October 16, 2018 •
Anne Arundel County Passes Public Ethics Bill
On October 15,2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh. Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires […]
On October 15,2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh.
Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires employee ethics training, and creates changes to comply with state ethics laws, among other provisions. The bill also updates who is required to file financial disclosure statements.
The bill will become effective 45 days from the signature of the County Executive.
October 16, 2018 •
Ad Time Reservations Qualify as Expenditures
On October 9, the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) ruled that two independent expenditure groups violated state campaign finance laws. The groups, Republican Governors Association and Families for Alaska’s Future – Dunleavy, reserved ad time to influence the gubernatorial election […]
On October 9, the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) ruled that two independent expenditure groups violated state campaign finance laws.
The groups, Republican Governors Association and Families for Alaska’s Future – Dunleavy, reserved ad time to influence the gubernatorial election without registering as independent expenditure groups.
APOC determined the reservation of ad time is a promise or agreement to transfer value between parties. Therefore, the reservation qualifies as an expenditure under state law.
October 16, 2018 •
Pennsylvania State Representative Passes Away
State Rep. Mike O’Brien passed away on October 15 from a heart attack. Earlier this year, O’Brien controversially announced his retirement after running unopposed in the primary election for the 175th House District seat. The seat will remain vacant for […]
State Rep. Mike O’Brien passed away on October 15 from a heart attack.
Earlier this year, O’Brien controversially announced his retirement after running unopposed in the primary election for the 175th House District seat.
The seat will remain vacant for the remainder of the year due to time constraints.
His former chief of staff, Mary Isaacson, is likely to be sworn in on January 1.
October 16, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Connecticut: “Former Democratic Legislator Ernie Newton Wins New Trial in Campaign Finance Case” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant Massachusetts: “Mass. Fiscal Alliance Sues State Over Its Campaign Finance Law” by Bob Katzen for Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise […]
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Former Democratic Legislator Ernie Newton Wins New Trial in Campaign Finance Case” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant
Massachusetts: “Mass. Fiscal Alliance Sues State Over Its Campaign Finance Law” by Bob Katzen for Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise
Elections
National: “Now for Rent: Email addresses and phone numbers for millions of Trump supporters” by Kenneth Vogel and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
National: “In Senate Battleground, Native American Voting Rights Activists Fight Back Against Voter ID Restrictions” by Gabriel Pogrund and Felicia Sonmez for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “First Came a Flood of Ballot Measures from Voters. Then Politicians Pushed Back.” by Timothy Mitchell for New York Times
National: “Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints” by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill
National: “Wilbur Ross Changes Story on Discussions of Citizenship Question for Census” by Glernn Thrush and Adam Liptak for New York Times
Colorado: “Gov. Hickenlooper Jet-Sets Across the Globe on Private Planes Paid for By Others, New Ethics Complaint Alleges” by David Migoya for Denver Post
New Mexico: “Long Road Brings NM Ethics Commission Proposal to Ballot” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
October 15, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections Georgia: Voting Rights Become a Flashpoint in Georgia Governor’s Race by Ben Nadler (Associated Press) for WRAL Ethics National: Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill October National: Facebook Purged […]
Elections
Georgia: Voting Rights Become a Flashpoint in Georgia Governor’s Race by Ben Nadler (Associated Press) for WRAL
Ethics
National: Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill October
National: Facebook Purged Over 800 Accounts and Pages Pushing Political Messages for Profit by Elizabeth Dwoskin and Tony Romm for Washington Post
New York: Assemblyman Joe Errigo Charged with Accepting a Bribe to Eid a Development by Gary Craig and Steve Orr for Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
South Carolina: Will SC Lawmakers Close Loopholes Exposed by State House Corruption Probe? by Maayan Schechter for The State
Lobbying
National: From Wall Street to K Street, Companies Gauge the Risks of Doing Business with Saudi Arabia by Mark Landler, Kenneth Vogel, and Kate Kelly for New York Times
Alaska: Alaska Law Says Lobbyists Can’t Fundraise for Candidates. But the Invitations Keep Coming by Nathaniel Hertz for Alaska Public Media
Procurement
Louisiana: Louisiana’s Lucrative Voting Machine Contract Award Canceled by Melinda Deslatte (Associated Press) for Washington Times
October 12, 2018 •
National Group Files Lawsuit Regarding Two South Dakota Ballot Issues
The Institute for Free Speech is challenging the constitutionality of a South Dakota law restricting the organization’s right to publicize views of ballot measures without extensive reporting and disclaimer requirements. The organization is asking for permission from a federal judge […]
The Institute for Free Speech is challenging the constitutionality of a South Dakota law restricting the organization’s right to publicize views of ballot measures without extensive reporting and disclaimer requirements.
