August 8, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“K Street shop on lookout for new senior Democratic lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Illinois: “More Illinois public bodies hiring lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Quincy Journal.
Massachusetts: “Galvin faulted on rules for lobbyists” by Michael Levinson in The Boston Globe.
Campaign Finance
Massachusetts: “Election Commission seminar set for Aug. 12” in South Coast Today.
Ohio: “Cleveland Heights campaign finance measure part of trend, group says” by Ray Jablonski in The Plain Dealer.
Virginia: “Candidates Make Honor Roll for Campaign-Filing Transparency” in the Sun Gazette.
Ethics
Florida: “Miami Lakes and Sweetwater mayors ‘stung’ by FBI for taking alleged kickbacks” by Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga and Joey Flechas in the Miami Herald.
Massachusetts: “Dan Wolf still running for governor despite ethics ruling” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.
New York: “State Ethics Panel Opens an Inquiry Into a Sexual Harassment Cover-Up” by Danny Hakim in The New York Times.
New York: “Subpoenas Sent to City’s Big Landlords” by Eliot Brown and Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.
From Capitol Hill
“House Chamber Closed for Renovations” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call.
From the State Legislatures
Connecticut: “How a bill becomes a law in Connecticut can be a circuitous journey” by Hugh McQuaid in the New Haven Register.
Kansas: “Committee to make ‘Hard 50’ recommendations for special session” by John Hanna in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Redistricting
“Redistricting trial set to begin” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
August 7, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“100 People to Watch This Fall” in The Hill.
“Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Moreland panel issues its first subpoenas” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Ethics
Public Corruption Convictions: State Totals, 2001-2010 in Governing.
New York: “Bruno trial is a go” by Brendan J. Lyons in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Court Rules Bruno May Face Fraud Charges” by The Associated Press in The New York Times.
Virginia: “Support lacking for Cuccinelli’s quick ethics reform” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia: “Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling calls for gift and ethics reform” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “Brownback signs resolution for special session” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
NCSL 2013 Legislative Summit Online Resources
Government Tech and Social Media
“Analysis: How Twitter Is Revolutionizing Washington Relationships” by Matthew Cooper in NextGov.
Massachusetts: “MA Democratic Primary Candidates To Participate In Crowdsourced Online Debate” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
New York: “Elections to Be Easier for Voters With an App” by Nick Corasaniti in The New York Times.
Redistricting
Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State in Governing.
August 6, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“K Street powerhouse lobbies for green energy tax bill” by Ben Geman in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Reform advocate spends big money” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Times Union.
New York: “Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign” by David W. Chen in The New York Times.
Ethics
“FEC commissioner: New emails could tie agency to IRS targeting” by Blake Neff in The Hill.
Missouri: “Creator of Missouri Ethics Commission nominated for federal bench” by Jo Mannies in the St. Louis Beacon.
New Hampshire: “Ethics committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.
New Jersey: “Appeals court affirms dismissal of ethics complaint against assemblyman” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.
Utah: “Panel investigating Attorney General John Swallow to hold first meeting” by John Swallow in the Deseret News.
Virginia: “Cuccinelli pushes for special session on ethics rules” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Redistricting
California: “SoCal Rep. Lowenthal takes a big swing at redistricting with new bill” by Kitty Felde on KPCC News.
May 6, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Why Lobbying Is Now Increasingly In The Shadows” by Peter Overby on NPR.org.
“Quarterly Lobbying Reports Show Yet Another Decline” by Russ Choma in OpenSecrets.org.
Kansas: “74% of lobbyist spending on Kansas lawmakers unaccounted for” by Dion Lefler and Brent Wistrom in the Kansas City Star.
New Mexico: “Lawmakers raise concerns about Carruthers’ lobbyist past” by The Associated Press in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Campaign Finance
“States’ Seek to Limit Undisclosed Political Donations” by Matea Gold, Chris Megerian and Mark Z. Barabak in Governing.
Montana: “Montana governor vetoes campaign finance, water commission bills” by The Associated Press in the Missoulian.
