December 18, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Republican Congress Lures Lobbyists Back to Capitol Hill” by Megan Wilson for The Hill “Mollis Adopts Hearing Officer’s Decision that Corso Engaged in Unregistered Lobbying Related to 38 Studios” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “Secretive Nonprofits […]
Lobbying
“Republican Congress Lures Lobbyists Back to Capitol Hill” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
“Mollis Adopts Hearing Officer’s Decision that Corso Engaged in Unregistered Lobbying Related to 38 Studios” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Secretive Nonprofits Flourished – and Succeeded – in 2014 State Elections” by Reity O’Brien for The Center for Public Integrity
“Who Wants to Buy a Politician?” by Binyamin Appelbaum for New York Times
“New FEC Chief on ‘Dark Money’ Mission” by Dave Levinthal for The Center for Public Integrity
“Ethics Commission Hits Former Candidate, Treasurer with $43,000 Fine” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
“PA Supreme Court: Law firm can forgive U.S. Rep. Bob Brady’s 2007 debt” by Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Daily News
“State High Court to Take up Doe Cases Centered on Walker’s Campaign” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ethics
“Payouts to McCrory, Sanford from Mortgage Broker Raise Ethical Questions” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer
Elections
“Jeb Bush’s Decision to Explore Presidential Bid Scrambles the 2016 GOP Field” by Matea Gold and Philip Rucker for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Message to Lawmakers: Say what you really think” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing
December 17, 2014 •
Ann Ravel Selected as Next FEC Chairwoman
Today, the Federal Election Commission elected Ann Ravel as its chairwoman. Ravel replaces Lee E. Goodman, who was appointed with Ravel to the commission in 2013. The chairmanship is a rotating, one-year position. No commissioner may serve as chair more […]
Today, the Federal Election Commission elected Ann Ravel as its chairwoman. Ravel replaces Lee E. Goodman, who was appointed with Ravel to the commission in 2013.
The chairmanship is a rotating, one-year position. No commissioner may serve as chair more than once during his or her term.
December 17, 2014 •
Hacking Attempt Against NYC Campaign Finance Board’s Email System
The New York City Campaign Finance Board experienced a phishing attack of its email system this morning. The board instructs any users who have received an email from any staff member referencing an “Invoice Paid” in the subject line to […]
The New York City Campaign Finance Board experienced a phishing attack of its email system this morning.
The board instructs any users who have received an email from any staff member referencing an “Invoice Paid” in the subject line to delete the message immediately. Call (212) 409-1800 with questions.
December 17, 2014 •
DC Special Election Scheduled to Fill Vacant Council Seats
A special election has been scheduled for April 28, 2015, to fill vacant council seats in Wards 4 and 8. Several prospective candidates for the Ward 8 seat have already obtained nominating petitions, and several other candidates are expected to […]
A special election has been scheduled for April 28, 2015, to fill vacant council seats in Wards 4 and 8. Several prospective candidates for the Ward 8 seat have already obtained nominating petitions, and several other candidates are expected to enter the race before the petition filing deadline on January 28, 2015.
The Ward 8 seat was held by long-time District politician Marion Barry, who recently passed away. The Ward 4 seat was held by Muriel Bowser, who is the mayor-elect.
December 17, 2014 •
Akron City Council Increases Campaign Contribution Limits
On Monday, December 15, Akron City Council voted 8-4 to raise campaign contribution limits for mayoral and council candidates. All limits will increase by $100. Candidates for mayor and at-large council will be permitted to accept $750 per election and […]
On Monday, December 15, Akron City Council voted 8-4 to raise campaign contribution limits for mayoral and council candidates. All limits will increase by $100.
Candidates for mayor and at-large council will be permitted to accept $750 per election and ward council candidates will be permitted to accept $500 per election. The city charter requires council to review the contribution limits every two years.
The new limits come just in time for next year’s election as all council seats as well as the mayoral seat will be on the ballot.
December 17, 2014 •
Alberta Accountability Act Passes House and Awaits Royal Assent
Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis recently introduced the Alberta Accountability Act to ensure high ethical standards and to enhance accountability on behalf of elected officials and public servants. Among other changes, the legislation revises post-employment restrictions, increases […]
Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis recently introduced the Alberta Accountability Act to ensure high ethical standards and to enhance accountability on behalf of elected officials and public servants.
