December 24, 2013 •
The Guidebooks are coming! The Guidebooks are coming!
We are sending out the 2014 State and Federal Communications, Inc. Executive Source Guidebooks. 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 […]
We are sending out the 2014 State and Federal Communications, Inc. Executive Source Guidebooks. 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 24, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bank lobby threatens ‘Volcker Rule’ suit” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Republican National Committee Pays Santa for Travel” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. “Retiring Members of Congress Hold Over $13 Million in Campaign Accounts” by […]
Lobbying
“Bank lobby threatens ‘Volcker Rule’ suit” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Republican National Committee Pays Santa for Travel” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Retiring Members of Congress Hold Over $13 Million in Campaign Accounts” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Montana: “Judge strikes part of campaign finance initiative” by Matthew Brown (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.
Texas: “For Candidates, the End of the Year is a Deadline” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune.
Ethics
Michigan: “Former Michigan lawmaker pleads no contest in ponzi scam that defrauded elderly” by Kathleen Gray in the Lansing State Journal.
Ohio: “Former Ohio deputy treasurer pleads guilty to corruption charges” by Kim Palmer in the Chicago Tribune.
Congress
“The Best (or Worst) of Congress in 2013 (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.
“The 7 Most Important Things Congress Did in 2013 (and the Top 25 Things It Didn’t)” by David Hawkings in Roll Call.
Government Tech and Social Media
“How Social Media Changed in 2013” by Mike Allen in Politico Playbook.
“Federal Agencies Must Rethink Digital Strategies” by Tom Greiner in Information Week.
“New Santa Fe City Website Comes With Hefty Price Tag” by Kiera Hay in Government Technology.
December 23, 2013 •
Bill Passes Extending FEC Ability to Impose Penalties
A bill extending through 2018 the authority of the Federal Election Commission to impose civil money penalties on the basis of a schedule of penalties established and published by the commission has passed both houses of Congress. The bill applies […]
A bill extending through 2018 the authority of the Federal Election Commission to impose civil money penalties on the basis of a schedule of penalties established and published by the commission has passed both houses of Congress. The bill applies the penalties to violations of qualified campaign contribution and expenditure disclosure requirements. House Bill 3487 passed the Senate on Friday December 20, 2013.
December 23, 2013 •
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Passes Series of Campaign Finance Rule Changes
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission recently passed a series of rule changes pertaining to political contribution limits. Under the new rules, the dollar restrictions on contributions to state candidates would change from family limits to individual limits. Each person would be […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission recently passed a series of rule changes pertaining to political contribution limits. Under the new rules, the dollar restrictions on contributions to state candidates would change from family limits to individual limits.
Each person would be allowed to give up to $2,600 to a candidate per election. The old rules prohibit families from donating more than $5,000 to a candidate in a political campaign.
Lee Slater, executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, believes the family contribution limit to be unconstitutional as it discriminates against a married person. The new rules, also changing individual contribution limits to political parties and PACs, will go into effect unless they are rejected, in whole, by the Legislature.
December 23, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Life Of A Lobbyist In A Do-Nothing Congress” by Peter Overby on Georgia Public Broadcasting. “K Street sizes up retiring lawmakers” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Patton Boggs, Locke Lord call off merger talks” by Catherine Ho […]
Lobbying
“The Life Of A Lobbyist In A Do-Nothing Congress” by Peter Overby on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
“K Street sizes up retiring lawmakers” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Patton Boggs, Locke Lord call off merger talks” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Gansler recused himself from state election ruling” by Erin Cox in The Baltimore Sun.
Ohio: “Campaign-finance effort fought” by Josh Jarman in the Columbus Dispatch.
Ethics
“Senate Passes Bill to Expand FEC Fines” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
South Carolina: “House Ethics to hear case over state plane use” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Greenville News.
Washington: “Free Meal Complaint Against Lawmakers Dismissed, ‘Serious Concerns’ Remain” by Austin Jenkins in Northwest Public Radio.
Elections
Florida: “Florida elections opinion could make uncovering fraud more difficult” by Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.