The organization is asking for permission from a federal judge to distribute an analysis of Initiated Measure 24 and Constitutional Amendment W, claiming that the measures will impact citizens’ First Amendment rights.
October 12, 2018 •
News You Can Use – October 12, 2018
National: Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races Center for Public Integrity – Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi | Published: 10/10/2018 Nationwide, many Democrats running for state-level offices from governor to state representative are also collecting a significant amount […]
National:
Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races
Center for Public Integrity – Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi | Published: 10/10/2018
Nationwide, many Democrats running for state-level offices from governor to state representative are also collecting a significant amount of money from across state lines. Though Democrats still trail Republicans in the overall fundraising tally, they have so far raised at least $101 million from out of state, about $29 million more than their GOP counterparts have taken in. The influx of out-of-state contributions comes from a mix of companies with local interests, networks of contacts scattered across the country, and newly emboldened national groups that are mobilizing to influence state-level elections, mindful that the outcomes will have an impact on politics at the state and national levels lasting well into the next decade.
Federal:
FEC Guidance to Limit Impact of Dark Money Court Ruling
Associated Press – Brian Slodysko | Published: 10/5/2018
The FEC issued new guidance in response to a U.S. District Court ruling that found the agency improperly allowed “social welfare” nonprofits to skirt disclosure requirements for some donors. While the guidance answers some questions, it raises others. “A lot of people were very excited when [the case] first came out, but when you get into the weeds, one has to acknowledge that the opinion is not as broad some people had hoped,” said FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub.
Saluting the Trump Administration, Not So Nicely
Politico – Ben Schreckinger | Published: 10/9/2018
At the White House, the nearby Trump International Hotel, and wherever the presidential motorcade goes, Washingtonians are greeting Donald Trump’s presidency with an extended middle finger. As episodes like the separation of migrant families and the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court continue to inflame passions in Washington, D.C., these one-fingered salutes have become a pervasive marker of an administration under siege in its own city. Tourists posing for photographs, passengers in the cars that drive by the White House, and pedestrians caught unaware by motorcades have all made increasing use of the vulgar gesture since Trump came to town. Some do it subtly; others make a show of it.
Wall Street Is Booming Under Trump. But Many of Its Donors Are Embracing Democrats.
WRAL – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 10/7/2018
The stock market is booming, unemployment is hitting record lows, and Republicans pushed through $1.5 trillion in tax cuts. But despite all that, for the first time in a decade, the broader financial community is on pace to give more money to Democratic congressional candidates and incumbents than their GOP counterparts. Some of the same grassroots energy coursing through the Democratic Party, House candidates from Kentucky to Montana to New York are reporting record sums of small donations, has spilled into the corporate boardrooms of American finance, even amid increasingly hostile rhetoric from Democrats in Washington and on the campaign trail toward Wall Street.
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Are Political Swamps in California and Washington Mostly Drained? This Study Says They Are.
Sacramento Bee – Andrew Sheeler | Published: 10/9/2018
California ranks second in the nation for anti-corruption laws, according to a new report from the Coalition for Integrity. California share second-place Rhode Island; both states fell behind Washington state, which claimed the best score in the 2018 States With Anti-Corruption Measures for Public Officials (S.W.A.M.P.) Index. The index looks at eight metrics when assigning a score to a state, including whether there is an ethics agency with subpoena and sanction power, and whether elected and appointed executive branch officials are prohibited from accepting expensive gifts from lobbyists. At the other end of the spectrum, the S.W.A.M.P. Index rated North Dakota as worst in the nation for ethics and transparency laws.
Colorado: Wall Street Pumping Cash Through Loophole in Anti-Corruption Rule
Capital & Main – David Sirota and Chase Woodruff | Published: 10/4/2018
If Wall Street executive look to land a lucrative contract to manage Colorado retirees’ pension money, a federal “pay-to-play” rule is designed to deter them from trying to use campaign donations to influence state officials who oversee those investment decisions. Despite that regulation, however, state Treasurer Walker Stapleton’s gubernatorial campaign is being boosted by a political group partially sponsored by financial firms that receive investments from the pension fund Stapleton helps run. If Stapleton is elected governor, he will leave the pension fund’s board but will appoint three members of the board, potentially giving him even more influence over which financial firms get pension investments.