New York: “Senate GOP Hearings Will Examine NYC’s Public Campaign Financing System” by Karen DeWitt on WNYC.
New York: “Bill Would Bar Political Consultants From Also Lobbying” by Ken Lovett in the New York Daily News.
North Carolina: “Poll shows NC voters want to retain campaign finance law for statewide judges” in the News & Observer.
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Baker’s bill adds much-needed transparency” by Robert Swift in the Citizens’ Voice.
South Carolina: “SC Senate Ethics Committee adds altering documents to ethics allegations against Sen. Ford” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Republic.
South Carolina: “SC ethics reform proposal will see ‘substantial’ changes in Senate” by Jamie Self in The State.
Virginia: “Va. cabinet member discloses taking gifts” by The Associated Press in the Virginian-Pilot.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Dome: Study finds – surprise! – redistricting benefits majority party” by Craig Jarvis in the News & Observer.
May 1, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Report: Obama To Pick Cable and Wireless Industry Lobbyist To Chair FCC” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
California: “Lobbying intensifies on immigration reform” by Elizabeth Aguilera in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Delaware: “Common Cause of Delaware cites lobbying concerns in study” by Craig Anderson in the Delaware State News.
Michigan: “Nell Kuhnmuench ‘probably the best lobbyist in Lansing’” by Kristen M. Daum in Greater Lansing Woman.
Campaign Finance
“Springtime for disclosure” by Jonathan Backer in The Hill.
“113th Congress Freshmen Take $6.5 Million in PAC Money During First Three Months” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political Moneyline.
“‘Too Much Money in Politics’” by Kimberly A. Strassel in the Wall Street Journal.
Montana: “Montana legislative leaders to interview 5 for political practices commissioner” by Charles S. Johnson in the Missoulian.
Ethics
North Carolina: “New members of NC elections board set to meet” by Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) in the Jacksonville Daily News.
Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmakers, other public officials disclose gifts, travel, other freebies in annual filing” by Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Texas: “Disclosure Bills Get Little Love From Top Leaders” by Emily Ramshaw in the Texas Tribune.
From the State Legislatures
NCSL Members Mobile App on the NCSL website.
Nevada: “Nevada Legislature lagging in number of approved bills” by Ed Vogel in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Brewer OKs extra redistricting commission funds” by The Associated Press in Arizona Capitol Times.
Kentucky: “Beshear hopes to call special session to deal with legislative redistricting” by Jack Brammer and Beth Musgrave in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Government Tech and Social Media
“NYC BigApps Refines the Civic Hackathon” by Sam Roudman in TechPresident.
April 25, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“The Shadow Lobbyist” opinion piece by Tom Edsall in The New York Times.
Georgia: “New ethics law’s Jan. 1 start creates uncertainty for lobbyists, legislators” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
North Carolina: “NC elections board supports investigation on sweepstakes cash” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) in the News & Observer.
Campaign Finance
“Donor Gets Jail Time for Illegal Contributions” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
“Does Stephen Colbert’s Endorsement of His Sister Violate Election Laws?” by Megan Wiegand in Slate.
Florida: “Common Cause: campaign finance ‘reform’ bill is a ‘farce’” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Florida: “Legislators send campaign finance and ethics bills to governor” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Ethics
“’Hacking’ Open Financial Disclosure Data” by Scott Detrow in KQED Public Media.
Alabama: “Former state senator Lowell Barron indicted on campaign finance, ethics charges” by Kim Chandler in Alabama Live.
Colorado: “San Francisco Considers Ethics Reforms” by Ryan Parker in the Denver Post.
Illinois: “State Sen. Trotter pleads guilty to misdemeanor” by Jason Meisner in the Chicago Tribune.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Get Ready for Mobile Only” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Redistricting
Alaska: “Redistricting Board asks Supreme Court to clarify ruling” by Richard Mauer in the Anchorage Daily News.
