May 5, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Tennessee: “Out-of-State Groups Seek Influence in Tennessee” by Tom Humphrey (Knoxville News Sentinel) for The Tennessean Campaign Finance “Hollywood Bundlers Are Losing the Spotlight” by Todd Purdum for Politico “F.E.C. Can’t Curb 2016 Election Abuse, Commission Chief Says” by […]
Lobbying
Tennessee: “Out-of-State Groups Seek Influence in Tennessee” by Tom Humphrey (Knoxville News Sentinel) for The Tennessean
Campaign Finance
“Hollywood Bundlers Are Losing the Spotlight” by Todd Purdum for Politico
“F.E.C. Can’t Curb 2016 Election Abuse, Commission Chief Says” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
California: “L.A. Port Police Chief Indicted in Alleged Fraud Scheme” by Matt Hamilton for Los Angeles Times
Connecticut: “Wolcott Man Gets Prison in Chris Donovan Campaign Case” by Nicholas Rondinone for Hartford Courant
New Jersey: “Chris Christie Vetoes Anti-Corruption Law to Limit Wall Street Campaign Cash” by David Sirota and Andrew Perez for International Business Times
New Jersey: “State of Corruption: N.J.’s most infamous political scandals” by Jonathan Salant (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger
New Jersey: “Key Christie Ally Pleads Guilty to Role in Bridgegate, Two Others Indicted” by Rosalind Helderman and Robert Costa for Washington Post
New York: “Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, and Son Are Arrested on Corruption Charges” by William Rashbaum, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Elections
“Ben Carson Says He’ll Seek 2016 G.O.P. Nomination” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
“Carly Fiorina Announces 2016 Presidential Bid” by Amy Chozik for New York Times
Legislative Issues
“Antagonist-in-Chief Stickland Faces His Foes” by Morgan Smith for Texas Tribune
May 4, 2015 •
Amber Fish Linke to Present Public Affairs Council Webinar
Amber Fish Linke, Director of Client and Product Operations at State and Federal Communications, will be offering her expert advice for the Public Affairs Council webinar The Do’s and Don’ts of State-Level Compliance on May 7, at 2:00 p.m. The […]
Amber Fish Linke, Director of Client and Product Operations at State and Federal Communications, will be offering her expert advice for the Public Affairs Council webinar The Do’s and Don’ts of State-Level Compliance on May 7, at 2:00 p.m.
The program will cover how to remain compliant with pay-to-play, campaign finance, lobbying, PAC management, and procurement laws in the 50 states.
May 4, 2015 •
John Hockenberry Is Coming to Akron!
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the WKSU John Hockenberry event, which is coming to Akron and Kent on May 7! The award-winning journalist and host of The Takeaway will be appearing at WKSU for […]
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the WKSU John Hockenberry event, which is coming to Akron and Kent on May 7! The award-winning journalist and host of The Takeaway will be appearing at WKSU for the morning broadcast of the radio program and at the Actors’ Summit in Akron at 7:30 p.m.
May 4, 2015 •
Florida Senate Joins House in Adjournment
The Florida Senate adjourned sine die on May 1, 2015, three days after the House abruptly ended its session early citing an impasse with the Senate over budget issues. Senate democrats, believing the move was in violation of the state […]
The Florida Senate adjourned sine die on May 1, 2015, three days after the House abruptly ended its session early citing an impasse with the Senate over budget issues.
Senate democrats, believing the move was in violation of the state constitution, filed a lawsuit with the state supreme court seeking a writ of mandamus to order the House back into session. While the court agreed the early adjournment was a clear violation, all seven justices concurred there was no plausible way to order the House back with so little time left in the session.
Nonetheless, democratic leaders lauded the ruling as important guidance for the future.
May 4, 2015 •
Idaho Governor Calls Special Session
Gov. Butch Otter announced a special legislative session will begin on May 18, 2015. After adjourning in early April, lawmakers will return to resolve amendments to a child support law. The law is a prerequisite for receiving federal funds to […]
Gov. Butch Otter announced a special legislative session will begin on May 18, 2015. After adjourning in early April, lawmakers will return to resolve amendments to a child support law.
