Reggie Drummond, administrator of the Alaska Legislature’s Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, resigned effective September 15. He claims he simply did not enjoy the job and was not a good fit.

The ethics committee advises legislators on ethical matters and has the authority to issue penalties for ethics violations. Although the committee is charged with overseeing compliance with ethical standards, many of the ethics rules remain subject to interpretation. Drummond was not comfortable interpreting a limited statute and admits he failed to read the statute prior to accepting the position in June.

Joyce Anderson, who served as the committee’s administrator for 13 years before retiring earlier this year, has been named acting committee administrator.

National:

Non-Candidate Spending Increases in State Elections

The Center for Public Integrity – Rachel Baye, Reity O’Brien, Kytja Weir, and Ben Wieder | Published: 9/24/2014

More than 90 non-candidate organizations have spent $55 million to shape races in 30 states, accounting for roughly 19 percent of state-level political ad dollars. Four years ago, such groups spent $50 million and made up only 12 percent of spending. That translates to about 30,000 more ads this cycle from the groups. The increase in spending by non-candidate committees can be traced, in part, to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, which gave the green light to unions and corporations to spend unlimited funds on ads supporting or opposing candidates.

Secret G.O.P. Records Reveal Corporate Donors Paying for Access to Governors

New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 9/24/2014

A recent error by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) resulted in the disclosure of exactly the kind of information that political committees given tax-exempt status normally keep secret, namely their corporate donors and the size of their checks. The documents showed many of America’s most prominent companies had poured millions of dollars into the campaigns of GOP governors since 2008. One document listed 17 corporate members of the RGA’s secretive 501(c)(4), the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee, which is allowed to shield its supporters from the public.

Study: Major companies are increasingly disclosing their political spending

Washington Post – Tom Hamburger | Published: 9/24/2014

Top U.S. companies are reporting more details about their political contributions, according to a survey by the Center for Political Accountability. It scored 191 companies on a complex scale that tracked whether they disclose corporate donations to candidates, parties, or trade associations. The center has been leading efforts to require companies to disclose more about their spending. But the push has drawn criticism from business groups, who say more disclosures offer little of value to shareholders.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Federal Judge Rejects Citizens United Push to Avoid Disclosure Laws

Denver Post – John Frank | Published: 9/22/2014

A federal judge refused to issue an injunction that would have allowed Citizens United to air and advertise a documentary on Colorado politics ahead of the November elections without disclosing funding behind any advertising related to the movie. Citizens United argued it fell under protections for media and its “Rocky Mountain Heist” film did not constitute electioneering communications. Citizens United President David Bossie said his organization would appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Connecticut – Rowland, Ex-Connecticut Governor, Is Convicted in Campaign Finance Case

New York Times – Alison Leigh Cowan | Published: 9/19/2014

Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned from office a decade ago in a corruption scandal, was convicted of federal charges that he conspired to hide payment for work on two congressional campaigns. Rowland served 10 months in prison for taking illegal gifts while in office, and now as a repeat offender faces the possibility of a much stiffer sentence. Rowland could have legally worked for a candidate’s campaign and received payment, had it been properly reported. But Rowland’s problem, as U.S. Attorney Christopher Mattei told the jury, was that candidates valued his experience but his criminal history made the association too risky to be revealed.

Georgia – New Ga. Lobbying Rules Still Allow State Legislators to Accept Lavish Summer Travel

The Tribune; Associated Press – | Published: 9/21/2014

An analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows lobbyists spent more than $100,000 hosting lawmakers and state officials at roughly two-dozen summertime conferences. Many were held on the coast of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina during June and July. That spending increased by about 35 percent from 2012, the year before state lawmakers adopted some limits on lobbyist expenditures. But the new law left open a loophole that still allows lobbyists to pay generously when lawmakers travel for work purposes.

Kentucky – Kentucky Election Finance Leader Retiring

WFPL – Phillip Bailey | Published: 9/19/2014

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance announced that Sarah Jackson will retire as executive director on November 1. The registry appointed budget analyst Rebecca Feland as the interim executive director. Registry Chairperson Craig Dilger said a search for Jackson’s replacement will take several months. “Sarah has been a tremendous asset to the agency and a true professional as executive director; the agency is stronger for it,” said Dilger.

