August 11, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “How Think Tanks Amplify Corporate America’s Influence” by Eric Lipton and Brooke Williams for New York Times Florida: “County Ballot Measure on Campaign Finance Delayed to 2018” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald Campaign Finance “Facebook May Soon Have […]
Lobbying
“How Think Tanks Amplify Corporate America’s Influence” by Eric Lipton and Brooke Williams for New York Times
Florida: “County Ballot Measure on Campaign Finance Delayed to 2018” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Campaign Finance
“Facebook May Soon Have More Power Over Elections Than The FEC. Are We Ready?” by Nathaniel Persily for Washington Post
Missouri: “Contribution Limits, Tobacco Tax Increase Gain Enough Signatures to Appear on Missouri Ballot” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Ethics
“Emails Renew Questions About Clinton Foundation and State Dept. Overlap” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
New Jersey: “Christie Rejects Claim He Lied about Bridgegate” by Dustin Racioppi and Bob Jordan for Asbury Park Press
Elections
“Donald Trump Suggests ‘Second Amendment People’ Could Act Against Hillary Clinton” by Nick Corasaniti and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
California: “‘It Became a Price War’: Signature gatherers rake in top dollar with crowded field of ballot initiatives” by Christine Mai-Duc for Los Angeles Times
Wisconsin: “In Wisconsin, a Controversial Voter ID Law Could Help Choose the President” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
California: “California High Court Says Legislators’ Votes Are Protected by Free Speech Rights” by Maura Dolan for Los Angeles Times
A special primary election will be held on September 13, 2016, to fill a general election ballot vacancy for Ohio’s 8th Congressional District. Democratic nominee Corey Foister withdrew from the race to pursue an out-of-state opportunity he said he couldn’t […]
A special primary election will be held on September 13, 2016, to fill a general election ballot vacancy for Ohio’s 8th Congressional District.
Democratic nominee Corey Foister withdrew from the race to pursue an out-of-state opportunity he said he couldn’t pass up.
Steven Fought, a former congressional staffer from Toledo, was the only Democrat to file for the special election ballot. In November, he will challenge recently elected Republican U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson for the seat in former House Speaker John Boehner’s district. Davidson won a June 7 special election to complete Boehner’s term and is seeking a full term in November.
August 10, 2016 •
Connecticut Gov. Wants to Cut Budgets Amid Investigations
Gov. Dannel Malloy’s administration announced they are cutting the budgets for the state’s watchdog agencies. The Office of State Ethics, the Freedom of Information Commission, and the State Elections Enforcement Commission will be subject to shrinking budgets at a time […]
Gov. Dannel Malloy’s administration announced they are cutting the budgets for the state’s watchdog agencies. The Office of State Ethics, the Freedom of Information Commission, and the State Elections Enforcement Commission will be subject to shrinking budgets at a time when the governor’s office is facing investigations from two of the agencies.
Just months ago, Malloy’s administration stated the agencies would not face cuts, but reversed its position soon after the Office of State Ethics voted to investigate the administration’s hiring of a former lobbyist to lead the regulatory review of a former client’s proposed merger. The timing has led to talk of the cuts being a form of retribution.
The State Elections Enforcement Commission also just levied a $325,000 penalty against Malloy’s state Democratic Party for pay-to-play violations, the subject of a new federal grand jury investigation. Heads of the agencies argue, however, the cuts are illegal under a 2004 law meant to prevent unilateral action by the governor.
August 10, 2016 •
Missouri Gubernatorial Candidate Supports Proposed Limits on Campaign Contributions
Missouri gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster has thrown his support behind a November ballot initiative aimed at reinstating campaign contributions limits. While he served in the state Senate, Koster voted twice to remove the limits and has since opposed multiple attempts […]
Missouri gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster has thrown his support behind a November ballot initiative aimed at reinstating campaign contributions limits.
While he served in the state Senate, Koster voted twice to remove the limits and has since opposed multiple attempts to reinstate them. He claims his change of heart is a result of a shift in the way Missouri campaigns are funded.
A decade ago, there were few, if any, large contributions; he believed removing limits would improve transparency. Now, however, it is not uncommon to see seven-figure contributions funneling through committees, with no mechanism to effectively identify the original contributors.
