October 3, 2014 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our October-November calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello! October 8-10 PAC Fall Board Meeting, Santa Barbara, California October 13 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, D.C. October 21 WASRG Summit — Keynote […]
Here is our October-November calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello!
October 8-10 PAC Fall Board Meeting, Santa Barbara, California
October 13 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, D.C.
October 21 WASRG Summit — Keynote Sponsor, Washington, D.C.
November 13-15 Women in Government Fifth Annual Healthcare Summit, Washington, D.C.
November 19-21 2014 Professional Women in Advocacy Conference, Washington, D.C.
November 22 SGAC Foundation’s Leaders’ Policy Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona
October 3, 2014 •
You’re Gonna Make It After All
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? Well it’s you girl, and you should know it With each glance and every little movement you show […]
Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it’s you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it
Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have a town, why don’t you take it
You’re gonna make it after all
You’re gonna make it after all
I am definitely going to date myself with this column, but it must be written. I totally forgot all about Mary Tyler Moore until someone posted the Minneapolis statue on Facebook during the National Conference of State Legislatures. It had me thinking and remembering the influence Mary Richards had on me becoming a professional business woman.
Think of it…what did we have before Mary Richards? Not many. Mary had her own apartment, job, budget, and friends. And, she had the great “a” and “z” bookends, which I attempted to create in ceramics class. [Yes, I still have them.]
October 3, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 3, 2014
National: Mostly Black Cities, Mostly White City Halls New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/28/2014 Disparities between the percentage of black residents and the number of black elected officials are facts of life in scores of American cities, particularly […]
National:
Mostly Black Cities, Mostly White City Halls
New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/28/2014
Disparities between the percentage of black residents and the number of black elected officials are facts of life in scores of American cities, particularly in the South. The unrest that followed the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri has emphasized how much local elections can matter, and prompted a push there for increased black voter participation. The disparities result from many factors, but Ferguson has become a vivid example of the way a history of political disengagement and underrepresentation can finally turn toxic.
Federal:
Court Reviews Contractor Political Donations
BusinessWeek – Pete Yost (Associated Press) | Published: 9/30/2014
In a dispute over a ban on political contributions by individual federal contractors, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit grappled with reconciling the restrictions and their purpose of preventing corruption with the First Amendment and the various ways contractors could get around the ban. There is no such prohibition for corporate federal contractors that set up political committees or individuals who serve as corporate officers. The challengers filing the lawsuit say the different treatment violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution because similarly situated groups of people are not subject to the ban.
Left Embraces Boycott Politics
The Hill – Julian Hattem | Published: 10/2/2014
From gun control to climate change to same-sex marriage, a number of Fortune 500 companies are succumbing to pressure campaigns and boycotts and are falling in line with liberal positions on issues that Democrats have been unable to move through Congress. The Internet has made corporations a more alluring target to Web-fluent activists trying to change the country’s culture. It has also made companies more responsive. Conservative activists have mounted pressure efforts of their own, but their campaigns are often reacting, staged in support of businesses that are under fire from the left.
U.S. Judge Dismisses Republican Challenge to SEC Pay-to-Play Rule
Reuters – Sarah Lynch and Jonathan Stempel | Published: 9/30/2014
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission won dismissal of a lawsuit by state Republican parties in New York and Tennessee claiming its limits on some investment firm campaign contributions violate free-speech rights. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell said her court lacks jurisdiction over the matter and ordered her clerk to close the case. The SEC’s rule bars an investment firm from managing a state’s assets for two years if the company, or certain of its executives, make more than a nominal campaign donation to a state official with power over state contracts with investment advisers.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Jerry Brown Vetoes California Political Ethics Bills
Fresno Bee – David Siders (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/1/2014
California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed key bills that were passed in response to a series of scandals at the Capitol, saying they would further complicate gift and campaign rules without sufficient benefit to the public. Senate Bill 1443 would have reduced to $200 the value of gifts an official can receive from a single source each year, and banned all gifts from lobbyists. Senate Bill 1442 would have required campaign committees to file finance reports four times a year, doubling the current requirement of twice a year. One measure Brown signed was Senate Bill 1441, which bans campaign fundraisers at lobbyists’ homes.
