January 17, 2019 •
Colorado Secretary of State Calls for Campaign Finance Transparency
Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced her campaign finance policy priorities in front of the Colorado House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee at the January 17 committee hearing. Shedding light on secret political spending, Griswold’s policy agenda calls for […]
Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced her campaign finance policy priorities in front of the Colorado House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee at the January 17 committee hearing.
Shedding light on secret political spending, Griswold’s policy agenda calls for stronger disclosure by expanding the “paid for by” disclosure requirements on political advertisements and exercising the Secretary of State’s audit and enforcement power to act on campaign finance, ballot access and lobbyist violations.
Griswold’s agenda also seeks to prevent potential candidates from raising unchecked and uncapped contributions into “independent” committees and ensure that independent expenditure and other committees can be held accountable for campaign finance violations.
Additionally, Griswold seeks to end the influence of powerful interest groups and lobbyists over candidates and elected officials through contributions to political entities.
January 17, 2019 •
California Governor Announces Special Election
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a special election to replace Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in Senate District 33. The special primary election will be held on March 26, and, if necessary, a special runoff election will be held on June 4. […]
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a special election to replace Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in Senate District 33.
The special primary election will be held on March 26, and, if necessary, a special runoff election will be held on June 4.
Candidates that have announced their campaigns are Long Beach Councilmembers Lena Gonzalez and Al Austin, former Lynwood Mayor Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, and South Gate Councilwoman Denise Diaz.
January 17, 2019 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance South Carolina: “Former Myrtle Beach Chamber Chairman Admits to Ethics Violations, Fined Thousands” by David Weissman for Myrtle Beach Sun News Elections National: “New Court Filing Indicates Prosecutors Have Extensive Details on Manafort Actions Not Yet Made Public” […]
Campaign Finance
South Carolina: “Former Myrtle Beach Chamber Chairman Admits to Ethics Violations, Fined Thousands” by David Weissman for Myrtle Beach Sun News
Elections
National: “New Court Filing Indicates Prosecutors Have Extensive Details on Manafort Actions Not Yet Made Public” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Judge Orders Trump Administration to Remove 2020 Census Citizenship Question” by Hansi Lo Wang for National Public Radio
National: “T-Mobile Executives Stayed at Trump Hotel Often While Seeking Approval on Megadeal” by Jonathan O’Connell and David Fahrenthold (Washington Post) for Seattle Times
National: “House Conflict-of-Interest Rules Still Not Up to Snuff, Ethics Experts Lament” by Griffin Connolly for Roll Call
Georgia: “Ga. Senate Makes It Harder, Riskier to File Ethics, Harassment Complaints” by Johnny Kauffman for WABE
Vermont: “A White Nationalist’s Harassment Helped Force a Black Female Lawmaker to Resign. He Won’t Face Charges.” by Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
Kentucky: “How Much Is Spent Lobbying Kentucky’s Executive Branch? This Bill Demands an Answer.” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
January 16, 2019 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “New Members, Meet the ‘Slush Fund’” by Stephanie Aikin for Roll Call National: “At Trump’s Inauguration, $10,000 for Makeup and Lots of Room Service” by Maggie Haberman, Sharon LaFraniere, and Benn Protess (New York Times) for MSN […]
Campaign Finance
National: “New Members, Meet the ‘Slush Fund’” by Stephanie Aikin for Roll Call
National: “At Trump’s Inauguration, $10,000 for Makeup and Lots of Room Service” by Maggie Haberman, Sharon LaFraniere, and Benn Protess (New York Times) for MSN
Montana: “U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Take Up Montana Campaign Finance Case” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record
New York: “Legislature Passes Sweeping Electoral Reforms” by Rachel Silberstein for Albany Times Union
Ohio: “Columbus Council Appoints Shayla Favor, Approves Campaign Finance Reforms” by Gabe Rosenberg for WOSU
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission Bans Leadership PACs” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman
Ethics
National: “Steve King Stripped of Committee Seats – with More Punishment Coming” by Heather Caygle, Sarah Ferris, and John Bresnahan for Politico
Colorado: “Colorado Ethics Commission Narrows Complaint Against John Hickenlooper” by Nic Garcia for Denver Post
Oregon: “Oregon Senate President’s Longtime Aide Resigns Over Harassment Allegations” by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian
January 15, 2019 •
Portland Mayor Proposes Voting, Lobbyist Disclosure Rules
Mayor Ethan Strimling announced he will propose changes to city elections, seeking public funding for local campaigns and new lobbyist disclosure rules. Strimling’s new initiatives will demand elected officials disclose meetings with lobbyists and other influencers. The initiatives will also […]
Mayor Ethan Strimling announced he will propose changes to city elections, seeking public funding for local campaigns and new lobbyist disclosure rules.
