The Ethics Commission has produced a summary of changes to the city lobbyist ordinance taking effect July 26, 2014. Ordinance File No. 130374 expands the definition of “lobbyist” and requires random audits of lobbying reports. Meeting the registration threshold of […]
The Ethics Commission has produced a summary of changes to the city lobbyist ordinance taking effect July 26, 2014. Ordinance File No. 130374 expands the definition of “lobbyist” and requires random audits of lobbying reports.
Meeting the registration threshold of a lobbyist will now depend on the number of compensated contacts with a covered official rather than the level of compensation received. The lobbying exemption for contractors and their attorneys will be limited to in-house officers and employees. Outside consultants communicating with public officials regarding contract bidding and negotiating will be subject to the registration and reporting requirements of lobbying.
The commission’s summary is available here.
July 15, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Accepting Resumes! AGRP Executive Director Position” from the Association of Government Relations Professionals Blog. “Bottom Line” in The Hill. Rhode Island: “GOP Candidates Wants Tougher Lobbying and Ethics Law in RI” by Mark Curtis on WLNE TV News. Virginia: […]
Lobbying
“Accepting Resumes! AGRP Executive Director Position” from the Association of Government Relations Professionals Blog.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
Rhode Island: “GOP Candidates Wants Tougher Lobbying and Ethics Law in RI” by Mark Curtis on WLNE TV News.
Virginia: “Va. hospital group spends $400,000 on lobbying” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) on WTOP.
Campaign Finance
“House Democrats to unveil campaign finance amendment” by Lauren French in Politico.
“How to Raise $5 Million Online For Campaign Finance Reform: Why MayDay PAC Succeeded” by Ben Winkler in TechPresident.
“DeMint rakes in Heritage cash” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.
New York: “Rolling updates: NYC Campaign Finance Board filings” by Celeste Katz on NY Daily News.
Ohio: “Ben Suarez asks federal judge to throw out obstruction of justice conviction or grant new trial” by James F. McCarty in The Plain Dealer.
South Carolina: “House Speaker Harrell uses campaign funds to pay Charleston attorneys” by Jeremy Borden in The Post and Courier.
Ethics
“Partisan Activities of Lerner Co-Worker at FEC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Elections
North Carolina: “NC voters see runoff primaries in 37 counties” by The Associated Press on WSOC TV.
Redistricting
“Interactive: Understanding congressional redistricting” by The Associated Press in the Wisconsin State Journal.
New Jersey: “Top Assembly Republican wants redistricting do-over” by Matt Friedman in The Star Ledger.
Texas: “Texas accused of purposely excluding minorities in redistricting” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) in The Dallas Morning News.
Texas: “The Source: Texas Redistricting Back In San Antonio Federal Court” by Paul Flahive on Texas Public Radio.
Applications for tax-exempt status of charities filing under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code are now quicker and easier for as many as 70 percent of all applicants, says the IRS. According to an IRS press release, organizations with gross […]
Applications for tax-exempt status of charities filing under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code are now quicker and easier for as many as 70 percent of all applicants, says the IRS.
According to an IRS press release, organizations with gross receipts of $50,000 or less and assets of $250,000 or less are eligible to use a new three-page application form. The standard form is 26 pages.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said, “It didn’t matter if you were a small soccer or gardening club or a major research organization. [The standard form] process created needlessly long delays for groups, which didn’t help the groups, the taxpaying public or the IRS.” According to the IRS, the new shorter form will “speed the approval process for smaller groups and free up resources to review applications from larger, more complex organizations while reducing the application backlog.”
There is a concern groups not having true charitable purposes may use the tax-exempt status to make political contributions without having to reveal the original source of the funds. In a TIME magazine article published July 13, Koskinen dismissed the idea that “if someone has been forced to do more paperwork they’re going to be less nefarious.”
July 14, 2014 •
Proud to Be a CSG Sponsor!
