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 18, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington […]
Lobbying
“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington Post.
“D.C. awash in contracts, lobbying wealth” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Canada: “Don Cayo: A lobbyist’s job combines analysis and action” by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.
Colorado: “Boulder to hire full-time state lobbyist” by Erica Meltzer in the Daily Camera.
Missouri: “Area lawmakers – except for one – take few lobbyists’ gifts” by Jonathan Shorman in the News-Leader.
Campaign Finance
“The Influencers 50: Enforcers” in Campaigns & Elections.
“‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections” by Alan Suderman in The Center for Public Integrity.
Massachusetts: “House calls for penalties on local campaign-finance violations” by Bob Katzen in the Lowell Sun.
Michigan: “Mich. Republicans split over disclosing ad funders” by The Associated Press in the Grand Haven Tribune.
Minnesota: “An accuracy challenge in election spending” by the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune.
Ethics
Hawaii: “What’s Going on Between Ethics Commission and Caldwell Administration?” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
South Carolina: “Government watchdog group insists Haley repays taxpayers for NC trip” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in GoUpstate.
West Virginia: “W.Va. commission to hold ethics training session in Moorefield” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Elections
“Parties focus on special election for Senate seat” by Catherine Lucey in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.
Procurement
“5 New Approaches to Government Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
Tech and Social Media
“How to Make Your Government Agency Cool Via Social Media” by Rachelle Chong in TechWire.
October 31, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Spending on Lobbying Keeps Slipping” by Russ Choma in the Center for Responsive Politics’ OpenSecrets.org.
“Surging cellphone industry shops for a new lobby chief” by Brendan Sasso and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
New Mexico: “Report examines NM lobbyists’ largesse” by Deborah Baker in the Albuquerque Journal.
Tennessee: “Tennessee Railroads names top lobbyist” by Lori Becker in the Nashville Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Do Rich Donors Really Buy Elections? These Stunning Maps Say It All” by Raphaella Baek in PolicyMic.
New Jersey: “Record Spending in New Jersey Elections” by Heather Haddon in The Wall Street Journal.
Texas: “Complete campaign finance totals for 2013 Houston races” in the Houston Chronicle.
Ethics
New York: “NY corruption commission subpoenas Senate Republican campaign committee records” by The Associated Press in the Post-Standard.
Tech and Social Media
Alaska: “Alaska lawmakers OK Facebook access for gov’t work” by Becker Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.
October 30, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Top Lobbyists 2013” in The Hill.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“K Street sees tax reform slowly dying” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.
Iowa: “Lobbying rules reviewed for former governor’s aide” by The Associated Press in the Omaha World Herald.
Campaign Finance
“SEC Poised to Improve Political Spending Transparency” by Lisa Rosenberg in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.
Nevada: “Sandoval pulls plug on perks for campaign donations” by Sandra Chereb, Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
New York: “Four lobbying groups seek donor exemption from NY ethics board” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat & Chronicle.
Washington: “Seattle Chamber broke campaign finance rules to aid Murray PAC” by Russ Walker on KING5.com.
Ethics
New York: “Source: Commissioner quits NY ethics board” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Auburn Citizen.
Oklahoma: “Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill found guilty of political bribery charge” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.
Tech and Social Media
“Slideshow: How Governments Are Using Instagram” in Governing.
October 29, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“K Street king mulls ‘going global’” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“From Cantor to K Street” by Eric Wasson in The Hill.
“Bring in the clowns: Lobby groups try fun and games” by Emily Goodin in The Hill.
Canada: “Lobbying watchdog hands down first ever suspension” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.
New Mexico: “Report compares votes, industry lobbying figures” by Steve Terrell in The Santa Fe New Mexican.
North Carolina: “Longtime lobbyists start new ventures” by Laura Leslie in WRAL.
Texas: “Ethics commission to hold confidential hearing on lobbyists” by Ross Ramsey in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.