Maine – Gay Donors Missing History in Maine

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 9/22/2014

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, who is leading Maine’s gubernatorial race six weeks before Election Day, would be the first openly gay candidate ever to become governor of a state. Michaud has gotten to this point with little help from the wealthiest and most influential gay donors in Democratic politics. Some say it is an illustration of the short shrift progressive donors typically give to state-level elections, as well as Michaud’s own status as a new arrival within the gay political community.

North Carolina – North Carolina, in Political Flux, Battles for Its Identity

New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/22/2014

Unlike other Southern states, which have shifted decidedly rightward in recent years, North Carolina often seems like it is moving in both directions at once. Barack Obama shocked the political world by winning the state in 2008. Two years later, Republicans wrested control of both legislative houses for the first time in more than a century. In a tight race that could decide control of the U.S. Senate, it is Democrats who hold the advantage in registered voters. “It’s a place on the cusp – there’s really a battle going on for the soul of North Carolina,” said Marc Farinella, who was Obama’s 2008 campaign director in the state.

Rhode Island – Groups Challenge Proposed Changes for Those Lobbying Providence City Council

Providence Journal – John Hill | Published: 9/20/2014

Nonprofit groups criticized as burdensome a proposed lobbying ordinance in Providence that would expand disclosure requirements. They focused on one new rule that would define a lobbyist as someone who advocates for an organization or cause for 10 or more hours a year and is paid $2,500 or more for that work. The current standard is 25 hours a year and $2,500. Councilperson Samuel Zurier said a public hearing on the changes will be scheduled.

Rhode Island – Hearing Officer Rules That Corso Lobbied for 38 Studios Deal

Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 9/19/2014

A hearing officer hired by the Rhode Island secretary of state’s office ruled attorney Michael Corso should have registered as a lobbyist on behalf of 38 Studios. Secretary of State Ralph Mollis launched the probe in the wake media reports that revealed no one from 38 Studios registered to lobby when a controversial deal to provide the company with state funds was being put together in the Legislature. A contract showed the company pledged to pay Corso $300,000 to interact with government officials, among other duties. The hearing officer set a deadline for Corso to file lobbyist disclosure reports for 2010, or pay a $2,000 fine.

Virginia – McAuliffe Unveils Ethics Panel to Restore Public Trust after McDonnell Convictions

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 9/25/2014

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe laid out an ambitious agenda for ethical and political reform in the state, saying it is essential to restore the public’s trust in its government. McAuliffe appointed a bipartisan commission charged with recommending sweeping changes in the laws regarding gifts, campaign contributions, and public disclosure by state officials. The announcement comes less than a month after former Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of corruption.

Wisconsin – Federal Court Overturns Doe Ruling, Sends it Back to State Judges

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Jason Stein, Daniel Bice, and Patrick Marley | Published: 9/24/2014

A federal appeals court removed an injunction halting an investigation into whether Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign illegally coordinated with conservative groups on fundraising and spending as he sought to overcome a recall effort. The decision by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit raised the prospect that prosecutors could eventually resume the investigation even as Walker is engaged in a tight battle for re-election. But now the matter returns to Wisconsin’s courts, where a state judge had in effect stopped the inquiry in an earlier ruling, saying he had found no basis for pursuing an inquiry into campaign finance violations.

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.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the appointment of a bipartisan panel to review state campaign finance, gift, and public disclosure laws. The panel is co-chaired by former Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and former U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, who represented a district in southwestern Virginia.

The governor’s announcement comes just weeks after former Gov. Bob McDonnell was convicted of corruption charges for accepting close to $200,000 of gifts in exchange for public acts.

Other topics on the table include merit selection of judges and redrawing of legislative district lines.

Gov. McAuliffe has asked the panel for a report by December 1, giving the General Assembly time to take action in 2015.

Photo of Gov. Terry McAuliffe courtesy of Kate Wellington in Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Tech Firms and Lobbyists: Now Intertwined, but Not Eager to Reveal It” by Derek Willis and Claire Cain Miller in The New York Times.

