February 8, 2012 •
US House Removes LDA Reporting and Registration Requirements from Senate STOCK Bill
Political Intelligence
Last night the U.S. House removed all registration requirements by those conducting political intelligence activities from the Senate’s Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which passed the Senate last week with a bi-partisan vote of 96 to 3.
The original Senate Bill 2038, now in the house, expanded the Lobbyist Disclosure Act to include requiring registration and reporting from those conducting political intelligence activities, which was defined as “political intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research, and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with such contacts and efforts of others.”
While the House also made other changes to the bill, the only reference to the removal of the reporting and registration requirements made by Congressman Eric Cantor in a press release issued last night stated, “Tonight, we will introduce a strengthened and expanded STOCK Act, and remove provisions that would have made the bill unworkable or raised more questions then they answered.”
If passed as changed in the House, the bill would have to return to the Senate for another vote. The current version of Senate Bill 2038 can be found here.
Photo of the U.S. Capitol by Florian Hirzinger on Wikipedia.
February 8, 2012 •
NJ ELEC Has the Power
Appellate Court Affirms New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission’s Authority
A New Jersey state appellate court has reaffirmed the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has the authority to enforce the state’s campaign finance laws.
In Nordstorm v. Lyon, the Appellate Division reversed a lower court’s decision not to defer to ELEC’s jurisdiction for enforcement of campaign contributions and reporting violations.
In affirming the power of ELEC, the Appellate Division held, “We reach our conclusion that ELEC has exclusive jurisdiction regarding reporting violations because of the overarching legislative goals of (1) guaranteeing transparency of campaign contributions and expenditures, (2) ensuring that disclosures of the same be managed and controlled by a single agency, and (3) implementing remedies for violations of the Reporting Act through a uniform and predictable system of sanctions.”
The case arose following a close Republican Party primary election for Morris County Freeholder between William “Hank” Lyon and Margaret Nordstrom. In its press release, ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle said if the lower court ruling had not been overturned, “it would have subjected candidates and committees to inconsistent application of the Campaign Reporting Act in enforcement actions.’’
February 7, 2012 •
Today’s Redistricting News
There is much to read about redistricting issues in the states today:
Connecticut
“GOP makes long-shot pitch for new congressional map” by Mark Pazniokas on CTMirror.org
“Court hears pleas on Ct. redistricting plan” by Ken Dixon on the Connecticut Post.
Florida
“House passes Florida redistricting maps in party line vote” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Tampa Bay Times.
Kansas
“Panel endorses Kansas House redistricting plan” by John Milburn (Associated Press) in the Kansas City Star.
Kentucky
“Judge weighs constitutionality of redistricting” by The Associated Press.
“Judge hopes to rule on redistricting dispute by Tuesday” by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal.
North Carolina
“Lawsuits challenging GOP-drawn boundaries can move forward” by The Associated Press in the Winston-Salem Journal.
Texas
“Rejected compromise in Texas redistricting case leaves state’s primary date in limbo” by The Associated Press in the Washington Post.
Wisconsin
“Lawmakers were made to pledge secrecy over redistricting” by Patrick Marley, Daniel Bice and Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
February 7, 2012 •
Indiana’s Former Secretary of State Is Crying Foul
Charlie White’s criminal sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23
Indiana’s former Secretary of State Charlie White, who was convicted of six felonies and consequently lost his job, is pointing the finger at others. White is now saying Gov. Mitch Daniels and U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) are also guilty of voter fraud because they voted from Indiana addresses while residing elsewhere.
For the full story read “White isn’t going quietly” by Dan Carden in the Times of Northwest Indiana.
February 7, 2012 •
Limits on Lobbyist Gifts to Lawmakers in Georgia?
Senate Bill 391 could bring new requirements
Georgia Senator Josh McKoon has introduced Senate Bill 391, which could put limits on gifts lobbyists give to lawmakers in the state, as wells as other requirements.
For the full story read “With House bill stalled, senator targets lobbyist gifts” by Kristina Torres in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Photo of the Georgia State Capitol Building by AUtiger on Wikipedia.
February 7, 2012 •
State Legislatures in the News
Legislative sessions and other news items today from state Legislatures:
Alabama: “Alabama lawmakers return for 2012 regular session” by Bob Johnson (Associated Press) in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Arizona: “Monday is deadline to introduce bills in AZ House” by The Associated Press in the Arizon Capitol Times.
California: “Initiative would make Legislature part time, slash its pay” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
“California Legislators Turn in Keys to their Cars” by Karl Kurtz on NCSL’s blog The Thicket.
Oklahoma: “Okla. State Legislature Begins 2012 Session” by Homa Quazilbash on KTUL.com
Oregon: “Oregon Politics: Legislative session starts with big concepts and some lawmakers under scrutiny” by Jeff Mapes in The Oregonian
Virginia: “Va. legislators accepted $246,000 in gifts last year” by Anita Kumar in the Washington Post.
February 7, 2012 •
New Montana Commissioner of Political Practices
Jim Murry
Jim Murry has been chosen as the next Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.
According to the Great Falls Tribune, Governor Brian Schweitzer made the decision yesterday after meeting with Mr. Murry, who begins working as the Commissioner today.