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor and associate for The Council of State Governments Midwest Legislative Conference in Omaha, Nebraska! Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is attending the conference, which runs […]
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor and associate for The Council of State Governments Midwest Legislative Conference in Omaha, Nebraska!
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is attending the conference, which runs from July 13-16.
The CSG website offers the following explanation of the event: “The Midwestern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting is a family-friendly, regionally focused event designed to meet the needs and interests of state legislators from our 11-state region. Held in a different Midwestern city every year, the four-day event features policy sessions on issues of critical importance to this region and its legislators.”
July 14, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Canada: “Foreign lobbying transparency bill another attack on environmental groups: critics” by Mark Burgess in The Hill Times. Iowa: “Lobbyists of All Kinds Flock to Farm Bill” by Peggy Lowe on Iowa Public Radio. Kansas: “Hearing held on 38 […]
Lobbying
Canada: “Foreign lobbying transparency bill another attack on environmental groups: critics” by Mark Burgess in The Hill Times.
Iowa: “Lobbyists of All Kinds Flock to Farm Bill” by Peggy Lowe on Iowa Public Radio.
Kansas: “Hearing held on 38 Studios lobbying questions” by The Associated Press in The Wichita Eagle.
Campaign Finance
“Lawrence Lessig’s Public Q&A on How His $12 million Super PAC Will Fix Campaign Finance” by Rebecca Chao in TechPresident.
California: “San Diego Ethics Commission Votes To Rein In Independent Committees” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS.
Connecticut: “Banned Donors Skirt Law Designed To Prevent Pay-To-Play” by Dave Altimari and Matthew Kauffman in the Hartford Courant.
Maine: “Analysis: One candidate’s unfair campaign finance law is another’s protection” by Mario Moretto in the Maine Daily Journal.
Maryland: “Excuses abound for Md. campaign report failings” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Massachusetts: “Union fights to strip reporting provision from campaign finance reform bill” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.
Missouri: “Money, Money, Money: Five Things To Look For In Tuesday’s Campaign Finance Reports” by Jason Rosenbaum on KBIA.
Ethics
Indiana: “Bennett accepts $5,000 fine in ethics settlement” by Tom LoBianco (Associated Press) in the Naples Daily News.
Nevada: “What a difference a word could make” by Steve Sebelius in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmakers left town with plenty of unfinished business” by Andrew Staub in the Daily Local News.
Redistricting
Florida: “House Democrats Have Mixed Reaction to Florida Redistricting Ruling” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
July 14, 2014 •
Kentucky Changes to Lobbying Gift Law Take Effect
New restrictions on legislative lobbying expenditures take effect Monday, July 14, 2014. House Bill 28 includes a “no cup of coffee rule” to eliminate the gift exception allowing legislative lobbyists to spend $100 on food and beverage for a legislator. […]
New restrictions on legislative lobbying expenditures take effect Monday, July 14, 2014. House Bill 28 includes a “no cup of coffee rule” to eliminate the gift exception allowing legislative lobbyists to spend $100 on food and beverage for a legislator.
Legislative lobbyists and their employers are now also prohibited from providing out-of-state transportation or lodging for legislators.
Employers of legislative lobbyists are prohibited from making campaign contributions during a regular legislative session and required to disclose the cost of advertising supporting or opposing legislation.
The Ethics Commission has voted to prevent independent committees from using material produced by candidates in committee advertisements. The amendment to the Election Campaign Control Ordinance (ECCO) will classify a committee’s otherwise independent payment as a “contribution” if the payment […]
The Ethics Commission has voted to prevent independent committees from using material produced by candidates in committee advertisements.
The amendment to the Election Campaign Control Ordinance (ECCO) will classify a committee’s otherwise independent payment as a “contribution” if the payment is for an advertisement duplicating materials found in a candidate’s advertisement or on the candidate’s website. Such payments would be subject to both contribution limits and source prohibitions.
The amendment now must be considered by City Council. Approval is not expected before September, 2014.
