December 2, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Job market cools for former lawmakers” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Photojournalists hire lobbyists to work on drone rules” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Maryland: “With Hogan coming, Annapolis lobbying firms […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Job market cools for former lawmakers” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Photojournalists hire lobbyists to work on drone rules” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Maryland: “With Hogan coming, Annapolis lobbying firms beef up their Republican credentials” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Mitch McConnell Rider Could Roll Back Campaign Finance Laws” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.
Arkansas: “2016 Campaign Finance Ballot Proposal Submitted To Arkansas Attorney General” by Jacob Kauffman on UALR Public Radio.
Ethics
Maine: “New Maine lawmakers learning about ethics, open records” by The Associated Press in Seacoast Online.
Virginia: “Ethics Commission Recommends New Gift-Giving Rules for Va. Lawmakers” by The Associated Press in The Charlottesville Newsplex.
Elections
New Jersey: “New Jersey Senate votes to expand early voting” by Dustin Racioppi in NorthJersey.com.
Vermont: “The Governor’s Race That Still Isn’t Over: Vermont” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Congress
“Spending, Immigration, and Tax Fights Will Dominate Final Days of 113th Congress” by Billy Housew and Sarah Mimms in Government Executive.
“Congress on the brink” by Jake Sherman and John Bresnahan in Politico.
“Harry Reid threatens recess, Christmas” by Burgess Everett in Politico.
Tech and Social Media
“4 Trends to Watch in 2015” by Stephen Goldsmith in Government Technology.
December 2, 2014 •
Missouri Governor Changes Mind: No special session
In an about-face, Gov. Jay Nixon announced a special session is not necessary. After alerting the Legislature he was planning on calling a special session, legislative leaders suggested the governor already possessed the power required to ensure Missouri Highway Patrol […]
In an about-face, Gov. Jay Nixon announced a special session is not necessary.
After alerting the Legislature he was planning on calling a special session, legislative leaders suggested the governor already possessed the power required to ensure Missouri Highway Patrol officers and Missouri National Guard troops were paid for the time spent dealing with unrest in Ferguson.
The governor agreed with the leadership’s suggested interpretation of the law and declared the special session no longer necessary.
Photo of the statue of Thomas Jefferson at the south entrance of the Missouri State Capitol by Nickbigd on Wikimedia Commons.
December 1, 2014 •
2015 – States and Municipalities … We Have You Covered
If you are in a panic about 2015, relax, we have you covered. The list attached shows all of the jurisdictions included in the State and Federal Communications website. Every state in our country will be in session in 2015 […]
If you are in a panic about 2015, relax, we have you covered. The list attached shows all of the jurisdictions included in the State and Federal Communications website. Every state in our country will be in session in 2015 and those cities and counties are not going to sit back and do nothing. They will all be busy.
We are happy to report our list of municipalities continues to grow and many more will be added along with the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
So many of our clients are drilling down from the states and going to cities and counties, and those jurisdictions do not always follow state rule. We have always emphasized doing your homework before venturing into a state, and our website can help when you are planning your municipality work.
Stay tuned…We are venturing into unknown territory in 2015 and reviewing international lobbying and campaign finance laws. Who knows where this will take us.
In the meantime, State and Federal Communications wishes our clients and friends a very happy holiday season and we looking forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz
December 1, 2014 •
Arkansas Special Election Set for SD 16
Gov. Mike Beebe has scheduled a special election on April 14, 2015, to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Michael Lamoureux. The primary will be January 13 and a primary runoff, if necessary, on February 10. Lamoureux vacated the […]
Gov. Mike Beebe has scheduled a special election on April 14, 2015, to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Michael Lamoureux. The primary will be January 13 and a primary runoff, if necessary, on February 10. Lamoureux vacated the seat in Senate District 16 to take a position as Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson’s chief of staff.
The 2015 legislative session will be conducted by a 34-seat Senate unless the session runs for more than three months.
