August 17, 2017 •
FPPC Votes to Change Recall Election Campaign Finance Rule
On August 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) voted to reverse a longstanding rule that limited how much money politicians and their committees can give to a candidate-controlled recall committee. The 2002 FPPC opinion that was reversed by today’s […]
On August 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) voted to reverse a longstanding rule that limited how much money politicians and their committees can give to a candidate-controlled recall committee.
The 2002 FPPC opinion that was reversed by today’s vote limited politician contributions to candidate-controlled recall committees to $4,400.
The rule change now allows politicians to give unlimited amounts of money to help fight the recall of Democratic Senator Josh Newman.
Chair Jodi Remke was the only dissenting commissioner in the 3-1 final vote.
August 17, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Maine: “State Employees Union Could Drop ‘Fair Share’ Fees in Exchange For 6 Percent Raise” by Mal Leary for Maine Public Radio Campaign Finance Montana: […]
Lobbying
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Maine: “State Employees Union Could Drop ‘Fair Share’ Fees in Exchange For 6 Percent Raise” by Mal Leary for Maine Public Radio
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Former State Legislator Jailed After Refusing to Pay Fine in Political Corruption Case” by Tom Lutey for Billings Gazette
Oregon: “Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Ethics
“Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville” by Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan for New York Times
California: “Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Pennsylvania: “State Rep. Marc Gergely Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges” by Kate Giammarise and Liz Navratil for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Elections
“In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking” by Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins for New York Times
“Roy Moore and Luther Strange Head for G.O.P. Runoff in Alabama Senate Race” by Jonathan Martin and Alan Blinder for New York Times
Redistricting
Texas: “Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map” by Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
August 16, 2017 •
Anaheim, CA Adopts Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Ordinance
On August 15, the Anaheim City Council adopted an ethics and lobbying ordinance. The ordinance imposes a two-year revolving door restriction and requires lobbyist registration and quarterly reporting. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after passage on September […]
On August 15, the Anaheim City Council adopted an ethics and lobbying ordinance.
The ordinance imposes a two-year revolving door restriction and requires lobbyist registration and quarterly reporting. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after passage on September 14.
City Council is also expected to consider additional amendments to broaden the new ordinance in 90 days.
August 16, 2017 •
Texas Special Session Adjourns Sine Die
The Texas Legislature ended its special legislative session abruptly Tuesday night without a resolution on Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority of property tax reform. The House adjourned earlier in the day leaving the Senate to accept their version of the […]
The Texas Legislature ended its special legislative session abruptly Tuesday night without a resolution on Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority of property tax reform.
The House adjourned earlier in the day leaving the Senate to accept their version of the property tax reform bill or not pass one. The Senate did not accept the House version and the session ended without fanfare.
Some Senators are calling for Gov. Abbott to call a second special session solely for the issue.
About half of the session’s 20-item agenda was accomplished, including the passage of several sunset bills.
August 16, 2017 •
Republicans to Hold Runoff Election in Alabama
Appointed U.S. Senator Luther Strange and former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore will be going head-to-head on September 26 because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round of the Republican primary […]
Appointed U.S. Senator Luther Strange and former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore will be going head-to-head on September 26 because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round of the Republican primary election.
President Trump and establishment Republicans have lined up behind Strange, but Moore has wide appeal among religious conservatives across the Yellowhammer State.
The winner of the runoff election will face Democrat Doug Jones, a former U.S. Attorney who coasted to victory in the first round, on December 12.