The previous Commissioner, David Gallik, abruptly left the position after questions arose concerning whether Mr. Gallik was conducting his private law practice while at the government office.
Among its other duties, the Commissioner’s office monitors and enforces lobbyist registration and disclosure, campaign finance practices, and ethics standards among state officials.
February 7, 2012 •
NCSL Foundation Luncheon Today
The National Conference of State Legislatures event is hosted by Microsoft and taking place in Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is attending today’s NCSL Foundation Bi-Annual Luncheon.
NCSL Executive Director Bill Pound will be talking about top issues this legislative session.
February 6, 2012 •
Broward County, Fla. Expected to Sue to Enforce Code of Ethics
Voters in Three Cities Undo Portions of Countywide Ethics Law
Broward County is expected to file suit in order to ensure the countywide ethics code remains in force countywide after residents of Wilton Manors, Hillsboro Beach, and Sea Ranch Lakes voted to undo portions of it during the January 31, 2012 election. Voters were asked whether local elected officials should be subjected to state law on issues relating to their side jobs, instead of the new county code of ethics, and voters in all three cities unanimously voted in favor.
Broward County Mayor John Rodstrom and Broward County Commissioners have all expressed their belief that the language used on the ballot was deceiving, as no mention of lobbying or the new county code of ethics, extended to all cities in Broward County on January 2, 2012, was contained in the language of the ballot questions.
The county is expected to pursue one of the following legal paths: suing on the ballot language as deceptive or acquiring a ruling concerning Broward County’s authority over the three cities in regards to the code of ethics.
February 6, 2012 •
West Virginia Legislature Gives Reminder about Use of Social Media
Because of the social media capabilities of the latest mobile devices, the West Virginia Legislature is putting out a reminder to lawmakers about the ban on electronic communications during floor sessions.
For full news coverage, read:
“W.Va. lawmakers navigate lobby ban, social media” by The Associated Press in the Washington Examiner.
“W.Va. lawmakers seek buffer from e-lobbying but not blockade with public in social media age” by Lawrence Messina (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Photo of the West Virginia State Capitol Building by Analogue Kid on Wikipedia.
February 6, 2012 •
New Step for Jack Abramoff: Watchdog Blogger
Since Jack Abramoff served his three-and-a-half year prison sentence, he has written a tell-all book, given a lecture on ethics to the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, and now he is becoming a watchdog blogger.
Abramoff will be working with United Republic’s Republic Report, a blog that started just this month.
According to Abramoff’s first blog post from February 3: “Hi, everyone. I’m new to blogging, so this is an exciting experiment for me.
I’ll be posting more serious pieces next week. But, for now, I just want to say how honored I am to join Nick Penniman, Josh Silver, and the gang at United Republic in the vital effort to effect real reform in Washington.
It is a privilege for me to add my insights and experience to their strong and sagacious team and I look forward to working with them to reveal to our nation the way Washington really works.”
For news coverage read: “Jack Abramoff has unlikely second act as watchdog” by Melanie Mason in the Chicago Tribune.
Thank you to News You Can Use Editor Jim Sedor for pointing me in the direction of this news piece.
February 6, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 6, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Minor Senate Bill Transformed into Broad Reform Package
Records Show How Wealthy Shape Presidential Race
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Trial Delayed One Week; Crosby Friend Talks About His Death
Arizona
Arizona City Council Candidate Barred for English Deficit Vows Appeal
California
California Campaign Disclosure Bill Rejected by Assembly
California
Defense Buoys State Campaign of McKeon’s Wife
Colorado
Colorado GOP Lawmaker Bradford Says She Might Leave Party
Colorado
Gov. John Hickenlooper Signs Law Delaying Campaign Finance Reporting until May
Florida
Broward Heads to Court to Defend Code of Ethics
Kansas
Two Kansas Judges Contributed to Anti-Abortion PAC
Kentucky
Ethics Watchdog Richard Beliles Has Few Friends in Kentucky Capitol
Massachusetts
Boston Developer Arthur Winn Fined $100,000 for Making Illegal Campaign Contributions
Michigan
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Paid $1,325 for Failing to File Campaign Finance Reports
New Jersey
Freeholders Nix ‘Pay-to-Play’ Rules
New York
Ethics Commission Quietly Names New Director
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.
February 3, 2012 •
American League of Lobbyists Against Part of STOCK Act
President Howard Marlowe gives statement
The American League of Lobbyists opposes the part of the recently-passed STOCK Act that requires political intelligence operatives to register under LDA requirements. They say it would impede their reform efforts to close loopholes.
For news coverage, read: “Lobbyist League Opposes STOCK Act Language on Political Intelligence Operatives” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
February 3, 2012 •
See Us in Person!
Plan to say hello at future events where State and Federal Communications will be attending and/or speaking regarding compliance issues.
February 7, 2012 NCSL Foundation Bi-Annual Luncheon, Washington, D.C.
February 17, 2012 Innovate to Motivate, Washington, D.C.
February 25 – February 27, 2012 National Governors Association Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.
February 27 – March 1, 2012 National PAC Conference, Miami, Florida
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.