December 1, 2014 •
Missouri Governor Plans to Call Special Session
Gov. Jay Nixon has informed legislative leaders he would be calling a special session to address funding issues related to the deployment of Missouri National Guard troops and Missouri State Highway Patrol officers in the city of Ferguson. Gov. Nixon […]
Gov. Jay Nixon has informed legislative leaders he would be calling a special session to address funding issues related to the deployment of Missouri National Guard troops and Missouri State Highway Patrol officers in the city of Ferguson.
Gov. Nixon has yet to issue a formal call with the convening date for the session, but has stated he will do so shortly.
Photo of Gov. Jay Nixon by Bernard Pollack on Wikimedia Commons.
December 1, 2014 •
Georgia House District 120 Seat Soon to be Vacated
Rep. Mickey Channell has announced his intention to resign soon after the new session starts on January 12, 2015. Channell is stepping down after 22 years in the Legislature because of health reasons. The Green County Republican represents House District […]
Rep. Mickey Channell has announced his intention to resign soon after the new session starts on January 12, 2015.
Channell is stepping down after 22 years in the Legislature because of health reasons.
The Green County Republican represents House District 120, which includes the counties of Greene, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Taliaferro, and part of Putnam.
December 1, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Turkey with a side of lobbying” by Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “Celebrity chefs cook up lobbying agenda” by Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “15 places in DC where lobbyists talk turkey” by Megan R. Wilson […]
Lobbying
“Turkey with a side of lobbying” by Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico.
“Celebrity chefs cook up lobbying agenda” by Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico.
“15 places in DC where lobbyists talk turkey” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Russian Firms Hire Lobbyists to Fight Senate Sanctions” by Philip Shishkin in The Wall Street Journal.
Canada: “Lobbyists zone in on zoning” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.
Florida: “Former attorney general’s contact with Pam Bondi’s office raises questions” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.
New Jersey: “See how much those behind N.J.’s Thanksgiving fixings spend in D.C.” on NJ.com.
Rhode Island: “Sanctions sought over Mollis’ role in 38 Studios hearings” by Jennifer Bogdan in the Providence Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Groups funded by secret donors buffeted two dozen House races in 2014” by Matea Gold in the Washington Post.
“The sons (and daughters) of donors also rise” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
Alaska: “Alaska pot backer ordered to comply with subpoena” by The Associated Press in the Statesmen Journal.
Illinois: “With contribution limits off, Emanuel reels in more cash” by Bill Ruthhart in the Chicago Tribune.
Maryland: “New Maryland rules would curb some uses of campaign funds” by Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun.
New York: “House ethics panel defers campaign finance investigation of New York Rep. Grimm” by The Associated Press in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Utah: “Will Utah Lawmakers Ever Pass Campaign Finance Reform? (Video)” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.
Wyoming: “Out-of-state PACs will continue to file paperwork” by Laura Hancock in the Star-Tribune.
Ethics
Massachusetts: “Gov. Deval Patrick Appoints Danvers Selectman to the State Ethics Commission” by Linda Bock in the Danvers Patch.
Elections
Wyoming: “Wyoming tied for third-lowest percent of contested races for state legislature” by Laura Hancock in the Star-Tribune.
Tech and Social Media
“Future of Facebook: Will You Use It in the Office?” by Andrej Sokolow in Government Technology.
Canada: “Canada, welcome to Twitter, eh” by Lori Grisham on USA Today.
Virginia: “City of Williamsburg Honored for Technology Use” by Ian Brickey in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.
November 26, 2014 •
Happy Thanksgiving from Your Team at State and Federal Communications!
November 26, 2014 •
Special Election Anticipated after Death of DC Councilman Marion Barry
Councilman Marion Barry passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the age of 78. Barry served four terms as mayor before becoming a councilman. With his death leaving a vacancy on the council, the D.C. Board of Elections must […]
Councilman Marion Barry passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the age of 78. Barry served four terms as mayor before becoming a councilman.
With his death leaving a vacancy on the council, the D.C. Board of Elections must schedule a special election between 70 and 174 days after the vacancy has been declared.
A special election to fill the vacancy is expected between early February and mid-May. The winner of the special election would serve the remainder of Barry’s term, which is approximately two years.