August 16, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance California: “John Chiang Helped Award Millions in Tax Breaks to His Developer Donors” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee Ethics “Trump Defends Initial Remarks on Charlottesville; Again Blames ‘Both Sides’” by Michael Shear and Maggie Haberman for New […]
Campaign Finance
California: “John Chiang Helped Award Millions in Tax Breaks to His Developer Donors” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee
Ethics
“Trump Defends Initial Remarks on Charlottesville; Again Blames ‘Both Sides’” by Michael Shear and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
“After Charlottesville, Trump Retweets – Then Deletes – Image of Train Running Over CNN Reporter” by David Nakamura and Aaron Davis for Washington Post
“New on This Fall’s Law School Syllabus: Trump” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
“Tech Firm Is Fighting a Federal Order for Data on Visitors to an Anti-Trump Website” by Ellen Nakashima for Washington Post
“FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’” by Sean Rossman for USA Today
Oregon: “Campaign to Taint Courtroom Foe Costs Saxton Post at OHA” by Jeff Manning for Portland Oregonian
Elections
“Trump Campaign Emails Show Aide’s Repeated Efforts to Set Up Russia Meetings” by Tom Hamburger, Carol Leonnig, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Redistricting Criteria Call for Partisan Maps, No Consideration of Race” by Travis Fain and Laura Leslie for WRAL
August 15, 2017 •
Saskatchewan September Special Election to Fill Vacant MLA Seat
On August 11, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall called a special election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jennifer Campeau. MLA Campeau resigned in June from the Legislative Assembly to work for […]
On August 11, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall called a special election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jennifer Campeau.
MLA Campeau resigned in June from the Legislative Assembly to work for Rio Tinto, a mining company in British Columbia.
The riding of Saskatoon Fairview will be held on September 7.
August 15, 2017 •
Tuesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown […]
Lobbying
Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch
Campaign Finance
California: “Voting Rights Group Fined for Not Disclosing Union Support for Ballot Measures” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune
Tennessee: “Election Registry Advises Tennessee Lawmakers Not to Use Campaign Funds for Living Expenses” by Jordan Buie for The Tennessean
Ethics
“How a Conservative TV Giant Is Ridding Itself of Regulation” by Cecilia Kang, Eric Lipton, and Sydney Ember for New York Times
“Mueller Is Said to Seek Interviews with West Wing in Russia Case” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
New York: “Dan Squadron Fought the LLC Loophole and the Loophole Won” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette
Elections
“Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire” by Lauren Dezenski for Politico
August 14, 2017 •
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall to Leave Politics
In a video posted on YouTube, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall announced he is retiring from politics. Wall will be leaving his office once the conservative Saskatchewan party, which controls the Legislative Assembly, selects a new leader. In the video, posted […]
In a video posted on YouTube, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall announced he is retiring from politics.
Wall will be leaving his office once the conservative Saskatchewan party, which controls the Legislative Assembly, selects a new leader.
In the video, posted on August 10 and entitled “Thank you, Saskatchewan,” Wall said, “Saskatchewan needs renewal: a fresh perspective in leadership.”
View the video below:
August 14, 2017 •
Monday’s State Government and Ethics News
Ethics “Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times “Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier […]
Ethics
“Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times
“Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC
California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier Meals to L.A. Schools Charged with Mishandling District Funds” by James Queally for Los Angeles Times
District of Columbia: “ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Former Anne Arundel Judicial Candidate Sues State for Defamation” by Phil Davis for Capital Gazette
South Carolina: “Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case” by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier
Texas: “House Member’s Ties to Utility Districts Raise Ethical Questions” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
Maine: “New Subpoena Seeks York County Casino Supporter’s Personal Financial Records” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
Lobbying
Florida: “Brevard County Commission Unanimously Backs Pursuing Code of Ethics” Dave Berman for Florida Today
Utah: “Former Utah Senator Criticizes ‘Secretive,’ ‘Puppet-String’ Lobbying by Mormon Church” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
Legislative Issues
“Nebraska’s Flag Lacks Pizazz. The Hard Part Is Changing It.” by Mitch Smith for New York Times
August 11, 2017 •
Petition Filed to Recall Nevada Senator
A former Nevada Republican Assemblyman filed a recall petition with the Nevada Secretary of State this month seeking to recall Democratic Senator Joyce Woodhouse and replace her with her Republican opponent from the 2016 election. Under Nevada law, petitioners are […]
A former Nevada Republican Assemblyman filed a recall petition with the Nevada Secretary of State this month seeking to recall Democratic Senator Joyce Woodhouse and replace her with her Republican opponent from the 2016 election.