State Legislatures
“New Hampshire’s state legislature is nine times larger than Nebraska’s” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
Michigan: “2013 in the Michigan Legislature: Some common ground, but more partisan wounds that need to heal” by Jonathan Oosting in Michigan Live.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Half of Md. lawmakers with Twitter accounts neglect to comply with disclosure rule” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
December 20, 2013 •
Philadelphia Board of Ethics Struggles to Enact Gift Regulations
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics staff has released a revised gift proposal following claims its initial proposed limits were too lax. The new suggested limits are a ban on gifts of more than $100, with a limit of $25 on […]
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics staff has released a revised gift proposal following claims its initial proposed limits were too lax. The new suggested limits are a ban on gifts of more than $100, with a limit of $25 on cash gifts, per calendar year from any source not a family member of the recipient. The initial limits proposed were $200 per year, with a cap of $50 for cash gifts, resulting in outcry from watchdogs.
The new proposed limits were greeted with skepticism, however, because the provision allowing for cash gifts remained. Executive Director Shane Creamer insisted the Board cannot ban cash gifts altogether because the city code permits cash gifts, prompting the Board to decide on formally requesting the City Council to consider amending the code.
The suggested limits could drop yet again before the Board votes, as a number of Board members suggested a $50 annual limit was preferable. The Board could potentially vote on the rules at its January meeting.
December 20, 2013 •
Yukon Assembly Adjourns
The 2013 fall sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly adjourned on December 19, 2013. During this sitting the Assembly passed the Health Information Privacy and Management Act. The act “will raise the bar on privacy […]
The 2013 fall sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly adjourned on December 19, 2013.
During this sitting the Assembly passed the Health Information Privacy and Management Act. The act “will raise the bar on privacy and security of personal health information,” Minister of Health and Social Services Doug Graham said in a press release.
The fall sitting commenced on October 31, 2013.
December 20, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2013
Federal: How Washington Starves its Election Watchdog The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 12/17/2013 The recent hacking of the FEC’s computer system marked the nadir of a year that ranks among the commission’s darkest, […]
Federal:
How Washington Starves its Election Watchdog
The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 12/17/2013
The recent hacking of the FEC’s computer system marked the nadir of a year that ranks among the commission’s darkest, according to an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity. Bitter ideological warfare among commissioners and congressional and White House indifference have yielded an agency less able to fulfill its stated mission: to “prevent corruption in the federal campaign process by administering, enforcing, and formulating policy.”
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Ariz. High Court Upholds Campaign Giving Limits
East Valley Tribune; Associated Press – | Published: 12/18/2013
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled candidates can accept much larger sums of money from donors. The justices said the Legislature was within its legal right to decide that contenders for both statewide and legislative office can take up to $4,000 from individuals and PACs. The brief order also lifted the injunction an appeals court put in place blocking the higher limits from taking effect.
California – L.A. City Council Drops Push for Increase in Gift Limit
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 12/11/2013
The Los Angeles City Council agreed not to raise the level of gifts that members are allowed to accept from the current $100 per donor per year. Council President Herb Wesson had sought a change in the law to allow members to receive up to $150 in gifts from each supporter, but he dropped that when his and other council members’ offices were deluged with calls.
Colorado – Appeals Court Upholds Ruling against Gessler
Colorado Law Week; Staff – | Published: 12/12/2013
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled several changes to campaign finance disclosure regulations made by Secretary of State Scott Gessler were invalid. The court affirmed a lower court ruling that struck down rules that reduced or eliminated disclosure requirements for political committees, and threw out Gessler’s rule that narrowed the definition of “electioneering communications.”
Florida – David Jolly Has Unique Challenge: Lobbyist seeking seat in Congress
Tampa Bay Times – Alex Leary | Published: 12/10/2013
David Jolly parlayed his work as an aide to the late U.S. Rep. C.W. Young into a lobbying career, the quintessential Washington “revolving-door” story. As he pursues the Republican nomination in a congressional special election, opponents have seized on Jolly’s lucrative profession. Many former aides have left for K Street jobs over the years, returning to Capitol Hill to ply a system they know intimately. But it is rare for a lobbyist to run for office, and those who do face the same attacks as Jolly is now.
