January 16, 2020 •
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Increases Contribution Limits
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission adjusted the contribution limit that individuals may give to 2020 candidate committees and that state candidate committees may give to other state candidate committees. This contribution limit has increased from $2,700 to $2,800 per election. However, […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission adjusted the contribution limit that individuals may give to 2020 candidate committees and that state candidate committees may give to other state candidate committees.
This contribution limit has increased from $2,700 to $2,800 per election.
However, candidate committees created for elections prior to 2020 keep the same contribution limit of $2,700.
January 16, 2020 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Ocasio-Cortez Creates PAC to Push Back on the Democratic Party’s ‘Blacklisting’ Rule” by Kayla Epstein (Washington Post) for MSN Oregon: “Pay to Play? Out-Of-State Law Firms Reap Rewards of Oregon Campaign Contributions” by Dirk VanderHart for Oregon […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Ocasio-Cortez Creates PAC to Push Back on the Democratic Party’s ‘Blacklisting’ Rule” by Kayla Epstein (Washington Post) for MSN
Oregon: “Pay to Play? Out-Of-State Law Firms Reap Rewards of Oregon Campaign Contributions” by Dirk VanderHart for Oregon Public Broadcasting
Elections
New York: “SAM Party Sues State Over Changes to Third Party Ballot Access” by Amanda Fries for Albany Times Union
Wisconsin: “Appeals Court Blocks Purge of Wisconsin Voter Rolls for the Time Being” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ethics
National: “Ukraine Prosecutor Offered Information Related to Biden in Exchange for Ambassador’s Ouster, Newly Released Materials Show” by Paul Sonne, Rosalind Helderman, and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) for Seattle Times
National: “House Votes to Send Trump Impeachment to Senate for Trial” by Linda Mascaro for AP News
Illinois: “Ethics Board Imposes Max $2,000 Fine Against Chicago Ald. Edward Burke Over Letter He Wrote in Matter Involving a Client” by Gregory Pratt for Chicago Tribune
Lobbying
National: “These Emails Show a Trump Official Helping Her Former Chemical Industry Colleagues” by Derek Kravitz for ProPublica
January 15, 2020 •
Seattle Passes Two Bills in the Clean Campaigns Act
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed two bills banning most political spending by foreign-influenced corporations and clamping down on political advertising. These bills are part of the Clean Campaigns Act, a three-bill package introduced in August of last year. The […]
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed two bills banning most political spending by foreign-influenced corporations and clamping down on political advertising.
These bills are part of the Clean Campaigns Act, a three-bill package introduced in August of last year.
The first bill prevents corporations with a single foreign national investor holding at least 1% ownership, or two or more holding at least 5% ownership from contributing directly to Seattle candidates, political races, or through PACs.
Companies that have a non-U.S. investor making decisions on its U.S. political activities will also be prevented from political spending.
The measure closes a loophole because foreign individuals and foreign-based entities already are barred from making contributions in U.S. elections.
The second bill adds transparency to the political advertising realm.
It requires any paid advertisement regarding a political matter of local importance to follow stricter reporting guidelines and to retain and provide records about these advertisements.
The third bill, which would place a cap on Super PAC contributions, remains in the Select Committee on Campaign Finance Reform for further discussions.
January 15, 2020 •
New Mexico Ethics Commission Begins Work for 2020
New Mexico’s new Ethics Commission opened its doors January 2 to complaints regarding campaign finance, government contracting, gifts from lobbyists, and more. Voters approved the creation of the Ethics Commission in a November 2018 referendum. The new Ethics Commission has […]
New Mexico’s new Ethics Commission opened its doors January 2 to complaints regarding campaign finance, government contracting, gifts from lobbyists, and more.
Voters approved the creation of the Ethics Commission in a November 2018 referendum.
The new Ethics Commission has the power to enforce the civil provisions of several governmental conduct and disclosure laws by imposing civil penalties and recommending disciplinary action, including impeachment.
Jeremy D. Farris is the first state Ethics Commission executive director.
Farris previously served as general counsel to New Mexico’s Department of Finance and Administration.
