November 25, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Ex-lawmaker predicts return of earmarks” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “NPA hires new lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. Pennsylvania: “Public universities get leg up on lobbying” by Debra Erdley in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Texas: “A […]
Lobbying
“Ex-lawmaker predicts return of earmarks” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“NPA hires new lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Pennsylvania: “Public universities get leg up on lobbying” by Debra Erdley in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Texas: “A Private Battle Over Ethics Goes Public” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.
Campaign Finance
“Both Senatorial Campaign Committees Off Track for Start of 2014” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Arizona: “Erasing campaign contribution limits now would create problems, Bennett tells court” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Texas: “Interactive: Campaign Finance Reports” by J Harden in the Denton Record-Chronicle.
Wisconsin: “Appeals court won’t stop secret probe into campaign fundraising, spending” by Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Ethics
Louisiana: “State plans to go after bank accounts, licenses of officials with pending Ethics fines, treasurer says” in The Times-Picayune.
Massachusetts: “State lawmakers called out for using campaign funds for personal perks” by Craig Douglas in Boston Business Journal.
Massachusetts: “Campaign donations used for pricey perks” by Shaun Sutner and Thomas Caywood in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.
Missouri: “Secretary of state discusses Missouri ethics laws” by Ack Ventimiglia in LakeExpo.com.
New York: “Lawmakers’ bosses respond to Moreland subpoenas” by Casey Seiler in Capitol Confidential.
New York: “Moreland probe is an attempt force campaign finance reform” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.
Redistricting
“Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State” in Governing.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Boston Mayor Blogs His Way Out of Office” by Tod Newcombe in Governing.
“Best of the Web & Digital Government Achievement Awards 2013 – Winners Announced” by Janet Grenslitt in Government Technology.
“Twitter Tells Feds How to Tweet More Effectively” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
November 19, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post. “Bottom Line” in The Hill. Campaign […]
Lobbying
“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.
California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.
Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.
Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.
Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.
Ethics
Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.
Redistricting
“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
November 7, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune. Campaign Finance Illinois: “Feds send warning […]
Lobbying
“Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Feds send warning letter to Jackson Jr. over campaign fund” by Katherine Skiba in the Chicago Tribune.
Louisiana: “Louisiana law silent on whether candidates must return illegal contributions” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Louisiana: “Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have showered his campaign with cash” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Michigan: “Bill would double campaign donor limits in Michigan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.
Minnesota: “Independence question vexes Minn. campaign board” by The Associated Press in the Crookston Times.
Ethics
Missouri: “Mo. state representative faces stealing, finance charges” by Aja J Williams on KSDK News.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio legislature passes new ballot-access rules for minor political parties; Libertarians promise lawsuit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Texas: “May 10 date for Texas Senate race special election” by The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle.
Redistricting
“Kentucky lawmakers disagree on which districts they represent” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
November 5, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee. Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte […]
Lobbying
“Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
California: “Assemblyman Alejo to return $21,092 in excess campaign contributions” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Ethics
“Hacking Attempts on Federal Election Commisison Website” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
California: “Ex-Senate leader Dean Florez faces fines for misusing campaign funds” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Florida: “Suspend ethics commission, state audit committee tells Palm Beach County” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.
Massachusetts: “Massachusetts: State Ethics Commission conflict plan could have ‘huge effect on towns’” by Andy Metzger in The Republican.
Elections
“Roll Call’s 10 Most Vulnerable House Members Revealed” by Shira T. Center and Emily Cahn and Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
Alabama: “Alabama Special Election Is Proxy Battle for National GOP” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Mississippi: “3 special elections for House seats Tuesday” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.
South Carolina: “Dozens of cities are holding elections in SC” by The Associated Press in GoUpstate.com.
Redistricting
Alaska: “Redistricting board withdraws request for delay” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
October 22, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“There’s no sunrise yet on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“The state of K Street: Flat” by Byron Tau in Politico Influence.
“Major oil group boosts lobbying” by Ben Geman in The Hill.
“Facebook Lobbyist to Head Up Cory Booker’s Senate Staff” by Andrew Ramonas in the Blog of the Legal Times.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Horne denies campaign finance wrongdoing” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Montana: “Appeal filed over documents tied to dark money” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.
Ethics
Georgia: “Ethics commission chair: Board close to finalizing plan for outside investigation” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Elections
“More female governors expected after 2014” by Emily Schultheis in Politico.
Redistricting
Alaska: “Alaska Redistricting Board to meet” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
October 21, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbying bonanza as US firms try to influence EU” by Eric Lipton and Danny Hakim on CNBC News.
“Clustering Near the Seat of Power” in The New York Times.
“Lobbyists Ready for a New Fight on U.S. Spending” by Eric Lipton in The New York Times.
“Cassidy lobby shop goes social” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
Maine: “New lobbying group to represent owners of Maine franchises” by Jessica Hall in the Kennebec Journal.
Tennessee: “Ingram filings call him Haslam campaign consultant” by Andy Sher in the Times Free Press.