Indiana: Former Intern Says Brian Bosma Tried to Intimidate Her Over Alleged Sexual Encounter
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin | Published: 10/10/2018
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma investigated groping allegations against the state attorney general and is crafting a first-ever sexual harassment policy for legislators. He is also the same man who aggressively investigated the credibility of a former statehouse intern who said she had a sexual encounter with him decades ago. Family members of the woman claim Bosma’s attorney threatened to reveal the unfavorable information about her if her account became public and to expose her name even if news organizations withheld it. The former intern, Kandy Green, did not accuse Bosma of a crime. Bosma denies the encounter took place.
Kentucky: Amy McGrath Is Avoiding Attack Ads. Can a Congressional Candidate Win Without Them?
WRAL – Michael Tackett (New York Times) | Published: 10/10/2018
The race for Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District between U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and his Democratic challenger, Amy McGrath, has featured one of the highest concentrations of political ads in the country, almost 7,000 airings, in one of the most fiercely fought races. The contest also has one of the most lopsided ratios of negative-to-positive ads, with Barr and aligned Republican groups spending overwhelmingly on spots attacking his opponent. McGrath, so far, has not run attack ads, an approach that makes this contest a laboratory to test the proposition that while voters find negative ads distasteful, candidates use them because they work.
Missouri: Missouri Lobbying Rules Fought in Federal Court
Courthouse News Service – Joe Harris | Published: 10/8/2018
The Institute for Justice filed a lawsuit claiming an executive order that bans all gifts, including written materials, to certain government officials in Missouri violates its constitutional rights. At issue is Missouri Executive Order 17-02 which prohibits “anything of value” to be given to a member of the state’s executive branch by a lobbyist. The Institute for Justice claims that by prohibiting the distribution of two of its publications, “Bottleneckers: Gaming the Government for Power and Private Profit” and “License to Work 2,” to government employees, the executive order violates its First Amendment right to free speech and Fourteenth Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
New Mexico: New Mexico Legislators Eat, Lobbyists Treat, but Public Left Guessing Who
Santa Fe New Mexican – Andrew Oxford | Published: 10/8/2018
Because of a loophole in New Mexico law, lobbyists for the most part do not have to disclose which officials they have been attempting to influence. Although the latest round of filings by lobbyists points to tens of thousands of dollars spent on entertaining policymakers, the representatives of companies and special interests remain largely free to conceal the issues they are advocating for and the policymakers they are trying to sway. The Legislature has shown little appetite for requiring more disclosure from lobbyists.
Ohio: Workers Allege Campaign Donations Were Expected, Rewarded by Summit Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh
WKYC – Phil Trexler and Tom Meyer | Published: 10/10/2018
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh is accused of ignoring acts of bullying, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination in her office, while allowing political campaigning to take place by favored workers, sometimes on county time, and requiring campaign donations of her workers and denying pay hikes to those who did not. Walsh’s campaign finance reports reflect the cash flow, showing her employees contributed thousands of dollars, or about half of her entire campaign funds, in the past six filing periods. Five employees have filed complaints alleging mistreatment.
Oklahoma: Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases
Oklahoma Watch – Taylor Brown | Published: 10/8/2018
Judges in Oklahoma rarely recuse themselves voluntarily or on request because they received money from attorneys arguing before them. That is despite the fact that attorneys represent the largest number of donors to district judges’ campaigns. Court filings show many of those attorneys frequently have appeared before the candidates to whom they gave money; some donated to judges while the judge was still presiding over their case. No evidence has emerged that donations from lawyers gained them or their firms more favorable rulings or treatment from judges. But campaign finance reform advocates, along with some Oklahoma judicial candidates, say the state’s system of electing district judges poses a risk to the integrity of the system.
