Lobbying

“Longtime Business Lobbyist Laments Loss of ‘Smoke-Filled Rooms’ in Washington” by Carl Hulse for New York Times

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “New Alaska House leaders embrace loophole to raise campaign cash from lobbyists” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dipatch News

Arizona: “Arizona Supreme Court to review Tom Horne’s campaign-finance case” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Republic

Massachusetts: “Campaign finance among bills passed” by Bob Katzen for Sentinel & Enterprise

New York: “De Blasio Is Fined $48,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by J. David Goodman for New York Times

Ethics

“Trump’s billionaire-loaded cabinet will face a government ethics test after confirmation” by Kevin Hall for The Charlotte Observer

Illinois: “Lawmakers push package of ethics reform bills intended to mesh with Greitens’ goals” by Will Schmitt for Springfield News-Leader

South Carolina: “Companies say they weren’t trying to buy SC legislator’s influence” by Avery Wilks for SCNow

Elections

“North Carolina Governor Signs Bill Limiting His Successor’s Power” by Craig Jarvis for Governing