The law is a prerequisite for receiving federal funds to assist in child support enforcement.
Legislators have until June 12 to come to an agreement.
Photo of the Idaho State Capitol by Maxbatt in Wikimedia Commons.
May 4, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying New York: “Education Groups Were Top Lobbyists of 2014” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union Campaign Finance “FEC Decision May Allow More Foreign Money in U.S. Votes, Critics Say” by Michelle Conlin and Lucas Iberico Lozada for Reuters […]
Lobbying
New York: “Education Groups Were Top Lobbyists of 2014” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“FEC Decision May Allow More Foreign Money in U.S. Votes, Critics Say” by Michelle Conlin and Lucas Iberico Lozada for Reuters
“Scott Walker’s Strength in Donors” by Derek Willis for New York Times
Missouri: “A Mega Donor’s Influence in Missouri Politics” by Steven Anthony for KBIA
New Jersey: “N.J. Supreme Court Won’t Hear Sharpe James’s Bridgegate Argument, Campaign Cash Appeal” by Bill Wichert for Newark Star-Ledger
Ethics
“FDA Could Approve Drugs for New Uses on Less Data: Draft law” by Toni Clarke for Reuters
New York: “JCOPE Watchdog Denies Conflict as Attorney” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Washington: “WaLeg: Rep. Fagan faces ethics charges, will resign” by Jim Camden for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Elections
“Bernie Sanders Brings Liberal Zeal in Challenge to Hillary Clinton” by Jonathan Topaz for Politico
Procurement
New Mexico: “Review: Former Albuquerque police chief may have violated ethics rules with no-bid Taser deal” by Ryan Foley and Vik Jolly (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
May 1, 2015 •
Our May Photo Scrapbook
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
![Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, and Amber Fish Linke, Director of Client and Product Operations, attended the 2015 SGAC National Summit in Nashville, Tennessee.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0365_lr.jpg)
![State and Federal Communications received the NEO Success Award. This program annually recognizes the top-performing companies in Northeast Ohio and reflects the determination to expand and revitalize the area's economic status. Bartz believes the demonstration of its core values sets the company apart from other similar small businesses, and those values are the ingredients needed to shift the direction Ohio is heading with diversity in the workplace. [l-r: Dan Frydl, Marketing and Sales Manager and Elizabeth Z. Bartz, President and CEO]](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/NEO-Award._lr.jpg)
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
![Elizabeth Bartz and Becky](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Becky_lr.jpg)
![Megan_lr](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Megan_lr.jpg)
![Elizabeth with with Renold Koozer, Executive Director](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DSC02473_lr.jpg)
May 1, 2015 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our May calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello! April 27, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC May 6, 2015 WGR Spring Reception at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC May […]
Here is our May calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello!
April 27, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 6, 2015 WGR Spring Reception at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC
May 7, 2015 State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s DC Dialogue: A Conversation about Ethics and Campaigns, Washington, DC
May 7, 2015 John Hockenberry at WKSU, Akron, Ohio
May 11, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 12, 2015 Go Red for Women, Akron, Ohio
May 14-16, 2015 Women in Government – Western Regional Conference, Denver, Colorado
June 4-6, 2015 NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado
May 1, 2015 •
Treatment and Support
More than 26,000 Summit County (Ohio) residents and their families turn to the ADM (Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health) Board for treatment and support. The care runs through their lifespan: from services and programs for toddlers to older adults. ADM […]
More than 26,000 Summit County (Ohio) residents and their families turn to the ADM (Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health) Board for treatment and support. The care runs through their lifespan: from services and programs for toddlers to older adults. ADM provides preventive and treatment services, housing support, employment assistance, transportation, respite, peer support, recreation, and education services.