Florida – U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Former Hillsborough Judicial Candidate’s Fundraising Issue
Tampa Bay Times – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 10/2/2014
The U.S. Supreme Court will take up a Florida case that focuses on whether judicial candidates should be allowed to personally solicit campaign contributions. The Florida Supreme Court this year upheld a ban on such solicitations, reiterating an earlier position that the prohibition helps in “preserving the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining the public’s confidence in an impartial judiciary.” But attorneys for a former Hillsborough County judicial candidate, Lanell Williams-Yulee, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue, contending the ban violates First Amendment rights.
Hawaii – Cachola Fined a Record $50,000 for City Ethics Violations
Hawaii Reporter – Malia Zimmerman | Published: 9/27/2014
The Honolulu Ethics Commission fined state Rep. Romy Cachola, a former member of the city council, $50,000 for multiple alleged violations of city ethics laws, including accepting expensive meals and golf outings from lobbyists. The penalty is the largest civil fine ever approved by the commission, which said it was influenced by persistent violations occurring monthly during several years, as well as Cachola’s repeated disregard of a 2003 directive ordering him to not accept gifts from lobbyists in excess of $200.
Missouri – Ferguson Demands High Fees to Turn over City Files
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 9/29/2014
The city of Ferguson has demanded high fees to produce copies of records related to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown that, under Missouri law, it could give away free if it determined the material was in the public’s interest to see. Instead, in some cases, the city has demanded high fees with little explanation or cost breakdown. It billed The Associated Press $135 an hour – for nearly a day’s work – merely to retrieve a handful of email accounts since the shooting. Price-gouging for government files is one way that local, state, and federal agencies have responded to requests for potentially embarrassing information they may not want released.
New York – Lobbyist Ethics Training Is Up and Running
Albany Times Union – Rick Karlin | Published: 9/27/2014
Lobbyists in New York are now able to take an online ethics training course that was mandated in a 2011 law. Registered lobbyists are supposed to complete the course by the end of December. While there is not a clear-cut penalty for failing to do so, the Joint Committee on Public Ethics said it will monitor compliance.
Ohio – Panel Refers Rep. Mallory for Ethics Prosecution
Columbus Dispatch – Jim Siegel | Published: 10/1/2014
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Commission recommended state Rep. Dale Mallory face charges for accepting Cincinnati Bengals tickets from lobbyists and failing to disclose the gifts. The commission found Mallory wrongfully accepted a $77 ticket in 2009 and nearly $284 worth of tickets in 2013. Two lobbyists have already pleaded guilty to not reporting that they gave Mallory the tickets. John Rabenold was fined $2,000 for not disclosing gifts to state lawmakers, including a ticket he gave Mallory for a Bengals game in December 2009. George Glover was fined $500 after he did not disclose or keep receipts for a 2013 Bengals ticket he gave to Mallory.
Pennsylvania – Allegheny Authority Bends Limits on Free Tickets for Pro Sporting Events
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Aaron Aupperlee | Published: 9/29/2014
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Tribune said the municipal authority that oversees public sports and entertainment venues in Allegheny County routinely violates its policy to limit the number of free tickets it gives to public officials, and it often does not record who uses its seats or luxury suites at games. “People call and they need them for goodwill; I’ll get them and give them to them,” state Sen. Wayne Fontana, board chairperson of the Sports & Exhibition Authority.
Texas – DeLay’s Decade-Long Legal Fight Comes to an End
Houston Chronicle – Lauren McGaughy | Published: 10/1/2014
Texas’ highest criminal court upheld a lower court’s ruling overturning former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s 2010 conviction for money laundering. DeLay had been found guilty of channeling $190,000 in corporate political donations to Republicans running for the Texas Legislature in 2002 as part of a push to redraw congressional district lines in the state. Texas election law prohibits corporate campaign contributions to state candidates. The Court of Criminal Appeals ruled DeLay was not guilty because Travis County prosecutors could not prove he believed the corporate funds he was funneling to state candidates were “criminal proceeds.”
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.
October 2, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “House Energy Committee counsel leaves to lobby” by Timothy Cama in The Hill. “Russian investment fund hires K Street help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Left embraces boycott politics” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
“House Energy Committee counsel leaves to lobby” by Timothy Cama in The Hill.