South Carolina: SC Attorney General Tried to Impede Statehouse Corruption Probe, Grand Jury Says
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith and Thad Moore | Published: 10/9/2018
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s inaction impeded a probe into statehouse corruption, according to a grand jury report. Wilson’s conduct after former House Speaker Bobby Harrell pleaded guilty and named two other lawmakers cost investigators 13 months and meant the statute of limitations on potential federal crimes like money laundering ran out, the grand jurors said. The report notes Wilson’s close relationship with political consultant Richard Quinn. The corruption inquiry focused mainly on Quinn’s consulting business, his clients, and whether he acted like a lobbyist without registering. The report gives a behind the curtain look at the blurry line between political consultants, lobbyists, and powerful businesses in the state.
Tennessee: Taylor Swift’s Stunning Statement: Famously apolitical star slams Tennessee Republican, endorses Democrats
Washington Post – Emily Yahr | Published: 10/7/2018
Taylor Swift, the pop music star who has been notably apolitical in turbulent political times, endorsed two Democratic candidates running for election in Tennessee. In a post on Instagram, Swift said she planned to vote for Phil Bredesen, who is competing in a close U.S. Senate race against a Republican candidate backed by President Trump, and U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, an incumbent who represents the Nashville area. Swift’s political views had previously been left up to interpretation, and at times her silence was viewed as support for Trump as well as the alt-right movement.
West Virginia: As 1 Supreme Court Justice Survives Impeachment in West Virginia, Others Face Trial
Governing – Phil Kabler (Charleston Gazette) | Published: 10/3/2018
One West Virginia Supreme Court justice has survived an impeachment scare. Beth Walker will remain in office after state senators rejected an impeachment article against her after a two-day trial. Senators later adopted a resolution by voice vote to issue a public reprimand of Walker. She was accused of abusing her authority. The impeachment charge stated Walker and other justices failed to control office expenses and maintain policies over matters such as working lunches and the use of state vehicles and office computers at home.
October 11, 2018 •
Utah to Hold Special Session Following November Elections
Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert promised to call a special session of the legislature to address medical marijuana after the November election. In the election, Utah will vote on Proposition 2, an initiative to allow patients with certain medical conditions […]
Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert promised to call a special session of the legislature to address medical marijuana after the November election.
In the election, Utah will vote on Proposition 2, an initiative to allow patients with certain medical conditions to purchase medical marijuana.
No matter what voters decide in November, Utah lawmakers have proposed and agreed on an alternate medical marijuana plan.
No date for the session has been announced.
October 11, 2018 •
Missouri Gift Ban Extends to Written Materials
A public interest law firm challenged an executive order banning lobbyists from giving anything of value, including written materials, to executive branch officials. The Institute for Justice, a Virginia-based nonprofit libertarian law firm, filed suit against Gov. Mike Parson and […]
A public interest law firm challenged an executive order banning lobbyists from giving anything of value, including written materials, to executive branch officials.
The Institute for Justice, a Virginia-based nonprofit libertarian law firm, filed suit against Gov. Mike Parson and members of the Missouri Ethics Commission for enforcing Executive Order 17-02, which expands the definition of gift to include publications addressing public policy issues.
The Institute for Justice claims that by prohibiting the distribution of two of its public policy publications to government officials, the executive order violates the law firm’s First Amendment right to free speech. The law firm also claims the executive order violates its right to equal protection by prohibiting only lobbyists from sharing publications with state officials of the executive branch.
The order was issued on January, 9, 2017, by former Gov. Eric Greitens.
