February 23, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying California: “Penalty for Lobbyist – But Not Politicians – After $51,000 Birthday Party” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times Utah: “Utah Lobbyists Treat Lawmakers with No Scrutiny” by Michelle Price (Associated Press) for Deseret News Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
California: “Penalty for Lobbyist – But Not Politicians – After $51,000 Birthday Party” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Utah: “Utah Lobbyists Treat Lawmakers with No Scrutiny” by Michelle Price (Associated Press) for Deseret News
Campaign Finance
“FEC Member: I have the right to demand Trump prove voter fraud claims” by Eli Watkins for CNN
Kansas: “Kansas Rejects Higher Limits on Donations to Candidates” by John Hanna (Associated Press) for McClatchyDC.com
Texas: “House Member Marks One-Year Anniversary of Filing Zero Campaign Finance Reports” by Jackie Wang for Texas Tribune
Ethics
“Trump’s ‘Winter White House’: A peek at the exclusive members’ list at Mar-a-Lago” by Nicholas Confessore, Maggie Haberman, and Eric Lipton for New York Times
“From Trump the Nationalist, a Trail of Global Trademarks” by Danny Hakim and Sui-Lee Wee for New York Times
Colorado: “Denver City Council Panel Advances New Ethics Rules” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Florida: “Brevard County Commissioners Put Forth Ethics Reform Plan” by Dave Berman for Florida Today
Kentucky: “Liquor Dealer in Kentucky House Getting Action on His Liquor Bills” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Legislative Issues
“Tennessee, Texas Stand Out for Strengthened Hill Sway” by David Hawkins for Roll Call
Virginia: “Some Hope to Increase Diversity Among Va. Legislative Aides” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch
February 22, 2017 •
Oklahoma Governor Calls Special Election for House District 75
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin scheduled a special election to fill the upcoming vacancy in House District 75. Rep. Dan Kirby will voluntarily vacate the seat on March 1. Kirby’s resignation allows him to avoid a potentially embarrassing floor vote to […]
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin scheduled a special election to fill the upcoming vacancy in House District 75. Rep. Dan Kirby will voluntarily vacate the seat on March 1.
Kirby’s resignation allows him to avoid a potentially embarrassing floor vote to remove him from the legislative body amid sexual harassment allegations.
House Speaker Charles McCall had previously suspended Kirby from his chairmanship of the Business, Commerce, and Tourism Committee pending further investigation of the allegations. Kirby denies any wrongdoing.
A special primary election will be held May 9 with a special general election on July 11. If a special primary is not necessary, the May 9 election will be considered the special general election.
February 22, 2017 •
Special Election for Michigan’s First House District Called
State Rep. Brian Banks resigned as part of a plea deal related to charges involving fraudulent pay stubs. To fill the vacancy, Gov. Rick Snyder announced a special election to fill the First House District seat. The special primary will […]
State Rep. Brian Banks resigned as part of a plea deal related to charges involving fraudulent pay stubs.
To fill the vacancy, Gov. Rick Snyder announced a special election to fill the First House District seat.
The special primary will be held on August 8, 2017, and the special general election will be held on November 7, 2017.
The special election coincides with the regular election to save taxpayers money.
February 22, 2017 •
Appeals Court Upholds Provisions of Senate Bill 571
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reversed a U.S District Court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against provisions of Senate Bill 571, which enables corporations to deduct PAC contributions from employees’ paychecks while prohibiting labor unions […]
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reversed a U.S District Court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against provisions of Senate Bill 571, which enables corporations to deduct PAC contributions from employees’ paychecks while prohibiting labor unions from doing the same.
Ultimately, Sixth Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton relied on similar cases stating “absent a burden on a constitutionally cognizable right, the government may regulate what is at best a speech-facilitating mechanism.” Michigan State AFL-CIO v. Schuette, No. 16-2100, at *8 (6th Cir., Feb. 9, 2017).
February 22, 2017 •
South Dakota Lawmakers to Consider Ethics Bills Ahead of Crossover Deadline
Thursday, February 23, is South Dakota’s crossover day, which is the final day for lawmakers to pass bills out of their chamber of origin. Ahead of the deadline, lawmakers are set to consider campaign finance and ethics bills that were […]
Thursday, February 23, is South Dakota’s crossover day, which is the final day for lawmakers to pass bills out of their chamber of origin.
Ahead of the deadline, lawmakers are set to consider campaign finance and ethics bills that were proposed in the wake of the repeal of Initiated Measure 22.
A bill to create a state government accountability board is scheduled to be heard by the House on Wednesday, February 22, and another bill to increase the revolving door restriction to three years was scheduled to be heard by the House on Tuesday, February 21.
February 22, 2017 •
Kentucky Senate Passes Bill to Double Contribution Limits
A bill to raise the limit on what individuals may contribute to campaigns has passed the Kentucky Senate. Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Sen. Damon Thayer, doubles the limit for individuals giving to candidates, caucus committees, and political parties. The […]
A bill to raise the limit on what individuals may contribute to campaigns has passed the Kentucky Senate.
Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Sen. Damon Thayer, doubles the limit for individuals giving to candidates, caucus committees, and political parties.
The bill, similar to a measure introduced by Thayer in the past, also creates an additional disclosure report 60 days prior to an election. The bill has been transmitted to the House for consideration.
February 22, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Arizona: “Lobbyist Pushes Arizona School-Choice Bill That Could Benefit His Family” by Yvonne Wingett and Rob O’Dell for Arizona Republic Florida: “Document Suggests Former State Sen. Thrasher Violated Lobbying Ban as FSU Chief” by Arek Sarkissian for Naples Daily […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “Lobbyist Pushes Arizona School-Choice Bill That Could Benefit His Family” by Yvonne Wingett and Rob O’Dell for Arizona Republic
Florida: “Document Suggests Former State Sen. Thrasher Violated Lobbying Ban as FSU Chief” by Arek Sarkissian for Naples Daily News
Massachusetts: “Online Lottery Could Yield Windfall for Private Companies” by Sean Murphy for Boston Globe
Campaign Finance
“Democratic Member to Quit Election Commission, Setting Up Political Fight” by 2017 Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
North Carolina: “Fletcher Hartsell, a Former NC Senator, Pleads Guilty in Misuse of Campaign Funds” by Anne Blythe and Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer
Ethics
“Flynn in FBI Interview Denied Discussing Sanctions with Russian Ambassador” by Sari Horwitz and Adam Entous for Washington Post
California: “Ex-Palm Springs Mayor and 2 Developers Charged with Corruption Involving $375,000 in Bribes” by Richard Winton for Los Angeles Times
Georgia: “Unease Spreads in Atlanta as a City Contracting Scandal Brews” by Richard Fausset for New York Times
Minnesota: “Mondale, Kelm-Helgen Leave U.S. Bank Stadium Panel in Wake of Luxury Suite Flap” by Rochelle Olson for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Ohio: “Former Councilwoman Mills Pleads Guilty, Fined $250 for Ethics Misdemeanor” by Rick Rouan for Columbus Dispatch
Oregon: “Two Years after Kitzhaber Resignation, Ethics Reform a Political Challenge for Oregon Lawmakers” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Tennessee: “Schmoozing, Boozing and a Quiet Resignation: Mark Lovell’s 100 days on Capitol Hill” by Joel Ebert and Mark Boucher for The Tennessean
February 22, 2017 •
Stories on the Business of Compliance…A Brief History of Lobbying and Lobbyists
With this issue of LobbyComply, State and Federal Communications would like to introduce a new guest columnist, Washington D.C.-based Gabrielle Woodard, a student from Kent State University (KSU). She will be writing articles looking at the history of lobbying and […]
With this issue of LobbyComply, State and Federal Communications would like to introduce a new guest columnist, Washington D.C.-based Gabrielle Woodard, a student from Kent State University (KSU). She will be writing articles looking at the history of lobbying and political contribution, the emergence of the compliance laws and regulations governing these activities, and other interesting topics. Look for these articles to appear every few weeks. We look forward to her research and insightful writing.
Gabrielle is a senior public relations major at KSU with a minor in political science. She served as president of Kent State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America during 2015-2016. Gabrielle spent the spring of 2015 participating in the Washington Program in National Issues and interned in the Office of Legislative Affairs within the Federal Communications Commission. She then spent her last two summers in Baltimore as a communications intern for Northrop Grumman, an international defense contractor. Gabrielle is spending this semester in Washington, D.C. and pursuing a career in government relations.
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It is believed that lobbying began in the 1640s when political discussions and bargaining were held in the lobbies of the chambers of the British Parliament. The term “lobbyist” came from “lobby member” (who worked in a lobby where public officials were meeting.) The term “Lobbying” was first mentioned in print.
The term lobbyist was first used in 1831 in a reference to Ohio politics. The term quickly was adopted to label anyone who discussed issues with lawmakers based on special interest. President Ulysses S. Grant (serving from 1869-1877), who often visited Washington, D.C.’s Willard Hotel to smoke and engage in deals, made further use of the word “lobbyists” complaining they were there asking for legislative favors.
The first recorded person in the United States lobbying was William Hull, who was seeking additional compensation for the Veterans of the Continental Army.
Gifting to lawmakers began in the 1850s when Samuel Colt, the gunmaker, gifted guns to legislative leaders and their families, including a firearm to a congressman’s 12-year-old son.
Sources: The Center for Responsive Politics; RedState, WELOVEDEC; Bloomberg; and The Christian Science Monitor.
NEXT ARTICLE: The origins of lobbying disclosure laws.