Photo of the San Diego skyline courtesy of Tomcio77 on Wikimedia Commons.
July 11, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 11, 2014
National: Eschewing Lobbyists, States Advocate for Themselves USA Today – Elaine Povich (Pew Center on the States) | Published: 7/10/2014 The 2011 ban on earmarks – the inclusion of money for specific local projects in broader bills – has prompted […]
National:
Eschewing Lobbyists, States Advocate for Themselves
USA Today – Elaine Povich (Pew Center on the States) | Published: 7/10/2014
The 2011 ban on earmarks – the inclusion of money for specific local projects in broader bills – has prompted a shift away from states paying Washington, D.C.-based lobbyists to advocate for them. Now, more state lawmakers and other officials are combining forces to advocate for themselves. K Street lobbyists were specialists in getting earmarks because of their personal connections to federal lawmakers. The state coalitions are making broader arguments for funds that benefit more than one individual project.
Federal:
Sen. Robert Menendez Seeks Probe of Alleged Cuban Plot to Smear Him
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig and Manuel Roig-Franzia | Published: 7/7/2014
With a public corruption investigation hanging over him, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez suggested Cuban spies had planted the seeds of that inquiry as a way to discredit him and mute his strident opposition to the government in Havana. His comments followed media stories that said a 2013 CIA report had cited credible evidence linking Cuban agents to a campaign to smear Menendez. The FBI is investigating whether Menendez received free airplane rides and other perks from a wealthy donor and repaid him with political favors. Even if Menendez’s Cuba theory is correct, it is unlikely to derail the probe.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Support Wanes in Sacramento for Tough Ethics Reform following Scandal
San Jose Mercury News – Jessica Califati | Published: 7/5/2014
Since voting to suspend Leland Yee and two other state senators indicted in recent months, California lawmakers have held a “day of reflection” and considered more than a dozen new pieces of ethics reform legislation. But while support for bills requiring more disclosure of gifts and contributions remains strong, interest in tougher proposals that would restrict politicians’ fundraising and access to free trips has waned significantly in the last few months. “You can’t be against an ethics bill the day after the scandal, but it’s no longer the day after the scandal,” said Jessica Levinson, a professor who specializes in campaign finance law.
Florida – Miami Lakes’ Muzzled Mayor Misses ‘My People’ as Trial Is Set to Begin
Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 7/7/2014
Michael Pizzi, the suspended mayor of Miami Lakes, is facing a trial in federal court on corruption charges. He is charged with conspiracy and extortion offenses for allegedly accepting $6,750 in mostly cash bribes during an FBI sting operation. Pizzi, a Brooklyn native, sees himself as the character Carmine Polito in the Oscar-nominated movie American Hustle – an over-the-top tale of the FBI’s undercover takedown of a fictional blue-collar New Jersey mayor who lived for his constituents.
Florida – Sternad, Saying He Was Duped, Gets 7 Months
Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 7/10/2014
A judge sentenced a failed South Florida congressional candidate to seven months in prison for campaign finance violations in a case linked to former U.S. Rep. David Rivera. Justin Sternad pleaded guilty last year to campaign finance violations, including accepting illegal contributions and filing false reports. The case involves allegations that Rivera, a Republican, secretly financed Sternad’s campaign to weaken Democratic rival Joe Garcia. Rivera has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, although close Rivera associate Ana Alliegro is also charged in the case. Rivera is again running for the House seat against Garcia after losing to him in 2012.
Hawaii – Ethics Commission Investigates Golf Perks
Hawaii News Now – Rick Daysog | Published: 7/9/2014
The Hawaii Ethics Commission is winding down its year-old investigation targeting number of employees at the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for receiving thousands of dollars in free golf outings provided by government contractors. Recent filings with the commission by DOT and UH employees indicates just how widespread the practice is. “For a lot of these firms, it’s simply the cost of doing business and this has got to stop because it makes people trust their government less,” said UH political science professor Colin Moore.
