October 31, 2012 •
North Dakota Federal Court Prohibits Enforcement of Campaign Law
Yard signs and electioneering to be permitted on election day
A federal court’s preliminary injunction has found the state’s 100-year ban on election-day campaigning to be an unreasonable restraint on free speech. The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Competitive Politics, a pro-free speech group. The Center represents Gary Emineth, who wishes to post yard signs on his property, distribute fliers, and discuss the upcoming election with his neighbors.
The North Dakota statute bans any person, on election day, from trying to induce or persuade others to support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure.
The court’s ruling also orders state officials to refrain from prosecuting any person for a violation of N.D.C.C. §16.1-10-06 for the pendency of the case.
October 31, 2012 •
Wednesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Here is our government relations news roundup for today:
Lobbying
“K Street Lobbyists Ready for Post-Sandy Disaster Aid Requests” by Kate Ackley and Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“The Hill’s 2012 Top Lobbyists” in The Hill.
“5 Wisconsin lawmakers settle suit with groups seeking ALEC emails” by Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
“Outside cash trumps candidates’ in half a dozen tight races” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
California: “Judge backs Jerry Brown, FPPC on Arizona campaign donations” by Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee.
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma candidates accept corporate contributions, afoul of state law” by Megan Rolland in The Oklahoman.
Oklahoma: “Chickasaw Nation leads state superPAC donors” by Randy Kehbiel in the Tulsa World.
Campaigns and Elections
“Where’s Your Polling Location? On IOS 6, There’s Now An App To Help You Find Out” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
October 29, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
“Federal Offices, Metrorail System in Washington Closed Monday” in the National Journal.
Lobbying
“Lobby shop revenues continue fall” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.
“K Street Lobbyists Hit the Campaign Trail in Virginia” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Jack Abramoff on America’s bipartisan culture of corruption” by Joseph Cotto in the Washington Times.
Michigan: “Most term-limited Michigan officials stay in government or lobbying” in the Lansing State Journal.
Campaign Finance
“In state races, N.Y.C., Albany dominate campaign donations” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat and Chronicle.
Ethics
“Ron Paul-Inspired Group Lobbies for Bill Prompted by Paul Reimbursements” by Jonathan Strong in Roll Call.
Campaigns and Elections
“Campaign lawyers gear up for nail-biter election” by Michael Knigge in Deutsche Welle.
October 29, 2012 •
Massachusetts OCPF Extends Pre-election Report Due Date
11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Because of the state of emergency declared in advance of Hurricane Sandy, the Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance (OCPF) has issued a notice extending the due date of pre-election reports until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Reports covering activity from August 20 to October 19 were to be due October 29.
Although its office is closed today, the OCPF notice states, “Office staff will be checking their office voice mail during the day on Monday and will be returning calls to assist filers as they are able.”
October 26, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Enjoy your weekend!
Lobbying
“American League of Lobbyists asks for end to registration loopholes” by Kent Hoover in the New Mexico Business Weekly.
“K Street’s Q4 Expectations” by Michael Catalini in the National Journal’s Influence Alley.
Ohio: “Ethics laws could get overhaul” by Jim Siegel in The Columbus Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
“Former IRS Official Accuses ALEC of Lying About Assets” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Poll: Majority wants corporate money out of politics” by Jordy Jager in The Hill.
California: “California Watchdog Sues Arizona Nonprofit over Secret Donation” by McClatchy News in Governing.
New York: “Bill: Jail campaign finance report scofflaws” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Super PAC clout under challenge” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Campaigns and Elections
“Presidential election hits $2B fundraising mark” by Beth Fouhy in The Associated Press.
“Bing Releases ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for Election 2012 Info” by Alex Fitzpatrick in Mashable.
“Survey: Campaign contributors stick to traditional tools” by Josh Smith in Nextgov.
Ethics
Alaska: “Alaska state Senate candidate Bell fined $390 by APOC over disclosure requirement” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
October 26, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 26, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
K Street Flags Shortcomings of Lobbying Law
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Judge: Listing of PAC contributors unconstitutional
California
California’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Agency Demands Names of Donors to Shadowy Arizona Group
California
Judge Rejects Former Bell Police Chief’s Bid to Double Pension
Florida
State Ethics Commission: David Rivera broke 11 ethics laws while serving in Florida Legislature
Georgia
Atlanta Region Sees Spike in Public Corruption Cases
Idaho
Idaho Sues to Force Disclosure of Secret Donations
Illinois
Appeals Court Allows Illinois Limits on Campaign Financing
Iowa
‘Donations’ to State Agency Let Landlords Avoid Charges
Kentucky
Ethics Panel Wants Lobbyists to Report Ad Spending
Montana
Supreme Court Won’t Block Montana Campaign Finance Law Ahead Of Elections
New Jersey
Infamous Federal Informant Solomon Dwek Is Sentenced to Six Years, Must Pay $22.8 Million
North Dakota
Campaigning Fargo Candidate Finds Body under Tree
Tennessee
With Registry’s Ruling, Burchett Case Closed
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.
October 25, 2012 •
Pay-to-Play to Expand in Jersey City
Board of Education Candidates
Two separate pay-to-play ordinances were proposed at yesterday’s meeting of the Jersey City Council. While one proposal was not approved by the council, the remaining ordinance will be considered for a final vote on November 14, 2012.
