March 21, 2019 •
Tempe Dark Money Ordinance Under Review
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich will soon rule on whether cities can impose restrictions on dark money in local campaigns. Sen. Vince Leach alleged Tempe violated a state law prohibiting local governments from requiring tax-exempt organizations from registering as political […]
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich will soon rule on whether cities can impose restrictions on dark money in local campaigns.
Sen. Vince Leach alleged Tempe violated a state law prohibiting local governments from requiring tax-exempt organizations from registering as political committees in 2017 by passing a voter approved ordinance banning dark money contributions.
The law allowing a legislator to demand an attorney general to investigate complaints applies only to ordinances, regulations or other official action adopted or taken by the governing board of a county, city or town.
It is unclear if the authority extends to this voter-approved measure referred to the ballot by Tempe City Council.
Tempe’s dark money ordinance was signed by Gov. Doug Ducey in 2017, as constitutionally required, but he noted it may soon be superseded by state law.
The ordinance in question requires any group spending more than $1,000 during an election cycle to disclose the original source of contributions.
The Office of the Attorney General has 30 days to decide if the complaint has merit.
March 18, 2019 •
New Mexico Adjourns Sine Die; Passes Ethics Commission Bill
The New Mexico Legislature adjourned sine die on March 16, 2019. House Bill 668, relating to the State Ethics Commission Act, was passed by the Legislature on the final day of the session. The bill creates the new independent ethics […]
The New Mexico Legislature adjourned sine die on March 16, 2019.
House Bill 668, relating to the State Ethics Commission Act, was passed by the Legislature on the final day of the session.
The bill creates the new independent ethics commission demanded by voters in the November 2018 election.
The new commission will oversee state public officials and employees and give the commission investigative powers over ethics violations.
The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature. If signed, sections one through eight and 34 of the bill will become effective July 1, 2019.
The remaining sections will become effective on January 1, 2020.
November 16, 2018 •
The District of Columbia Adjusts Procurement and Lobbying Requirements
Act A22-0442, which included the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Amendment Act of 2018, passed congressional review. The Act expands the scope of procurement lobbying in the District of Columbia to include action by an executive agency or official […]
Act A22-0442, which included the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Amendment Act of 2018, passed congressional review.
The Act expands the scope of procurement lobbying in the District of Columbia to include action by an executive agency or official in the executive branch to contract, grant or procure goods or services.
The lobbyist reporting periods change from semi-annual to quarterly reporting in January 2019.
Additional registration requirements were added including the precise description of the subject matter, including any bill, proposed resolution, contract, or other legislation of all writing or oral communications related to lobbying activities conducted with an executive or legislative member or official’s staff.
September 24, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: Political Nonprofits Seek Answers After Court Decision Targeting ‘Dark Money’ by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post Ethics National: Senate Judiciary Panel’s Top Democrat Calls for Delay in Kavanaugh Hearing After New Allegation by Karoun Demirjian, […]
Campaign Finance
National: Political Nonprofits Seek Answers After Court Decision Targeting ‘Dark Money’ by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post
Ethics
National: Senate Judiciary Panel’s Top Democrat Calls for Delay in Kavanaugh Hearing After New Allegation by Karoun Demirjian, Amy Gardner, and Seung Min Kim (Washington Post) for MSN
National: Rod Rosenstein Suggested Secretly Recording Trump and Discussed 25th Amendment by Adam Goldman and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN
Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Flights on Private Jets Not Improper, Ethics Panel Rules by David Pitt (Associated Press) for Des Moines Register
Missouri: Missouri Proposal to Reform Ethics Laws Is Back on the Ballot After Court Ruling by Alison Kite for Kansas City Star
New York: Percoco Sentenced to Six Years for Corruption by Robert Gavin for Albany Times Union
Lobbying
Canada: Ethics Committee Launches Review of Federal Lobbying and Conflict-of-Interest Laws by Bill Curry for The Globe and Mail
Alabama: Reform Panel to Vote on Changes to Alabama Ethics Law by Mike Cason for AL.com