The proposed ballot measure would ban direct corporate and labor union contributions and limit individual and committee contributions to statewide candidates to $2,600 per election. Contributions to political parties would be capped at $25,000 per election.
The measure was certified for the November ballot, but still must overcome a legal challenge.
August 10, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “AARP to Withdraw from Controversial Conservative Group Amid Rising Pressure” by David Marans for Huffington Post Kansas: “Kansas Boy Suffered Fatal Neck Injury on Waterslide” by The Associated Press for WIBW New York: “Sparks at JCOPE Over Retroactive Donor […]
Lobbying
“AARP to Withdraw from Controversial Conservative Group Amid Rising Pressure” by David Marans for Huffington Post
Kansas: “Kansas Boy Suffered Fatal Neck Injury on Waterslide” by The Associated Press for WIBW
New York: “Sparks at JCOPE Over Retroactive Donor Disclosure” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“How the Internet Could Democratize Campaign Spending” by Bob Biersack for Washington Post
“Trump Embraces Fundraising, Not Transparency” by Shane Goldmacher for Politico
Ethics
Alabama: “Mike Hubbard Seeks New Trial on Ethics Charges” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Illinois: “Judge Denies Blagojevich’s Bid to Lighten 14-Year Sentence” by Michael Tarm and Sara Burnett (Associated Press) for ABC News
Oregon: “Oregon Elections Director Resigned Amid an Investigation into Inappropriate Comments” by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Convicted of Felony Tax Fraud” by The Associated Press for ABC News
Procurement
Indiana: “Ethics Concerns Prompt IPS to Drop Plan to Purchase Testing Software” by Chelsea Schneider for Indianapolis Star
August 9, 2016 •
JCOPE Passes Regulations in Anticipation of Senate Bill 8160
JCOPE unanimously passed “emergency” regulations in anticipation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing Senate Bill 8160. Under Senate Bill 8160, any charitable organization donating over $2,500 to New York lobbying campaigns would be required to disclose all of its donors, including […]
JCOPE unanimously passed “emergency” regulations in anticipation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing Senate Bill 8160. Under Senate Bill 8160, any charitable organization donating over $2,500 to New York lobbying campaigns would be required to disclose all of its donors, including those unrelated to lobbying efforts.
JCOPE’s new regulations mostly mirror Senate Bill 8160, as any issue-oriented lobbying groups expending more than $15,000 a year would be required to disclose donors of more than $2,500.
The regulations become effective, if and when, Cuomo signs Senate Bill 8160. If Senate Bill 8160 is signed into law, the new reporting thresholds will retroactively include donations and lobbying spending beginning July 1, 2016.
August 9, 2016 •
GoFundMe Contributions to Kansas Lawmaker Subject to Gift Limit
The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission has issued guidance relating to gifts to public officials following the tragic death of a state lawmaker’s son. State Rep. Scott Schwab’s son, Caleb, died Sunday from injuries sustained while on a waterslide at a […]
The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission has issued guidance relating to gifts to public officials following the tragic death of a state lawmaker’s son.
State Rep. Scott Schwab’s son, Caleb, died Sunday from injuries sustained while on a waterslide at a Kansas City waterpark.
The commission announced any contributions from lobbyists to a GoFundMe campaign set up for the family would be subject to the state’s $40-per-year limit on gifts. Lobbyists must also report their contributions to the state.
Photo of Rep. Scott Schwab courtesy of the Kansas State Legislature website.
August 9, 2016 •
Have a coffee on us at NCSL 2016!
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of coffee at the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit! Stop by the coffee table and say hello!
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of coffee at the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit! Stop by the coffee table and say hello!
August 9, 2016 •
See Us Live at NCSL 2016 in Chicago!
State and Federal Communications is at NCSL 2016, August 8-11 in Chicago! Enjoy this live broadcast from our webcam at our booth #413. Marketing Videos
August 9, 2016 •
The Dream Team is Back!
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications offered her expertise on the government relations “Dream Team” at the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit in Chicago. Bartz was joined by Brad Smith from the Center for Competitive Politics and […]
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications offered her expertise on the government relations “Dream Team” at the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit in Chicago. Bartz was joined by Brad Smith from the Center for Competitive Politics and Alexis Stangl, Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis, Minnesota. Here are some photos from their session, Campaign Finance: What It All Means.
