November 7, 2014 •
See You on November 14
Lobby Comply will be taking a one-week break. We’ll be back on Friday, November 14 with our weekly News You Can Use Digest. Enjoy your weekend!
Lobby Comply will be taking a one-week break. We’ll be back on Friday, November 14 with our weekly News You Can Use Digest.
Enjoy your weekend!
November 7, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 7, 2014
National: Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014 Pew Research Center – Aaron Smith | Published: 11/3/2014 The Pew Research Center found social media platforms and cell phones are playing an increasingly prominent role in how voters get political information and […]
National:
Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014
Pew Research Center – Aaron Smith | Published: 11/3/2014
The Pew Research Center found social media platforms and cell phones are playing an increasingly prominent role in how voters get political information and follow election news. Republicans and Democrats use social media in this way at similar rates. When asked about some reasons why they might follow political figures on social media, Republicans and conservative-leaning independents express a greater desire to be the first to find out about breaking political news, and to get political information that has not passed through the traditional media “filter.” Voters from both parties place a similar emphasis on the deeper connections that social media allows them to form with the candidates they support.
Hard-Nosed Advice from Veteran Lobbyist: ‘Win Ugly or Lose Pretty’
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 10/30/2014
A veteran lobbyist told the oil and gas industry that, if it wants to continually expand drilling operations, it must be ready to “win ugly or lose pretty,” according to a secretly taped recording of the comments. Consultant Richard Berman, founder and chief executive of the Washington D.C.-based firm Berman and Co., made the comments during a speech to industry executives in June. He said executives must be willing to get dirty and dig up embarrassing information about environmentalists and liberal celebrities. And if the oil and gas executives solicit help from Berman’s firm, he said he would be able to hide their role in funding certain campaigns. One executive took issue with Berman’s comments and secretly recorded the speech, which he then gave to The New York Times.
How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting
Governing – Daniel Vock | Published: 11/1/2014
The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity is deploying reporters to cover state and local governments around the country. Its ultimate ambition is to have bureaus in every state. But they are not news bureaus in the way many traditional journalists understand them. They are being paid to cover government from an unabashedly ideological perspective. In a study of statehouse reporters released this summer, the Pew Research Center found 33 ideological outlets with state Capitol reporters across the country. Some who are affiliated with such groups wonder why citizen journalists, including those who are advocates of one cause or another, should be treated differently than traditional journalists who see themselves as objective.
In States Seen to Be Tilting Left, Voters Defy Democrats’ Forecast
New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/5/2014
More striking than any Republican gains in red-state America on November 4 were the party’s U.S. Senate victories in Colorado and North Carolina and the near miss in Virginia. All are states that both parties believed were trending Democratic, and that Democrats boasted would before long be out of reach to Republicans. But demographic shifts that are gradually reshaping the American electorate, making it more racially diverse and younger, cannot overcome a difficult political environment and a weak message in a nonpresidential year. And the Democratic edge in sophisticated technological voter mobilization and targeting is eroding, as Republicans adopt similar techniques and catch up.
Federal:
Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus
New York Times – Ben Protess and Eric Lipton | Published: 11/2/2014
A book club gathers every month for lunch inside a private room at the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill. Unlike a local library’s book club, this event doubles as a political fundraiser. For the book club’s members – an A-list of lobbyists from banks and insurance companies – the main attraction is access to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. The cost of admission is a campaign donation to whichever committee member is playing host. Each month, attendees say, the lobbyists typically donate $1,000 to $5,000. “It is a $50,000 fundraiser, without a sweat,” said one lobbyist.
Election 2014: A new level of collaboration between candidates and big-money allies
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 11/3/2014
Just a decade ago, candidates shied away from being too closely associated with money raised by independent groups for reasons of appearance and for fear of running afoul of election laws. But the rapid spread of super PACs and politically active nonprofit organizations that followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision has dramatically altered the climate. Political operatives are also taking advantage of the hands-off approach of a divided FEC, which has not re-examined coordination rules in the wake of the 2010 ruling. In that void, candidates and independent groups have sought to bring their operations in alignment as much as possible this year.