January 15, 2020 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Supreme Court Won’t Hear Fight Over SEC’s Pay-To-Play Rule” by Reenat Sinay for law360.com National: “More Money, Less Transparency: A decade under Citizens United” by Karl Evers-Hillstrom for Center for Responsive Politics Washington: “Seattle City Council Bans […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Supreme Court Won’t Hear Fight Over SEC’s Pay-To-Play Rule” by Reenat Sinay for law360.com
National: “More Money, Less Transparency: A decade under Citizens United” by Karl Evers-Hillstrom for Center for Responsive Politics
Washington: “Seattle City Council Bans ‘Foreign-Influenced’ Companies from Most Political Spending” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Elections
National: “Doctored Images Have Become a Fact of Life for Political Campaigns. When They’re Disproved, Believers ‘Just Don’t Care.’” by Drew Harwell for Washington Post
National: “Russians Hacked Ukrainian Gas Company at Center of Impeachment” by Nicole Perlroth and Matthew Rosenberg (New York Times) for MSN
South Dakota: “Federal Judge Blocks South Dakota Petition Law” by Maria Dinzeo for Courthouse News Service
Ethics
Illinois: “Illinois Ag Director Resigns Over Response to Rape Email” by John O’Connor for AP News
Maryland: “After Corruption Scandal, Baltimore City Council Committee Will Consider Government Reform Measures” by Talia Richman for Baltimore Sun
New Jersey: “Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Bridgegate Scandal. The Case Could Impact Future Public Corruption Prosecutions.” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
January 14, 2020 •
Anchorage Judge Allows Effort to Recall Alaska Governor to Proceed
Anchorage Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth reversed the Division of Election’s rejection of the Recall Dunleavy campaign application. The Division of Elections rejected a bid to advance the recall effort based on an opinion from Attorney General Kevin Clarkson. Clarkson […]
Anchorage Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth reversed the Division of Election’s rejection of the Recall Dunleavy campaign application.
The Division of Elections rejected a bid to advance the recall effort based on an opinion from Attorney General Kevin Clarkson.
Clarkson found the reasons listed for the recall were factually and legally deficient.
The Recall Dunleavy group argued that Clarkson’s analysis was overreaching and the recall effort should be allowed to move to a second signature-gathering phase.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration stated it will appeal the decision to the Alaska Supreme Court.
January 14, 2020 •
Democrat Cynthia Neeley and Republican Adam Ford won Special Primaries
Democrat Cynthia Neeley and Republican Adam Ford won the House District 34 special primaries held on January 7. Less than 7% of Flint’s 62,242 registered voters participated in the special election. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the election after Cynthia Neeley’s […]
Democrat Cynthia Neeley and Republican Adam Ford won the House District 34 special primaries held on January 7.
Less than 7% of Flint’s 62,242 registered voters participated in the special election.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the election after Cynthia Neeley’s husband, Sheldon was elected Flint’s mayor.
A general election is set for March 10.
The candidate chosen March 10 will finish the remainder of Sheldon Neeley’s term, set to expire on December 31, 2020.
January 14, 2020 •
New Mexico District 42 Rep. Sworn In
Mayor Dan Barrone took his official oath of office on January 4 for the District 42 seat in the New Mexico Legislature. After applying first for the District 6 Senate position, Barrone decided to put his name in the hat […]
Mayor Dan Barrone took his official oath of office on January 4 for the District 42 seat in the New Mexico Legislature.
After applying first for the District 6 Senate position, Barrone decided to put his name in the hat for representative after Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales vacated his seat to serve in the state Senate.
He will serve his term in the Legislature while still acting as the mayor for the town of Taos.
January 14, 2020 •
Louisiana Superintendent of Education Resigns
John White, Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education, is officially vacating his position on March 11 after eight years. The announcement came just two days after Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee announced her resignation effective January 31, after four years […]
John White, Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education, is officially vacating his position on March 11 after eight years.
The announcement came just two days after Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee announced her resignation effective January 31, after four years of service.
The news of White and Gee comes ahead of the inauguration of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ second term.
Edwards and several other state officials were sworn in on January 13.
January 14, 2020 •
Arizona County Assessor Resigns Amid Criminal Charges
The Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen officially resigned on January 7 amid criminal charges. Peterson’s resignation comes three months after he was charged with an international adoption fraud scheme. The county board of supervisors appointed longtime county administrator Bill Wiley […]
The Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen officially resigned on January 7 amid criminal charges.
Peterson’s resignation comes three months after he was charged with an international adoption fraud scheme.
The county board of supervisors appointed longtime county administrator Bill Wiley to oversee the Assessor’s Office.
January 14, 2020 •
Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission Submits Measures Ahead of Session

Hawaii Capitol Building
Ahead of the 2020 legislative session, the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission has submitted six measures to the Senate President and the House Speaker for introduction. The proposed measure relating to campaign finance reports clarifies that the increased fine for the […]
Ahead of the 2020 legislative session, the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission has submitted six measures to the Senate President and the House Speaker for introduction.