Iowa – Koch Brothers Group Targets Iowa Politics
USA Today – Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) | Published: 7/6/2014
Americans for Prosperity, the conservative political advocacy organization backed by Charles and David Koch, is building an operation in Iowa –– the site of the first presidential primary – that is intended to sway voting in the state for years to come. Using methodical canvassing, Americans for Prosperity-Iowa seeks to identify voters who are sympathetic to its message. Its database is to include an individual’s political orientation, likelihood to vote, and serve as a roster of probable swing voters.
Louisiana – C. Ray Nagin, Former New Orleans Mayor, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Los Angeles Times – David Zucchino | Published: 7/9/2014
Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his participation in a $500,000 bribery scheme that operated during most of his time in office. Many of the kickbacks took place after Hurricane Katrina, when contractors crowded into the city for rebuilding work. The sentence was less than the recommended 15 years, but U.S. District Court Judge Ginger Berrigan said the evidence failed to show Nagin had organized or had been a leader of a conspiracy. Prosecutors objected to the sentence, a move that could set up an appeal.
Maine – Cutler Supporters’ Lawsuit Challenges Constitutionality of Maine Donation Limits
The Sun Journal – Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 7/8/2014
Four supporters of independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler filed a lawsuit against Maine’s ethics commission for not being allowed to contribute as much to Cutler as they could to a party candidate. State law allows party candidates to accept $1,500 donations from individuals for both the June primary and the general election, even if those candidates do not face primary challengers. As an independent, Cutler can collect no more than $1,500 per donor. The lawsuit says that law should be struck down as unconstitutional.
Massachusetts – Robert DeLeo in Glare at Probation Hiring Trial
Boston Globe – Milton Valencia and Michael Levenson | Published: 7/10/2014
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo strongly denied assertions by prosecutors at the federal trial of the state’s former probation department commissioner that DeLeo traded jobs for votes or deliberately spared the agency from budget cuts. Prosecutors said in a court filing that such an arrangement had existed between DeLeo and former probation commissioner John O’Brien, who is being tried along with two deputies for allegedly rigging the agency’s hiring process to favor applicants referred by powerful lawmakers, in exchange for favorable legislative action on the budget or other matters.
Missouri – Ex-Missouri House Speaker’s Campaign Fund Still Yielding Benefits Two Years Later
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott | Published: 7/6/2014
It is not unusual for former Missouri lawmakers to jump immediately into lobbying their former colleagues with no waiting period. What is unusual is for ex-legislators to keep their campaign funds open and use it in ways that appear to promote their lobbying activities, such as with former House Speaker Steve Tilley. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch review found no other current lawmaker-turned-lobbyist operating under circumstances like the ones surrounding Tilley. That makes some reformers wonder if he is setting a dangerous new precedent that others might follow.
Ohio – Cleveland to Host 2016 GOP Convention
Politico – Katie Glueck and Maggie Haberman | Published: 7/8/2014
In choosing Cleveland as the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention, party organizers opted for a Democratic enclave in the pivotal battleground state of Ohio over the wealthier and more conservative Dallas area. The announcement is a coup for Cleveland as it seeks to update its image from an economically struggling Rust Belt city to a thriving metropolis with a revitalized downtown. The decision to go with Ohio was anticipated by many Republican operatives and donors. “We’re going where the swing voters are,” said GOP strategist Mike Murphy.
Pennsylvania – Interest Groups’ Lobbying Tally Tops $500M in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Melissa Daniels | Published: 7/4/2014
In 2013, lobbyists spent $518 million on costs related to influencing Pennsylvania lawmakers. It is the first time the spending exceeded the $500 million mark. Gabrielle Sedor, president of the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations, said the increase in spending is likely is because of rising costs overall, such as salaries and travel costs. She said lobbyists try to provide expertise and research about industry trends, and to keep tabs on statehouse activity. “To be a lobbyist and have a good relationship, you have to be honest and ethical and be a source of information, a reliable resource above anything else,” said Sedor.
