October 15, 2014 •
Connecticut Democratic Party Denounced for Seeking Advisory Opinion
The State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) used unusually strong language while asking the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to prevent the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee (CDSCC) from using federally designated funds for a state race. The state party has requested […]
The State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) used unusually strong language while asking the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to prevent the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee (CDSCC) from using federally designated funds for a state race. The state party has requested an advisory opinion from the FEC approving the use of funds in a federal campaign account to pay for a mailing encouraging the reelection of Gov. Dannel Malloy.
In a letter to the FEC, signed by all five members, the SEEC denounced the inquiry stating it would violate both the letter and spirit of state campaign finance laws. In response, the CDSCC argued it is simply seeking clarification where federal and state laws are in conflict.
Federal law requires certain “federal election activity,” potentially including mailings, be paid for with a minimum of 15 percent federal funds whereas Connecticut law requires state candidates be supported exclusively with state funds. The CDSCC believes, should its reading of the law be confirmed, federal law will preempt state statutes and the use of federal funds will be required.
October 15, 2014 •
ELEC Director Urges New Jersey Legislature to Overhaul Pay-to-Play
Executive Director Jeff Brindle of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission issued a statement urging the state Legislature to amend existing pay-to-play law. He claims constitutional challenges to federal laws may have ramifications on New Jersey’s law, and a […]
Executive Director Jeff Brindle of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission issued a statement urging the state Legislature to amend existing pay-to-play law. He claims constitutional challenges to federal laws may have ramifications on New Jersey’s law, and a complete overhaul is necessary.
Brindle argues state pay-to-play law is too complex and has unintended consequences. Contractors either stop making contributions altogether, seek ways to legally circumvent the law, or simply break the law. Moreover, donations to transparent entities such as candidates and parties have declined while the activity of PACs and anonymous independent groups has increased significantly.
Because pay-to-play law is worthwhile, Brindle suggests establishing one state law, ending the fair and open loophole, enhancing disclosure, raising the contribution limit, exempting political parties, and including restrictions on contractor contributions to PACs.
The statement represented the personal opinions of Jeff Brindle and not necessarily those of the Commission.
October 15, 2014 •
Marion Superior Judge Selection Ruled Unconstitutional
A federal judge in Indianapolis ruled the statute delineating how Marion Superior judges are elected is unconstitutional. The election of Marion Superior judges is unique, as Republican and Democratic parties may nominate up to half of the open positions. Furthermore, […]
A federal judge in Indianapolis ruled the statute delineating how Marion Superior judges are elected is unconstitutional. The election of Marion Superior judges is unique, as Republican and Democratic parties may nominate up to half of the open positions.
Furthermore, once a judge wins in the primary, he or she will automatically be elected in the general because there are as many candidates as there are open seats. Because primaries are restricted to the two major parties, only those eligible to vote in the primary elections are able to cast meaningful votes for the open judgeships, and those who do not declare a party have no say in the election of the judges.
The court found the statute severely burdens the right to vote. The ruling is stayed and will not affect next month’s election.
October 15, 2014 •
Contribution Limits Lifted in Chicago Mayoral Race
The campaign contribution limits have been lifted for candidates in the Chicago mayoral race. Under state law, the limits are lifted for all candidates in a local race once a candidate in said race exceeds $100,000 in contributions to his […]
The campaign contribution limits have been lifted for candidates in the Chicago mayoral race. Under state law, the limits are lifted for all candidates in a local race once a candidate in said race exceeds $100,000 in contributions to his own campaign within a year of the election.
Conservative candidate William J. Kelly reached the $100,000 threshold on Monday. This is seemingly good news for Rahm Emanuel, who will now be able to go back to wealthy supporters to add to his campaign war chest.
Kelly argues lifting the caps does not help his opponent, however, as Emanuel already has all the money he needs. Kelly contends the playing field has been leveled as anti-Emanuel groups are now free to contribute to him as much as they want.
October 15, 2014 •
FitzGerald Proposes Amendment Clarifying County Contracting Ban
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald proposed an amendment at Tuesday’s County Council meeting seeking to clarify the county’s code in light of an independent county board ruling. The Debarment Review Board, a panel largely made up of FitzGerald appointees, effectively […]
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald proposed an amendment at Tuesday’s County Council meeting seeking to clarify the county’s code in light of an independent county board ruling. The Debarment Review Board, a panel largely made up of FitzGerald appointees, effectively shortened the county contracting ban for a former contractor convicted of corruption.
The board ruled William Neiheiser’s ban should have begun the day he was convicted of bribery in July 2011 and run through July 2016. County Inspector General Nailah Byrd imposed the ban from June 2014 to June 2019.
FitzGerald’s proposed amendment stipulates contracting bans are to begin the day they are publicly handed down by the county inspector general enforcing the policy.