August 9, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Think Tank Scholar or Corporate Consultant? It Depends on the Day” by Eric Lipton, Nicholas Confessore, and Brooke Williams for New York Times Tennessee: “Texts Show Ex-Haslam Aide’s Chats During Cooling Off Period” by Dave Boucher and Nate Rau […]
Lobbying
“Think Tank Scholar or Corporate Consultant? It Depends on the Day” by Eric Lipton, Nicholas Confessore, and Brooke Williams for New York Times
Tennessee: “Texts Show Ex-Haslam Aide’s Chats During Cooling Off Period” by Dave Boucher and Nate Rau for The Tennessean
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “How the University of Alabama System Funneled $1.4 Million Through a ‘Dark Money’ Web” by Connor Sheets for AL.com
Ethics
California: “Stockton Mayor Arrested, Accused of Holding Strip Poker Game at Youth Camp” by Nashelly Chavez and Bill Lendelof for Sacramento Bee
Florida: “First Opa-locka Administrator Charged in Major FBI Corruption Probe” by Jay Weaver and Michael Sallah for Miami Herald
Hawaii: “How Ethics Commission Upheaval Is Playing Out in The Mayor’s Race” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Attorney General Goes on Trial in Leak Case” by David Dekok for Reuters
Elections
“The Crusade of a Democratic Superlawyer with Multimillion-Dollar Backing” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
“How Will the Internet Change Political Advertising?” by Robert Gebelhoff for Washington Post
Procurement
District of Columbia: “Vincent Orange to Resign from D.C. Council After Fury Over Chamber of Commerce Job” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
August 8, 2016 •
Pennsylvania Governor, Lawmakers Agree to Hold a Special Session
Gov. Tom Wolf and lawmakers have agreed a special session is necessary to confront the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and illegal opioids. Last year, 3,300 people died in Pennsylvania, and this year the number is expected to grow. […]
Gov. Tom Wolf and lawmakers have agreed a special session is necessary to confront the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and illegal opioids.
Last year, 3,300 people died in Pennsylvania, and this year the number is expected to grow.
The session will focus on creating a comprehensive approach to treating those with substance abuse disorders, including alternatives to prison. No date has been set for the special session, but it is expected to be this fall.
August 8, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Fueled by Small Donations, Donald Trump Makes Up Major Financial Ground” by Nicholas Confessore and Nick Corasaniti for New York Times New Jersey: “Extortion or Politics? A Detailed Look at Sweeney’s Claim vs. Unions’ Pension Threats” by Susan Livio (NJ […]
Campaign Finance
“Fueled by Small Donations, Donald Trump Makes Up Major Financial Ground” by Nicholas Confessore and Nick Corasaniti for New York Times
New Jersey: “Extortion or Politics? A Detailed Look at Sweeney’s Claim vs. Unions’ Pension Threats” by Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) for NJ.com
Ethics
California: “The Coliseum Case is the Latest Embarrassment for D.A.’s Corruption Unit” by Paul Pringle and Rong-Gong Lin II for Los Angeles Times
Connecticut: “Budget Director: Governor Can Cut Watchdog Agencies’ Funding” by Susan Haigh (Associated Press) for Washington Times
District of Columbia: “D.C. Council Member Tries to Tamp Down Furor Over Conflict of Interest” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
Hawaii: “Yamane Heads City Ethics Panel” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat
Virginia: “Former Va. First Lady Maureen McDonnell’s Corruption Case on Hold” by Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
Virginia: “DC-Area Mayor Faces Drug Charges After Meth-for-Sex Sting” by Matthew Barakat (Associated Press) for ABC News
Elections
“Democrats, Looking Past Mere Victory, Hope to End the Trump Movement” by Amy Chozick for New York Times
“U.S. Seeks to Protect Voting System from Cyberattacks” by Julie Hirschfeld Davis for New York Times
Kansas: “Kansas Republicans Reject Gov. Sam Brownback’s Conservatives in Primary” by Mitch Smith for New York Times
Tennessee: “A Lawmaker Was Jailed for Stealing Campaign Signs. His Bail Came from a Surprising Source” by Lindsey Bever for Washington Post
August 5, 2016 •
See You at NCSL!
We are on our way to the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit in Chicago! See you there!
We are on our way to the NCSL 2016 Legislative Summit in Chicago! See you there!
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.