Strimling’s new initiatives will demand elected officials disclose meetings with lobbyists and other influencers.
The initiatives will also reiterate calls to allow noncitizens living in the city legally the right to vote in local elections, as well as urge the city to implement ranked-choice voting in City Council and school board races.
Strimling said he plans to work with the City Council and other stakeholders to develop the details of his proposals over the year.
January 15, 2019 •
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Montana Contribution Limit Case
The challenge on Montana’s contribution limits has ended. The U.S. Supreme Court did not take up the case regarding campaign finance in Montana. The 1994 law establishing the contribution limits was struck down in 2012 and 2015, but the 9th […]
The challenge on Montana’s contribution limits has ended. The U.S. Supreme Court did not take up the case regarding campaign finance in Montana.
The 1994 law establishing the contribution limits was struck down in 2012 and 2015, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the limits in October 2017.
Proponents of the case said the low limits violated the First Amendment, while opponents said the limits encouraged more civil engagement.
January 15, 2019 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Downtown L.A. Development Is a Focus of FBI Corruption Probe” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times Oklahoma: “Stitt Inauguration Donors May Not Be Revealed Until Summer” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Downtown L.A. Development Is a Focus of FBI Corruption Probe” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Oklahoma: “Stitt Inauguration Donors May Not Be Revealed Until Summer” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch
Ethics
National: “Trump Has Concealed Details of His Face-to-Face Encounters with Putin from Senior Officials in Administration” by Greg Miller (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune
National: “F.B.I. Opened Inquiry into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia” by Adam Goldman, Michael Schmidt, and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for MSN
Arkansas: “Former Arkansas Senator Charged with Conspiracy in Bribery Scheme” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Hot Springs Sentinel
Illinois: “Mayor Rahm Emanuel Unveils Ethics Plan Following Ald. Edward Burke’s Criminal Charge” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune
New Mexico: “Former Governor Will Relinquish Squash Blossom Necklace” by Thom Cole for Santa Fe New Mexican
Lobbying
National: “Ex-Lawmakers ‘Scrambling and Looking’ for Lobbying Gigs” by Theodoric Meyer for Politico
January 14, 2019 •
Special Election Announced in Orange County, California
There will be a special election on March 12 to fill the vacancy in the Third Supervisorial District. The vacancy was created when Todd Spitzer won last November’s general election to become Orange County District Attorney. The district includes Orange, […]
There will be a special election on March 12 to fill the vacancy in the Third Supervisorial District.
The vacancy was created when Todd Spitzer won last November’s general election to become Orange County District Attorney.
The district includes Orange, Yorba Linda, Villa Park, Tustin, and parts of Irvine and Anaheim.
January 14, 2019 •
GA Announces Special Election for House District 176
The Georgia Secretary of State announced a special election on February 12 for House District 176. The seat is vacant after Rep. Jason Shaw accepted an appointment to the Georgia Public Service Commission by Gov. Nathan Deal. A special runoff […]
The Georgia Secretary of State announced a special election on February 12 for House District 176.
The seat is vacant after Rep. Jason Shaw accepted an appointment to the Georgia Public Service Commission by Gov. Nathan Deal.
A special runoff election will be held March 12, if necessary.
January 14, 2019 •
Special Election for Tennessee Senate District 22 Announced
A special primary election will take place on March 7 to fill a vacancy in Senate District 22. Rep. Mark Green vacated the office to serve as U.S. Rep. for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Senate District 22 represents Montgomery, Houston […]
A special primary election will take place on March 7 to fill a vacancy in Senate District 22.
Rep. Mark Green vacated the office to serve as U.S. Rep. for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
Senate District 22 represents Montgomery, Houston and Stewart counties.
January 14, 2019 •
Canadian House of Commons By-Elections Set for February 25
On February 25, three by-elections will be held to fill vacancies in the Canadian House of Commons. The by-elections will take place for the electoral districts of Burnaby South (British Columbia), Outremont (Quebec) and York–Simcoe (Ontario). The seat for Burnaby […]
On February 25, three by-elections will be held to fill vacancies in the Canadian House of Commons. The by-elections will take place for the electoral districts of Burnaby South (British Columbia), Outremont (Quebec) and York–Simcoe (Ontario).