“Russian investment fund hires K Street help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Left embraces boycott politics” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Colorado judge: State political parties can form Super PACs” by Tessa Cheek in the Colorado Independent.
Florida: “U.S. Supreme Court to hear former Hillsborough judicial candidate’s fundraising issue” by Jim Saunders in the Tampa Bay Times.
Vermont: “Transparency challenge is back: Candidates, please send us your campaign finance filings in excel format” by Anne Galloway in VTDigger.org.
Wisconsin: “Group sues state in hopes of collaborating with candidates” by Patrick Marley in the Journal Sentinel.
Ethics
“Is the Senate Ethics Committee Working?” by Sarah Mimms and Billy House in National Journal.
Alabama: “Ethics Commission OKs city contract with Quinton Ross” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Florida: “Nearly 3 years prison for Ponzi schemer ex-partner” by The Associated Press in WJXT News.
New York: “NY legislator charged with using campaign funds for personal expenses, filing false claims” by Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Ohio: “Ethics charges recommended against Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory for gifts from lobbyists” by Jeremy Pelzer in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Texas: “Texas Court Upholds Ruling Overturning DeLay’s Conviction” by Nathan Koppel in The Wall Street Journal.
Elections
“The Race for Attorney General Tightens Up in 9 States” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.
Alaska: “GOP surges in Alaska Senate race” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.
North Carolina: “Court Blocks Parts of North Carolina Voting Law” by Maya Rhodan in Time.
Political Advertising
“Could a Four-Second Mistake Cost a Candidate Thousands of Dollars?” by Nathan L. Gonzales in Roll Call.
Tech and Social Media
“Survey: LinkedIn Lacks Appeal for Hill Staffers” by Rebecca Gale in Roll Call.
October 2, 2014 •
Supreme Court Will Review Florida Judicial Campaign Finance Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed today to hear the case of a former Florida judicial candidate disciplined for violating state law by soliciting campaign contributions in 2009. Lanell Williams-Yulee, who ran for county court judge in Tampa, argues the law […]
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed today to hear the case of a former Florida judicial candidate disciplined for violating state law by soliciting campaign contributions in 2009. Lanell Williams-Yulee, who ran for county court judge in Tampa, argues the law violates her right of free speech.
Currently, Florida and 29 other states prohibit judicial candidates from personally soliciting campaign contributions. Courts are split on the issue with some saying such bans protect the integrity of the courts by ensuring judges remain impartial upon winning election.
A ruling is expected in June 2015.
October 1, 2014 •
Court Challenge to SEC Pay-to-Play Rules Dismissed by Court
A suit filed by the Republican parties of New York and Tennessee challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Pay-to-Play rule has been dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The court held it did not […]
A suit filed by the Republican parties of New York and Tennessee challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Pay-to-Play rule has been dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The court held it did not have jurisdiction and the proper court to hear the case is the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The plaintiffs alleged SEC Rule 206(4)-5, which imposes restrictions upon investment advisors and their covered associates making contributions to officials of state and local government entities, violates the freedom of speech protections of the First Amendment. The suit also took the position the SEC does not have the authority to regulate campaign contributions.
October 1, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Cornerstone builds out from K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. California: “California bans political fundraising parties at lobbyists’ homes” by Reuters on KFGO News. Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: Lobbying spending hits all-time […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Cornerstone builds out from K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
California: “California bans political fundraising parties at lobbyists’ homes” by Reuters on KFGO News.
Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: Lobbying spending hits all-time high during first eight months of 2014” on KyForward.
Campaign Finance
“Final third-quarter fundraising emails: Doom, gloom and outrage” by Peter Sullivan in The Hill.
“Expand the ‘Super PAC Tax’” by Walter Shapiro in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.
Maryland: “Montgomery Council approves plan for public finance of local campaigns” by Bill Turque in The Washington Post.
Ethics
“Ethics Office Finds Evidence Petri Violated House Rules” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
“Ethics panel: ‘Substantial reason’ to believe Rep. Petri broke rules” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
“Larry Craig fined for misuse of campaign funds” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
California: “Jerry Brown vetoes California political ethics bills” by David Siders in the Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “City hires new ethics officer” by TaMaryn Waters in the Tallahassee Democrat.