How does State and Federal Communications, Inc. help ADM? We contribute annually to its ADM Recovery Challenge 5K. The campaign helps raise money for when ADM has to go to the ballot and ask the Summit County voters to vote to support the levy. The State of Ohio allows the County Board of Elections to charge the groups going on the ballots so ADM needs to raise even more money.
Why am I bringing this up? Because your county has some form of an ADM program helping those who cannot help themselves. The road to recovery is challenged by many obstacles. In recognizing the challenges of recovery, ADM provides this obstacle course for fun competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. The obstacles included in this race course metaphorically represent the challenges persons often face during the process of recovery from an addition or mental health condition.
There are always ways to help in your own community. Help those less fortunate. It is amazing how appreciative the group is towards your involvement. Until next month, make a change for yourself and for your community.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz
May 1, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 1, 2015
Federal: Collapse of Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Shows Limits of Lobbying Politico – Tony Romm and Alex Byers | Published: 4/24/2015 Comcast spends more than any other company lobbying Washington, D.C. Its chief executive officer has golfed with President Barack Obama, […]
Federal:
Collapse of Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Shows Limits of Lobbying
Politico – Tony Romm and Alex Byers | Published: 4/24/2015
Comcast spends more than any other company lobbying Washington, D.C. Its chief executive officer has golfed with President Barack Obama, and its executives raise cash for Democrats. But the strategy did not work as the largest U.S. cable company dropped its merger with Time Warner Cable over continued opposition from Congress and federal regulators. Two agencies had balked at the $45.2 billion proposed merger in a twist of the narrative that says deep connections guarantee big results in Washington. “It’s nice to see that even an effective, very well-funded, pervasive lobbying campaign cannot win when it was wrong,” said Ed Black, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association.
Never Before Have So Many People with So Much Money Run for President
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Ed O’Keefe | Published: 4/27/2015
Some political operatives say 2016 could be the first presidential race in the modern era in which a candidate does not need to win Iowa or New Hampshire to prevail. Strong showings in those early states historically translated into much-needed financial momentum. But this time, wealthy patrons might keep their favorite picks aloft through independent spending. The political money boom is being driven largely by super PACs, which can collect unlimited donations from individuals and corporations. The groups are supposed to operate independently from the candidates they support, but in this race, they are functioning as de facto arms of the campaigns.
States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says
Los Angeles Times – David Savage | Published: 4/29/2015
A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can limit judicial candidates’ ability to personally appeal for donations, a rare victory for supporters of campaign finance limits. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal justices in the decision to uphold a Florida prohibition on such personal solicitations, saying states have a compelling interest in “preserving the public confidence in the integrity of its judiciary.” The ruling was an outlier for the high court and for Roberts himself, who supported decisions over the past six years that have opened the floodgates on political spending and given rise to super PACs.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – For Statewide Change, Advocates Are Making Their Battles Local
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 4/24/2015
Whether the subject is plastic grocery bags or soda taxes, some of California’s most compelling policy battles are occurring not in the Capitol but in City Halls and county seats. Local governments are increasingly a staging ground for issues such as the regulation of electronic cigarettes, limits on payday lenders, and fracking moratoriums. The local efforts can prod the state Legislature to act. Political operatives who bypass Sacramento are waging their local campaigns with data-driven sophistication.
Florida – Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable
Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet | Published: 4/28/2015
The Florida House abruptly and unilaterally adjourned on April 28, ending the legislative session before the scheduled date and leaving dozens of major bills dead and escalating tensions between the House and Senate over their health care stalemate. It marked the first time in Florida’s modern history that one chamber shut down and went home on a different day than the other in a regular session. The presiding officers of each chamber must now agree to come back in special session in order to complete the state budget, the only bill they are required to pass each year by the June 30 deadline, or Gov. Rick Scott could order them back together.
Georgia – Ethics Commission Picks Veteran State Attorney as Chief Exec
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer – Kathleen Foody (Associated Press) | Published: 4/28/2015
Stefan Ritter was chosen as the new head of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. He is currently a senior assistant attorney general and for several years has served as the ethics commission’s legal counsel. The agency’s previous executive secretary was fired after a judge fined her for allegedly withholding documents in a lawsuit against the state. The agency enforces Georgia’s campaign finance and ethics laws but has been troubled by employee lawsuits and a backlog of cases.