Photo of Marion Barry courtesy of dbking on Wikimedia Commons.
November 26, 2014 •
District Court Rules FEC Regulation Limiting Disclosure “Arbitrary, Capricious, and Contrary to Law”
On November 25, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled corporations and labor organizations making electioneering communications are required to disclose all donors making contributions over $1,000. Under 11 C.F.R. §104.20(c)(9), the Federal Election Commission’s regulation […]
On November 25, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled corporations and labor organizations making electioneering communications are required to disclose all donors making contributions over $1,000. Under 11 C.F.R. §104.20(c)(9), the Federal Election Commission’s regulation ruled invalid, disclosure was only required when made explicitly for the purpose of furthering electioneering communications.
In Christopher Van Hollen v. Federal Election Commission, the Court found the commission’s regulation “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law” and “an unreasonable interpretation of the [Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)].” 52 U.S.C. § 30104(f)(d)(E)–(F) of the BCRA does not require any preconditions for when to disclose donors making contributions over $1,000.
The Court ruled the commission’s regulation “serves to frustrate the aim of the statute because the introduction of a subjective test to the reporting regime creates an exception that has the potential to swallow the rule entirely. A donor can avoid reporting altogether by transmitting funds but remaining silent about their intended use.”
The case was brought in 2011 by U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen.
November 26, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 26, 2014
National: Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnitz | Published: 11/24/2014 For the past three years, a group of eight, mostly Republican governors from coastal states has been lobbying […]
National:
Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group
Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnitz | Published: 11/24/2014
For the past three years, a group of eight, mostly Republican governors from coastal states has been lobbying the Obama administration to expand access to the nation’s offshore oil and gas deposits, working through an organization called the Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition. A review public documents obtained by the Center for Public Integrity shows much of the coalition’s work has been carried out by HBW Resources and the Consumer Energy Alliance, a group that has channeled millions of dollars in corporate funding to become a leading advocate at the state level for drilling.
Unions Rethink Strategy after Election Losses
Governing – Alan Greenblatt | Published: 11/21/2014
Some union officials want to rethink the labor movement’s approach to politics in the wake of the midterm elections. Having long tied their fortunes to Democrats, at least some union leaders are thinking about returning to the basics of providing professional services to members and emphasizing issues, rather than candidates. “Unions have to be aggressively pushing for the issues we really believe in,” said Gabe Morgan, a Service Employees International Union director in Pennsylvania, referring to the success of minimum wage increases on several state ballots.
Federal:
Meet the New Super Donors
Campaigns & Elections – Kevin Bogardus | Published: 11/24/2014
Lobbyists and other donors can give to as many candidates and groups as they want with no aggregate cap in place as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s McCutcheon ruling. The Center for Responsive Politics has found this campaign season that roughly 20 K federal lobbyists have exceeded the now vanquished limit with their political donations for the 2014 elections. Yet lobbyists only make up a portion of this new class of super donor. It has found nearly 500 contributors overall who have passed the old limit, donating $83.7 million to candidates and political committees, about $22.5 million over what they could give under the previous cap.
Some in G.O.P. Fear That Their Hard-Liners Will Alienate Latino Voters
New York Times – Jackie Calmes | Published: 11/21/2014
Some Republicans say their party faces a challenge in framing their opposition to President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration in a way that does not antagonize Latinos and other minority groups like Asian-Americans, much as Republicans lost African-Americans’ support in the civil-rights era. Many GOP candidates who won in the midterm elections took stands against “amnesty” for those here illegally with little fear of political penalty because few close contests were in places with significant Latino populations.