Rhode Island – R.I. Lobbyist Rickman Discloses He Loaned $10,000 in 2009 to Ex-House Leader Fox
Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 7/8/2014
A lobbyist who failed to disclose he loaned money to former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox has now said the loan was for $10,000. Ray Rickman and Fox had both neglected to report the loan from August 2009 in required filings. State Ethics Commission attorney Jason Gramitt said nothing in the law bans a lobbyist from giving a public official a loan, but the loan would create a ‘business relationship” which in all cases, except those involving legislators, would create a clear conflict-of-interest if that official took any action that financially benefited that business associate.
South Carolina – SC Supreme Court: Harrell probe can continue
The State – Jamie Self | Published: 7/9/2014
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled the state’s top prosecutor has the authority to investigate House Speaker Bobby Harrell over allegations the lawmaker abused his power for personal benefit. The justices said Attorney General Alan Wilson is fully empowered to probe wrongdoing wherever it may occur, and his powers are not blunted because the investigation involves a lawmaker’s ethical conduct. The ruling overturned a lower court’s decision to halt Wilson’s investigation.
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.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
July 10, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Under Contract” in The Hill. “13 K Streeters cross the street” by Byron Tau in Politico. “Bitcoin gaining currency on K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Louisiana: “Louisiana business association reviews legislative session: Four things you […]
Lobbying
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“13 K Streeters cross the street” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Bitcoin gaining currency on K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Louisiana: “Louisiana business association reviews legislative session: Four things you need to know” by Julia O’Donoghue in The Times-Picayune.
Campaign Finance
“Lawrence Lessig on His Super PAC to End Super PACs” by Denver Nicks in TIME.
“Chamber of Commerce Spends $780K for Kingston” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
North Carolina: “Political action committees have big impact on campaigns” by Susan Ladd in the News & Record.
Ethics
Hawaii: “New Chair Will Steer Hawaii Ethics Commission Through Disclosure Law” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
Louisiana: “New Orleans Ex-Mayor Ray Nagin Sentenced to 10 Years” by Cameron McWhirter in The Wall Street Journal.
Congress
“Capitol partially closed due to spill” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
Government Tech and Social Media
West Virginia: “W. Va. Proceeds With Massive Computer Overhaul, Employees Struggle With the Switchover” in Government Technology.
July 9, 2014 •
Special Election to be Called for Florida House District 13
A special election is expected for Florida’s House District 13, a district covering the heart of Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. Incumbent state Rep. Reggie Fullwood was projected to run unopposed, but problems were found with his qualifying papers. Jacksonville […]
A special election is expected for Florida’s House District 13, a district covering the heart of Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. Incumbent state Rep. Reggie Fullwood was projected to run unopposed, but problems were found with his qualifying papers. Jacksonville City Council member Johnny Gaffney now plans to enter the race.
Gov. Rick Scott must determine the date of the special election, although Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland projects the primary for the special election to be November 4, 2014. If necessary, a runoff would likely be in December 2014.
July 9, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Bono’s One Action Ramps Up Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. Rhode Island: “R.I. lobbyist Rickman discloses he loaned $10,000 in 2009 to ex-House leader Fox” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal. […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Bono’s One Action Ramps Up Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Rhode Island: “R.I. lobbyist Rickman discloses he loaned $10,000 in 2009 to ex-House leader Fox” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.
“Bitcoin Foundation Hires Lobbying Firm” by Ryan Tracy in The Wall Street Journal.
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Republican Larry Hogan to use public funds in fall campaign for governor of Maryland” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Ethics
“Did House Travel Disclosure Rules Change? | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Politico.
Indiana: “Amid ethics probe, top INDOT official seeks job with firm whose contracts he OK’d” by Tony Cook and Ryan Sabalow in The Indianapolis Star.