Indiana – Gov. Pence to Sign Ethics Reform Bill
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook | Published: 4/27/2015
The Indiana General Assembly approved an ethics overhaul that requires greater financial disclosure by lawmakers and expressly prohibits elected officials from using state resources for political purposes. The bill follows an investigation into former state schools Superintendent Tony Bennett’s use of state staff and resources during his 2012 re-election campaign. In another case, a privately lobbied last year to defeat legislation that could have cost his family’s business millions of dollars. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.
Kentucky – Gov. Gets 360 Derby Tickets, Who Uses Them?
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 4/29/2015
Churchill Downs sets aside 360 tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks every year for sale to the governor’s entourage. Many of those seats are prime – 160 of them are coveted spots on Millionaires Row. Gov. Steve Beshear says the purpose for the large number of tickets, and all of his official Derby activities, is to show off Kentucky to official economic-development and tourism guests who might bring jobs to the state. But records of previous years’ ticket assignments from the governor’s allotment show only about 60 of the 360 tickets are used by the official guests of the state Economic Development Cabinet or Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinets. Ticket holders also include family of the governor, top administration officials, Democratic Party activists, and some big contributors to the governor’s political causes.
Massachusetts – Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit
Boston Globe – Sara Morrison | Published: 4/28/2015
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration committee will return donations from two lobbying firms that exceeded a limit he imposed for lobbyist contributions. Baker said lobbyists could only give a maximum of $250. But at least five firms registered as lobbyists with the state gave well over that limit. The inaugural committee pledged to return $2,500 to Beacon Strategies Group and $10,000 to Bay State Strategies Group.
Montana – Senate Confirms Motl as Political Practices Commissioner
Helena Independent Record – Charles Johnson | Published: 4/24/2015
Montana senators confirmed Jonathan Motl as the state’s commissioner of political practices. Motl has come under fire during his tenure for what opponents call a bias against Republican candidates. Senators supporting Motl called attention to the work he did on a major campaign finance bill that was signed into law this session. Senate Bill 289 will require more disclosure for “dark money” in campaigns.
New Jersey – The Dinner Proposal That Led United into Corruption Probe
Bloomberg Business – David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos | Published: 4/28/2015
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether United Airlines made improper attempts to influence David Samson at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to sources. The authority oversees Newark Liberty International Airport. United was seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment for the airport when its chief executive dined with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s top Port Authority official in September 2011. Investigators are looking into whether Samson abused his public position for private gain. According to people close to the case, prosecutors want to know if Samson gave United preferential treatment on Port Authority business in return for the airline reviving a route that he and his wife had used but had been cancelled.
North Carolina – Not Just Photo-Ops: Businesses gain from political visits
Asheville Times-Citizen – Caitlin Byrd | Published: 4/27/2015
Chris Champlin, vice president of Thermo Fisher Scientific, estimates at least six politicians have accepted invitations to visit the Asheville, North Carolina plant in the last 12 months. For politicians, visiting and speaking at businesses gives them a chance to learn more about an employer in the region. But these events are not one-sided affairs; sometimes the businesses have the most to gain. When it comes time to call on legislators for some help, a special visit to the business can help cement a company and its interests in the mind of a politician. “… Once they walk in the door, put on the steel-toe boot covers and the safety glasses, it’s just a much more meaningful interaction than I could ever hope to accomplish in Washington, D.C. in a business suit,” said Tim Fenton, senior director of global government relations for Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Pennsylvania – Council Moves to Illuminate Super PAC Money
Philadelphia Inquirer – Tricia Nadolny | Published: 4/23/2015
Independent groups would face additional reporting requirements under a bill introduced in the Philadelphia City Council. Those groups, which are not permitted to coordinate with candidates they support, are not required to file finance reports until days before an election. The bill would change that by requiring super PACs to disclose their donors six weeks before an election or primary and every two weeks thereafter. It would apply to donations of $5,000 or more spent on communications, including television, print, and radio ads, that make reference a candidate in any way.