October 15, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Will All the GOP Lobbyists Please Stand Up?” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. Alabama: “Powerful Alabama teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert dies” by The Associated Press in The News Courier. Campaign Finance “Goldwater would […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Will All the GOP Lobbyists Please Stand Up?” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Alabama: “Powerful Alabama teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert dies” by The Associated Press in The News Courier.
Campaign Finance
“Goldwater would have hated ‘Citizens United’” opinion piece by Ron Fein in The Washington Post.
“Renewal of the establishment, fueled by money” by Heath Brown in The Hill.
Colorado: “Citizens United can make movie without disclosing donors, court says” by Joey Bunch in the Denver Post.
Kentucky: “Pro-Grimes super PAC money also from out-of-state” by Tom Loftus in The Courier-Journal.
Maine: “State senator from Sanford used PAC money to pay himself and family $17,000” by Naomi Schalit in the Portland Press Herald.
Ethics
“FEC Rulemakings Roil Agency, Critics | Rules of the Game” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Michigan: “Terri Lynn Land held state meetings at family business” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Missouri: “Ethics complaint filed over lobbyist gifts to Missouri lawmakers” by Jason Hancock in the Kansas City Star.
North Carolina: “Former Charlotte Mayor Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Prison” by Michael Gordon in Governing.
Washington: “No more free lunch: Washington sets limits on how often lobbyists can ply lawmakers” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
Congress
“Laws plummet in post-earmark era” by Niki Papadogiannakis in The Hill.
Elections
“Four Republicans look to make comebacks” by Cristina Marcos in The Hill.
Colorado: “As Midterms Approach, Colorado Stands Out in Expanding Access” by Jonathan Brater in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.
Tech and Social Media
“Twitter’s Most Popular Congressional Staffer Gets New Title” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
October 15, 2014 •
Federal Appeals Court Rules for Citizens United
On Tuesday, October 14, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Citizens United may air a documentary slamming Colorado liberals without disclosing its backers. The conservative group argued Colorado campaign finance laws burden some speakers while protecting others, in violation […]
On Tuesday, October 14, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Citizens United may air a documentary slamming Colorado liberals without disclosing its backers. The conservative group argued Colorado campaign finance laws burden some speakers while protecting others, in violation of the First Amendment.
The court issued an emergency injunction allowing Citizens United to get the film out before the Nov. 4 election. While the movie will be exempt from disclosure, the court will allow the secretary of state to require disclosure for advertisements about it, if the ads are in support or in defeat of a named candidate.
October 15, 2014 •
Wisconsin Federal Judge Allows Campaign Coordination
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa ordered Wisconsin officials to stop enforcing the state law prohibiting certain coordination between candidate campaigns and independent groups. Randa’s order came in a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsible Government Advocates against the state Government […]
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa ordered Wisconsin officials to stop enforcing the state law prohibiting certain coordination between candidate campaigns and independent groups. Randa’s order came in a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsible Government Advocates against the state Government Accountability Board and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.
Randa ruled the state cannot regulate groups coordinating with candidates, so long as the groups engage in issue advocacy. Groups engaging in issue advocacy generally make efforts to favor or criticize a candidate without explicitly urging a vote for or against the candidate.
The case will likely be appealed considering Randa’s prior related decision to halt a John Doe investigation against the campaign of Gov. Scott Walker was overturned by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
October 15, 2014 •
WA Ethics Board Limits Free Meals for Legislators
The Washington Legislative Ethics Board held a board meeting on October 14, 2014 to finalize rules defining “infrequent occasions” in the context of free meals accepted by state legislators. Section 42.52.150(5) of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials […]
The Washington Legislative Ethics Board held a board meeting on October 14, 2014 to finalize rules defining “infrequent occasions” in the context of free meals accepted by state legislators. Section 42.52.150(5) of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials to accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions so long as attendance at such a meal is related to the performance of official duties. The Board voted unanimously to define infrequent occasions as up to 12 meals total per calendar year.
The scope of the rule is limited to food and beverage paid for by a registered lobbyist or lobbyist employer. A qualifying meal under the rule is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, regardless of cost, when the guest would normally be expected to sit down and eat, such as in a restaurant or private residence.
The Board was careful to maintain the exceptions in the Ethics Act permitting public officials to accept complimentary food and beverages at hosted receptions and in other limited circumstances.
This rule takes effect January 1, 2015.
October 14, 2014 •
California FPPC Announces Proposed Amendments
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has given notice of proposed amendments to regulations in Title 2, Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. The FPPC will make adjustments to the gift and campaign contribution limits to reflect changes […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has given notice of proposed amendments to regulations in Title 2, Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. The FPPC will make adjustments to the gift and campaign contribution limits to reflect changes in the consumer price index.