New York: “NY panel cites campaign limits on state workers” by The Associated Press in The Legislative Gazette.
New York: “Ethics panel now has two vacancies to fill” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
Elections
“GOP sets sights on bigger House gains” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.
“Democrats make risky bet against GOP Leader Mitch McConnell” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.
“Incumbent governors fear wipeout” by James Hohmann in Politico.
California: “San Jose Election Tests Political Risk of Cutting Pensions” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.
Louisiana: “Gallup: Louisiana shifts Democratic” by Kendall Breitman in Politico.
Tech and Social Media
“Government, the Last Great Technology Skeptic” by Camille Tuutti in Nextgov.
“These maps show the Internet is getting faster in (almost) every state” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
October 1, 2014 •
Georgia Ethics Commissioners Discuss Path Forward
The state ethics commission met September 30, 2014, for the first public meeting following the firing of former Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge. The commission closed 14 complaints against officials and candidates, approved three new advisory opinions, and discussed the agency’s […]
The state ethics commission met September 30, 2014, for the first public meeting following the firing of former Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge. The commission closed 14 complaints against officials and candidates, approved three new advisory opinions, and discussed the agency’s future.
New staff attorneys Robert Lane and Bethany Whetzel have identified nearly 200 open ethics cases needing processed.
The commission will continue to consider recently drafted amendments to campaign and lobbying rules with the hope of passing the amendments by the end of the year. The amendments will clarify campaign reporting thresholds, permit gift splitting by lobbyists, and require reporting of gifts to family members of officials.
October 1, 2014 •
2015 Information Added to State and Federal Communications Website
State and Federal Communications is pleased to announce the addition of 2015 legislative session and key dates information to its website. In the Lobbying Laws publication, the key dates information addresses all of the reports and registrations due in 2015. […]
State and Federal Communications is pleased to announce the addition of 2015 legislative session and key dates information to its website.
In the Lobbying Laws publication, the key dates information addresses all of the reports and registrations due in 2015. In the Political Contributions publication, the key dates address the reports due, the scheduled statewide elections, and, where dictated by the state, scheduled local elections.
This information has been added for the federal government, the states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Continue to watch the website for updates to the 2014 and 2015 key dates and for the addition of key dates information for local jurisdictions and for Canada.
September 30, 2014 •
California Governor Vetoes Ethics Bills
Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed three ethics bills, including one to reduce the value of gifts lawmakers and officials may accept. SB 1443 would have prohibited all gifts from lobbyists and reduced the annual value of gifts from non-lobbyists to […]
Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed three ethics bills, including one to reduce the value of gifts lawmakers and officials may accept. SB 1443 would have prohibited all gifts from lobbyists and reduced the annual value of gifts from non-lobbyists to $200 per single source. The bill would have also prohibited officials from accepting tickets to concerts, golf passes, and gift cards.
Brown also vetoed SB 1442 and SB 831. The bills would have required more frequent campaign disclosures and forced interest groups to offer more information on sponsored trips for lawmakers.
Brown did sign SB 1441 to ban fundraisers at lobbyists’ homes. Effective January 1, 2015, the definition of “contribution” will include the value of lobbyists’ homes if used for a fundraising event.
September 30, 2014 •
Montgomery County, Maryland Passes Public Campaign Financing Bill
County Council has voted to enact public financing for county elections beginning with the 2015-2018 election cycle. Bill 16-14 will establish a public election fund, regulate participating candidates, and authorize the Maryland State Board of Elections to enforce the provisions. […]
County Council has voted to enact public financing for county elections beginning with the 2015-2018 election cycle. Bill 16-14 will establish a public election fund, regulate participating candidates, and authorize the Maryland State Board of Elections to enforce the provisions.
To qualify, candidates for county executive or council must demonstrate viability by raising a specific number of small individual contributions between $5 and $150. Candidates for county executive need at least 500 contributions totaling $40,000. At-large council candidates must collect 250 donations worth $20,000.
