. Derrick Smith over Bribery Charge
Minnesota
Donor against Marriage Amendment Will Remain Unnamed
Missouri
Akin Says He’ll Stay in Senate Race, Heightening Tension within GOP
New Hampshire
Most Campaign Money Remains Hidden in New Hampshire
New York
Gifts End in $1.7 Million Deal
North Carolina
Despite Laws, NC Legislators Still Ask Lobbyists for Money
Oregon
Oregon Political Social Scene a Thing of the Past
Pennsylvania
Report Faults Ethics Board: Small staff and lack of authority cited
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
August 17, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 17, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Nonpartisan Groups Defend Neutrality in Harsh Climate
Tea Party Evolves, Achieves State Policy Victories
Federal:
Ethics Watchdogs Planning to Crash Convention Parties
Rentals Mean Quick Cash during Conventions
U.S. Regulators Clear Hurdle for Political Text Message Donations
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Bill to Limit Gifts to California Lawmakers Dies a Quiet Death
Colorado
Judge Rejects Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s Changes
Delaware
Delaware Governor Signs Campaign Finance Reform, Transparency Bills
Georgia
Ralston to Propose Total Lobbyist Gift Ban
Georgia
Sen. Balfour Agrees to Fine, Will Make Restitution
Minnesota
Top State Court Rules Campaign Finance Laws Apply to Schools
Ohio
Statehouse Office Served Conservative Group in Linking Ohio Legislators, Corporate Lobbyists
Pennsylvania
Pa. Voter ID Law Gets Approval of State Judge
Texas
Capitol Visitors Have New Speedy Option
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
August 10, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 10, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Jack Abramoff Urges Ethics Reform in NCSL Speech
Policing the Politicians; State Ethics Commissions Lack Muscle
Federal:
Is Your Neighbor a Democrat? A New App Can Tell You
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Judge Sentences Siegelman to 78 Months in Prison in Corruption Case
Arkansas
Arkansas State Police Set Policy for Troopers Working College Sports Events
District of Columbia
Petition to Vote on Banning Corporate Political Donations Fails
Florida
Judge Voids Florida Limit on Minors’ Campaign Giving
Missouri
Missouri Lawmakers Keep Reeling in Gifts from Lobbyists
Nebraska
Supreme Court Overturns Campaign Finance Law
New York
Board Accused of Shielding Donors
Ohio
Ohioans to Vote on Drawing Political Maps
South Carolina
Ethics Reform Effort Faces Uphill Fight in S.C.
Virginia
A Facebook Court Battle: Is ‘liking’ something protected free speech?
Washington
Public Disclosure Commission Keeps Working to Inform Voters
West Virginia
Federal Judge Blocks W.Va. Cap on PAC Contributions Pending Legal Challenge
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
July 27, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 27, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
IRS Says It Will Examine Rules for Nonprofit Political Activity
Lawyers Raking in Cash as Campaign Spending Hits Records
Millionaire Political Donors Club: Where are the women?
From the States and Municipalities:
California
San Bernardino County: Campaign finance reform boosted by bill
Connecticut
Campaign Money Scandal Rattles Congressional Race
Georgia
Governor Admits to Ethics Violations
Nevada
Americans for Prosperity May Have Opened Donors to Public Scrutiny by Entering State Race
Pennsylvania
Pa.’s Tough, New Voter ID Law Lands in Court
Pennsylvania
SEPTA Says It Didn’t Think It Had to Report Lobbyist Spending
Utah
ALEC Conservatives Reject Charges of Corporate Cronyism
Vermont
Vermont AG: No limits for independent expenditure PACs
Wisconsin
Prosser Converts Campaign Account to Legal Defense Fund
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
July 20, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 20, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
House Ethics Panel Has Track Record of Leniency
Son of Liberal Financier George Soros Launches Anti-Super PAC Super PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Alabama Casino Developer, Lobbyist, Ex-Lawmaker Sentenced to Prison in Statehouse Gambling Scheme
California
Battle Lines Drawn over Payroll Deductions
California
Feds Detail Scale of Graft in Cudahy
Michigan
Prosecutor: Bolger conspired with party switcher, but didn’t break law
Minnesota
Minnesota GOP, Former Chairman Face Fines Over Recount
Nevada
Felon Was a Lobbyist for Catholic Officials in Nevada
New Jersey
FBI Raids City Hall in New Jersey’s Capital
New York
NY Ethics Board Member Resigns from Lobbying Group
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
July 13, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 13, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Campaign Donations by Text? Not So fast, Wireless Carriers Say
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
Ethics Measure Falls Short of Signature Goal
California
Bill Would Hire Commission to Enforce County’s Campaign Finance Ordinance
California
Pass the Canapés: Now, lobbyists can serve appetizers, not report it
Colorado
Colorado Public Trustee Spending Raises Red Flags
Connecticut
Feds Indict Braddock, Claim Conspiracy Began Last Year
District of Columbia
Vast ‘Shadow Campaign’ Said to Have Aided Gray in 2010
Florida
Miramar Commissioners Approve $2,500 Stipend for Themselves
Illinois
Quinn Abolishes Legislative Scholarships
Illinois
Quinn Signs Super PAC Campaign Finance Law
New York
Cuomo Turns to Campaign Finance
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
July 6, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 6, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Assets Offshore Raise Romney Wealth Questions
Do Election Laws Encourage Attack Ads in Campaigns?
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Arizona Lawmaker Files $10 Million Claim against Phoenix
Colorado
Gessler Hit with Another Campaign Finance Lawsuit – But This One He May Actually Like
Delaware
Delaware Business to Pay $500,000 in Campaign Probe
Florida
New Ethics Policy Toughens Rules for Lobbying Orange School Leaders
Illinois
Wrigley Renovation Plans Stalled by Political Flap
Maryland
Sports Tickets Banned as Gifts for Baltimore County Elected Officials
Michigan
Cap on Michigan Campaign Donations Survives Challenge
Missouri
Missouri Election Season Arrives without Ethics Law
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers Blackout Period for Filing Complaints
South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Cleared in Ethics Inquiry
Tennessee
Tim Burchett Subpoenas News Sentinel for Visitor Records, Surveillance Videos
Utah
Ruling Blocks Utah Ethics Initiative from Ballot
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
June 29, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 29, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
After Winning Right to Spend, Political Groups Fight for Secrecy
Court Upholds Ban on Corporate Political Contributions
GOP Lawsuit Challenges Campaign Contribution Caps
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Cudahy Arrests Add Salt to L.A. County Area’s Civic Wounds
Connecticut: Malloy, Legislature Make Last Stab at Campaign Reform
Florida: Tom Lee Wants Back in the Senate, to the Chagrin of Some Lobbyists
Illinois: U of I Professor Relents, Will Take Ethics Training Developed by ‘Unwise Rulers to Annoy Us’
Montana: Supreme Court Reaffirms Citizens United, Tosses Montana Corporate Spending Ban
Nebraska: Special Interests Spent $14 Million to Influence State Government
New York: Supreme Court Declines to Hear NY Campaign Finance Case
South Carolina: State Ethics Law Has Disclosure Gaps
Vermont: Federal Judge Dismisses Vermont Campaign Finance Challenge
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