Campaign Finance
“Get Over It: Campaign Finance Limits Don’t Work” by James Oliphant in National Journal.
“Washington’s open secret: Profitable PACs” by Steve Kroft on CBS News’ 60 Minutes.
“Pepsi, Coke, Nestle among brands donating to effort vs. labeling genetically modified foods” by Mike Baker (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Montana: “Bullock campaign violated campaign finance law” by Manee Banks in KXLH News.
Texas: “Court Nixes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations” by Jack Bouboushian in the Courthouse News Service.
Ethics
Alabama: “Alabama considers creating election commission” by Phillip Rawls (Associated Press) in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Hawaii: “Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
“Texas: APNewsBreak: Patrick PAC paid his radio station” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Arizona redistricting panel running out of money” by The Associated Press in KSAZ TV News.
Tech and Social Media
“Legislative panel to take up Facebook access” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.
September 25, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K Street suffers from identity crisis” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Nevada: “Feds call for prison time for ex-Nevada lobbyist Harvey Whittemore” by Martha Bellisle in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
New York: “JCOPE changes donor disclosure rules for lobbying groups” by Joseph Spector in the Star Gazette.
Canada: “Federal lobbyist watchdog launches review of industry code of conduct” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.
Campaign Finance
“25 Regulations to Watch” by Ben Goad and Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Washington Billionaires Staying Out Of State Politics This Year” by John Ryan in Northwest Public Radio.
New York: “Moreland panel hears testimony on enforcement, campaign funding” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
Ethics
“Dan Schwager to leave House Ethics panel” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Florida: “Legislators look into questionable insurance deal” by Gary Fineout in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
New York: “Taint of pork-barrel spending repels public corruption investigation panel” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
New York: “After Hints of Guilty Plea, Lawmaker Opts for Trial” by Mosi Secret.
Virginia: “Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell’s approval rating drops to new low, poll finds” by Laura Vozzella and Scott Clement in The Washington Post.
State Legislatures
Pennsylvania: “Record low approval ratings for lawmakers returning to Harrisburg” by Melissa Daniels in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pennsylvania: “Bills to shrink size of Pa. Legislature advances in state House” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
Redistricting
Texas: “DOJ To Intervene In Texas Redistricting” by David Martin Davies in KBPS News.
September 24, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists cheer plan to jam Dems by linking debt hike to tax reform” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Florida: “Lobbyist audits may be on the way — 8 years after the law was passed to do so” by Matt Dixon in the Florida Times-Union.
Washington: “New Lobbyist Meal Form To Distinguish Chowder From Steak” by Austin Jenkins on Northwest Public Radio.
Campaign finance
“The next Citizens United could affect campaign spending in the states” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
“The End of Contribution Limits? | Rules of the Game” opinion piece by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Kentucky: “Kentucky disability lawyer pleads guilty to campaign-finance violation” by Bill Estep in the Herald-Leader.
Ethics
Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Commission to investigate complaint that Fox violated rules by not reporting income” by David Klepper (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Republicans file new challenge to congressional district lines” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Social Media
California: “The Buzz: FPPC approves new rules for political bloggers” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
September 11, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lawmakers allege lobbyist intervention during hearing” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Tennessee: “Ethics Commission stalemates on whether to penalize Tom Ingram” by Tom Humphrey in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
A press release from the National Press Club: “Campaign Finance Experts Potter and Wertheimer to Discuss New Supreme Court Case Focusing on Donation Limits to Candidates” in the Rock Hill Herald.
Ethics
Delaware: “Developer pleads guilty to illegal contributions” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) in the Connecticut Post.
Virginia: “Cuccinelli donates $18,000 value of Star chief’s gifts” by Laura Vozzella in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Lawmakers approve first audit of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board” by The Associated Press in the Star Tribune.
State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Special sessions: How often and how long?” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Redistricting
“Time to tackle 2020” by Markos Moulitsas in The Hill.
Texas: “Court: Texas can use exiting election maps in 2014” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
Wisconsin: “Bipartisan group pushing for redistricting reform” by The Associated Press in WAOW News.
August 28, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Report: Top DC lobbyist Podesta retains Landrieu’s husband as realtor” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
Massachusetts: “St. Rep. Alan Silvia fined $20,000 by OCPF; second infraction this year” by Will Richmond in the Milford Daily News.
Ethics
“Senate Rules Committee Sets Date for Considering FEC Nominees” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Arkansas: “State lawmakers plan refresher course on ethics” by The Associated Press in Northwest Arkansas Times.
New York: “Ex-NY assemblyman pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Albany Times Union.
Ohio: “Mandel may have illegally used SUV in March crash” by Joe Vardon in The Columbus Dispatch.
South Carolina: “State Ethics Commission has questions for Haley after news of N.C. wreck” by Corey Hutchins in the Charleston City Paper.
