November 22, 2013 •
NH Legislature Adjourns Special Session
The New Hampshire Legislature adjourned its special session on November 21, 2013. Gov. Maggie Hassan had called for the extra legislative session to consider the Medicaid Expansion Study Commission’s report recommending the state accept $2.5 billion in federal funds to […]
The New Hampshire Legislature adjourned its special session on November 21, 2013.
Gov. Maggie Hassan had called for the extra legislative session to consider the Medicaid Expansion Study Commission’s report recommending the state accept $2.5 billion in federal funds to expand Medicaid. However, the Legislature did not follow her recommendation and did not pass any health care legislation.
In her press release Hassan expressed her disappointment and assigned blame, stating, “Today, members of the Senate Republican caucus let down the people of New Hampshire by refusing to compromise to develop a health care expansion plan that would actually work.”
Photo of the New Hampshire State House courtesy of Alexius Horatius on Wikimedia Commons.
November 22, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 22, 2013
National: ‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections The Center for Public Integrity – Alan Suderman and Ben Weider | Published: 11/14/2013 Nonprofits, super PACs, and other non-candidate groups reported spending at least $209 million to influence elections in 38 […]
National:
‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections
The Center for Public Integrity – Alan Suderman and Ben Weider | Published: 11/14/2013
Nonprofits, super PACs, and other non-candidate groups reported spending at least $209 million to influence elections in 38 states in 2012, according to the Center for Public Integrity. More than one out of every two dollars spent originated from groups funded primarily or entirely by out-of-state donors. Even seemingly local entities, like state parties, were recipients of huge influxes of outside cash.
Federal:
FEC: Donors can’t use bitcoins for contributions
San Diego Union Tribune – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 11/21/2013
The FEC said bitcoins cannot be used for contributions to political organizations at this time. Bitcoin is a cybercurrency that is relatively anonymous and is created and exchanged independently of any government or bank. Some retailers accept it, and the currency can be converted into cash after being deposited into virtual wallets. But the FEC is not yet sold on allowing bitcoins to funnel into the accounts of campaigns and outside groups supporting them.
Navy Was Warned of Contractor at Center of Bribery Inquiry
New York Times – Christopher Drew | Published: 11/20/2013
Leonard Francis, a wealthy Malaysian contractor, is at the center of a widening investigation into an overbilling scheme in which federal prosecutors say he used cash, prostitutes, and gifts to bribe U.S. Navy officials to help him defraud the service. Despite red flags over his business practices, the Navy awarded Francis $200 million in contracts, giving him control over providing supplies and dockside services for its fleet across the Pacific.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – What a Day for Political Ethics in California
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/16/2013
On the same day, the Democratic leader of the California Senate addressed the latest allegations in an FBI corruption probe, a state senator took the witness stand to testify he had not engaged in money laundering, and the Fair Political Practices Commission handed down fines to one current and two past lawmakers who admitted campaign finance violations.
Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 11/19/2013
A legislative committee said there is not enough evidence to settle an ethics complaint against Joe Neville, a lobbyist for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. He allegedly threatened state Rep. Cheri Gerou with political retribution if she did not oppose all of the Democratic bills aimed at strengthening gun laws earlier this year. Neville could still face disciplinary action including a two-year suspension of his lobbying privileges at the Capitol.
District of Columbia – Capital Gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.
Washington Post – Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersly | Published: 11/17/2013
Tens of thousands of the nation’s best-educated workers have flocked to the Washington, D.C. region, some for contracting jobs, and some simply to be part of the newly energized business climate. The avalanche of cash that made Washington rich in the last decade has transformed the culture of a once staid capital and created a new wave of well-heeled insiders.
Louisiana – Apparent Campaign Violations, Large Expenses Should Prompt Reforms in Louisiana Law, Some Say
New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/20/2013
A review of Louisiana’s campaign finance system by The New Orleans Times Picayune is prompting calls for reform. The analysis found individual donors and special interests can legally bundle corporate and personal contributions to exert outsized influence. It also discovered politicians who collected large amounts in over-the-limit, and apparently illegal, contributions, yet went undetected by the state Board of Ethics.
Michigan – State Senate Aims to Quash Proposal for Greater Transparency in Political Ads
Detroit Free Press – Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray | Published: 11/14/2013
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said she intends to expand Michigan’s campaign disclosure rules to include issue ads, but the state Senate promptly passed a bill that would slam the door on her proposal. An amendment was added to a bill doubling the state’s campaign finance contribution limits that would allow sponsors of ads not specifically urging a vote for or against a candidate to remain anonymous.