Survey Says: Constituents lobby best
The Hill – Vickie Needham | Published: 11/20/2014
The Congressional Management Foundation, in a three-year survey of Capitol Hill staffers, found constituent visits to the Washington office (97 percent) and to the district office (94 percent) have “some” or “a lot” of influence on undecided lawmakers, more than any other strategy. The group is releasing a research-based guide for individuals and groups on how to schedule, conduct, and follow-up on meetings with lawmakers. The report explores issues such as the best time to request a meeting, what to discuss, and what are the preferred locations.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska – Bill Walker, Next Governor for Alaska, Traversed Unlikely Path
New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 11/24/2014
Earlier this year, Bill Walker was running for governor of Alaska as an independent candidate with no party, little money, and almost no chance of victory two months before Election Day. Incumbent Gov. Sean Parnell, a Republican in a right-leaning state, was facing two opponents on the ballot – Walker and Democrat Byron Mallott – who would most likely split the state’s moderates and liberals. Mallott concluded neither he nor Walker had any hope of winning alone, but together they might have a chance. Mallott forfeited the Democratic Party nomination for governor and joined forces with Walker on the independent ballot line as the lieutenant governor candidate. Walker won the election by about 6,200 votes out of 285,000 cast, one of the closest gubernatorial elections in state history.
Arizona – Horne Pays $10,000 Settlement in Campaign-Violations Case
Arizona Republic – Julia Shumway | Published: 11/20/2014
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission (CCEC) approved a settlement with Attorney General Tom Horne over allegations he used his office staff to work on his failed re-election campaign. Horne did not admit guilt by agreeing to the settlement, but personally paid a $10,000 fine. CCEC Executive Director Thomas Collins said Horne used more than $300,000 worth of state employee time and rent in his unsuccessful race. That amount was not reported on his campaign finance forms.
Connecticut – Lawmakers Look to Close ‘Kennedy Loophole’
The News-Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/20/2014
When Connecticut lawmakers reconvene for the new legislative session in January, the General Assembly is expected to discuss new limits on how much state parties can contribute to individual candidates. The push comes after Ted Kennedy, Jr. received $207,000 in aid from the Democratic State Central Committee for his victorious state Senate campaign, despite being bound by spending limits as a taxpayer-funded candidate.
District of Columbia – Marion Barry, Washington’s ‘Mayor for Life,’ Even After Prison, Dies at 78
New York Times – David Stout | Published: 11/23/2014
Former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry, who overcame an embarrassing public drug arrest while in office to return as mayor and city council member, died on November 23 at the age of 78. On January 18, 1990, Mayor Barry was arrested in a Washington hotel room while smoking crack cocaine. The arrest, videotaped in an undercover operation, caused a sensation. While his arrest and his public declaration that he had been set up defined Barry for the nation, his role in the city as the pre-eminent political leader and champion of the underclass continued to thrive. The former civil rights activist remained beloved as an advocate of what he called the “last, the least, and the lost” and of the city’s continuing struggle for self-determination.
New York – Text Me the Money: New form of donations coming to city campaign finance program
Gotham Gazette – Kristen Meriwether | Published: 11/24/2014
The New York City Campaign Finance Board is expected to pass new rules that will govern how campaigns accept contributions via text message. A 2013 law allows candidates running for local offices to accept contributions through what is typically a cell-phone-based format. If a text-message donor is a New York City resident, the given funds will be eligible for public matching dollars. The proposed rules will limit text message contributions to $99. There was no objection to the donation limit at a recent hearing, but there was discussion about the rules regarding the timing of texted contributions.
Rhode Island – Rhode Island Investigating Former State Attorney General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 11/21/2014
The Rhode Island secretary of state’s office said it has asked ex-state Attorney General Patrick Lynch for more information about his interactions with his former office in an attempt to determine whether he should have registered as a lobbyist. Lynch has told the Associated Press he was not lobbying and had complied with all laws. The investigation of comes in response to an article in The New York Times that examined the surge in lobbying of state attorneys general across the country, much of it by former officials like Lynch.
Virginia – Va. State Senators Propose No Gifts More Than $100 for Officials
WUSA; Staff – | Published: 11/24/2014
Two Virginia senators have written a bill that would eliminate gifts of more than $100 for officials or employees of state government agencies. The bill would also require review of any intangible gifts, including compensated travel or event ticket, by the Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.
