December 30, 2014 •
South Carolina Ethics Commission General Counsel Resigning
The State Ethics Commission is losing an influential attorney who was recently silenced by the commission’s director. Attorney Cathy Hazelwood said she will leave the commission after 15 years of service to work at the Department of Education under Republican […]
The State Ethics Commission is losing an influential attorney who was recently silenced by the commission’s director.
Attorney Cathy Hazelwood said she will leave the commission after 15 years of service to work at the Department of Education under Republican Superintendent-elect Molly Spearman.Hazelwood was a go-to source for interpretation of ethics laws and media frequently sought her expertise when ethics complaints were filed against public officials.
However, the commission recently created a policy to channel all media inquiries to the director, Herb Hayden.
The policy came close to a year after Hazelwood publically disagreed with Hayden over how to handle an ethics case involving Governor Nikki Haley.
The commission is advertising for a new attorney to fill the position.
December 30, 2014 •
The Guidebooks are on their way!
We are sending out the 2015 State and Federal Communications, Inc. Executive Source Guidebooks today! For all of our clients who receive them, they will arrive in early January. If you would like to know more about our Guidebooks and […]
We are sending out the 2015 State and Federal Communications, Inc. Executive Source Guidebooks today! For all of our clients who receive them, they will arrive in early January.
If you would like to know more about our Guidebooks and our compliance services, send a request to marketing@stateandfed.com.
December 29, 2014 •
Yukon Legislative Assembly Adjourned
The fall session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly, which convened on October 23, adjourned on December 18, 2014. Bill 104, the Paid Lobbying Act, did not progress past the first reading.
The fall session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly, which convened on October 23, adjourned on December 18, 2014.
Bill 104, the Paid Lobbying Act, did not progress past the first reading.
December 29, 2014 •
Canada Consultation Period Ends for Revised Lobbyists’ Code
The consultation period for review of the Revised Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct has ended. Commissioner of Lobbying Karen Shepherd drafted the revisions and invited comment on the proposed changes to be submitted by December 19, 2014. The changes focus on […]
The consultation period for review of the Revised Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct has ended.
Commissioner of Lobbying Karen Shepherd drafted the revisions and invited comment on the proposed changes to be submitted by December 19, 2014. The changes focus on the relationship between lobbyists and public officials, while removing rules relating to the relationship between lobbyists and clients.
New rules prohibit a lobbyist from lobbying a public official if the lobbyist has campaigned for or has business interests with the public official. New gift regulations hold a lobbyist responsible for giving a gift the public official is not allowed to accept.
Once Shepherd finalizes the revisions, they will be referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics, before being published in the Canada Gazette. The current version of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct remains in place until the revised code comes into effect.
Image of Canadian Flag by Djameson1983 on Wikimedia Commons.
December 29, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying National: “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Campaign Finance “New DGA Chairman Promises Greater Disclosure” by James Hohmann for Politico Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to […]
Lobbying
National: “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“New DGA Chairman Promises Greater Disclosure” by James Hohmann for Politico
Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to Reveal Donors” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Tribune
New Mexico: “State Senator Pre-Files Campaign Finance Reform Bill” by Andy Beale for Albuquerque Business First
Ethics
“Rep. Michael Grimm Pleads Guilty in Tax Case, Refuses to Resign” by Christine Mai-Duc for Los Angeles Times
National: “Cuomo and Christie, Defying Legislatures, Reject Bill to Overhaul Port Authority” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
California: “PG&E Discloses More Emails with State Regulators” by Ellen Knickmeyer (Associated Press) for San Jose Mercury News
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Agency Fails to Collect Most Fees” by M. Scott Carter for Oklahoma Watch
December 26, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 26, 2014
National: Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 12/21/2014 While campaign finance reform is unlikely in Congress, it is possible in some states, where extreme polarization on the issue of […]
National:
Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 12/21/2014
While campaign finance reform is unlikely in Congress, it is possible in some states, where extreme polarization on the issue of money in politics is less evident than in Washington, D.C. Many states and municipalities have already enacted new disclosure laws and rules governing candidates’ coordination with independent groups. Still others have pushed for small-donor matching fund systems to dilute the power of big money, or have passed conflict-of-interest restrictions on gifts from lobbyists and contractors.
Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/18/2014
There is a flourishing industry that pairs plaintiffs’ lawyers with state attorneys general to sue companies, a collaboration that has set off a furious competition between trial lawyers and corporate lobbyists to influence these officials. While prospecting for contracts, the private lawyers have also donated tens of thousands of dollars to campaigns of individual attorneys general, as well as party-backed organizations that they run. The donations often come in large chunks just before or after the firms sign contracts to represent the state, show campaign finance records and more than 240 contracts examined by The New York Times.
Federal:
National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 12/22/2014
The national political parties and some of their biggest donors are embracing a new law that dramatically increases contribution limits, saying it could help the parties stage a financial comeback in an era of unlimited spending by super PACs. Some third-party groups on the left and the right of the political spectrum, however, are not as pleased, warning the national parties will have more power to drown out upstart politicians challenging the establishment’s favored candidates., Everyone agrees on one point: more campaign money will start to slosh through federal elections, just as the 2016 presidential campaign heats up.
Rep. Michael Grimm Pleads Guilty in Tax Case, Refuses to Resign
Los Angeles Times – Christine Mai-Duc | Published: 12/23/2014
U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm will not resign despite pleading guilty to one felony charge of filing false tax returns for a restaurant he owned, raising a challenge for Republican leaders if they seek to force him from office. He could be expelled from following a vote by the full House, but those proceedings could take weeks or even months. Grimm, a former FBI agent, was hit with 20-count indictment in April. Initially, federal investigators looked into allegations of campaign finance violations, but no charges were ever filed as part of that probe. Prosecutors accused Grimm of under-reporting his employees’ wages to the IRS, paying them in envelopes full of cash, and said he had lied under oath when he claimed he was not responsible for handling payroll.
Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
Center for Responsive Politics – Dan Auble | Published: 12/22/2014
Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. The Center for Responsive Politics attempted to identify whether particular industries have contributed more than their fair share to the decrease. Lobbying spending may have dropped by 15 percent since 2009, but not all industries have cut their spending. Fifty-six industries outperformed the overall trend, and 24 actually increased spending since 2009. About 33 fell at a more drastic rate than the average, suggesting they may have contributed more to the overall decline than could be made up by those on the rise.
From the States and Municipalities:
Maine – Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying
Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 12/22/2014
Advocates for transparency in government say the failure to require lobbying disclosures at the local level makes it hard for citizens to know who is trying to influence elected officials, at a time when well-funded national groups are pouring millions of dollars into state and local politics. No Maine community has a lobbying disclosure rule, and the only time the state imposes a reporting requirement on cities and towns is when a community with more than 15,000 residents takes up a local referendum question.
Massachusetts – Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players
Boston Globe – Matt Viser | Published: 12/23/2014
The hourly shuttle flights between Boston and Reagan National Airport are a vital connection between the nation’s capital and The Hub in more ways than one. The shuttle provides an airborne showcase of the region’s power players as they travel to private dinners, fundraisers, and congressional hearings. For members of Congress, it can be like office hours, where they are forced to confront constituents who happen to be seat mates. Gate agents report passengers frequently request a new seat assignment so they can be next to a person with whom they are hoping to conduct business.
North Carolina – NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts
Raleigh News & Observer – Ann Blythe | Published: 12/19/2014
The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the Republican-led redrawing of congressional and legislative districts in 2011. Democratic voters and others challenging the boundaries argue that 30 legislative and congressional districts were designed to weaken the overall influence of black voters in North Carolina. The challengers contend the shepherds of the redistricting packed black voters into districts where they had already been successful in electing their candidates of choice despite being in the minority. Republicans have argued they followed the law when creating districts.