New Jersey: “Archer & Greiner Lobbying Unit Eyes Future Without Mroz” by David Gialanella in the New Jersey Law Journal.

Campaign Finance

“2014 Campaign Finance Dashboard” by Alan Palazzolo, Tom Nehil and Devin Henry in MinnPost.

Indiana: “Big-money donors play in quiet 2014 state election cycle” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Massachusetts: “Somerville mayor vetoes new campaign finance law” by Danielle McLean in the Somerville Journal.

New York City: “City campaign finance officials on the future of online-donation tools” by Miranda Neubauer in Capital New York.

Wisconsin: “Federal appeals court lifts injunction of Scott Walker campaign finance investigation” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Won’t Budge on Releasing Financial Disclosures” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Indiana: “Dem asks for tougher rules after ethics conflict” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Virginia: “Bolling, Boucher to serve on McAuliffe’s ethics panel” by Andrew Cain in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Elections

“The worst campaigns of 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Coming soon to the workplace: Voter registration drives?” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Arkansas: “Arkansas Is Likely the Next State to Turn Red” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

California: “Gubernatorial Candidate Gives Out Gift Cards for Gas” by Seema Mehta in Governing.

Colorado: “Poll: Colorado turns perfect purple” by Kendall Breitman in Politico.

Florida: “Elections officials urging online voter registration” in the Miami Herald.

Political Advertising

North Carolina: “N.C. campaign ad spending tops $3.7 million” by The Associated Press in The Fayetteville Observer.

Tech and Social Media

“These 7 local governments will Code for America in 2015” by Luke Fretwell in Govfresh.

Welcome back to the statehouse series. Today we travel to the Michigan capitol building.

Located in the state capital of Lansing, the Michigan Statehouse that stands today is the third building to house the Michigan government. The original statehouse was located in Detroit, Michigan’s original capital. The original statehouse was relocated to a second building in 1847, which was built with a wood frame structure. The present building was dedicated in 1879, designed with Neoclassical and Italianate styles. After a three-year restoration project, the capitol was rededicated in 1992.

The Michigan State Capitol is a truly a magnificent structure, with four-stories, two grand staircases, and a cast-iron dome that displays eight beautifully painted muses. Throughout the interior, the entire white floor tiling is made of Vermont marble and limestone. The only exception is the rotunda floor which is composed of 976 blocks of translucent glass.

The building also houses the State Senate and House of Representatives chambers, both rooms decorated differently. One features a terra cotta and teal ensemble while the other displays blue and gold. Like many other capitol buildings, the statehouse grounds feature various monuments and statues while highlighted by some not-so-typical notable trees: an Eastern White Pine, the state tree of Michigan; the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tree; and the oldest tree on the grounds, an 1873 catalpa.

For more information, such as how to schedule a tour, please be sure to check out the Michigan Statehouse website.

Along with the exhibits about the first governor, there are exhibits about all of the governors and an exhibit about the “Greater Lansing Area Attractions.”

Photo of the Michigan State House by Nikopoley on Wikimedia Commons.

The U.S. Statehouse Series is a project of the State and Federal Communications team of summer interns: Alessandra Dickos, Zack Koozer, Elaina Laikos, and Rachel Rodgers.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Americans Are O.K. With Big Business. It’s Business Lobbying Power They Hate.” by Neil Irwin in The New York Times.

“TechAmerica Axes Top Government Representative” in Government Technology.

Campaign Finance

“Study: Major companies are increasingly disclosing their political spending” by Tom Hamburger in The Washington Post.

“Why the Billionaires Got Bupkus” by Michael Lind in Politico Magazine.

“D’Souza Avoids Prison in Campaign Finance Case” by Jonathan Mahler in The New York Times.

Maine: “Groups’ spending on Maine elections hits record $4.6 million” by Steve Mistler in the Portland Press Herald.

San Diego, California: “Leaders OK campaign crackdown” by David Garrick in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Ethics

“Lawmakers push for new limits to political intelligence brokers” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.