Nevada – Judge Imposes $110,000 Fine over PAC’s Pro-Sandoval Ads
Las Vegas Sun – Cy Ryan | Published: 11/18/2013
A judge levied a fine of $109,560 against the Alliance for America’s Future over advertising that supported Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. The PAC did not register in the state as required by law and never filed any reports detailing its expenditures. District Court Judge James Wilson rejected the group’s claim that the law was unconstitutional.
New Jersey – Annual Political Schmooze Fest Begins in Atlantic City Today
NJ.com – Darrel Isherwood | Published: 11/19/2013
Approximately 18,000 officials will attend the annual League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City this year. The event is more well-known for parties than its training sessions. “I’ve gone to the [convention] for the past 15 years and I’ve only paid to attend the sessions twice in that time,” said one prominent lobbyist.
Ohio – State School Board Lobbyists Deny Conflict of Interest
Columbus Dispatch – Doug Livingston (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 11/17/2013
At least four state school board members in Ohio have business and private interests that compete directly for education money. They maintain there is no problem with this activity as they police themselves, abstain from voting as necessary, and file statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. While state lawmakers cannot lobby while in office, Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick said the lobbying law does not address the state school board.
Oklahoma – Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules
Norman Transcript; Staff – | Published: 11/19/2013
State Rep. Mike Reynolds criticized the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for its proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration rules, along with other reforms. Lobbyists’ employers are now prohibited from spending more than $100 per calendar year per lawmaker. But the commission would allow principals to provide $500 for meals and other gifts, among other changes. Reynolds said will introduce a resolution during the upcoming legislative session to disapprove the proposed rules.
Pennsylvania – Officials, Others Slam Proposed City Ethics Rule
Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 11/20/2013
Many witnesses at a Philadelphia Board of Ethics hearing criticized a plan to place specific limits on the city’s vague gift rules. The proposed caps, meant to better define the current law, would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source, including cash payments of up to $50.
Utah – Utah A.G. John Swallow Cuts Deal, Will Resign to Avoid Criminal Charges, Source Says
Deseret News – Lisa Riley Roche and Dennis Romboy | Published: 11/21/2013
Utah Attorney General John Swallow is expected to resign in the face of mounting investigations and a report from the lieutenant governor’s office that recommended charging him with three misdemeanors. His departure would allow Swallow to avoid any effort by a special counsel to seek his removal for multiple violations of election law. It also could bring to a close a months-long fact-finding investigation by the state House that could be laying the groundwork for his potential impeachment.
Wisconsin – Report: Investigation targets Scott Walker recall campaign, political groups
Chippewa Herald – Dee Hall | Published: 11/18/2013
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and more than two dozen conservative groups were recently subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, according to the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Mike McCabe said based on the report, the investigation appears to be zeroing in on whether issue ad groups illegally coordinated with campaigns during the effort to recall Walker and legislative leaders.
November 21, 2013 •
Proposed Changes to Oklahoma Ethics Laws Prove Highly Controversial
State Rep. Mike Reynolds is criticizing officials at the state Ethics Commission for offering proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure rules. According to Reynolds, “the Ethics Commission seems to be declaring open season […]
State Rep. Mike Reynolds is criticizing officials at the state Ethics Commission for offering proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure rules.
According to Reynolds, “the Ethics Commission seems to be declaring open season for lobbyists on elected officials” as the proposed changes “. . . have the potential of increasing lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.”
Opponents of the proposed changes argue expansion of the current guidelines will increase undue influence on elected officials and reduce the efficacy of the commission in and of itself.
November 21, 2013 •
WA AG Pursues Lawsuit against Grocery Manufacturers Association after Defeat of I-522
Although Initiative 522 was ultimately defeated in an election several weeks ago, State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is moving forward with a lawsuit against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, alleging the group broke state campaign finance laws in its effort to […]
Although Initiative 522 was ultimately defeated in an election several weeks ago, State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is moving forward with a lawsuit against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, alleging the group broke state campaign finance laws in its effort to defeat Initiative 522.
Under Washington campaign finance law, an outside group like the GMA must form a political committee, register it in the state of Washington, and file disclosure forms listing the sources of its funding.