April 17, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“McCain roasts lobbyist at awards dinner” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“OFA files lobbying registration in New York” by Reid J. Epstein in Politico.
Florida: “House advances ethics bill to ban ‘revolving door’ lobbying” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
North Carolina: “Bill would allow legislators to receive gifts from lobbyists” by Claire Bennett in The Daily Tar Heel.
Ottawa, Ontario: “City lobbying registry due for upgrade, weeks behind schedule” by David Reevely in the Ottawa Citizen.
Wisconsin: “Lobby outlays drop in 2011-12” by Bill Lueders in WisconsinWatch.org.
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “Bill boosts public campaign funds” by Sarah Zoellick in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Massachusetts: “DeLeo, Murray break Mass. campaign spending tally” by The Associated Press in the Boston Globe.
Ethics
“Congressional Travel Costs Questioned” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political Moneyline.
New York: Prosecutors: “Liu Aides Didn’t Count On Getting Caught In Campaign Finance Scheme” by The Associated Press in CBS New York.
South Carolina: “SC House panel revives ethics reform effort” by Adam Beam in The State.
Election Law
New York: “Tougher state elections rules” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo Adds Election Law Office to Anticorruption Proposals” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
From the State Legislatures
Nevada: “Senate OKs resolution seeking annual legislative sessions” by Sean Whaley in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Bill would make N.C. redistricting nonpartisan” by Travis Fain in the News & Record.
April 1, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
Florida: “Florida lawmakers weigh bill to tweak lobbyist gift ban” by Jim Saunders in the Miami Herald.
Georgia: “New lobbyist law leaves possible loopholes” by Aaron Gould Sheinin, Chris Joyner and James Salzer in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Kentucky: “Ethics Commission reports $4.2M spent on lobbying in Frankfort in January, February” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “Lobbying spending in N.Y. dropped to $205M in 2012” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat and Chronicle.
New York: “Pro-Cuomo Group Repeats as Top Spender on Lobbying” by Thomas Kaplan in the New York Times.
Oregon: “State, colleges lobbying costs top $1M” by Raju Chebium in the Statesman Journal.
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Boosting public financing for campaigns is off the table” by Mark Pazniokas in the Connecticut Mirror.
Nebraska: “Measure repeals Neb. campaign finance law but seeks to put campaign spending reports online” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “New Ads to Press Albany on Campaign Financing” by Thomas Kaplan in the New York Times.
Vermont: “Campaign finance reform bill in jeopardy” in the Rutland Herald.
West Virginia: “W.Va. House seeks anti-Citizens United amendment” by The Associated Press in WTRF.com.
Ethics
“Larry Craig Loses Major Battle in Fight Against FEC” by Steven T. Dennis in Roll Call.
“STOCK Act Endangers National Security, Report Says” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
North Dakota: “Gov. Dalrymple’s energy stocks, contributions raise questions” by Amy Dalrymple in InForum.
Ohio: “Jimmy Dimora files federal appeal claiming innocence” by James F. McCarty in the Plain Dealer.
From the State Legislatures
Georgia: “Ga. lawmakers take flurry of votes on final day” by The Associated Press in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Redistricting
Texas: “Texas redistricting fight resumes” by Tim Eaton in the Austin American-Statesman.
Open Government
“Which States Aced the Spending Transparency Test?” in Government Technology.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Internal Website HouseNet Gets a Makeover” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
“NASA Becomes The Most-Followed Government Twitter Account, Nominated For Second Shorty Award” by Benny Luo in NewMediaRockstars.com.
Hawaii: “Bill would require state to post more information online” by The Associated Press in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
March 27, 2013 •
Kentucky Legislature Adjourns
Passes pension reform in final hours
The Kentucky Legislature adjourned its regular session on March 26, 2013. In the final hours of the session, lawmakers passed a bill to secure the state’s pension fund; had they been unable to reach an agreement, a special session would have been likely.
However, the House of Representatives’ redistricting plan was not passed. The Kentucky Supreme Court struck down the Legislature’s first attempt at redistricting last year, finding the districts weren’t population-balanced and didn’t comply with the “one person, one vote” mandate.