“QUIZ: Do You Know How to Be an Ethical Political Appointee?” by Eric Katz in Government Executive.

Georgia: “AG’s office pays $10,000 fine in ethics commission case” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Georgia: “DeKalb Commission releases money for ethics investigations” by Mark Niesse in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Political Advertising

“When NOT to Air Political Ads on TV” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign regulators give social media advice, suggest online posts carry disclaimers” by The Associated Press in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Few 2014 campaign TV ads in Missouri” by The Associated Press in the Springfield News-Leader.

Elections

Florida: “Hillary Clinton to campaign for Charlie Crist” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.

North Carolina: “N.C. sees rise in unaffliated voters” by Benjamin Brown in the Charlotte Observer.

Legislative Sessions

Montana: “Legislative Update September 2014” by Sen. Matt Rosendale in The Roundup.

Utah: “2015 Legislature Could See Record Number of Bills” by Bob Bernick in Utah Policy.

Tech and Social Media

“Procurement: What if We’re Doing it Wrong?” by Mark Headd in Government Technology.

The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) issued an advisory opinion last week to clarify when an organization may be required to register with the state as an independent expenditure political action committee (IEPAC). An IEPAC is a political committee or other entity receiving contributions to make independent expenditures.

On September 18, the OCPF issued AO-14-05, which explains how an organization raising funds for political purposes is generally not required to register as an IEPAC in Massachusetts unless donors are told or otherwise know “that at least a portion of funds given will be used to influence” an election in the state. Registration as an IEPC with the state would not be required even if a portion of the funds raised by the organization is subsequently transferred to a Massachusetts IEPAC or is used by the organization itself to make independent expenditures in the state.

A committee of City Council has endorsed new campaign contribution rules to monitor independent political action committees. The rules would classify a committee’s otherwise independent payment as a “contribution” if the payment is for an advertisement duplicating materials found in a candidate’s advertisement or on the candidate’s website. Such payments would be subject to both contribution limits and source prohibitions.

The full City Council will now consider the amendments to the Election Campaign Control Ordinance (ECCO).

Photo of the San Diego skyline courtesy of Tomcio77 on Wikimedia Commons.

State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the 2014 Public Affairs Council State and Local Government Relations Conference from September 29 – October 1 in Alexandria, Virginia. President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz and a team of five of the staff are attending the event. We never miss it!

You can follow the Twitter conversations from the conference at #SLGR14.
See you there!

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Oklahoma: “State Capitol lobbyist Bart McSpadden dead at 46” by Mark Friedel in the Claremore Daily Progress.

Campaign Finance

“Democrats relying on big donors to win” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Tarini Parti in Politico.

“FEC Chairman Talks ‘Dark Money’ and the Fine Line Between Free Speech and Censorship” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown in Reason.com.

“Is there a right to contribute to out-of-state elections?” by William Baude in The Washington Post.

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts governor’s race has range of cash sources” by Steve Leblanc in the Portland Press Herald.

Massachusetts: “Pro-casino group ramping up campaign spending” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

New Jersey: “N.J. assemblyman wants to end restrictions on campaign donations, lobbying: The Auditor” in NJ.com.

Winnipeg, Canada: “The money behind the politics: Winnipeg’s most generous political donors” by Joanne Levasseur and Sean Kavanagh in CBC News.

Ethics

Tallahassee, Florida: “City approves 2015 budget, more ethics standards” by TaMaryn Waters in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Elections

California: “A show of disunity at California GOP convention” by Michael Finnegan and Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times.

California: “AM Alert: Democrats’ legislative supermajority hinges on several key races” by Alexei Koseff in the Fresno Bee.

Michigan: “Michigan GOP Gov. Rick Snyder Has Created an Opening for His Opponent” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Minnesota: “Unions will play key role in Dayton re-election bid” by Ricardo Lopez in the Star Tribune.

Legislative Sessions

Alaska: “Alaska legislative committee reviews progress on crime-reduction bill” by Jerzy Shedlock in the Alaska Dispatch News.