Campaign Finance
District of Columbia: “Ending pay-to-play in D.C.” editorial in The Washington Post.
New York: “Moreland Commission targets campaign-finance law enforcement” by Paul LaRocco in Newsday.
Pennsylvania: “Harrisburg mayoral candidates skirt campaign finance rules” by Emily Previti in The Patriot-News.
Ethics
“Federal Election Commission Returns to Full Membership” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Ex-U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi gets 3-year prison term” by The Associated Press in Politico.
New Hampshire: “N.H. ethics panel opens investigation into Sen. Peter Bragdon’s hiring by LGC” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.
Tech and Social Media
“Why States Need Social Media Policies” by Melissa Maynard in Stateline.
October 23, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
District of Columbia: “Campaign finance reform will get D.C. Council vote next month” by Mike DeBonis in The Washington Post.
Kentucky: “Outside groups spend millions to sway Ky. senate race” by Joseph Gerth in The Courier-Journal.
Ethics
Georgia: “State auditor to investigate Deal, ethics commission” by Christina A. Cassidy in the Athens Banner-Herald.
Elections
Washington: “Washington state special election could decide party control” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
Tech and Social Media
“Now You Can Petition Some Members of Congress Directly” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
“Farewell to The Thicket” by Karl Kurtz in NCSL’s The Thicket. The Thicket will be absorbed by the NCSL blog found here.
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 30, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “Ex-lobbyist joins councilman’s staff and questions follow” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.
Kentucky: “Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WTVQ ABC News.
West Virginia: “Lobbyists spend $39k wining, dining WV officials” by The Associated Press in the Herald-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “GOP: More campaign contributions should be allowed” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Sun.
New Hampshire: “How one state representative raised $1,600 for his campaign — in bitcoins” by Brian Fung in The Washington Post.
Ohio: “Common Cause Ohio questions state’s lobbying disclosures” by Marc Kovac in the Daily Jeffersonian.
Vermont: “Vt. Supreme Court says Democratic-leaning organization didn’t register as political group” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Harvey Whittemore to be sentenced Monday for campaign finance scheme” by Jeff German in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Arkansas: “Some lawmakers suggest including ethics reform in special session” by Rob Moritz in Arkansas News.
Florida: “Inspector General: West Palm Beach should not have repaid Mitchell in ethics probe” by Eliot Kleinberg in the Palm Beach Post.
North Carolina: “Former NC auditor says he will leave State Ethics Commission after questions over DHHS role” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
State Legislatures
Illinois: “In blow to Gov. Quinn, judge rules state lawmakers must be paid” by Dave McKinney, Jon Seidel And Mitch Dudek in the Chicago Sun Times.
Oregon: “Oregon legislators return for special session” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
Oregon: “Anxiety high as special session looms” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Legislators taking leave and missing the vote” by Angela Couloumbis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Social Media
New York: “NYC Mayoral Race Shows ‘Shareable Graphics Are…The New Black’ in Digital Campaigning” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
September 26, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
Kentucky: “Ben Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WYMT TV News.
New Mexico: “Ex-New Mexico official takes job despite ban on lobbying” by The Associated Press in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Campaign Finance
“If You Thought Citizens United Was Bad, Wait for This Supreme Court Case” by Norm Ornstein in The Atlantic.
“GOP lawyer launches political donation refund group” by Michael Beckel in The Center for Public Integrity.
Arizona: “Donor fatigue: Higher contribution limits don’t translate into avalanche of cash” by Jeremy Duda and Luige del Puerto in Arizona Capitol Times.
Missouri: “Missouri campaign contributions have topped $6.7M this quarter” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Ohio: “Federal grand jury indictment charges North Canton businessman with funneling illegal campaign cash to candidates” by James F. McCarty in the Plain Dealer.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission Asks For Power To Place Liens On Violators’ Property” by Jessica Palombo in WFSU News.
Ohio: “Ethics Commission finds possible conflicts of interest with JobsOhio employees” by Darrel Rowland in the Columbus Dispatch.