March 21, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance California: “Californians Appointed to State Posts Could Soon Be Barred from Writing Checks to Lawmakers Who Vote on Their Nomination” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Nevada: “Lack of Transparency Questioned in Campaign Theft by DA’s Aide” […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Californians Appointed to State Posts Could Soon Be Barred from Writing Checks to Lawmakers Who Vote on Their Nomination” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Nevada: “Lack of Transparency Questioned in Campaign Theft by DA’s Aide” by Jeff German and David Ferrara for Las Vegas Review-Journal
Ohio: “Ohio’s Campaign-Finance Laws for Judges Debated at Sixth Circuit” by Kevin Koeninger for Courthouse News Service
Elections
National: “There’s Never Been a Native American Congresswoman. That Could Change in 2018.” by Julie Turkewitz for New York Times
Kansas: “Kansas Voting Trial Over. One More Court Day, a Contempt Hearing, Ahead for Kobach” by Bryan Lowry for Kansas City Star
Ethics
Florida: “Voters Could Get Say on Government Ethics” by News Service of Florida for Orlando Sentinel
Maryland: “Md. House Approves Overhaul of Anti-Harassment Policy; Fate in Senate Unclear” by Ovetta Wiggins and Rachel Carson for Washington Post
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Supreme Court Refuses to Stop New Congressional Maps in Pennsylvania” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
March 7, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Watchdog Accuses Key PAC in Alabama Race of Hiding Donors” by Daniel Jackson for Courthouse News Service New York: “Cuomo Changes Rationale for Accepting His Appointees’ Donations” by Shane Goldmacher and Brian Rosenthal for New York Times […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Watchdog Accuses Key PAC in Alabama Race of Hiding Donors” by Daniel Jackson for Courthouse News Service
New York: “Cuomo Changes Rationale for Accepting His Appointees’ Donations” by Shane Goldmacher and Brian Rosenthal for New York Times
Elections
National: “Senate Investigators Want Answers from Reddit and Tumblr on Russia Meddling” by Tony Romm for Washington Post
National: “State Dept. Was Granted $120 Million to Fight Russian Meddling. It Has Spent $0.” by Gardiner Harris for New York Times
Ethics
North Carolina: “GOP’s 8-Member Elections-Ethics Board Struck Down. Is a Third Lawsuit on the Horizon?” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
North Dakota: “Group Seeks to Force ND Legislature to Form Ethics Commission” by Wendy Reuer for West Fargo Pioneer
Tennessee: “Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Resigns from Office; ‘I love you, Nashville,’ she says” by Joey Garrison and Nate Rau for The Tennessean
Utah: “As the Number of Female Interns in the State Legislature Grows, Lawmakers and Coordinators Work to Ensure They’re Not Sexually Harassed” by Taylor Stevens for Salt Lake Tribune
Lobbying
National: “Trump’s Florida Fundraiser Flourishes as New Washington Lobbyist” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg
February 5, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Elections Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Elections
Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Federal: “Revolving Door Between Trump Pentagon, Contractors Spins Faster” by Sam Skolnik for Bloomberg Government
Arizona: “Arizona House Expels Yuma Rep. Don Shooter After Sexual-Harassment Findings” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
District of Columbia: “D.C. Will Not Reappoint Open Government Watchdog Who Ruled Against City” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission OKs Tourism Contract with Justice’s Greenbrier Resort” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette-Mail
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbyist Accuses Legislator of Retaliation Over His Role in Sexual Harassment Case” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Sen. Scarnati Refuses Pa. Supreme Court Order to Turn Over Map Data in Gerrymander Case” by Jonathan Lai for Philadelphia Inquirer
November 8, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Ex-PMO Aide Bruce Carson Fined $50,000 for Illegal Lobbying” by Marco Vigliotti for The Hill Times “Incoming Florida House Speaker Bans ‘Texting While Legislating’” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald Campaign Finance “Court Challenge Seeks to Outlaw Super […]
Lobbying
“Ex-PMO Aide Bruce Carson Fined $50,000 for Illegal Lobbying” by Marco Vigliotti for The Hill Times
“Incoming Florida House Speaker Bans ‘Texting While Legislating’” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Campaign Finance
“Court Challenge Seeks to Outlaw Super PACs” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
“California Ethics Watchdog Proposes $57,000 Fine Against Sen. Tony Mendoza” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
Ethics
“These Officials Help Write Ballot Questions. Companies Write Them Checks.” by Eric Lipton and Robert Faturechi for The New York Times
“2 Ex-Christie Allies Are Convicted in George Washington Bridge Case” by Kate Zernike for The New York Times
“Former Gov. Bob McDonnell Hosts Party to Celebrate Overturned Corruption Conviction” by Alissa Skelton for The Virginian-Pilot
Elections
“Memes, Myself and I: The Internet lets us all run the campaign” by Amanda Hess for The New York Times