Maryland lawmakers included a public funding option for counties as part of a 2013 campaign finance reform bill. Montgomery is the first county to pass such a public campaign financing measure.
September 30, 2014 •
U.S. Statehouse Series – Arizona, The Grand Canyon State
Thank you for joining us on another statehouse tour. This week we will be visiting Arizona’s capitol building, located in Phoenix. Arizona’s previous statehouse is now known as the Old Capitol. It is defined by frugality; many of the building’s […]
Thank you for joining us on another statehouse tour. This week we will be visiting Arizona’s capitol building, located in Phoenix.
Arizona’s previous statehouse is now known as the Old Capitol. It is defined by frugality; many of the building’s plans did not come into being because they were “too expensive”. These plans included a grand rotunda and wings off the main building for each house. Many of the building’s features were even incorrectly executed by the contractors.
In the mid-1950s, Frank Lloyd Wright drew up plans for a new statehouse, but those plans also were rejected because of cost. The Old Capitol is topped with a copper dome. which is crowned with a statue called Winged Victory.
The Old Capitol was used as the statehouse from 1901 to 1960. In 1960, separate House and Senate buildings were built on the north and south sides of the Capitol. The Arizona Legislature currently uses these House and Senate buildings. There are plans in the works to build a new Capitol because of the Old Capitol’s inadequacies.
The Old Capitol is now a museum. It exhibits local and state history with an emphasis on the state government and statehood. The museum also has exhibits on historical figures from the state and explanations of state symbols. One of the most notable exhibits there is a silver punchbowl service and silver statue from the battleship USS Arizona. These artifacts survived when the ship was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack. People of all states can appreciate Arizona’s statehouse for its historical significance and its survival through frugal times.
To learn more, visit the Arizona State Government page.
Photo of the California State House by Jeff Dean 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.
September 30, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Mack IV joins lobbying firm” by Salem Solomon in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Florida: “Search Broward lobbying database, if you find it” by Brittany Wallman in the Sun Sentinel. Ohio: “2nd lobbyist guilty […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Mack IV joins lobbying firm” by Salem Solomon in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Florida: “Search Broward lobbying database, if you find it” by Brittany Wallman in the Sun Sentinel.
Ohio: “2nd lobbyist guilty of unreported Bengals tix” by Chrissie Thompson in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Campaign Finance
“Greens take 2014 fight to states” by Darren Goode and Andrew Restuccia in Politico.
Minnesota: “Franken, McFadden complain about big money but still rake it in” by Catherine Richert on Minnesota Public Radio News.
Kentucky: “Special interests spend in Ky.” in The Courier-Journal.
Texas: “Panel weighs pros, cons of campaign donor reporting” by Joseph Basco in the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
Ethics
Georgia: “Georgia ethics commission dismisses complaint accusing Jason Carter of fundraising violation” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Hawaii: “Hawaii House leader fined a record $50,000 for ethics violations” by Malia Zimmerman in Watchdog.org.
Nevada: “Ex-employee alleges ethics director violated Nevada law” by Emerson Marcus in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Tech and Social Media
“Contractors, Expect 72-hour Rule for Disclosing Corporate Hacks” by Aliya Sternstein in Nextgov.
September 30, 2014 •
Appeals Court Hears Arguments Challenging Ban on Federal Contractors’ Political Contributions
Today, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will sit en banc to hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of barring contractors from contributing to candidates, parties, and their committees. On November 2, 2012, in Wagner […]
Today, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will sit en banc to hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of barring contractors from contributing to candidates, parties, and their committees.
On November 2, 2012, in Wagner v. Federal Election Committee, a District Court rejected challenges to the constitutionality of section 441c of Title 2 of the U.S. Code, which prohibits any vendors with contracts with the federal government from making political contributions to federal candidates or political parties. The case, initially brought by the ACLU, asked the court to declare the law unconstitutional as applied to individuals who have personal services contracts with federal agencies.
Because federal workers who are not contractors may make federal political contributions, while contractors performing the same work may not, the suit argued section 441c violates both the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution and the First Amendment. The court found no First Amendment or Equal-Protection violations, noting “the dissimilar roles of contractors and employees, moreover, justify the distinct regulatory schemes that the Government has fashioned.”
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.