State Legislatures
South Dakota: “Legislature research leader resigns” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Social Media
“Twitter increases political contributions, but not from constituents, says paper” by Molly Bernhart Walker in FierceGovernmentIT.
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.
August 29, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
Virginia: “Lax laws lead to cloudy view of lobbyists’ spending” by Julian Walker in
the Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia: “Lobbyist reports say $15.9 million spent in Virginia” by Olympia Meola and Jim Nolan Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
California: “MapLight Launches Tool to Easily Search California Secretary of State Campaign Finance Data” by Jay Costa on Maplight.org.
Massachusetts: “Mass. AG: Lawrence mayor broke campaign law” by Steve Le Blanc in Bloomberg News.
Ethics
Florida: “3rd Fla. mayor arrested within the past month” by Curt Anderson in Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
Massachusetts: “Ethics Commission extends deadline for Dan Wolf” by Frank Phillips and Michael Levenson in the Boston Globe.
South Carolina: “SC ethics panel flip-flops on governor’s NC trip” by Adam Beam in The State.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Gamification: Governments Use Gaming Principles to Get Citizens Involved” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
“Building the Social Town Hall” by Stephen Goldsmith in Government Technology.
Kansas: “State librarians open to texts, calls, IMs about legislative questions” in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
August 19, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
Canada: “Loopholes in Canada’s lobbying rules leave plenty off the books” by Glen McGregor in Canada.com.
Florida: “Florida lobbying firms showing big profits” by News Service of Florida in the Tampa Tribune.
Massachusetts: “In Mass., political lobbying a thriving industry” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in the Boston Globe.
New York: “Casino lobbying soars in Albany” by Tom Precious in The Buffalo News.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Fines McCain Presidential Campaign $80,000” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Arizona: “U.S. court to hear challenge to state campaign-finance law” by Edward Gately in The Arizona Republic.
Arizona: “Phoenix critics say non-profit again skirting campaign-finance laws” by Dustin Gardiner in The Arizona Republic.
Arkansas: “Ark. ethics panel fines senator $8K for violations” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
California: “State tops campaign donors in 2012” by Raju Chebium in The Salinas Californian.
Ethics
District of Columbia: “Fourth Person Pleads Guilty in DC Mayor Finance Scandal” by Ron Dory in Epoch Times.
Kentucky: “Embezzler Returns $275K to Democratic Governors Assn.” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
New Hampshire: “NH legislators say conflicts are unavoidable” by Tim Buckland in the Union Leader.
South Carolina: “Attorneys haggled over Haley’s ethics charges” by Adam Beam in the Rock Hill Herald.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Kentucky legislators hope to tackle redistricting in short special session” by Tom Loftus in The Courier-Journal.
Government Tech and Social Media
“7 Must-Follow Lawmakers on Twitter” by Meredith Shiner in Roll Call.
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 1, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Industries Cut Lobbying Expenditures – Again” by Russ Choma in Open Secrets Blog.
California: “Cupid’s work gets complicated as California lawmaker dates lobbyist” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lobbyists spend $15.6M in first half of 2013” by M.D. Kittle in the Wisconsin Reporter.
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Alabama’s cap on corporate political donations ends today under changes to campaign finance law” by Mike Cason in Birmingham News.
Ethics
Florida: “Sarasota lawyer to lead Ethics Commission” by Lloyd Dunkelberger in the Herald-Tribune.
New Jersey: “Ex-Justice Wallace to head N.J. ethics panel” by Maddie Hanna in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
New York: “Speaker Silver appoints judge to NY ethics board; replaces veteran who resigned” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “State Dems want voting law change in special session” by The Associated Press in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
New York: “Cuomo to decide on more than 100 bills” by Jessica Bakeman in the Democrat and Chronicle.
Government Tech and Social Media
“App Sends Traffic Complaints Straight to Congress” by Ryan Holeywell in Government Technology.
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