“Donald Trump’s Extremist Supporters Feel Like Winners Either Way” by Jonathan Mahler and Julie Turkewitz for The New York Times
“Inside Donald Trump’s Last Stand: An anxious nominee seeks assurance” by Maggie Haberman, Ashley Parker, Jeremy Peters and Michael Barbaro for The New York Times
April 26, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying California: “The Most Influential Person on the Coastal Commission May Be This Lobbyist” by Kim Christensen for Los Angeles Times Campaign Finance “Congressmen Challenge ‘Bipartisan Shakedown’ Pressuring Members to Raise $18,000 Every Day” by Chance Seales for WCMH Alaska: […]
Lobbying
California: “The Most Influential Person on the Coastal Commission May Be This Lobbyist” by Kim Christensen for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Congressmen Challenge ‘Bipartisan Shakedown’ Pressuring Members to Raise $18,000 Every Day” by Chance Seales for WCMH
Alaska: “Parade of Politicians Expected to Appear at Trial over Alaska Campaign Donation Limits” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch News
Michigan: “Labor Unions Sue State of Michigan over Election Law” by Kathleen Gray for Detroit Free Press
New York: “De Blasio Team Violated Campaign Finance Laws, Report Says” by William Neuman and Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Ethics
Alabama: “Jon Mason Should Be Concerned about Ethical Conflicts, Former Ethics Officials Say” by Connor Sheets for AL.com
Hawaii “Les Kondo Confirmed As State Auditor” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Idaho: “Initiative Proposes Sweeping Changes to Idaho’s Campaign Finance Laws” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Elections
“Ted Cruz and John Kasich to Coordinate Against Donald Trump” by Matt Flegenheimer and Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Virginia: “Virginia Governor Restores Voting Rights to Felons” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Erik Eckholm for New York Times
April 11, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “A Cool Million Was Spent Lobbying Hawaii Lawmakers in Two Months” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat “Dem Gets Free Penn State Tickets and Bills Taxpayers for the Mileage as Lobbying Soars in Pa.” by Candy Woodall for […]
Lobbying
“A Cool Million Was Spent Lobbying Hawaii Lawmakers in Two Months” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
“Dem Gets Free Penn State Tickets and Bills Taxpayers for the Mileage as Lobbying Soars in Pa.” by Candy Woodall for Harrisburg Patriot-News
Campaign Finance
“Unlimited Campaign Contributions in Pa. Create ‘Investments in Power’” by Candy Woodall for Harrisburg Patriot-News
“Yes, ‘Citizens United’ Gives Republicans an Electoral Edge. Here’s Proof.” by Tilman Klumpp, Hugo Mialon, and Michael Williams for Washington Post
Ethics
“The Pentagon Isn’t Tracking if Former Employees Violate Revolving Door Laws” by Eric Katz for Government Executive
“Emails Raise ‘Pay to Play’ Concerns” by Chris Sikich for Indianapolis Star
“Spat Escalates over Secret Legislative Records in NM” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for Las Cruces Sun-News
“New Executive Director Named for OK Ethics Commission” by Rick Green for The Oklahoman
Elections
“American Anger: It’s Not the Economy. It’s the Other Party.” by Lynn Vavrick for New York Times
“The Messy Way Colorado Is Picking Its GOP Delegates May Actually Matter This Year” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
“Trump’s Rise Shows Religion Is Losing Its Political Power” by Eduardo Porter for New York Times
“In Reddit’s Unruly Corners, Trump Finds Support” by John Herrman for New York Times
April 6, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations
Campaign Finance Wisconsin: “Ted Cruz Leans on Allied Super PAC as GOP Nomination Fight Rolls On” by Matea Gold and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post Ethics “The ‘Panama Papers’: Here’s What We Know” by Liam Stack for New York Times […]
Campaign Finance
Wisconsin: “Ted Cruz Leans on Allied Super PAC as GOP Nomination Fight Rolls On” by Matea Gold and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post
Ethics
“The ‘Panama Papers’: Here’s What We Know” by Liam Stack for New York Times
Alabama: “Were the Gov. Robert Bentley Sex Scandal Tapes Legally Obtained?” by Keith Faulk for AL.com
Hawaii: “Why Was Ethics Director Suspended? Report Offers Few Details” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
New York: “Local Politics Take an Uncivil Turn, Roiling a Suburb of New York” by Lisa Foderaro for New York Times
South Carolina: “Attorney General’s Deputy Secretly Tried to Discredit Special Prosecutor” by John Monk for The State
Elections
“Control of State Courts Becomes Top Political Battleground” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) for Las Vegas Sun
Arizona: “U.S. Seeks Answers to Delays at Phoenix-Area Polls on Primary Day” by Fernanda Santos for New York Times
Wisconsin: “Bernie Sanders Wins Wisconsin Democratic Primary, Adding to Momentum” by Amy Chozick for New York Times
Wisconsin:“Wisconsin Goes to Cruz, Raising Chance of Fight at Convention” by Jonathan Martin and Matt Flegenheimer for New York Times