Under Nevada law, petitioners are not required to give a reason for submitting a recall petition. Although no reason was cited in the filed petition, a registered voter said a signature-gatherer seeking support for the petition stated it stemmed from Sen. Joyce’s support of a sanctuary city bill during the 2016 legislative session.
The petition needs signatures from 25 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the Senate District 5 election in 2016 to have a special election.
August 11, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – August 11, 2017
Becky Campbell is here to help you sort through all the state government ethics news from a busy week in this week’s video digest.
Becky Campbell is here to help you sort through all the state government ethics news from a busy week in this week’s video digest.
August 11, 2017 •
Los Angeles City Council Seeking Disclosure Ordinance for Contractors Working on Border Wall
The Los Angeles City Council voted to draft a law that would require contractors doing business with the city to disclose whether they have any contracts connected with the proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States. The current […]
The Los Angeles City Council voted to draft a law that would require contractors doing business with the city to disclose whether they have any contracts connected with the proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States.
The current proposal would not ban companies working on the wall from doing business with Los Angeles, but many council members said it would be a factor they could consider when voting on city contracts.
The City Council voted 13-0 to have city attorneys draft the ordinance. Once drafting is complete, the council will consider the ordinance for approval.
August 11, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 11, 2017
National: Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017 Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up […]
National:
Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere
Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017
Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up as the gold standard for policymakers looking to shine a light on the often murky industry. Calls for transparency are growing louder across Europe. Ireland’s experience, say proponents of the law, has dispelled worries that tough lobbying rules would cripple the industry or limit the ability of politicians to do their job.
Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are
New York Times – Kevin Roos | Published: 8/6/2017
As television, radio, and newspapers give way to the power of social media, today’s political donor class is throwing its weight behind a new group of partisan organizations that specialize in creating catchy, highly shareable messages for Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms. Viral media expertise is emerging as a crucial skill for political operatives, and as donors look to replicate the success of the social media sloganeers who helped lift Donald Trump to victory, they are seeking out talented meme makers.
Federal:
FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/9/2017
Investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller searched the Alexandria, Virginia, home of President Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, for documents related to tax, banking, and other matters. Mueller is investigating an array of allegations about Manafort, including work for the Ukrainian government and his role in a 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians promising to share damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Manafort had previously given documents voluntarily to the congressional committees investigating Russia’s election meddling, including possible collusion with members of Trump’s campaign.
How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence
Washington Post – Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 8/7/2017
The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. has emerged as a Republican Party power center. And for the first time, a profit-making venture touts the name of a U.S. president in its gold signage. The hotel has become a symbol of the tangled ethical questions posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Critics have charged that anyone seeking favor from the White House has an incentive to stay in rooms that can be booked for $400 per night or more. Trump tried to address ethical concerns by turning over the hotel’s management to his two eldest sons and vowing to take no hotel profits during his tenure. But he retained his ownership interest, allowing him to eventually profit from the holdings.
Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In
Politico – Carrie Levine | Published: 8/4/2017
An analysis of campaign finance data indicates Democrats and Republicans are now aggressively trafficking in a new, and perfectly legal, kind of soft money, enabled by a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the latest in a series eviscerating major parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In a fundraising environment that had come to be dominated by super PACs, it is helping national political parties regain some relevancy after years of declining power. It’s also reviving an era when politicians were able to directly solicit large checks from donors on behalf of the political parties.
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions
Los Angeles Times – Alene Tchekmedyian | Published: 8/7/2017
A Santa Monica hotel is facing a $310,000 fine for improperly concealing donations to local candidates in hopes of preserving the property’s Pacific Ocean views. The California Fair Political Practices Commission said it would be the second largest fine in the agency’s history. The Huntley Hotel reimbursed individuals and local businesses for $97,350 in campaign contributions to candidates for Santa Monica City Council that it believed would oppose the expansion of a neighboring hotel so its name would not show up on disclosure reports. The commission will vote on whether to accept the settlement at its August 17 meeting.