Ferguson alleges GMA failed to timely do so and as a result, robbed Washington voters of “transparency and openness in elections”.
The case will not go to trial until early next year.
November 21, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Top lobbyist Gerry Cassidy to step down” by Byron Tau in Politico. Saskatchewan, Canada: “Lobbyist legislation coming to Saskatchewan” by David Giles in Global News. Campaign Finance “FEC deadlocks, for now, on whether political committees can accept bitcoin” by […]
Lobbying
“Top lobbyist Gerry Cassidy to step down” by Byron Tau in Politico.
Saskatchewan, Canada: “Lobbyist legislation coming to Saskatchewan” by David Giles in Global News.
Campaign Finance
“FEC deadlocks, for now, on whether political committees can accept bitcoin” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
“What A Bitcoin Political Debut Could Mean For Transparency” by Peter Overby (NPR) on WYSO.
Fort Wayne, Indiana: “Election Board for county is moving” in The Journal Gazette.
Louisiana: “Apparent campaign violations, large expenses should prompt reforms in Louisiana law, some say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.
New Jersey: “Election commission: Morris freeholder violated campaign finance rules in close primary race” by Ben Horowitz in the Star-Ledger.
Virginia: “Virginia campaign mailings attract scrutiny” by Mike Gangloff in The Roanoke Times.
Ethics
“In Quick Fashion, House Broadens Program for FEC Fines” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
North Carolina: “Civitas Institute leader named to NC ethics panel” by The Associated Press in GoErie.com.
Oklahoma: “Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules” in the Daily Ardmoreite.
Elections
“Election Enforcement Officials Will Investigate 2 Campaign Complaints Against Malloy” by Hugh McQuaid in CT News Junkie.
Procurement
Louisiana: “Campaign finance transparency not enough to fix Jefferson Parish’s contracting problems, groups say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.
November 20, 2013 •
NH Special Election Called for Executive Councilor
A precept for a special election for Executive Councilor from Executive Council District No. 1 was approved on November 18 by New Hampshire Governor Margaret Hassan. The primary election will be held on January 21, 2014 followed by a special […]
A precept for a special election for Executive Councilor from Executive Council District No. 1 was approved on November 18 by New Hampshire Governor Margaret Hassan.
The primary election will be held on January 21, 2014 followed by a special general election on March 11, 2014.
November 20, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. Jack Abramoff resurfaces:“Former Lobbyist Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Washington Deal Making” on WZTV Fox 17. “Second lobbyist leaves Roundtable” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. New York: “NYPIRG Wants NYS Ethics […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Jack Abramoff resurfaces:“Former Lobbyist Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Washington Deal Making” on WZTV Fox 17.
“Second lobbyist leaves Roundtable” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
New York: “NYPIRG Wants NYS Ethics Agency To Get Tough On Lobbying By Political Parties” by Glenn Blain in the New York Daily News.
Campaign Finance
California: “FPPC accuses Mono State Senator of ‘money laundering’” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.
Maryland: “Gansler spending ‘pledge’ problematic as written, Maryland elections official says” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Vermont: “Groups Pay $60,000 In Campaign Finance Disputes” by Taylor Dobbs in Vermont Public Radio.
Ethics
Freehold Borough, New Jersey: “Pay-to-play law enacted” by Clare Marie Celano in the News Transcript.
Michigan: “Prosecutors: Kwame Kilpatrick should pay $195,404 in back taxes” by Robert Snell in the Detroit News.
North Carolina: “John Edwards Is Opening A Law Firm With His Daughter To Tackle ‘Social Inequalities’” by Colleen Jenkins in the Business Insider.
Elections
“Nate Silver announces new hires” by Dylan Byers in Politico.
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November 19, 2013 •
Bill in Legislature Would Amend Ontario, Canada’s Lobbyist Registration Act
The Ontario, Canada, Legislature’s Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills is considering changes to the province’s Lobbying Act. Bill 115, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2013, introduced last month, makes several amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. These changes […]
The Ontario, Canada, Legislature’s Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills is considering changes to the province’s Lobbying Act. Bill 115, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2013, introduced last month, makes several amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. These changes include requiring consultant lobbyists to register within five business days of beginning to lobbying, requiring lobbyists to file monthly reports when lobbying high-level public officeholders, and requiring consultant lobbyists to report political contributions if the Election Finance Act applies.