The Senate decided to wait until next year’s legislative session to tackle redistricting, with leaders saying they wanted to pass both houses’ plans at the same time.
March 27, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K St. winners and losers in budget votes” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“K Street Files: SEIU Launches Immigration Ads” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Georgia: “Drama over ethics reform builds toward session’s finale” by Aaron Gould Sheinin, Chris Joyner and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Nevada: “State Senate votes for more lobbyist transparency” by Ed Vogel in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
New York: “OFA joins New York campaign finance reform fight” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.
West Virginia: “Campaign financing bill advances” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.
Ethics
Maryland: “Dixon to give talk, consider return to politics” by Jena Marbella in the Baltimore Sun.
From the State Legislatures
“Committee recommends Brooks be expelled from Legislature” by Anjeanette Damon in the Las Vegas Sun.
Political Advertising
“Think Your Advocacy Group is Not Subject to FEC Rules? Think Again.” in Political Law Briefing via Eric Brown’s Political Activity Law Blog.
Open Government
“New Transparency Grades Issued for States” by Mike Maciag in Government Technology.
Arkansas: “Arkansas gets ‘C’ in spending transparency report” in Arkansas News.
Tennessee: “Rep. Glen Casada withdraws bill on open meetings law” by The Associated Press in The Tennessean.
West Virginia: “W.Va.’s spending transparency grade falls” by Eric Eyre in the Charleston Gazette.
Redistricting
Florida: “Legislators ask court to shield them from having to testify over maps” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
March 6, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Keep up with the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, and more!
Lobbying
“K Street Files: Both Sides Rev Up for Wage War” by Elizabeth Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“K Street’s gravy train runs dry as Georgian leaders move past election” by Kevin Bogardus and Julian Pecquet in The Hill.
“Former Sen. Jon Kyl joins lobby shop at Covington” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.
New York: “Best-paid lobbyists, spenders unveiled” by Chris Bragg in Crain’s New York.
Pennsylvania: “Pa.’s Corbett and wife disclose gifts from lobbyists and businesses” by The Associated Press in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Pennsylvania: “Corbett’s acceptance of gifts give rise to calls for laws on gift bans” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
Campaign Finance
“Study shows Super PACs made mockery of campaign law” by Taylor Lincoln in The Hill.
Arizona: “Arizona senate approves contribution limits to recall campaigns” by Howard Fischer in the East Valley Tribune.
Kentucky: “Ky. House passes bill to publicly finance state SC races” by Jessica M. Karmasek in Legal Newsline.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida lawmakers vote for ethics and early voting changes” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Tampa Bay Times.
Legislative Issues
Missouri: “Mo. House endorses change to term limits” by The Associated Press in the News Tribune.
South Dakota: “SD Senate approves boost in expenses for lawmakers” in the Rapid City Journal.
Open Government
“Sen. Del Marsh says GOP committee members did not violate Open Meetings Act” by Mike Cason in the Birmingham News.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “House redistricting plan would create new Lexington district” by Jack Brammer and Beth Musgrave in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
February 27, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Keep up with the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, and more!
Lobbying
“Web Entrepreneur Tries to Bridge K Street and Grass-Roots Advocacy” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“K Street Files: Manufacturers, Citing Job Losses, Oppose Carbon Tax” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Lincoln actor joins museum leaders lobbying in DC” by The Associated Press in the Peoria Journal Star.
Campaign Finance
“Pay to play?” by Allison MacDonald on MSNBC.
Arizona: “Clean Elections consolidation bill advances” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Daily Sun.
Montana: “Montana Senate endorses limit on corporate campaign spending” by The Associated Press in the Missoulian.
Ethics
“Feinstein asks court for campaign treasurer’s records” by John Myers in KXTV News 10.
Open Government
Minnesota: “Social media tests Minn. open meeting law” by Brian Bakst in Minnesota Public Radio.