Illinois: Emanuel Warns Those Emailing Him for Favors about Chicago’s ‘Strict Lobbyist Rules’
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 8/9/2017
The hard line drawn by the Chicago Board of Ethics has not discouraged a few powerful people from attempting to influence Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, so much so that Emanuel has warned a few of them about the line they were about to cross. The Chicago Tribune found Emanuel’s personal email accounts had served as a private avenue of influence for those who sought action from – or access to – the mayor. The board issued fines for eight lobbying violations tied to the emails. Amid the added public scrutiny, Emanuel cautioned a real estate executive and longtime political ally about making requests of him and cited the city’s “strict lobbyist rules” in one exchange.
Kentucky: Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 8/4/2017
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin won a property tax dispute that had prompted two ethics complaints from people who questioned whether the governor and his wife got a sweetheart deal when buying their new home. The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals agreed with the value an appraiser hired by Bevin’s team had placed on the property that includes the governor’s home. The board determined the price Bevin paid for part of the property was above market value. The ruling seemed to vindicate Bevin, who has said for months that he bought the home for more than it was worth.
New York: JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 8/8/2017
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted to move forward in the process of implementing several regulations at a recent meeting, including broad lobbying guidelines that have been long in the works. The regulations still need to go through the rule-making process where the public will have a final chance to weigh in on them before formal adoption. The commission also voted to move forward with regulations laying out the amended requirements for what information lobbying groups must disclose about their donors.
Oregon: State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit
Portland Tribune – Nick Budnick | Published: 8/4/2017
There was a state government-funded public relations plan to demean a Portland-area healthcare nonprofit in a court battle over whether the Oregon Health Authority is giving FamilyCare a fair rate of reimbursement for its care of low-income Medicaid patients. FamilyCare been the most vocal coordinated care organization, often accusing state officials of incompetence or seeking to do the nonprofit harm, including in the pending litigation. The company’s critics call it excessively combative.
Pennsylvania: Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 8/7/2017
A payoff highlighted in the indictment against Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was a $5,000 night on the town, complete with tickets to a sold-out Philadelphia Eagles playoff game and a pricey dinner. Prosecutors say the mayor pressured two businesspeople seeking city contracts to pay for his night out. The incident has also placed a spotlight on another elected officeholder now poised to be a key witness should the case go to trial. Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, who before assuming his post in 2015 worked as a lawyer under contract with municipalities across the region, admits he and a business partner picked up the tab for that 2014 evening. They also poured $14,000 more into Pawlowski’s campaign coffers in pursuit of a $3 million tax-collection contract they ultimately won.
Rhode Island: City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist
WPRI – Dan McGowan | Published: 8/8/2017
Rhode Island’s legislative session is over, but a firm hired by the Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s office to lobby the General Assembly still has not been paid. City Treasurer James Lombardi said Monday he has not cut a $36,000 check to Government Strategies because the administration never asked the city’s Board of Contract and Supply for approval to hire the firm. Lombardi contends that all city contracts worth more than $5,000 must be approved by the board before he releases a payment. He said he does not believe the lobbying contract needs to go out to bid, but the board does need to vote in favor of the agreement.
Texas: Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?
Texas Tribune – Neil Thomas | Published: 8/9/2017
In Texas, lawmakers earn just $7,200 per year as part-time public servants. They all have regular jobs, and some of them have business relationships with public entities that depend on the Legislature to approve their budgets, decide how much taxpayer money they receive, and pass the laws that regulate their operations. Some of those entities owe their very existence to the Legislature. Under state ethics laws, such apparent conflicts-of-interest are not prohibited. Lawmakers are banned from doing business with the state or counties, but only when that business relationship is specifically approved by legislation while they are serving at the Capitol.
Utah: Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office
Cache Valley Daily; Associated Press – | Published: 8/3/2017
Utah lawmakers recommended the Mormon church’s chief lobbyist for a top job overseeing the state Legislature’s office that drafts laws, gives legal advice, and staffs committees. The appointment illustrates what is sometimes seen as a thin line between Utah’s government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith to which most state lawmakers and residents belong. John Cannon’s nomination to head up the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel seems far too cozy and perpetuates a national impression the Mormon church runs the Utah Legislature, said the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
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