Tennessee: “Tennessee governor names former parole board chairman to Ethics Commission” by Tom Humphrey in the Commercial Appeal.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “State lawmakers prepare for new legislative districts” by Amelia Holliday in the Hazard Herald.
August 27, 2013 •
Tuesday Campaign Finance and Ethics News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Campaign Finance
“Political money back on court’s agenda” by Albert R. Hunt in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Maryland: “Campaign finance: Behind scenes of elections” by Jennifer Shutt in the Daily Times.
Tennessee: “Registry will review campaign finance complaints against Gov. Haslam, Sen. Campfield” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Ethics
“Judge Rules Public Interest Outweighs Former Sen. John Ensign’s Privacy Interest” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Bachmann’s Former Aide Sentenced to Community Service” by Jason Dick in Roll Call.
Florida: “Former mayors charged in Miami-Dade bribery scandal seek to delay indictments” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.
Hawaii: “Hawaii governor appoints 2 to ethics commission” by The Associated Press in The State.
North Carolina: “Ethics Commission fines 2, gives 24 political appointees a pass” by John Frank in the News & Observer.
Ohio: “Ohio lawmakers ask watchdog to probe JobsOhio” by The Associated Press in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Virginia: “Web site backing McDonnell seeks funds for his legal costs” by Laura Vozzella in The Washington Post.
Political Advertising
“Keeping ‘tabs’ on campaign emails” by Hadas Gold in Politico.
From the States
“Snowden elected to NCSL executive committee” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.
North Carolina: “McCrory signs regulatory overhaul plan, 32 more bills” by Rob Christensen and David Bracken in the Charlotte Observer.
Oregon: “Special session still is uncertain” by Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Redistricting bill signed, judges to review” in the Morehead News.
August 26, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Former Rep. Jo Bonner Doubles Salary Outside Washington” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Prepaid card industry searching for first lobbyist” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Connecticut: “Connecticut Ethics office to audit 10 random lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Norwich Bulletin.
Connecticut: “Lobbying tab for 2012: $51.7 million” by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas in the Connecticut Mirror.
New York: “Private lobbying groups for cities, counties get public pensions in at least 20 states” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Will High Court Widen Flood of Money in Politics?” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.
“20-somethings jump into super PACs” by Andrea Drusch in Politico.
Alaska: “Campaign finance training in Fairbanks” in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Ethics
“FEC Commissioners Battle To Partisan Inaction” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Ohio: “Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Ethics Commission linked by political contributions, records show” by Henry J. Gomez in The Plain Dealer.
Oklahoma: “Panel in charge of clean elections invites comment on ethics laws” in the Enid News and Eagle.
Wyoming: “Group urges Wyoming to toughen anti-corruption laws” by Joan Barron in the Casper Star-Tribune.
Elections
“Fall Filled With Special Elections for House, Senate” by Abby Livingston and Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Redistricting
“Governor quickly signs redistricting bill into law” by Roger Alford (Associated Press) in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
August 21, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “University Reminds Employees of Lobbying Laws” in Gant Daily.
Campaign Finance
“Van Hollen to join lawsuit against IRS” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.
California: “Fundraisers abound as California legislative session nears end” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
Illinois: “DuPage considers ethics revisions allowing bigger campaign donations” by Robert Sanchez in the Daily Herald.
Illinois: “Rauner forms PAC to push term limits” by Rick Pearson in the Chicago Tribune.
Michigan: “Director of campaign finance watchdog group examines the money in judicial politics” on MLive.com.
New York: “Nonprofits Are Balking at Law on Disclosing Political Donors” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Bookout resigns, special prosecutor named for ethics probe” by the Arkansas News Bureau.
Ohio: “Reps. Ronald Gerberry, Nicholas Celebrezze propose barring statewide officeholders from accepting outside compensation while in office” by Robert Higgs in the Plain Dealer.
Ohio: “Ex-Ohio treasurer ‘stunned’ by deputy’s indictment” by Ann Sanner on Cincinnati.com.
Virginia: “McDonnell tries to govern, trailed by scandal” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Redistricting
“Kentucky House panel advances redistricting plan” by Beth Musgrave in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Open Government
Virginia: “State employees shoot down VA open records access bill” by Kathryn Watson on Watchdog.org.
August 20, 2013 •
Political Advertising Rules by Texas Ethics Commission Amended
Emails and Redistricting
On August 8, 2013, the Texas Ethics Commission adopted a new rule concerning political and legislative advertising related to redistricting and amended its definition of political advertising.
The new commission rule allows candidates campaigning in districts altered by redistricting to use the term re-elect “only if the candidate is the elected incumbent of an office that represented any part of the new or renumbered district prior to the redistricting”.
The definition of political advertising was amended to contrast an individual communication made by email versus “mass e-mails involving an expenditure of funds beyond the basic cost of hardware messaging software and bandwidth”. Currently the rule’s language in the definition of political advertising reads only that it “does not include communication made by email”.
The changes take effect on September 1, 2013.
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.