How to Waste 10 Million Dollars
Politico – Kenneth Vogel and Byron Tau | Published: 11/6/2014
Mayday PAC burst onto the political scene in the spring of 2014 with grandiose designs to elect a pro-campaign finance reform majority to the U.S. Congress by 2016. The 2014 cycle was a test run of sorts, with the group spending more than $10 million on a slate of candidates ostensibly united only in their belief in curbing the influence of big donors, lobbyists, and money in the political system. But voters cast their ballots for business as usual, leaving Mayday and its founders facing questions about the contrast between its bold predictions and results.
Republicans First Step was to Handle Extremists in Party
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Thomas Hulse | Published: 11/5/2014
Republicans’ impressive showing on November 4 – marking the first time the GOP will have a majority in both the U.S. House and Senate since 2006 – was in large part the result of methodical plotting, careful candidate vetting, and abundant preparation to ensure the party’s candidates would avoid repeating the same devastating mistakes that cost them dearly in 2010 and 2012. In the end, the disciplined approach worked: no Republican imploded with the kind of fatal campaign gaffe that crushed the party’s hopes in the last two elections, and every established candidate prevailed in the primaries.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Firebrand Alabama Republican Collides With Ethics Law He Espoused
New York Times – Campbell Robertson and Alan Blinder | Published: 10/31/2014
State Rep. Michael Hubbard was arrested after a grand jury returned a 23-count indictment, partly on the basis of an ethics law he had championed, accusing him of using his positions as Alabama GOP chairperson and House speaker to steer thousands of dollars’ worth of business to companies in which he had a financial interest. Hubbard has denied the charges. Though they have not been accused of wrongdoing, some of Alabama’s most prominent executives appeared in the indictment, as did Bob Riley, a former two-term governor. This was unexpected, though perhaps it should not have been: Hubbard has been as strong a center of political gravity as the state has had in decades.
Arkansas – Arkansas Voters Approve Extended Term Limits
Governing – J.B. Wogan | Published: 11/5/2014
A ballot measure that would tighten ethics laws and change term limits passed in Arkansas. Issue 3 prohibits legislators and constitutional officers from taking gifts from lobbyists, with some exceptions; bans candidates from accepting campaign donations from corporations; increases the period that a former legislator must wait before registering as a lobbyist; and allows a lawmaker to serve up to 16 years in either chamber instead of the current limit of three two-year terms in the House and two four-year terms in the Senate.
California – California Lawmakers’ Campaign Credit-Card Spending Often Lacks Disclosure, Sacramento Bee Review Finds
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 11/2/2014
A review of California lawmakers’ credit-card spending by The Sacramento Bee found many provided only the barest of descriptions of their expenses on state-required campaign reports, despite a 2008 rule meant to improve disclosure. The lack of detail makes it difficult to determine whether legislators are using their campaign accounts to help them win re-election or do their jobs, or whether some have found an easy way to live a more luxurious lifestyle. Overall, lawmakers racked up more than $4 million in campaign credit-card charges during the first 18 months of this election cycle.
Florida – City Ethics Amendment Passes by Wide Margin
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 11/5/2014
Tallahassee voters overwhelmingly approved a charter amendment beefing up the city’s ethics program. It will create a seven-member ethics board with the power to investigate complaints and levy civil penalties; lower the maximum contribution that can be given to candidates from $1,000 to $250; and allow donors to receive rebates from the city of up to $25 if they give that much or more to candidates. The city commission has six months to enact an ethics code with jurisdiction over all officers and employees, including elected and appointed officials.