Pennsylvania – Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 12/21/2014
Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has said an undercover sting investigation that implicated five Philadelphia officials was marred by possible racial targeting, among many other flaws. At a news conference where Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced the arrests of two state representatives who he said took cash from a lobbyist who was working with law enforcement officials in the sting, Williams used the subpoena power of an investigative grand jury to dig into Kane’s statements on why she shuttered the sting and test them for accuracy. He ended up launching a broadside against Kane, saying she had made repeated false statements to justify her decision to end the probe, cited documents that did not exist, and irresponsibly jettisoned a strong criminal case.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts
Columbus Republic – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2014
Sen. Lloyd Smucker said he will introduce a sweeping bill to ban nearly all gifts to public officials and employees in Pennsylvania, including state and local government employees. Such bills have been introduced before, and seen no action, and Smucker said he has no commitment to pass it by House or Senate leadership. But this measure has the added weight of testimony collected by Smucker’s State Government Committee, a pledge by Gov.-elect Tom Wolf to ban gifts to executive branch employees and officials, and a fresh corruption scandal that produced bribery charges against two lawmakers.
Pennsylvania – Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Joe Smydo | Published: 12/22/2014
In the past 15 years, more than a dozen legislators in Pennsylvania have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, crimes ranging from misusing taxpayer resources to hiding income from a second job to leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams recently announced bribery and other charges against Reps. Ronald Waters and Vanessa Lowery Brown. Policing lawmakers is a task the state Ethics Commission shares with committees in the House and Senate. Commission Executive Director Robert Caruso said his agency’s work has been challenged in recent years by staffing shortages, budget cuts, and weaknesses in the state ethics law.
Rhode Island – Mollis Concludes Former R.I. Attorney General Lynch Did Not Violate Lobbying Rules
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 12/18/2014
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis concluded former Attorney General Patrick Lynch did not violate Rhode Island’s lobbying law in his interactions with his successor’s office about federal regulation of Internet gambling and other topics. Lynch has claimed his interactions with Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office were as a lawyer representing clients and, thus, he was exempt from registering as a lobbyist.
Utah – Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment
Politico – Manu Raju | Published: 12/22/2014
What is happening in Utah marks a new chapter in the tea-party-vs.-establishment wars that have defined Republican politics since 2010. At that time, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee seized on conservatives’ frustration with a veteran GOP senator, Bob Bennett, to win the party’s nomination and emerge as one of the country’s most prominent tea party senators. But after four years in Washington, where he has aligned himself with the most conservative wing of the party, some Republicans are weighing whether there is an opening to challenge Lee.
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.
December 24, 2014 •
D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Bill Takes Effect 1/31/15
The provisions of a campaign finance reform bill passed by the Council of the District of Columbia take effect January 31, 2015. The special election set for April 28, 2015, will be the first test to the new restrictions found […]
The provisions of a campaign finance reform bill passed by the Council of the District of Columbia take effect January 31, 2015. The special election set for April 28, 2015, will be the first test to the new restrictions found in Bill 20-0076.
However, according to the Office of Campaign Finance, all campaigns registering prior to the effective date of the law will not be subject to its provisions. The new law will only affect those campaigns registering on or after February 1, 2015.
Among the changes, Bill 20-0076 imposes a training requirement for committee treasurers and requires all campaign finance reports to be filed electronically. The new law also restricts contributions from affiliated entities, thereby closing the “LLC loophole”.
December 24, 2014 •
Happy Holidays!
We have many things for which we are thankful at State and Federal Communications. Before the day gets away from us, we would like to thank you for following Lobby Comply Blog. We’ve had a great year and look forward […]
We have many things for which we are thankful at State and Federal Communications. Before the day gets away from us, we would like to thank you for following Lobby Comply Blog.
We’ve had a great year and look forward to giving our very best service to our clients in 2015. Happy Holidays from all of us at State and Federal Communications!