Georgia – State Sen. Don Balfour Cleared of All Charges
Creative Loafing Atlanta – Max Blau | Published: 12/19/2013
Georgia Sen. Don Balfour was found not guilty on all 18 felony corruption counts against him. He was accused of illegally claiming legislative expense and mileage pay, and double-billing the state and his private employer for some expenses. Balfour told jurors he was very busy as chairperson of the Senate Rules Committee and as an executive of Atlanta-based Waffle House, and the inaccurate filings were unintentional. Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said Balfour’s suspension from office is lifted immediately so he can resume his duties as a senator.
Georgia – Subpoenas Related To Ethics Complaints Involving Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal
Huffington Post – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/12/2013
A federal grand jury is investigating the Georgia ethics commission, which cleared Gov. Nathan Deal of campaign finance violations during his 2010 campaign. The grand jury has subpoenaed Executive Secretary Holly LeBarge, staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein, and staffer John Hair, seeking documents related to the commission’s probe of Deal’s campaign finances. Deal’s lawyer said the investigation likely concerns allegations that documents in the case went missing, and does not involve the governor.
Michigan – Michigan Senate OKs Campaign Donation Increases
Detroit News – Gary Heinlein | Published: 12/12/2013
Michigan lawmakers moved to raise maximum contributions to candidates for the first time in decades and keep intact rules so donors behind certain political ads can stay anonymous. Senate Bill 661 won final approval in the Senate after barely clearing the House a day earlier. Donation limits to candidates would double after going unchanged for 37 years and rise with inflation over time.
Minnesota – Minnesota Lawmakers Probe into Problems with State’s Campaign Finance Data
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Rachel Stassen-Berger and Glen Howatt | Published: 12/16/2013
Minnesota’s campaign finance regulatory agency plans to implement new auditing procedures and seek a law change to deal with errors in its online database of political fundraising transactions. Agency officials testified at a legislative hearing following a Minneapolis Star Tribune analysis that found one in seven electronic records of donations tracked by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is incorrect.
Mississippi – Attorney General Jim Hood Appealing Federal Judge’s Ruling on Mississippi Campaign Finance Law
Mississippi Press; Associated Press – | Published: 12/14/2013
State Attorney General Jim Hood appealed a federal judge’s ruling that part of Mississippi’s campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for people or groups that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock has said Mississippi may regulate individuals and groups attempting to influence constitutional ballot measures, but its “convoluted and exacting” requirements are too burdensome with the $200 threshold.
New Jersey – Christie’s Top Port Authority Appointee Baroni Resigns amid Escalating Probe into GWB Lane Closures
Bergen Record – Shawn Boburg and John Reitmeyer | Published: 12/13/2013
A burgeoning scandal led to the resignation of Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and David Wildstein, who agreed to step down from his position as director of interstate capital projects. Both men have caught up in a widening investigation into allegations they may have orchestrated a series of massive traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge as political payback against the mayor of Fort Lee, the town at one end of the bridge, for not endorsing Gov. Chris Christie for re-election.
New Mexico – Federal Appeals Court Overturns New Mexico Campaign Funding, Spending Limits
Columbus Republic – Susan Montoya Bryan (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2013
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a lower court was right in issuing a preliminary injunction to keep New Mexico from imposing limitations on certain contributions going to and from political parties and PACs. At issue is whether political committees that are not formally affiliated with a political party or candidate can receive unlimited contributions for independent expenditures. Republicans argue the state’s cap on such donations is unconstitutional.
New York – Where Albany Does Business
Capital Playbook – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 12/5/2013
Time and again, the gears of government have turned not during official gatherings in meeting rooms at the New York Capitol, but over dinners and drinks at any number of “power spots” around the Albany region. Stop by any of these sites on a Monday or Tuesday night in January or July and you might be surprised who you run into, or what is going on.