Washington – Washington’s Lobbying Corps Populated By Former Lawmakers, Staffers
KUOW – Austin Jenkins | Published: 11/19/2014
Unlike 32 other states, Washington does not require a waiting period to slow the “revolving door” from state service to lobbying. The New York Times recently reported that former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna was lobbying his former office less than a year after he left his position. There are 960 registered lobbyists and lobbying firms in Washington state; among them are several former government insiders such as lawmakers, agency directors, and key staffers. Rep. Reuven Carlyle announced his intention to introduce legislation in January to require a waiting period.
Wisconsin – John Doe Froze Conservative Speech, Targets Say
Wisconsin Reporter – M.D. Kittle | Published: 11/23/2014
Targets of Milwaukee County District Attorney’s John Chisholm’s investigation of Wisconsin conservatives say the probe effectively chilled conservative donors and volunteers during the midterm elections. “We spent, but we didn’t spend like we did in the last couple of cycles, and I believe a good part of that was related to the John Doe investigation,’ said one source, whose organization has been targeted in the politically charged inquiry.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
November 25, 2014 •
U.S. Statehouse Series – Massachusetts, The Bay State
Today we welcome you back to the statehouse series. This time we visit Massachusetts! The “new” Massachusetts statehouse was built in 1798 on top of Beacon Hill. Charles Bullfinch, the architect, was influenced by London architecture. Many buildings in London, […]
Today we welcome you back to the statehouse series. This time we visit Massachusetts!
The “new” Massachusetts statehouse was built in 1798 on top of Beacon Hill. Charles Bullfinch, the architect, was influenced by London architecture. Many buildings in London, such as the Dulwich Gallery and the British Museum, have the same Neoclassical style as the Massachusetts statehouse. The site of the current statehouse was owned by Massachusetts’ first governor, John Hancock.
Like the Vermont statehouse, the Massachusetts statehouse dome is covered in gold leaf, but is topped with a pinecone, reflecting the significance of lumber in the Massachusetts economy. The dome was originally made of wooden shingles, but Paul Revere covered it in copper in 1802, and it was first gilded in 1874. During World War II, it was painted black to eliminate reflections and divert bombers away from the city. The dome remained black until 1997, when it was recovered in gold leaf at the cost of $300,000.
One of the most notable attractions of the Massachusetts statehouse is the Sacred Cod. The wooden codfish hangs above the chamber of the House of Representatives to signify the importance of fishing in the state. The grounds also display many statues of famous Massachusetts residents, such as John F. Kennedy and Daniel Webster. Created in 1990, the statue of John F. Kennedy stands as the newest figure on the grounds.
Since the 1880s, Massachusetts governors have carried on a tradition called the “Long Walk.” The outgoing governor walks out of the statehouse alone while the incoming governor walks up the walkway to the front entrance at the same time. Massachusetts residents line the sidewalks in support of the governors, waving banners and cheering the whole time. What a way to celebrate the importance of a statehouse!
You can plan your own walking tour of Beacon Hill and see the architectural works of Charles Bullfinch at Bostonbyfoot.org.
Photo of the Massachusetts Statehouse courtesy of Fcb981 on Wikimedia Commons.
November 25, 2014 •
Florida Governor Sets Special Election Dates for House District 64
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the special election dates to fill the Florida House District 64 seat. The special primary will be on February 10, 2015 with the special general set for April 21. The seat remains vacant following the […]
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the special election dates to fill the Florida House District 64 seat. The special primary will be on February 10, 2015 with the special general set for April 21.
The seat remains vacant following the House’s rejection of the results from November’s election. An appeals court ruled a write-in candidate, Daniel John Matthews, was wrongfully removed from the November ballot.
The non-binding election results showed incumbent Republican Jamie Grant with 59.5 percent of the vote.
November 25, 2014 •
Sen. Bernie Sanders Introduced Bill to Create Federal Election Holiday
Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill creating a federal Election Day. The Democracy Day Act of 2014 designates “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year” as a public holiday. Senate Bill 2918, introduced […]
Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill creating a federal Election Day. The Democracy Day Act of 2014 designates “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year” as a public holiday.
Senate Bill 2918, introduced on November 12, has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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.