December 24, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics “PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post “Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser […]
Lobbying
“Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics
“PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post
“Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe
Campaign Finance
“Wall Street Money Can Predict How Democrats Vote. Here’s How” by Chris Wilson and Pratheek Rebala for Time
“National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Ethics Panel Wants State Agencies, Employees to Disclosure Campaign Activity” by Mario Moretto (Bangor Daily News) for Lewiston Sun Journal
Ethics
“Languid, Lax Congressional Ethics Disciplinary System May Pick Up Pace in 2015” by David Hawkins for Roll Call
“‘Boss’ Gifts to Pittsburgh Employees from Peduto Raise Questions” by Bob Bauder for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
“The Tortoise and the Hare” by Maggie Haberman for Politico
Redistricting
“Panel Adopts Ideas for Changing Virginia’s Redistricting Process” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
December 23, 2014 •
Ohio House Adjourns Sine Die
Today, the Ohio House of Representatives adjourned sine die, having concluded it regular floor session on December 17. The Senate had previously adjourned sine die on December 18. Among the bills passed by both chambers of the Legislature is a […]
Today, the Ohio House of Representatives adjourned sine die, having concluded it regular floor session on December 17. The Senate had previously adjourned sine die on December 18. Among the bills passed by both chambers of the Legislature is a redistricting plan to be voted on by Ohioans in November of 2015.
Photo of the Ohio Statehouse by Urban on Wikimedia Commons.
December 23, 2014 •
Montana Lobbyist Registration Threshold is $2,500
On December 22, the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices’ proposed rule amendment increasing the threshold amount of payment triggering lobbyist registration to $2,500 for 2015 and 2016 was adopted. The payment threshold is adjusted by an inflation factor determined by […]
On December 22, the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices’ proposed rule amendment increasing the threshold amount of payment triggering lobbyist registration to $2,500 for 2015 and 2016 was adopted. The payment threshold is adjusted by an inflation factor determined by the commissioner. The previous threshold amount was $2,450 for the calendar years 2013 and 2014.
December 23, 2014 •
Our Holiday Giving Tree
State and Federal Communications is thrilled to work in Akron and we recognize that we have a responsibility to reach out to the community around us. For this holiday season, our Giving Tree donations have gone to the CORE Furniture Bank […]
State and Federal Communications is thrilled to work in Akron and we recognize that we have a responsibility to reach out to the community around us. For this holiday season, our Giving Tree donations have gone to the CORE Furniture Bank in Cuyahoga Falls.
CORE is an amazing organization that assists families in need with furniture and housewares, so we collected sheets, blankets and pillows.
Many agencies in Summit County partner with CORE, including Summit County Children Services, the Veterans Administration, Haven of Rest Ministries, Battered Women’s Shelter, Oriana House, OPEN M, and Springtime of Hope.
Happy Holidays to the CORE Furniture Bank, and thank you for all of the work you do to help our community!
December 23, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter
Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami Herald
Maine: “Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying” by Steve Mistler for Portland Press Herald
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: Lobbyists change with new Legislature” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
“Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?” by Joe Smydo for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wisconsin: “GAB Declined to Reauthorize Walker Campaign Probe” by Patrick Marley and Jason Stein for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Elections Board Director Defends Work, Structure, Amid Calls for Overhaul” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Elections
“Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment” by Manu Raju for Politico
Redistricting
North Carolina: “NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
December 22, 2014 •
WASRG Holiday Happy Hour a Terrific Success!
State and Federal Communications was a sponsor of a recent WASRG holiday event to raise money for The Children’s Inn at NIH, which is located in Bethesda, Maryland and serves pediatric patients and their families from all over the world. […]
State and Federal Communications was a sponsor of a recent WASRG holiday event to raise money for The Children’s Inn at NIH, which is located in Bethesda, Maryland and serves pediatric patients and their families from all over the world.
Current WASRG President Stefani Grant from Unilever and 2015 WASRG President Rebecca South from State & Federal Communications sent the following thank you note:
“On behalf of the Washington Area State Relations Group Board of Directors, I would like to let you know that the Annual WASRG Holiday Happy Hour raised $1,974 for The Children’s Inn at NIH! Your generosity and good cheer helped to make our event fun and allowed WASRG to give to a worthy cause.”
We are always happy to work with WASRG and we’re honored to do our part to help The Children’s Inn at NIH!

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