The seat for Burnaby South (British Coumbia) became vacant following the resignation of Kennedy Stewart, who resigned on September 14 in order to run for mayor of Vancouver.
The seat for Outremont (Quebec) became vacant following the resignation of Tom Mulcair, who left office to teach at the at Universite de Montreal and to become a regularly scheduled political commentator at CJAD radio and CTV news.
The seat for York–Simcoe (Ontario) became vacant following the resignation of Peter Van Loan, who resigned on September 30 to return to the practice of law.
January 14, 2019 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Washington: “Split Court: Local initiatives subject to disclosure rule” by Gene Johnson (Associated Press) for KOMO Ethics National:”Prosecutors Examining Ukrainians Who Flocked to Trump Inaugural” by Kenneth Vogel, Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti, and Iuliia Mendel (New York Times) […]
Campaign Finance
Washington: “Split Court: Local initiatives subject to disclosure rule” by Gene Johnson (Associated Press) for KOMO
Ethics
National:”Prosecutors Examining Ukrainians Who Flocked to Trump Inaugural” by Kenneth Vogel, Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti, and Iuliia Mendel (New York Times) for MSN
National: “Tom Udall to Introduce Senate Campaign Finance, Voting Rights and Ethics Reform Bill” by Richard Blumenthal for Huffington Post
National: “Michael Cohen Agrees to Testify to Congress About Work for Trump” by Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for MSN
Colorado: “Judge: State ethics panel has no jurisdiction over many Colorado cities” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Politics
Kentucky: “He Bribed Andy Beshear’s Top Deputy. Now He’s Headed to Prison for Nearly 3 Years.” by Bill Estep for Lexington Herald-Leader
South Carolina: “SC Ethics Advocate Creates Ethics Dilemma by Gifting Corruption Book to Lawmakers” by Avery Wilkes for The State
Legislative Issues
Texas: “Texas Republicans Rally Behind Muslim Official as Some Try to Oust Him Over Religion” by Adeel Hassan (New York Times) for MSN
January 11, 2019 •
Connecticut Governor Announces Special Elections
Gov. Ned Lamont issued writs on Friday to set February 26 as the date for special elections to fill five vacancies. The 3rd, 5th, and 6th Senate Districts as well as the 39th and 99th House Districts became vacant earlier […]
Gov. Ned Lamont issued writs on Friday to set February 26 as the date for special elections to fill five vacancies.
The 3rd, 5th, and 6th Senate Districts as well as the 39th and 99th House Districts became vacant earlier this week when five members of the General Assembly resigned in order to accept jobs in Lamont’s administration.
There will be no primary elections to choose the nominees.
January 11, 2019 •
Hawaii Proposed Legislation Seeks to Change Campaign Finance Laws
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission submitted four measures for introduction in the 2019 legislative session, proposing changes for Super PACs, candidate committees and electioneering communications. Proposal CSC-01 (19) would change the disclosure date for electioneering communications to when the electioneering […]
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission submitted four measures for introduction in the 2019 legislative session, proposing changes for Super PACs, candidate committees and electioneering communications.
Proposal CSC-01 (19) would change the disclosure date for electioneering communications to when the electioneering communication is publicly distributed rather than when the contract for the electioneering communication is executed. Additionally, the expenditure aggregate would be increased to $2,000, all mailings and not just those sent at bulk rate would be covered, and candidate and noncandidate committees would be required to file statements of information.
Proposal CSC-02 (19) would require candidate committees to file a first Preliminary General Report on October 1.
Proposal CSC-03 (19) would impose a $5,000 fine on Super PACs that received at least one contribution of more than $10,000 from any one person or spent more than $10,000 aggregate in an election period and would permit the fine to be up to three times the amount of the unlawful contribution or expenditure. The measure would also call for the fine to be paid from the personal funds of an officer of the noncandidate committee.
Finally, Proposal CSC-04 (19) would require candidates who do not intend to have more than $1,000 in activity to provide notice to the Commission of such intent by June 30 of an election year and to require noncandidate committees who do not intend to have more than $1,000 in activity to provide notice to the Commission of such intent by the fifth calendar day prior to the due date of the Preliminary Primary Report.
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