October 11, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races” by Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi for Center for Public Integrity National: “The Hidden Money Funding the Midterms” by Derek Willis and Maggie Severns for ProPublica New York: “Democratic […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races” by Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi for Center for Public Integrity
National: “The Hidden Money Funding the Midterms” by Derek Willis and Maggie Severns for ProPublica
New York: “Democratic Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Setting Up Illegal Donation” by Barbara Leonard for Courthouse News Service
South Dakota: “Free Speech Group Sues State Ahead of November Election” by Jonathan Ellis for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Elections
National: “Amy McGrath Is Avoiding Attack Ads. Can a Congressional Candidate Win Without Them?” by Michael Tackett (New York Times) for WRAL
Ethics
National: “Rosenstein Faces Congressional Confrontation Amid New Claim He Seriously Suggested Wiretapping Trump” by Matt Zapotosky, Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) for Danbury News-Times
National: “Saluting the Trump Administration, Not So Nicely” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico
Michigan: “Detroit City Councilman Leland Indicted in Bribery Conspiracy” by Robert Snell and Christine Ferretti for Detroit News
South Carolina: “SC Attorney General Tried to Impede Statehouse Corruption Probe, Grand Jury Says” by Glenn Smith and Thad Moore for Charleston Post and Courier
West Virginia: “As 1 Supreme Court Justice Survives Impeachment in West Virginia, Others Face Trial” by Phil Kabler (Charleston Gazette) for Governing
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbying Restrictions Set to Go Before Voters” by Lloyd Dunkelberger (News Service of Florida) for WJXT
Washington: “Kimberly-Clark Lobbyist, Wife Gave Republicans $4K” by Todd Richmond (Associated Press) for Seattle Times
October 10, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “LA City Council Favors Reducing Barriers to Campaign Matching Funds” by Craig Clough for Los Angeles Daily News Oklahoma: “Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases” by Taylor Brown for Oklahoma Watch Elections National: […]
Campaign Finance
California: “LA City Council Favors Reducing Barriers to Campaign Matching Funds” by Craig Clough for Los Angeles Daily News
Oklahoma: “Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases” by Taylor Brown for Oklahoma Watch
Elections
National: “Trump Campaign Aide Requested Online Manipulation Plans from Israeli Intelligence Firm” by Mark Mazzetti, Ronan Bergman, David Kirkpatrick, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Struggles Getting State Help with Anonymous Facebook Survey” by Taylor Whetstone for Knoxville News Sentinel
Ethics
National: “Amid Kavanaugh Uproar, Changes to Congress’s Sexual Harassment Rules Stall” by Elise Viebeck and Gabriel Progrund (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Ethics Rule Gets Arkansas Panel’s Support; Senate’s Lobbyist Ties at Issue” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Missouri: “Missouri Lobbying Rules Fought in Federal Court” by Joe Harris for Courthouse News Service
New Mexico: “New Mexico Legislators Eat, Lobbyists Treat, but Public Left Guessing Who” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican
October 9, 2018 •
Super PAC Contributions the Subject of Alaska Public Office Commission Appeal
On October 4, 2018, the Anchorage Superior Court heard witnesses in the formal appeal of an Alaska Public Office Commission (APOC) decision allowing unlimited contributions to independent expenditure groups. Several citizens, represented by the nonprofit group Equal Citizens, claim the […]
On October 4, 2018, the Anchorage Superior Court heard witnesses in the formal appeal of an Alaska Public Office Commission (APOC) decision allowing unlimited contributions to independent expenditure groups.
Several citizens, represented by the nonprofit group Equal Citizens, claim the contributions are pursuant to a 2006 Alaska State law.
APOC relied on the application of Citizens United when it rejected the original claim.
October 9, 2018 •
North Carolina Proposed Constitutional Amendment Concerns Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement
North Carolina will vote on a constitutional amendment to establish an eight-member Bipartisan Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement in November. A 2017 law establishing an eight-member board was struck down by the North Carolina Supreme Court because it reduced […]
North Carolina will vote on a constitutional amendment to establish an eight-member Bipartisan Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement in November.
A 2017 law establishing an eight-member board was struck down by the North Carolina Supreme Court because it reduced the governor’s executive authority and failed to provide representation for unaffiliated voters.
If the amendment passes, majority and minority leaders of the legislature would nominate potential members from which the governor would choose.
October 9, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Wall Street Is Booming Under Trump. But Many of Its Donors Are Embracing Democrats.” by Shane Goldmacher for New York Times Elections National: “‘We Are Here!’ From a Blue Dot in a Sea of Red Comes a […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Wall Street Is Booming Under Trump. But Many of Its Donors Are Embracing Democrats.” by Shane Goldmacher for New York Times
Elections
National: “‘We Are Here!’ From a Blue Dot in a Sea of Red Comes a Hopeful Pitch for a Politician’s Visit.” by Stephanie McCrummon for Washington Post
National: “Taylor Swift’s Stunning Statement: Famously apolitical star slams Tennessee Republican, endorses Democrats” by Emily Yahr for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “Trump Team’s Contact with Mueller Targets Could Taint Findings” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
Missouri: “Is Clean Missouri’s Redistricting Proposal Fixing Problem or Power Grab?” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
North Carolina: “Prosecutor Asks SBI to Review Allegations Raised About House Speaker Moore” by Dan Kane for Raleigh News and Observer
Redistricting
Virginia: “Virginia Redistricting Appears Headed to Courts as GOP Cancels Hearing” by Marie Algebis for The Virginian-Pilot
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