The proposed measure relating to campaign finance reports clarifies that the increased fine for the late-filing of preliminary reports only applies to the reports due 10 days before a primary, general, or special election.
This proposed change is due to the additional preliminary reports mandated by the Legislature last session.
Other proposals include legislation introduced but not passed last session, such as House Bill 164 relating to electioneering communications.
The measure includes:
- Changing the disclosure date of electioneering communication
- Adding advertisements sent by mail to the definition of electioneering communication
- Rewording an exception to that definition to make it clear that candidate committees rather than noncandidate committees are required to file statements of information
The 2020 Legislative session is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 15.
January 14, 2020 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Court Debates Using Shell Companies to Mask Political Donations” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg Law National: “Did You Get a Text from an Unknown Number? It Might Be Bernie Sanders’ Campaign” by Emily Cadei for McClatchyDC Elections […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Court Debates Using Shell Companies to Mask Political Donations” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg Law
National: “Did You Get a Text from an Unknown Number? It Might Be Bernie Sanders’ Campaign” by Emily Cadei for McClatchyDC
Elections
National: “Sen. Cory Booker Exits the Democratic Presidential Primary, Making the Field Less Diverse” by Amy Wang and David Weigel (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “Slugfest at a California Conference Has Inspired a Politician to Propose a New Law” by Ruben Vives for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Lobbyist or Neighborhood Advocate? ‘Strange’ Events at Zoning Meeting Puzzles County” by Hannah Morse for Palm Beach Post
Illinois: “City Hall Lobbyists Rewrite Their Playbook” by A.D. Quig for Crain’s Chicago Business
Indiana: “Former Lawmaker Won’t Face Lobbying Charges. Marion County Prosecutor Won’t Detail Why.” by Chris Sikich for Indianapolis Star Tribune
New Jersey: “No Hard Alcohol Will Be Allowed on ‘Chamber Train’ Following NJ.com Report on Sexual Harassment” by Susan Livio and Kelly Heyboer (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star Ledger
January 13, 2020 •
US Supreme Court Denies Appeal: SEC Pay-to-Play Rule Remains
On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order denying review of an appeal concerning the legality of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pay-to-play rule, allowing that rule to stand. Previously, on June 18, 2020, a federal appellate […]
On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order denying review of an appeal concerning the legality of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pay-to-play rule, allowing that rule to stand.
Previously, on June 18, 2020, a federal appellate court had affirmed a lower court’s finding that the pay-to-play rule was legal.
In New York Republican State Committee v. SEC, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found the SEC’s Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Rule 2030 constitutional.
The rule prohibits a placement agent from accepting compensation for soliciting government business from certain candidates and elected officials within two years of having contributed to such an official’s electoral campaign or to the transition or inaugural expenses of a successful candidate.
The New York Republican State Committee and the Tennessee Republican Party had argued the SEC did not have authority to enact the rule, the order adopting the rule was arbitrary and capricious because there was insufficient evidence it was needed, and the rule violated the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
January 13, 2020 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “IRS May Be Unaware of 9,774 Political Nonprofits, Watchdog Says” by Bloomberg for Los Angeles Times Elections National: “Voting Machine Makers Face Questions from House Lawmakers – But More Remain” by Ben Popkin for NBC News Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
National: “IRS May Be Unaware of 9,774 Political Nonprofits, Watchdog Says” by Bloomberg for Los Angeles Times
Elections
National: “Voting Machine Makers Face Questions from House Lawmakers – But More Remain” by Ben Popkin for NBC News
Ethics
Illinois: “Fallout Spreads After Madigan Confidant’s Email on ‘Rape,’ Ghost Payrollers Rocks Political Landscape” by Tina Sfondeles for Chicago Sun-Times
Rhode Island: “R.I. Ethics Commission, Known for Transparency, Talks About Keeping Complaints Secret Until Investigations Done” by Edward Fitzpatrick for Boston Globe
Lobbying
Florida: “Despite ‘Cone-of-Silence’ Over JEA Sale, Top Mayoral Official Spoke to Florida Power and Light CEO During Private Party at Jaguars Game” by Christopher Hong for Florida Times Union
Florida: “Public Policy, Secret Sway and ‘Schmoozing’ in Tallahassee, Leon County” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Maine: “Indirect Lobbying Can Fly Under the Radar. A Maine Ethics Commission Proposal Could Change That” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public
Massachusetts: “DiMasi Sues Galvin Amid Dispute Over Lobbying, Ethics Laws” by Matt Stout for Boston Globe
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