Missouri: “It’s back: Streetcar ethics complaint refiled” by Austin Alonzo in the Kansas City Business Journal.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Riverside, Calif., Launches Transparency and Engagement Portal, Rethinks Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2629 on Monday, July 7, amending Section 97-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Effective immediately, registered lobbyists, lobbyist employers, and certain individuals are required to file statements of expenditures with the state ethics commission […]
Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2629 on Monday, July 7, amending Section 97-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Effective immediately, registered lobbyists, lobbyist employers, and certain individuals are required to file statements of expenditures with the state ethics commission within 30 days of adjournment sine die of any special session of the Legislature.
Individuals who are not lobbyists or lobbyist employers must only file if spending $750 or more in any six month period for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action, or a ballot issue, by communicating with public officials or engaging in grassroots activity.
The report must cover the period from May 1 through adjournment sine die of the special session and applies to and includes only those expenditures and contributions relating to legislative action considered during said special session.
The special report is an addition to, but does not take the place of, all other reporting requirements.
July 8, 2014 •
Federal Suit in Maine Challenges Contribution Limits
A federal lawsuit was filed July 7, 2014, challenging certain provisions of Maine’s campaign finance law. Sections 1015(1) and 1015(2) of Chapter 21-A of the Maine Revised Statutes limit political contributions to a gubernatorial candidate from an individual, political committee, […]
A federal lawsuit was filed July 7, 2014, challenging certain provisions of Maine’s campaign finance law. Sections 1015(1) and 1015(2) of Chapter 21-A of the Maine Revised Statutes limit political contributions to a gubernatorial candidate from an individual, political committee, corporation, or business entity to $1,500 in any election. Therefore, a candidate can collect a total of $3,000 from each contributor because there are ordinarily two elections – a primary election and a general election.
The lawsuit, filed by four supporters of gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler, alleges this provision of law is unconstitutional on First and Fourteenth Amendment grounds. Cutler is running as an independent and therefore did not participate in the state’s June 10 primary election. As a result, the law only allows contributions of $1,500 per contributor because Cutler will only participate in one election. The suit alleges minor parties, including independent candidates, are at a disadvantage under the existing scheme.
Defendants named in the case include the Maine Ethics Commission, Walter McKee as chairman of the commission, and Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. The suit seeks a permanent injunction ceasing enforcement of the $1,500 per election limit as applied to independent candidates.
If granted, the injunction would apply to the 2014 election cycle.
July 8, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “A driving force for truckers” by Keith Laing in The Hill. “Squire Patton Boggs bolsters presence in Japan” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Politico Influence: Squire Patton Boggs announces leadership structure” by […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“A driving force for truckers” by Keith Laing in The Hill.
“Squire Patton Boggs bolsters presence in Japan” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Politico Influence: Squire Patton Boggs announces leadership structure” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Export-Import Bank supporters aim for show of strength in Senate” by Kevin Cirilli and Vicki Needham in The Hill.
Florida: “Tallahassee’s next lobbying gold rush: cannabis” in The Miami Herald.
New York: “NYPIRG: Casino lobbying, spending hits $11 million” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.
Pennsylvania: “Ethics Commission fines lobbyists for failure to file expense reports” by Megan Henney in the Tribune-Review.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “AG Horne sues to block Clean Elections investigation” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez in The Republic.
Vermont: “Court backs Vt. campaign finance rules” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.
Ethics
“Without ethics enforcement, it’s open season in Washington” by Melanie Sloan in The Hill.
Colorado: “Colorado ethics panel signals support for Gessler GOP seminar trip” by Joey Bunch in The Denver Post.
Indiana: “State ethics watchdog plans to leave office” by Tony Cook in The Indianapolis Star.
Missouri: “Can a candidate raffle off a hot tub? Run bingo?” by Jonathan Shorman in the Springfield News-Leader.
Congress
“The Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game in 3 Minutes (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Why Facebook’s ‘Voter Megaphone’ Is the Real Manipulation to Worry About” by Micah L. Sifry in TechPresident.
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