New York – 4 Indicted N.Y. Pols Win Re-election
Politico – Lucy McCalmont | Published: 11/5/2014
New York voters overwhelmingly re-elected four lawmakers – one to Congress and three to the state Legislature – who are under federal criminal indictments. U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm was re-elected to his House seat despite a 20–count indictment on tax related and other charges. Assemblyperson William Scarborough has been accused of misusing campaign funds for personal expenses. Sen. John Sampson could be sentenced to prison on charges including obstruction of justice, and witness and evidence tampering. Sen. Thomas Libous faces trial in 2015 following an indictment on charges of lying to federal agents.
Ohio – State Rep. Sandra Williams Found Guilty of Profiting from Ohio State Football Tickets
Columbus Dispatch – Jim Siegel | Published: 10/31/2014
State Rep. Sandra Williams pleaded no contest to charges she illegally sold Ohio State football season tickets purchased with campaign funds and did not report it to the state. She faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. The four 2010 tickets, worth a total of $2,255, were sold to lobbyist Ed Hogan. But Hogan made a money order out to Williams herself instead of to the campaign. Williams then deposited the money in her personal account and did not reimburse her campaign until FBI investigators discovered the error.
Pennsylvania – Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise
Citizens Voice – Robert Swift | Published: 11/2/2014
Lobbyists spent $116 million to influence Pennsylvania lawmakers last year, a 10 percent increase over 2012, with the top areas of lobbying interest in energy, the state budget, and healthcare issues. The lobbyist disclosure law requires corporations and trade associations that spent more than $2,500 in any quarter to register, broadly categorize how the money is spent, and identify general issues on which they lobby. Revelations that four House members allegedly accepted cash gifts from a confidential informant during a sting operation led the House and Senate to adopt rules banning lawmakers from accepting cash gifts. But bills to enact a total ban on gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and public officials did not make much headway.
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 6, 2014 •
Tallahassee Passes Ethics Code Referendum
Tallahassee voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum creating a city ethics code and new campaign finance restrictions. An independent ethics board will be appointed by the city to assist with the development and enforcement of the code. Additionally, the code creates […]
Tallahassee voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum creating a city ethics code and new campaign finance restrictions. An independent ethics board will be appointed by the city to assist with the development and enforcement of the code.
Additionally, the code creates a $250 cap on campaign contributions to candidates for city commissioner. Initial appointments to the board must take place within 90 days and the city has six months from election day to enact the ethics code.
November 6, 2014 •
Elizabeth Bartz among 2014 Women of Power
Elizabeth Bartz has been named one of the 2014 Women of Power by the Akron Urban League at their Fourth Annual Awards Luncheon. The organization says: “Women of Power Awards are granted to women who have made a difference […]
Elizabeth Bartz has been named one of the 2014 Women of Power by the Akron Urban League at their Fourth Annual Awards Luncheon.
The organization says: “Women of Power Awards are granted to women who have made a difference in the organizations where they work and also to the community at-large. Award nominees can be of any age or level in their careers, they might be well known in the community or unsung heroes, but they are women who are committed to making a difference and giving back.”
Congratulations, Elizabeth!
November 6, 2014 •
Orange County Approves Measure to Employ FPPC
The county has passed a proposal to employ the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for monitoring and enforcement of county ethics laws. However, even though Measure E passed with 56.5 percent of the vote, the FPPC does not currently have […]
The county has passed a proposal to employ the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for monitoring and enforcement of county ethics laws. However, even though Measure E passed with 56.5 percent of the vote, the FPPC does not currently have the authority to contract with the county.
Recent grand jury reports recommended the establishment of an ethics commission for Orange County and the last grand jury specifically recommended against hiring the FPPC. If a contract is authorized by the Legislature, Orange will become the second county behind San Bernardino to employ the FPPC.
November 6, 2014 •
Oakland, California Measure to Strengthen Ethics Commission Passes
Voters have approved an amendment to the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission. The commission now will have the authority to enforce the Oakland Lobbyist Registration Act and provisions of the […]
Voters have approved an amendment to the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission. The commission now will have the authority to enforce the Oakland Lobbyist Registration Act and provisions of the state’s Political Reform Act.