This bill also provides a new definition of grassroots communication and amends the definition of in-house lobbyist. Additional requirements and changes regarding penalties, revolving-door restrictions, and protections are also a part of Bill 115.
According to a bulletin by Fasken Martineu, LLP, the Progressive Conservatives are critical of the bill and the Liberal Government “would prefer to introduce its own lobbying law reforms.”
November 19, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post. “Bottom Line” in The Hill. Campaign […]
Lobbying
“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.
California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.
Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.
Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.
Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.
Ethics
Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.
Redistricting
“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
November 19, 2013 •
Topic of Living Wage Returns to DC City Council
The topic of a living wage in Washington, D.C. has been revived in the City Council. A new proposal would increase the DC minimum wage to $11.50 per hour by 2016, making the wage one of the highest in the […]
The topic of a living wage in Washington, D.C. has been revived in the City Council.
A new proposal would increase the DC minimum wage to $11.50 per hour by 2016, making the wage one of the highest in the country.
The Council could vote on the measure as early as December.
November 18, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington […]
Lobbying
“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington Post.
“D.C. awash in contracts, lobbying wealth” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Canada: “Don Cayo: A lobbyist’s job combines analysis and action” by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.
Colorado: “Boulder to hire full-time state lobbyist” by Erica Meltzer in the Daily Camera.
Missouri: “Area lawmakers – except for one – take few lobbyists’ gifts” by Jonathan Shorman in the News-Leader.
Campaign Finance
“The Influencers 50: Enforcers” in Campaigns & Elections.
“‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections” by Alan Suderman in The Center for Public Integrity.
Massachusetts: “House calls for penalties on local campaign-finance violations” by Bob Katzen in the Lowell Sun.
Michigan: “Mich. Republicans split over disclosing ad funders” by The Associated Press in the Grand Haven Tribune.
Minnesota: “An accuracy challenge in election spending” by the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune.
Ethics
Hawaii: “What’s Going on Between Ethics Commission and Caldwell Administration?” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
South Carolina: “Government watchdog group insists Haley repays taxpayers for NC trip” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in GoUpstate.
West Virginia: “W.Va. commission to hold ethics training session in Moorefield” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Elections
“Parties focus on special election for Senate seat” by Catherine Lucey in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.
Procurement
“5 New Approaches to Government Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
Tech and Social Media
“How to Make Your Government Agency Cool Via Social Media” by Rachelle Chong in TechWire.
November 18, 2013 •
Georgia Governor Schedules Special Elections
Gov. Nathan Deal has issued writs of election to fill vacancies in House Districts 2 and 22. The special elections will be held on January 7, 2014, without party primaries. Runoff elections, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, February […]
Gov. Nathan Deal has issued writs of election to fill vacancies in House Districts 2 and 22.
The special elections will be held on January 7, 2014, without party primaries.
Runoff elections, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.
November 18, 2013 •
Trenton Ethics Board Establishes Code of Ethics
Trenton’s recently established ethics board passed the city’s first code of ethics last week. The long-awaited code outlines behavioral guidelines for elected officials, city employees, and representatives serving on city boards. Included are provisions regarding conflicts of interest, receipt of […]
Trenton’s recently established ethics board passed the city’s first code of ethics last week. The long-awaited code outlines behavioral guidelines for elected officials, city employees, and representatives serving on city boards. Included are provisions regarding conflicts of interest, receipt of gifts, and financial disclosure.
Additionally, the code permits the ethics board to investigate possible ethics violations.
The code will go to the state Department of Community Affairs before it is enacted and added to the code book.
November 18, 2013 •
Georgia Lobbyist 2014 Renewals will be Denied for Outstanding Fines and Fees
Following the November 13, 2013 meeting, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission issued an order to deny lobbyist renewal for the calendar year of 2014 for each lobbyist with outstanding registration, supplemental registration, identification card, and/or badge fees. […]
Following the November 13, 2013 meeting, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission issued an order to deny lobbyist renewal for the calendar year of 2014 for each lobbyist with outstanding registration, supplemental registration, identification card, and/or badge fees.
The commission will also deny lobbyist renewal for each lobbyist with unpaid fines or unfiled disclosure reports.
The 2014 fees for the lobbyist identification badge ($20) and supplemental registration ($10) will remain unchanged from 2013 amounts.
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