Pennsylvania – Board Still Struggling with Phila. Gift Rule
Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 12/18/2013
Staff members for the Philadelphia Board of Ethics made their latest recommendation on proposed changes to the city’s gift law. The staff proposed barring city officers and employees from accepting any gifts worth more than $100 per year, including $25 in cash, from any nonfamily source. But the board and other ethics advocates are still not happy with the limits and the overall language.
Virginia – In Probe of Va. Gov. McDonnell, Prosecutors Agreed to Delay Decision on Charges
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Carol Leonnig, and Sari Horwitz | Published: 12/19/2013
Federal prosecutors have delayed filing felony charges against Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife over a gift scandal after their legal teams made a face-to-face appeal in Washington, D.C. The attorneys had been pressing Justice Department officials to reconsider or delay the charges, at least long enough for McDonnell to complete his four-year term.
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December 19, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Top 10 lobbying victories of 2013” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Rhoden: Let’s ban lawmaker lobbying” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader. Massachusetts: “Feds indict ex-CFO of firm tied to disgraced lobbyist” by Eric Convey in the […]
Lobbying
“Top 10 lobbying victories of 2013” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Rhoden: Let’s ban lawmaker lobbying” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Massachusetts: “Feds indict ex-CFO of firm tied to disgraced lobbyist” by Eric Convey in the Boston Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Committee looks for way to put teeth in Alabama campaign finance law” by Kim Chandler in The Birmingham News.
Alabama: “New fines for campaign finance violations can’t be enforced by secretary of state” by Kim Chandler in The Birmingham News.
Arkansas: “Ex-legislator admits filing inaccurate campaign finance reports” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.
Arkansas: “Ethics Commission hears report on possible mishandling of funds by Darr” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.
Illinois: “Campaign accounts fund luxuries for some lawmakers” by Kim Geiger in the Chicago Tribune.
New Mexico: “New Mexico campaign spending limits overturned” by Susan Montoya Bryan (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.
Wisconsin: “Campaign finance bill eases restrictions on Wisconsin lobbyists and wealthy contributors” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.
Ethics
Georgia: “Ethics agency could debate ceding control to outside group” by Greg Bluestein and Shannon McCaffrey in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Elections
California: “State Legislature To Consider Doing Away With Special Elections” by Claire Trageser in KPBS.
State Legislative Issues
Iowa: “Lawmakers gearing up for 2014 work” by Rod Boshart in the Quad-City Times.
Redistricting
Florida: “Legislators destroyed documents during redistricting” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Best of the Web & Digital Government Achievement Awards 2013 – Winners Announced” by Janet Grenslitt in Government Technology.
December 19, 2013 •
New Mexico Campaign Committee Limits Remain Enjoined
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lower court was right in issuing a preliminary injunction to keep the state from imposing limitations on certain contributions going to and from political parties and political action committees. The underlying […]
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lower court was right in issuing a preliminary injunction to keep the state from imposing limitations on certain contributions going to and from political parties and political action committees.
The underlying issue in the case is whether political committees not formally affiliated with a political party or candidate can receive unlimited contributions for independent expenditures.
The state Republican Party, GOP lawmakers, and others argue the state’s cap on such contributions is unconstitutional. The state appealed, arguing limiting such contributions is in New Mexico’s interest as it tries to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption in campaign spending.
The case now moves back to the federal district court where a decision on the merits is expected to be in favor of those challenging the contribution limits.
December 18, 2013 •
D.C. City Council Officially Raises the Minimum Wage
The living wage bill officially passed through the D.C. City Council today, and is now on its way to Mayor Gray for signature. Mayor Gray has promised to sign the bill this time, a measure he initially rejected earlier this […]
The living wage bill officially passed through the D.C. City Council today, and is now on its way to Mayor Gray for signature. Mayor Gray has promised to sign the bill this time, a measure he initially rejected earlier this year.
The bill will raise the minimum wage to $9.50 in July 2014, $10.50 the following year, and $11.50 by 2016.
The bill also provides for future increases tied to the Consumer Price Index.
Photo of the John A. Wilson Building by Andrew Wiseman in Wikimedia Commons.