Measure CC sets aside $500,000 in additional funding for the commission in order to hire more staff members and investigate violations. The seven-member commission now has the authority to impose penalties and fines when four members agree by vote.
November 6, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Sacramento Report: Five questions for a lobbyist” by Brian Joseph for Voice of San Diego “Lobbying Fee Increase Drawing Criticism in Harrisburg” by John Kennedy for Legal Intelligencer “Schilling a No-Show at Lobbying Hearing on 38 Studios, Declared in […]
Lobbying
“Sacramento Report: Five questions for a lobbyist” by Brian Joseph for Voice of San Diego
“Lobbying Fee Increase Drawing Criticism in Harrisburg” by John Kennedy for Legal Intelligencer
“Schilling a No-Show at Lobbying Hearing on 38 Studios, Declared in Default” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“New Jersey’s Most Generous Donors to Political Causes and Super PACs” by Collen O’Dea for NJ Spotlight
Ethics
“Arkansas Voters Approve Extended Term Limits” by J.B. Wogan for Governing
“City Ethics Amendment Passes by Wide Margin” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Elections
“Republicans Gain Big in State Legislative Elections” by Karen Pierog for Reuters
“Republicans Hold the Top 2 Prizes in Governor Races” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
“As New Rules Take Effect, Voters Report Problems in Some States” by Erik Eckholm and Richard Fausset for New York Times
“Republicans Extend House Control as Democratic Holdouts Fall” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
“Republicans First Step was to Handle Extremists in Party” by Jeremy Peters and Thomas Hulse for New York Times
“Ted Kennedy Jr. Wins State Senate Race in Connecticut” by Alison Leigh Cowen for New York Times
November 5, 2014 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our November-December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello! November 6 Akron Urban League Women of Power Luncheon, Akron Ohio November 7 WASRG Luncheon, Washington, D.C. November 10 WGR Toastmasters, […]
Here is our November-December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello!
November 6 Akron Urban League Women of Power Luncheon, Akron Ohio
November 7 WASRG Luncheon, Washington, D.C.
November 10 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, D.C.
November 12-15 Women in Government Fifth Annual Healthcare Summit, Washington, D.C.
November 20-21 2014 Conference for Professional Women in Advocacy, Washington, D.C.
November 22 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona
December 3 Ohio Society Holiday Party; Washington, D.C.
December 7-10 COGEL Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 5, 2014 •
Ask the Experts – Service on a State Board or Commission
Q. I am a registered lobbyist and have been asked to serve on a state board. Are there any laws preventing me from serving? A. Generally, there are no laws preventing a registered lobbyist from serving on a state board […]
Q. I am a registered lobbyist and have been asked to serve on a state board. Are there any laws preventing me from serving?
A. Generally, there are no laws preventing a registered lobbyist from serving on a state board or commission. However, many states have laws regulating the board service of registered lobbyists.
For example, in South Carolina a lobbyist is prohibited from serving as a member on any state board or commission. Illinois also has a general prohibition; however, their prohibition extends to the spouses and immediate family members of a lobbyist who are living at home. Such individuals are prohibited from serving on a board, commission, authority, or task force authorized by state law or executive order.
Other states only prohibit a registered lobbyist from serving on certain boards or commissions. In Ohio, both legislative and executive branch lobbyists are prohibited from serving on the Ohio Elections Commission. In New York, lobbyists are prohibited from serving as a member of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and the Legislative Advisory Council.
Some states only prevent lobbyists from serving on boards that could possibly benefit themselves or their employers. In Tennessee, lobbyists are prohibited from serving as a member of a board, commission, or governmental entity with jurisdiction to regulate the business endeavors or professional activities of any employer of the lobbyist. In Wisconsin, lobbyists are prohibited from serving on a state board or commission related to who and what they are lobbying.
Every jurisdiction’s rules on lobbyists serving on state boards and commissions is different. Before agreeing to serve on a board or commission, you should consult that jurisdiction’s ethics commission.
![experts line](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/experts-line-300x10.png)
You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.