In order to provide the adjustment in time for the new calendar year, the November index is used to make the final calculation. The proposed amendments make adjustments for the period from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2016.
The FPPC will consider the proposed regulations at a public hearing on or after November 20, 2014. The proposed amendments are available here.
October 14, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying UK: “Charities must record when employees use Twitter to campaign, Electoral Commission says” by Emily Corfe in Civil Society. Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance 40 Years Later” in The New York Times’ Room for Debate. “Koch donors uncloaked” by Kenneth […]
Lobbying
UK: “Charities must record when employees use Twitter to campaign, Electoral Commission says” by Emily Corfe in Civil Society.
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance 40 Years Later” in The New York Times’ Room for Debate.
“Koch donors uncloaked” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Mike Allen in Politico.
New Mexico: “Once again, it’s campaign finance day (officially at least)” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Ethics
Nevada: “Nevada gov’t ethics commission seeks new policies” by Emerson Marcus in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
New York: “Wrapped up in gift rules” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.
Ohio: “State ethics watchdog tracks 1,600 lobbyists’ activity and spending” by TC Brown in Columbus CEO.
Oregon: “Gov. Kitzhaber asks ethics commission to review fiancee’s contracts” by Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
West Virginia: “West Virginia Ethics Commission committee interviews candidates for executive director’s job” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Elections
“Who to watch in House Class of 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.
“Why Republicans Must Win the Senate in 2014” by Stuart Rothenberg in Roll Call.
Tech and Social Media
“States Ascend Into the Cloud” by Jeffrey Stinson in Stateline.
“Follow the Money…” by Emily Jarvis in Govloop.
October 14, 2014 •
Yukon Legislative Assembly to Meet October 23
The fall sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly will convene on Thursday, October 23, 2014. The assembly will adjourn on a date to be determined.
The fall sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly will convene on Thursday, October 23, 2014.
The assembly will adjourn on a date to be determined.
October 13, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Congressman presses Holder for review of think tank funding” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Burger King hires former members of Congress to work on inversion deal” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Pennsylvania: “Threatened with Pa. […]
Lobbying
“Congressman presses Holder for review of think tank funding” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Burger King hires former members of Congress to work on inversion deal” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Pennsylvania: “Threatened with Pa. fee increase, lobbyists go to work” by Mary Wilson in NewsWorks.
Rhode Island: “R.I. Supreme Court denies request by 38 Studios defendant Wells Fargo” by Paul Grimaldi in the Providence Journal.
Campaign Finance
“FEC votes suggest gridlock is easing” by Byron Tau and Kyle Cheney in Politico.
“In the Senate, campaign finance is the new flag burning” by Gayle Trotter in The Hill.
“Midterm Voters Drown in Dark Money” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.
“Ads Paid for by Secret Money Flood the Midterm Elections” by Nicholas Confessore in The New York Times.
“Dark money threatens democracy” by Robert Maguire in The Hill’s Congress Blog.
Arkansas: “Some Arkansas candidates talk of limiting outside groups” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.
Ethics
Ohio: “Kasich appoints retired judge to state commission” on WKBN.
Oklahoma: “Financial interests of state officers will not be put online, Ethics Commission says” by Barbara Hoberock in Tulsa World.
Elections
“2014 Ballot Measures That Matter Most for States and Localities” in Governing.
“11 questions that will decide the Senate” by James Hohmann in Politico.
“Dems: Don’t trust the polls” by Niall Stanage in The Hill.
“Courts Strike Down Voter ID Laws in Wisconsin and Texas” by Adam Liptak in The New York Times.
Colorado: “Centrism Hurting Once-Popular Gov. Hickenlooper’s Re-Election Hopes” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Georgia: “Georgia Uses Big Data to Get Out the Vote” by Daniel Malloy and Kristina Torres in Governing.
Michigan: “As election nears, big names stump for state candidates” by Chris Gautz in Crain’s Detroit Business.
Redistricting
“Things to know about political mapmaking in Ohio” by Ann Sanner (Associated Press) in the Daily Journal.
Political Advertising
“Campaigns Find Ad Space Finite, Even on the Web” by Ashley Parker in The New York Times.
October 13, 2014 •
Arkansas Ethics Ballot Measure Offers Tradeoff
A proposed constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2014, ballot will determine whether voters are willing to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations. Issue 3 will ban corporate and union […]
A proposed constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2014, ballot will determine whether voters are willing to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations. Issue 3 will ban corporate and union gifts to political campaigns, ban lobbyist gifts to legislative and executive officials, and extend term limits for legislators to at least 16 years.
Under the current state constitution, lawmakers typically serve no more than six years in the House and eight years in the Senate. The ballot measure would allow 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.
Adding term limits to the bill helped the ethics package pass the Legislature, but has decreased the popularity of the ballot measure in pre-election polls.
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