December 18, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “The Lobbyists’ Lament” by Haley Barbour and Ed Rogers in Politico. “K St. mints money from regs surge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. California: “Santa Clara County supervisors move forward on strengthening lobbyist regulations” by Eric Kurhi […]
Lobbying
“The Lobbyists’ Lament” by Haley Barbour and Ed Rogers in Politico.
“K St. mints money from regs surge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
California: “Santa Clara County supervisors move forward on strengthening lobbyist regulations” by Eric Kurhi in the San Jose Mercury News.
Pennsylvania: “Ethics panel clears Penn Foundation in lobbying probe” by Kristen Graham in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Arizona high court upholds higher campaign-contribution limits” by Mary Jo Pitzl in the Arizona Republic.
Colorado: “Court tightens campaign finance, budget showdown coming, more” by Edie Edelstein in the Colorado Springs Independent.
Massachusetts: “Outside spending on mayoral finalists hit $3.8m” by Wesley Lowerey in the Boston Globe.
South Carolina: “SC politics: Ethics panel weighs case against legislator” by Jamie Self in The State.
Ethics
“New FEC Chairman Chosen to Lead Agency During Election Year” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Massachusetts: “Attorneys testify on ethics conflict proposal” by C. Ryan Barber in the Cape Cod Times.
Massachusetts: “Ethics Commission held at Statehouse; Would exempt political candidates” by Christine Lee in WWLP News.
Congress
“3 reps won’t run again, shaking 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.
State Legislative Issues
California: “California’s Crucial 2014 Races” by Curtis Tate in Governing.
Illinois: “Quinn drops appeal of lawmaker paycheck lawsuit” by Monique Garcia in the Chicago Tribune.
Pennsylvania: “Pa. House takes historic step toward shrinking size of General Assembly” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
Government Tech and Social Media
Rhode Island: “R.I. government website removes news stories reprinted without permission” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.
December 18, 2013 •
Arizona’s Supreme Court Allows Higher Political Contribution Limits
On December 17, 2013, the Arizona Supreme Court found House Bill 2593 to be constitutional, allowing newer and higher political contribution limits to take effect. On October 15, 2013, a state Court of Appeals had directed the secretary of state […]
On December 17, 2013, the Arizona Supreme Court found House Bill 2593 to be constitutional, allowing newer and higher political contribution limits to take effect.
On October 15, 2013, a state Court of Appeals had directed the secretary of state not to enforce the new law, which had become effective on September 13, 2013. The lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law was brought by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission and others from the state.
Individuals and noncertified political committees may now give $2,000 to candidates running for legislative and statewide offices who do not participate in the state’s Citizens Clean Elections Act campaign financing system. Contributions made to candidates running for local office may be made in amounts up to $2,500. Contribution limits by committees certified by the secretary of state have also been increased.
Additionally, H.B. 2593 removes aggregate contribution limitations for individuals and some political committees.
December 17, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists: ‘Misunderstood’ in poll” by Tal Kopan in Politico. Campaign Finance “There’s No Way to Follow the Money” by Lee Aitken in The Atlantic. Arizona: “For all the campaign finance limit marbles” by The Yellow Sheet Report in the […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists: ‘Misunderstood’ in poll” by Tal Kopan in Politico.
Campaign Finance
“There’s No Way to Follow the Money” by Lee Aitken in The Atlantic.
Arizona: “For all the campaign finance limit marbles” by The Yellow Sheet Report in the Arizona Capitol Times.
Minnesota: “Minn. campaign money regulator promises to fix problems leading to faulty finance data” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Report: Chinese hackers attacked crucial government election website” on CNN Politics.
“Ethics Committee Will Investigate Trey Radel” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
Florida: “Ethics commission offers advice on use of office” by Bill Cotterell in The Florida Current.
Legislative Issues
“Lackluster Final Score for Congress This Year: 8 to 22” by David Hawkings in Roll Call.
“Angry About Partisan Gridlock in Washington? Blame the States.” By Donald F. Kettl in Governing.
Louisiana: “Lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s congressional districts withdrawn” by The Associated Press in The Times-Picayune.
New Jersey: “State legislative panels scramble to advance hundreds of bills” by Michael Phillis and Leslie Brody in the Bergen Record.
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