(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.
November 5, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying: “Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus” by Ben Protess and Eric Lipton for New York Times “Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise” by Robert Swift for Citizens Voice “Ex-Lawmakers Predict Post-Election Return of Earmarks” by Katelyn Plantz for National […]
Lobbying:
“Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus” by Ben Protess and Eric Lipton for New York Times
“Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise” by Robert Swift for Citizens Voice
“Ex-Lawmakers Predict Post-Election Return of Earmarks” by Katelyn Plantz for National Journal
“Complaint: D.C. law firm illegally lobbied Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Ethics:
“California Lawmakers’ Campaign Credit-Card Spending Often Lacks Disclosure, Sacramento Bee Review Finds” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee
“How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting” by Daniel Vock for Governing
“Ex-Homestead Mayor Now a Convicted Felon” by David Ovalle for Miami Herald
Elections:
“Rogue Pastors Endorse Candidates, but IRS Looks Away” by Rachael Bade for Politico
“Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014” by Aaron Smith for Pew Research Center
Campaign Finance:
“Election 2014: A new level of collaboration between candidates and big-money allies” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
“Surplussing: How donors, parties legally circumvent campaign contribution caps” by Austin Jenkins for KPLU
November 5, 2014 •
Arkansas Passes Ethics Constitutional Amendment
Voters passed a constitutional amendment on the November 4 ballot to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations. The Arkansas Elected Officials Ethics, Transparency, and Financial Reform Amendment of 2014 bans […]
Voters passed a constitutional amendment on the November 4 ballot to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations.
The Arkansas Elected Officials Ethics, Transparency, and Financial Reform Amendment of 2014 bans corporate and union contributions to political campaigns, prohibits gifts from lobbyists to legislative and executive officials, and extends term limits for legislators to at least 16 years.
The new provision allows lawmakers to serve 16 years in the same office, or even longer for senators winning special two-year terms after each decennial census and redistricting process.
The amendment is effective today, November 5, 2014.
November 4, 2014 •
MSRB Asks SEC to Approve Proposed Pay-To-Play Rule
At its quarterly meeting, the Board of Directors of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) agreed to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission for approval of its proposed pay-to-play rule for municipal advisors. The proposed rule would require limiting gifts […]
At its quarterly meeting, the Board of Directors of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) agreed to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission for approval of its proposed pay-to-play rule for municipal advisors. The proposed rule would require limiting gifts to $100 for municipal advisors giving gifts to employees of entities engaged in municipal securities activities. The new rules for municipal advisors also would prohibit receiving reimbursement of entertainment expenses from the proceeds of an offering of municipal securities.
In an MSRB press release, Board Chair Kym Arnone said, “Two decades ago, the MSRB adopted its landmark pay-to-play rule to address any actual link, and the appearance of a link, between political contributions and municipal securities underwriting, a bold move that dramatically improved the integrity of the market. Extending the well-established principles of this rule to municipal advisors will similarly work to promote the integrity of the market and the municipal advisory industry.” The quarterly meeting was held October 29 – 31, 2014.
November 4, 2014 •
Digital Government & Politics – Election Day Edition
A news summary where government and politics meet tech and social media: 2014 Midterm Elections “Google, Facebook aim to get out the vote” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. “Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014” by Aaron Smith in […]
A news summary where government and politics meet tech and social media:
2014 Midterm Elections
“Google, Facebook aim to get out the vote” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014” by Aaron Smith in Pew Internet Research Project.
“Help Us #FactcheckFacebook’s Election Efforts Today” by Micah L. Sifry in TechPresident.
“10 Races Federal Employees Should Watch on Election Day” by Eric Katz on Government Executive.
Bing Elections and Voter Guide – U.S. Senate Predictions
Google Politics and Elections | United States Midterm Elections
E-Government
“Is E-Gov Really Delivering?” by Tod Newcombe in Government Technology.
“Recreation.gov a Test Case for Government Tech” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
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.