South Carolina: “S.C. legislators wouldn’t be able to keep communication secret under altered House bill” by Stephen Largen in the Post and Courier.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Attorneys wrap up arguments in NC redistricting” by Gary D. Robertson in the Winston-Salem Journal.
January 29, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“K Street Files: New Faces at Harlow Foundation, Thorn Run” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Abramoff lists 8 tips to overhaul lobbying laws” by Keith Matheny in USA Today.
“10 Strange Lobbying Groups That We Swear Are Real” by Elizabeth Flock in U.S. News & World Report.
Kentucky: “Kentucky sets lobbying record in 2012” by Phil Impellizzeri in the Bluegrass Institute.
Nevada: “Former Nevada legislative director joins high profile public relations, lobbying firm” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Campaign Finance
Missouri: “Nixon makes pitch for Medicaid, campaign donation limits” by Virginia Young in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Utah: “Some ethics bills advance, while calls arise for more” by Lee Davidson in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Vermont: “Ben and Jerry push campaign finance ‘petition on steroids’” Dan D’Ambrosio in the Burlington Free Press.
Ethics
Arizona: “Arizona Democrats introduce trio of ethics bills” by AJ Vicens in Cronkite News.
Arizona: “Arizona Democrats introduce trio of ethics bills” by Mary Jo Pitzl in the Arizona Republic.
New Jersey: “Christie make case for taking over independent agencies” by Matt Katz in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
South Carolina: “Gov.’s commission suggests ‘clean, honest’ ethics plan” by Andrew Shain in The State.
Texas: “Ethics Commission to Debate Fundraising Opinion” by Emily Ramshaw in the Texas Tribune.
Virginia: “Va. lawmakers’ gifts last year were padded with travel” by Bill Sizemore in the Virginian-Pilot.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Judges to hear N.C. redistricting challenge” by Dale Gibson in the Triangle Business Journal.
Virginia: “Va. Senate OK’s constitutional amendments” by Laura Vozzella in the Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Rep. Vos subpoenaed in Wisconsin redistricting case” by The Associated Press in the Post Crescent.
January 24, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Sandy adds a twist to some firms’ lobbying efforts” by Alex Guillen in Politico.
“Business Lobbying In 2012 Soared, Buoyed By Fiscal Cliff Crisis” by Christina Wilkie in the Huffington Post.
“K Street stumbles for the second straight year” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.
Georgia: “Road contractors shower governor with campaign donations” by Greg Bluestein, Ariel Hart and James Salzer in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Wisconsin: “Contract lobbying still ‘under the radar’” by Bill Lueders in Wisconsin Watch.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Jan Brewer taps lawyer for Clean Elections post” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Capitol Times.
Florida: “Florida group wants to end caps on campaign donations” by T.W. Farnam in the Washington Post.
Washington: “Lawmaker wants to fix Public Disclosure Commission online system” by Brad Shannon in the News Tribune.
Ethics
“Ethics Panel Requires Added Disclosure of Funds, Accounts” by Amanda Becker in Roll Call.
Connecticut: “Smoke shop owner pleads guilty in campaign finance case” by Mark Pazniokas in the Connecticut Mirror.
Iowa: “Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Disclosure Board seeks complaint process change” by Rod Boshart in the Sioux City Journal.
Texas: “Weak Disclosure Laws Keep Public in the Dark” by Ryan Murphy and Jay Root in the Texas Tribune.
Elections
“Missouri House passes elections bill” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Virginia: “Lawmakers move to change Va. electoral vote system” by Julian Walker in the Virginian-Pilot.
Washington: “Washington state lawmakers press for speedier election results” by The Associated Press in the Oregonian.
From the State Legislatures
Idaho: “Wednesday highlights in the Idaho Legislature” in the Idaho Statesman.
Redistricting
Virginia: “Va. House Speaker holds key to redistricting vote” by Errin Haines and Laura Vozzella in the Washington Post.
Virginia: “Stewart cheers Va. Senate redistricting” by Laura Vozella in the Washington Post.
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.