Among other changes, the legislation revises post-employment restrictions, increases consistency in conflict of interest rules, clarifies gift rules, eliminates the majority of sole-source contracts, and expands the authority for the Alberta Ethics Commissioner.
The Act passed the House and is currently awaiting Royal Assent.
December 17, 2014 •
Government Tech and Social Media Report
“Citizen Engagement: Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus” by Emily Jarvis in GovLoop. “3 Bold Predictions for 2015” by Patrick Fiorenza in GovLoop. “White House Launches Open Data Disaster Portal” in Government Technology. “Eastern Foundry, A New Government Tech […]
“Citizen Engagement: Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus” by Emily Jarvis in GovLoop.
“3 Bold Predictions for 2015” by Patrick Fiorenza in GovLoop.
“White House Launches Open Data Disaster Portal” in Government Technology.
“Eastern Foundry, A New Government Tech Incubator Opens” by Eric Hal Schwartz in InTheCapitol.
Arizona: “How an Arizona Town Uses Its Website and Facebook to Promote Local Businesses” by Michael Grass in Government Executive.
Massachusetts: “Boston hackathon app helps upgrade city permitting system” by David Stegon in StateScoop.
“Tennessee City Bans Negative Social Media Comments” by Michael Grass in Government Executive.
Texas: “Texas Wants to Be a Cloud Model for Other States” by Eric Pfeiffer in Government Executive.
Washington: “Washington state audit reveals cyber weakness” by David Stegon in in StateScoop.
December 17, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Foreign Lobbying Enforcement ʹLaxʹ” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Why Big Spending on Political Campaigns Makes Racial Inequality Worse” by Emily Badger for Washington Post “Charities Risked Tax-Exempt Status with Political Ads” by Rachel Baye for […]
Lobbying
“Foreign Lobbying Enforcement ʹLaxʹ” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Why Big Spending on Political Campaigns Makes Racial Inequality Worse” by Emily Badger for Washington Post
“Charities Risked Tax-Exempt Status with Political Ads” by Rachel Baye for Center for Public Integrity
“G.O.P. Angst Over 2016 Led to Provision on Funding” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
“Every Election Is the Most Expensive Election. Or Not.” by Derek Willis for New York Times
New Mexico: “SIC Settles with Consultant in Pay-to-Play Case” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
Ohio: “Akron City Council Raises Contribution Limits for Council, Mayoral Candidates by $100” by Stephanie Warsmith for the Akron Beacon Journal
Ethics
Missouri: “Ethics Bills Filed to Open Debate on Lobbying and Campaign Finance Rules” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Two Philadelphia Lawmakers Charged in Sting Probe” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Former PHA Chief Greene Fined $75,000” by Mark Fazlollah for Philadelphia Inquirer
December 16, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Uber Pressures Regulators by Mobilizing Riders and Hiring Vast Lobbying Network” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post Campaign Finance “A Crowded GOP Field for 2016 Encounters Donors Reluctant to Commit Early” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger for Washington […]
Lobbying
“Uber Pressures Regulators by Mobilizing Riders and Hiring Vast Lobbying Network” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“A Crowded GOP Field for 2016 Encounters Donors Reluctant to Commit Early” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
“CO High Court Denies Gessler Appeal, Ending Campaign Finance Disclosure Case” by Tessa Cheek for Colorado Independent
“New York Panel Approves Fine for Group against Carriage Horses” by Nikita Stewart for New York Times
Ethics
“A State Guide to Political Corruption, According to the Reporters Who Cover It” by Niraj Chokshi for Washington Post
“Questions Surround Constitutional Amendment on Ethics, Term Limits” by John Lyon (Arkansas News Bureau) for Arkansas News
“State Ethics Commission Belatedly Completes Review of NC Fracking Board” by John Murawski for Raleigh News & Observer
“Work of FBI Squad Evident in Columbus Payday Probe” by The Associated Press for Marietta Times
“John Kitzhaber Stalls on Cylvia Hayes Records; the Few Documents Released Raise Questions” by Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian
“Republicans Seize on Audit Critical of State Elections Board” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
December 15, 2014 •
Federal Omnibus Bill Allows Increased Political Contributions to Political Parties
With the Senate passing the House’s omnibus bill, the limits for political contributions to federal political parties will increase when President Barack Obama signs the bill. Included as a rider with House Resolution 83 is an amendment to the Federal […]
With the Senate passing the House’s omnibus bill, the limits for political contributions to federal political parties will increase when President Barack Obama signs the bill. Included as a rider with House Resolution 83 is an amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 allowing additional contributions to political parties for presidential nominating conventions, for preparation for and the conduct of election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings, and for the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more buildings for party headquarters.