Rhode Island – Raimondo Signs into Law New Campaign Finance Measures
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 4/23/2015
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed four bills aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s campaign finance reporting laws. One bill requires candidates and PACs to file bank statements from their campaign finance accounts following their final quarterly report to the Board of Elections. Another measure requires that candidates and PACs maintain a campaign finance account separate from personal bank account. Lawmakers reviewed the system after ex-House Speaker Gordon Fox acknowledged taking a $52,500 bribe and making dozens of interbank transfers totaling $108,000, using money from his campaign account for personal expenses.
Texas – Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 4/28/2015
The Texas Senate strengthened and approved an ethics reform bill with provisions that call for drug testing of elected officials, convicted felons to leave office, tougher financial disclosures, and more transparent dealings with lobbyists. Sen. Kirk Watson got his amendment added on that requires disclosure of lobbyists paying for lawmakers meals if over $50 even when splitting the checks between multiple lobbyists, a loophole many use now. Senate Bill 19 now goes to the House.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
April 30, 2015 •
Indiana General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die
The 119th Indiana General Assembly adjourned its first regular session sine die on Wednesday, April 29. Lawmakers worked until the final minutes to shift authority over education policy matters and to pass a new two-year state budget. Despite its many […]
The 119th Indiana General Assembly adjourned its first regular session sine die on Wednesday, April 29. Lawmakers worked until the final minutes to shift authority over education policy matters and to pass a new two-year state budget.
Despite its many successes, however, the session will perhaps best be remembered for the March 26 signing of the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Photo of the Indiana Statehouse by HstryQT on Wikimedia Commons.
April 30, 2015 •
North Dakota Adjourns with Special Session Possible
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, with the possibility of a special session to resolve differences in the budget bill for the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS). If NDPERS is not able to operate […]
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, with the possibility of a special session to resolve differences in the budget bill for the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS).
If NDPERS is not able to operate through the 2015-17 biennium on a continuing appropriation, a special session will be necessary.
By adjourning on 78th day of the session, lawmakers allowed for a two-day special session without exceeding the 80-day limit.
April 30, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Solution to Lobbying is More Lobbying” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post Massachusetts: “Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit” by Sara Morrison for Boston Globe New York: “JCOPE to Staff up as Duties Expand” by Chris […]
Lobbying
“The Solution to Lobbying is More Lobbying” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit” by Sara Morrison for Boston Globe
New York: “JCOPE to Staff up as Duties Expand” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says” by David Savage for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Politicians Cash in on Colleges” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
Vermont: “Shumlin to Launch Sorrell Review” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
Louisiana: “FBI Investigating Senate President John Alario, Sources Say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurik for New Orleans Times-Picayune
New York: “Assemblyman William Scarborough to Admit $40,000 Travel Voucher Scam Case” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union
Texas: “Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Legislative Issues
Florida: “Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable” by Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
April 29, 2015 •
Supreme Court Upholds Florida Restriction on Judicial Campaign Solicitations
The Supreme Court today upheld a Florida campaign finance restriction prohibiting judicial candidates from personally soliciting donations. In a 5-4 decision, the Court rejected First Amendment concerns, ruling states may choose to elect their judiciary but are not required to […]
The Supreme Court today upheld a Florida campaign finance restriction prohibiting judicial candidates from personally soliciting donations. In a 5-4 decision, the Court rejected First Amendment concerns, ruling states may choose to elect their judiciary but are not required to treat judicial candidates like politicians.
Though candidates may not solicit contributions, the Florida law allows others, such as campaign managers and friends, to do so on their behalf.
Chief Justice Roberts stated the case was a rare instance where the state, in trying to maintain the integrity of the bench, has a compelling interest in restricting speech.
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.