Former Gov. John G. Rowland was convicted Friday in federal court on seven counts of corrupt political acts. The charges, including obstructing justice, conspiracy, and falsifying documents, followed Rowland’s connection to the congressional campaigns of Lisa Wilson-Foley in 2012 and Mark Greenberg in 2010.

Foley pleaded guilty to related crimes earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing. The obstruction charge in relation to Greenberg’s campaign centered around a contract presented to Greenberg by Rowland. Greenberg testified he was not interested and tore up the contract.

Facing a maximum of 57 years in prison, Rowland will be sentenced on December 12.

Photo of former Gov. John G. Rowland by CT State Library on Wikimedia Commons.

The executive director of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is stepping down. Sarah Jackson, who has held the position since 1999, announced her retirement effective November 1.

During her tenure, Jackson expanded the state’s electronic campaign finance reporting program and established an online searchable database.

Rebecca Feland, a budget analyst with the Registry, has been named the interim director.

Proposed changes to the Providence, Rhode Island lobbying law are drawing criticism from various civic groups.

In a letter dated September 18 to the City Council, 11 nonprofit and community organizations urge the rejection of the proposal. The letter argues the proposed expansions effectively “discourage community activism” by “aiming explicitly at organizations that rely on non-compensated volunteers to advocate for the community.”

Samuel Zurier, the ordinance’s sponsor, claims the ordinance and amendments are “within the mainstream of what other [municipalities] do,” according to the Providence Journal. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2015.

Lobbying

Connecticut: “Ethics Commission selects 10 lobbyists for audit” in Hartford Business.

Georgia: “New Ga. lobbying rules allow for summer travel” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Illinois: “Rauner proposes cooling-off period before lobbying” by Kurt Erickson in the Herald & Review.

Rhode Island: “Violation found in 38 Studios lobbying case” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

Rhode Island: “Groups challenge proposed changes for those lobbying Providence City Council” by John Hill in the Providence Journal.

Texas: “Todd Staples named president of Texas oil and gas lobbying group” by Nicholas Sakelaris in the Dallas Business Journal.

Minnesota: “Minnesota Farm Bureau Members Lobbying Congress” on WNAX.com.

Campaign Finance

“Exclusive: Lois Lerner breaks silence” by Rachael Bade in Politico.

“Campaign finance disclosures show billionaires opening their wallets” by Philip Elliott (Associated Press) in The Register-Guard.

“What’s Next for Campaign Finance Reform?” by Meredith McGehee (Campaign Legal Center) in The Huffington Post.

California (San Diego): “Crackdown coming on campaign cash?” by David Garrick in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Connecticut: “Rowland, Ex-Connecticut Governor, Is Convicted in Campaign Finance Case” by Alison Leigh Cowan in The New York Times.

Massachusetts: “Candidates for governor target supporters for cash” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

New York City: “Campaign Finance Board wants earlier payments to candidates” by Sally Goldenberg in Capital New York.

Ethics

Georgia: “Georgia legislators hit the beach: Lobbying limits exempt pricey travel, conventions on Georgia, Florida coasts for state lawmakers” by James Salzer in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Urged to Release Board Members’ Financial Disclosures” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Kentucky: “Kentucky Election Finance Leader Retiring” by Phillip M. Bailey on WFPL News.

North Carolina: “Assessing The State Ethics Commission” by Will Michaels and Frank Stasio in WUNC North Carolina Public Radio.

Congress

“Congressional Hits and Misses: Week of September 15 (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

Virginia: “Va. legislators approve budget deal, reject Medicaid expansion” by Laura Vozzella and Rachel Weiner in The Washington Post.

West Virginia: “Parole law retroactivity contentious” by Andrea Lannom in the Charleston Daily Mail.

Political Advertising

“The Best TV Shows for Political Advertisements” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Colorado: “Negative campaign ads dominate Colorado Senate race” by Katie Kuntz in The Gazette.

Minnesota: “Minnesota is the state of political hockey ads” by Bob Collins on Minnesota Public Radio.

Tech and Social Media

“Play of the Day: How to Use Twitter if You’re a Politician (Jimmy Fallon)” by Reena Flores in Government Executive.