An additional provision of the bill prohibits the federal government from recommending or requiring any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose, as a condition of submitting an offer, any political contribution, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication by the offeror, its officers or directors, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.
Another provision included in the bill prohibits the federal government from paying for a portrait of an officer or employee of the federal government, including the president, the vice president, a member of Congress (including a delegate or a resident commissioner to Congress), the head of an executive branch agency, or the head of an office of the legislative branch.
The president has said he will sign the bill.
UDPATE: On December 16, President Obama signed the House Resolution 83 into law.
Photo of the U.S. Capitol by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
December 15, 2014 •
Vermont Launching Online System for Lobbyist Filings
The Office of the Secretary State announced lobbying registration and reporting in Vermont is going digital. Beginning with the 2015-2016 biennium, registration and reporting will be accomplished solely through a new online management system. Lobbyist disclosure reports due on January […]
The Office of the Secretary State announced lobbying registration and reporting in Vermont is going digital. Beginning with the 2015-2016 biennium, registration and reporting will be accomplished solely through a new online management system.
Lobbyist disclosure reports due on January 25, 2015, covering the period from July 1 to December 31, 2014, will be the last paper filings accepted.
The online system will be available for use no later than January 1, 2015.
December 15, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Dale Mallory Sentenced: ‘Nobody could ever buy my vote’” by Chrissie Thompson for Cincinnati Enquier Campaign Finance “The Special Powers of Super PACS, and Not Just for Federal Elections” by Derek Willis for New York Times “Registration Rule for […]
Lobbying
“Dale Mallory Sentenced: ‘Nobody could ever buy my vote’” by Chrissie Thompson for Cincinnati Enquier
Campaign Finance
“The Special Powers of Super PACS, and Not Just for Federal Elections” by Derek Willis for New York Times
“Registration Rule for Political Groups Ruled Too Vague” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Sun
“Koch-Backed Group Sues Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris Over Donor List” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
“Energy Firms in Secretive Alliance with Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“State Ethics Agency Faces More Changes” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) for Gainesville Sun
“Conviction of Kilpatrick Pal Beasley Likely End of an Era” by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press
“Port Authority Board Debates Ethics Rules as Ex-Chairman David Samson Sues” by Shawn Boburg for Bergen Record
“After Ethics Panel’s Shutdown, Loopholes Live On in Albany” by Thomas Kaplan, William Rashbaum, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
“Rep. Sandra Williams Gets Suspended Jail Time, Fine for Misusing Campaign Funds” by Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
“McAuliffe: No fundraising in special sessions” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press
Procurement
“Ex-Mayoral Aide Accused of Trying to Help Firm Get Camera Contract” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun
December 12, 2014 •
Ethics Commission to Review Interpretation of Hawaii Conflict of Interest Provisions
At its December 17 meeting, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission will consider amending its interpretation of certain conflict of interest provisions. Legislators and employees are prohibited from assisting or representing any person or business for compensation on matters in which […]
At its December 17 meeting, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission will consider amending its interpretation of certain conflict of interest provisions. Legislators and employees are prohibited from assisting or representing any person or business for compensation on matters in which they have participated or will participate in their state capacities, or on matters before their own state agencies. They are also subject to similar post-employment restrictions.
Currently, with regard to sections 84-14(B), (C), and (D) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Commission interprets the phrase “any person or business” to mean a third party; it does not include the legislator, employee, former legislator, or former employee.
Because the Commission’s current interpretation appears inconsistent with the plain meaning and underlying purpose of the law, however, the Commission’s staff recommends the Commission amend its interpretation. Under the new interpretation, “any person or business” will also include the legislator, employee, former legislator, or former employee.
If revised, the new interpretation will be effective July 1, 2015.
December 12, 2014 •
We’re Thrilled to Help WASRG with a Great Cause!
The Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) is throwing a holiday party with fun, food, and networking – all for a good cause! State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the WASRG Holiday Happy Hour & […]
The Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) is throwing a holiday party with fun, food, and networking – all for a good cause! State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the WASRG Holiday Happy Hour & Philanthropic Event in Washington, D.C. on December 17, 2014.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Children’s Inn at NIH, a facility designed to keep families together as children receive treatments for critical illnesses at the National Institute of Health.
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.