March 14, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “K Street Money Set Looks to Contain Trump Damage” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman for Politico California: “Citizens United Is Only 15% of the Political Cash Problem” by Nick Penniman and Wendell Potter for Los Angeles Times […]
Campaign Finance
“K Street Money Set Looks to Contain Trump Damage” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman for Politico
California: “Citizens United Is Only 15% of the Political Cash Problem” by Nick Penniman and Wendell Potter for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
Florida: “Bill Aimed at Cutting Public Corruption Goes to Gov. Scott” by The Associated Press for WINK
New York: “New York Assemblywoman Sexually Harassed Aide, Ethics Panel Says” by Vivian Yee for New York Times
Elections
“Can Labor Still Turn Out the Vote?” by Steven Greenhouse for New York Times
“Soros and Other Liberal Donors to Fund Bid to Spur Latino Voters” by Nicholas Confessore and Julia Preston for New York Times
“The Convention the GOP Doesn’t Want” by Julian Zelizer for The Atlantic
March 10, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New York: “As Lobbying Money Rises, deBlasio’s Agency Disclosure Pledge Goes Unfufilled” by Laura Nahmias for Capital New York Campaign Finance Arizona: “‘Dark Money’ Rules Eased in AZ Senate Campaign Finance Bill” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for […]
Lobbying
New York: “As Lobbying Money Rises, deBlasio’s Agency Disclosure Pledge Goes Unfufilled” by Laura Nahmias for Capital New York
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “‘Dark Money’ Rules Eased in AZ Senate Campaign Finance Bill” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Montana: “Montana Campaign Contribution Limit Challenge Coming to a Head” by Matt Volz (Associated Press for The Missoulian
Oregon: “Lawmakers Leave Salem without Taking up Campaign Finance Reform” by Taylor Anderson for Bend Bulletin
Ethics
Colorado: “Audit: Colorado’s ethics commission rarely helps those filing complaints” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post
Florida: “Facing Ethics Probe, Judge Lakin Decides to Retire” by Dale White for Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Minnesota: “House Speaker Daudt Sued by Debt Collectors, Was Tardy on Taxes” by Brian Bakst for MPR News
Pennsylvania: “Former LCB Chairman Who Took Gifts Drops Out of Ethics Panel” by Kari Andren for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
“Donald Trump, the Winning Wild Card” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
“Democrats Increase Their State House Majority in Special Elections” by Jack Brammerf and John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
February 22, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Senators Credit KOB As They Pass Campaign Finance System Reform” by Ryan Luby for KOB Campaign Finance New Mexico: “‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Bill Dies in Final Days of Session” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Senators Credit KOB As They Pass Campaign Finance System Reform” by Ryan Luby for KOB
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: “‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Bill Dies in Final Days of Session” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Washington: “State: Food industry lobby engaged in ‘egregious’ money laundering in 2013 vote” by Joel Connelly for Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Ethics
Alaska: “Former Juneau Lawmaker Fined $18K for Allegedly Helping Oil Companies While Seeking Oil Jobs” by Matt Miller for KTOO
Missouri: “Gutting of Lobbying Bill Clouds Ethics Agenda’s Future” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Missouri: “Missouri Rep. Don Gosen Abruptly Resigns under Cloud of Suspicion” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New York: “Former Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak Accused of Sexually Harassing Staffers Is Fined $100G by Legislative Ethics Commission” by Kenneth Lovett for New York Daily News
Ohio: “Ginther’s Ethics Proposals Get Public Hearing” by Mike Foley for WCBE
Texas: “Reports: Indicted Crystal City mayor jailed after disrupted council meeting” by Claire Cardona for Dallas Morning News
Virginia: “Virginia Taxpayers Pick Up $2,435 Food and Beer Bill for Mystery Guests in Redskins Suite” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Elections
“Fall of the House of Bush: How last name and Donald Trump doomed Jeb” by Ed O’Keefe, Dan Balz and Matea Gold for the Washington Post
“Sanders Supporters Like Chipotle, While Trump Fans Prefer Sonic” by Tim Higgins for Bloomberg.com
“Bernie’s Army of Coders” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
“Pope Francis Suggests Donald Trump Is ‘Not Christian’” by Jim Yardley for The New York Times
Nevada: “Hillary Clinton Beats Bernie Sanders in Nevada Caucuses” by Amy Chozick and Patrick Healy for The New York Times
South Carolina “The More Donald Trump Defies His Party, the More His Supporters Cheer” by Trip Gabriel for The New York Times
South Carolina: “Donald Trump’s South Carolina Victory Spurs New G.O.P. Jostling” by Maggie Haberman and Alan Rappeport for The New York Times
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