February 21, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance ‘Soft Money’ Case a Test for Trump, Supreme Court by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA Missouri: Amid Greitens Mystery, Missouri Democrats Revive Inauguration Funding Disclosure Bill by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Ethics Americans Are Seriously Stressed […]
Campaign Finance
‘Soft Money’ Case a Test for Trump, Supreme Court by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Missouri: Amid Greitens Mystery, Missouri Democrats Revive Inauguration Funding Disclosure Bill by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Ethics
Americans Are Seriously Stressed Out About the Future of the Country, Survey Finds by Colby Itkowitz for The Washington Post
Democratic Party Chairs Struggle to Harness Activism Burst by Heidi Przybyla and Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
New Jersey: Judge: Bridge case complaint against Christie can proceed by David Porter (Associated Press) for ABC News
Pennsylvania: Closer Monitoring on Tap for City Council’s Ethics Training by Julia Terruso for Philadelphia Inquirer
South Carolina: SC Government Watchdog Crangle Takes New Post but Will Still Be Working General Assembly by John Monk for The State
Texas: Texas May Still Be Giving State-Funded Pension to Convicted Elected Officials by Jackie Wang for Texas Tribune
Lobbying
Hawaii: Tightening The Rules for Lobbyists by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat
Procurement
Arizona: Rival Sues Taser Over Loss of Phoenix Police Body-Cam Contract by Megan Cassidy for Arizona Republic
February 20, 2017 •
South Carolina Special Elections to be Held June 20
Special elections will be held on June 20, 2017, to fill vacancies in South Carolina state House Districts 48 and 70, as well as in the state’s 5th congressional district. District 70 was left vacant last week following the death […]
Special elections will be held on June 20, 2017, to fill vacancies in South Carolina state House Districts 48 and 70, as well as in the state’s 5th congressional district.
District 70 was left vacant last week following the death of state Rep. Joseph Neal.
State Rep. Ralph Norman, representing District 48, resigned his seat last week to run for South Carolina’s 5th congressional district.
Former U.S. Rep Mick Mulvaney vacated his District 5 seat when he was confirmed as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
February 20, 2017 •
South Carolina Lawmaker Resigns from State House to Run for U.S. Congress
State Rep. Ralph Norman resigned his seat last week to focus on his campaign for U.S. House. The move puts pressure on his colleague and current state House Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope to do the same. The men are […]
State Rep. Ralph Norman resigned his seat last week to focus on his campaign for U.S. House. The move puts pressure on his colleague and current state House Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope to do the same.
The men are among a half-dozen GOP candidates running to replace former U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney represented South Carolina’s congressional district until confirmed as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Norman’s move will save the taxpayers thousands of dollars if the election to fill his seat is held on the same day as the district race.
Pope is not planning to resign his House seat in light of the congressional race.
Photo of former State Rep. Ralph Norman from the South Carolina Legislature website.
February 20, 2017 •
Missouri Lawmakers Want Future Governors to Disclose Details of Inaugural Contributions
Missouri House Democrats have introduced a bill to require future governors to publicly disclose donations for gubernatorial inauguration activities. Lawmakers hope to eliminate the appearance of corruption by allowing Missourians to see how much money corporations and lobbyists donate to […]
Missouri House Democrats have introduced a bill to require future governors to publicly disclose donations for gubernatorial inauguration activities.
Lawmakers hope to eliminate the appearance of corruption by allowing Missourians to see how much money corporations and lobbyists donate to fund inaugural events.
Recently, Gov. Eric Greitens issued a list of benefactors who contributed to his inaugural celebration but refused to confirm how much was contributed by each donor and how much money was actually spent.
He formed a nonprofit to raise money for the inauguration and the contributions, therefore, were not subject to state campaign finance laws.
February 20, 2017 •
Vancouver, British Columbia Councilmember to Request Lobbyist Registry
On February 21, Vancouver, British Columbia, City Councilmember Andrea Reimer intends to request the Council consider a city lobbyist registry. In her notice of motion to the Council, Reimer is asking the municipal legislature to submit a request to the […]
On February 21, Vancouver, British Columbia, City Councilmember Andrea Reimer intends to request the Council consider a city lobbyist registry.
In her notice of motion to the Council, Reimer is asking the municipal legislature to submit a request to the province to allow municipalities the ability to register lobbyists, create rules for lobbyist’s conduct in their interactions with elected officials and public servants, and the ability to enforce those rules. Reimer also wants the city to investigate the city of Surrey’s current lobbyist registry to determine the cost impact and any other information Vancouver may find helpful.
British Columbia does not permit municipalities to use the provincial lobbyist registry and has not given municipalities the legal authority to enforce lobbyist rules.
February 20, 2017 •
New Brunswick Assembly Adjourns Until March 14
The Third Session of the 58th Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick adjourned on February 17. The legislature next meets on March 14, with an expected adjournment date of May 5. Lawmakers continued to consider governmental ethics legislation, including bills to […]
The Third Session of the 58th Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick adjourned on February 17. The legislature next meets on March 14, with an expected adjournment date of May 5.
Lawmakers continued to consider governmental ethics legislation, including bills to amend the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, the Lobbyists’ Registration Act, and the Crown Construction Contracts Act. On February 16, the Act to Amend the Political Process Financing Act, which would have prohibited political contributions from corporations and trade unions, was defeated.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.