The surviving ordinance expands the existing pay-to-play law by placing restrictions on vendors contracting with the city from contributing to Board of Education candidates.
Aerial photo of Jersey City courtesy of Creative Commons on Wikipedia.
October 25, 2012 •
Thursday Campaign Finance and Ethics News
Here is a short roundup of articles for you:
Campaign Finance
“Obama’s Campaign Quick to Capitalize on Text-to-Donate Option” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
Idaho: “Idaho sues to force disclosure of secret donors” by Betsy Z. Russell in the Spokesman Review.
South Carolina: “‘Secret’ money targets some SC legislators” by Gina Smith in The State.
Ethics
“Florida ethics panel hits David Rivera with 11 counts” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Tech and Social Media
“Illinois Open Technology Challenge Seeks Innovative Apps” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
“FCC May Consider Whether Unsolicited Email To Text On Mobile Phones Is Legal” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
Case goes back to trial court to determine constitutionality of state’s contribution limits
The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Illinois’ limits on campaign financing will remain in force at least through the upcoming general election. Illinois Liberty PAC initially sought an injunction to suspend the limits, but its effort was refused by the district court. They appealed and the appellate court ruled that the PAC’s attorneys “have not shown that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their challenge to contribution limits.”
The case will now go back to the district court, where the actual merits of the case can be decided. The PAC claims that the limits violate their First Amendment right to free speech and their equal protection rights because it allows political parties to spend unlimited amounts of money, while limiting contributions from other sources.
The PAC was not surprised by the ruling saying, “We knew it was going to be an uphill battle.”
October 25, 2012 •
Elizabeth Bartz Receives Kent State Award
Congratulations to you Elizabeth!
On October 19, 2012, Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, received the Kent State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication William D. Taylor Distinguished Alumni Award.
According to the event program:
“The William D. Taylor Award is the highest distinction given by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication to alumni who are nationally and/or internationally recognized for preeminent contributions to their professions or life’s work as they relate to the field of journalism and mass communication.”
Here is Elizabeth Bartz’s acceptance speech:
October 24, 2012 •
Our Wednesday Government Relations News
Don’t miss the articles you need to keep up with the latest news about lobbying, campaign finance, and elections:
Lobbying
“K Street flags shortcomings of lobbying law” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“Lobbying spending goes up even with Congress away” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.
“K Street prepares for sequestration battle” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Facebook continues record lobbying spending” by Jennifer Martinez in The Hill.
“Lobbying Groups Object to Proposed NY Ethics Regulations” by Chris Vest in Associations Now.
“Romney and the lobbysists” by Heath Brown in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Citizens United: What Obama, Romney would do about campaign finance reform” by Justin Elliott in the Alaska Dispatch.
“Mauled by Ads, Incumbents Look to Declaw Outside Groups” by Jennifer Steinhauer in The New York Times.
Campaigns and Elections
“Why Are Elections On Tuesdays?” by Selena Simmons-Duffin on NPR.
“Why Campaigns Are Happy Your Vote Isn’t as Private as Many Think It Is” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.
Tech and Social Media
“Federal website satisfaction dips slightly” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
October 24, 2012 •
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Application to Vacate Stay in Montana Contribution Limits Case
State to Continue to Enforce Limits
Yesterday the United States Supreme Court denied an application to vacate the stay allowing Montana to enforce its political contribution limits.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had stayed a District Court’s decision ruling certain state contribution limits unconstitutional and unenforceable. The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, issuing a decision in Lair v. Murry, found the contribution limits in Montana Code Annotated §13-37-216 “prevent candidates from ‘amassing the resources necessary for effective campaign advocacy.’”
The case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
October 23, 2012 •
Our Annual Greeting to All
from Elizabeth Bartz and all of the staff of State and Federal Communications, Inc.
Since this is a presidential election year, State and Federal Communications has sent out its vote card instead of a holiday card to greet our friends and clients. More than 2500 cards were sent, along with a “Keep US Strong – VOTE” pin.
Every year we gather for a company photo to mark another exciting year serving our clients. Every year our challenge is to find a unique spot in Akron to highlight the event. So here is a little treat to our Lobby Comply readers – the 2012 company picture at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.
Thank you for reading Lobby Comply blog. We wish you a wonderful year and heartily encourage you to go out on November 6 and exercise your right to vote!
October 23, 2012 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Campaign season idles K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“K Street Lobbyists Decamp to the Campaign Trail” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Chamber ramps up lobbying spending” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.
“Jack Abramoff: Congress members don’t know they’re being bribed” by Louis C. Hochman on NJ.com.
Michigan: “Stateside: Lobbying in Michigan, the ‘Wild, Wild West’” on Michigan Radio.
Ontario: “Fixing ‘user errors’ in city lobbying registry not officials’ job” by David Reevely in the Ottawa Citizen.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Spending big to take money out of politics” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Colorado: “Springs considers new campaign finance rules” by Niel Chacón in the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Minnesota: “Minnesota serves as political campaign ATM” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Tech and Social Media
“Crush Robocalls, Win $50K” in Government Technology.
“Tool helps agencies manage social media messaging” in Nextgov.
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.
