Lobbying:

“Lobbying a bust in AT&T T-Mobile bid” by Tony Romm in Politico.

“Not all Missouri lawmakers accept gifts from lobbyists” by Jake Wagman in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

“OUR VIEW: Fortunately, a judge’s ruling last week does not gut the state’s ban on money transfers between political action committees” by the Birmingham News editorial board.

Government Ethics:

“Blagojevich attorneys begin appeals process” by The Associated Press in NWI Times.

“Secrecy cloaks new [NY] ethics watchdog panel” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.

Redistricting:

“The Texas Redistricting Case Explained”  by Karl Kurtz on NCSL’s blog The Thicket.

Gov 2.0:

“Agencies question value of social media” by Alice Lipowicz in Federal Computer Week.

Two articles track the increase in religious group lobbying: Politico’s “Study: Religious lobbying soars in D.C.” by MJ Lee, and the Washington Post’s “Religious lobbying groups multiply on Capitol Hill” by Michelle Boorstein.

Catherine Ho reports about law firms contributing to Obama’s campaign in “Law firms dominating campaign contributions to Obama” in the Washington Post.

An editorial in the Post-Standard discusses the state of campaign finance rules in New York: “Campaign Cash: In NY, even lax contribution rules are easy to evade.”

The San Diego Union-Tribune discusses Ann Ravel’s actions at California’s FPPC in “New chair of campaign finance watchdog draws strong reactions” by Will Evans.

Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is under investigation for violations of campaign finance laws. The Associated Press covers the story in “Lawyers: Feds investigate Richardson fundraising,” by Barry Massey.

The New York Times reports that a fundraiser for New York City Comptroller John C. Liu was arrested for illegally funneling contributions.  Read the full story at “Fund-Raiser for Liu Is Accused of Role in Illegal Donations” by William Rashbaum, David Chen, and Benjamin Weiser.

An Associated Press article reports that Mitt Romney’s emails from when he was governor of Massachusetts were removed at the end of his term. Read “Report: Romney-era emails wiped from Mass. Records” from today’s Boston Herald.

Budgets cuts are further threatening government transparency initiatives. Nextgov reports about it in “E-gov cuts could endanger digital transparency initiatives, groups say” by Joseph Marks.

 

 

 

Anonymous and unsolicited text messages are being sent against democratic candidates in Virginia. Here is the Washington Post article “Anti-Democratic text messages in Northern Va. prompt lawsuit, complaints” by Anita Kumar.

Government Technology discusses the tension between the demands of government transparency and the realities of state bugdet constraints in “Transparency Demands Cost Governments Money” by Sarah Rich.

NCSL has updated their 2012 Legislative Session Calendar.

Judicial races are getting expensive. PoliticsPA.com posted “Pa. Rated as Second Costliest Judicial Elections; Candidates Weigh in” by Sari Heidenreich. Here is the recent study by the Brennan Center For Justice, “The New Politics of Judicial Elections: 2009-10” that ranks judicial elections in the states.

Photo of texting by Alton on Wikipedia.

 

 

National/Federal

As GOP Lawmakers Push for More Election Fraud Charges, Prosecutors Find Few Cases
MSN – Rosalind Helderman and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2022

Demands for criminal cases tied to the 2020 election continue to stress the political system and put pressure on prosecutors, particularly elected Republicans. Supporters of former President Trump also are pushing GOP lawmakers, who have already enacted numerous laws tightening voting rules, to stiffen penalties for fraud and create investigative teams aimed at rooting out election malfeasance, efforts that critics say will further suppress voting. But a Washington Post survey of attorneys general and large district attorney offices in the six swing states turned up just 39 cases of people charged with illegal activity related to the November 2020 election.

Capitol Riot Suspect Who Fled to Belarus Granted Asylum, State Media Says
MSN – Rachel Pennett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2022

A man on the FBI’s wanted list for his alleged role in the Capitol riot has been granted asylum in Belarus. Evan Neumann fled to Europe after the insurrection. He lived in Ukraine for four months before crossing into Belarus on foot late last year. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his close ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, have referenced the Capitol riot, calling the prosecution of those involved an example of “double standards” by the U.S. because it frequently criticizes crackdowns on anti-government protests abroad.

Could Proxy Voting Make the House More Inclusive? Some Lawmakers Hope So
MSN – Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) | Published: 3/9/2022

Democrats argued to extend and reimagine two things that have helped the U.S. House weather the coronavirus pandemic ––proxy voting and remote hearings. Those practices are set to expire March 30. Republicans pushed back during the “members’ day” hearing, which gave a broad range of lawmakers the chance to sound off on how the House should operate as the pandemic wanes. Things should return to normal, Republicans said. Some said remote work is ripe for abuse, blamed it for contributing to a toxic culture in Congress, and raised questions of constitutionality.

Ethics Advocates Say Senate Staffers Could Be Breaking Rules on Stock Ownership
NPR – Deirdre Walsh | Published: 3/21/2022

The Senate and the House are considering legislation that would ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks. But there is already a narrow ban in place for some Senate staff members that was enacted in the 1970s, and an outside legal group believes some aides appear to be violating that ban. Senate committee staffers are required to divest stock in industries related to the jurisdiction of the panel they work for. The Campaign Legal Center said its review of financial disclosure forms found five senior Senate committee aides with stock holdings that could run afoul of the rule.

Russian Entities Kept Much of Their D.C. Influence Peddling Outside Public View
MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 3/22/2022

For years, Russian entities registered to lobby under the Lobbying Disclosure Act rather than the Foreign Agents Registration Act. They were able to do that so long as a foreign government or political party was not the “principal beneficiary” of the lobbying effort. Those Russian entities, some of whom have been sanctioned by the Biden administration, are able to influence U.S. policy without disclosing details about the scope of their outreach, such as information about the dates of their activities, names of contacts, speeches or internet postings, and specific expenses on behalf of the client, among other activities.

Ted Cruz’s Latest Troll? Turning His Campaign into a Super PAC
Daily Beast – Roger Sollenberger | Published: 3/22/2022

Federal law says candidates can only give other candidates $2,000 per election. But U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz may have found a loophole. In February, Cruz poured $137,183 into the House campaign for Cassy Garcia, his former staffer turned congressional candidate. Cruz, who is currently challenging the FEC in the Supreme Court, broke new ground, assuming unlimited spending powers and raising campaign finance red flags. None of Garcia’s campaign finance reports show a dime spent on promotion – no advertising, digital marketing, signs, mailings, or get-out-the-vote efforts, just a $600 website.

The Federal Election Commission Slapped Marathon Petroleum Corporation with a $85,000 Fine After It Illegally Contributed $1 Million to 2 Republican PACs
Yahoo News – Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 3/18/2022

The FEC levied a $85,000 fine against Marathon Petroleum Company after it illegally contributed $1 million to a pair of PACs supporting House and Senate Republicans’ re-election campaigns. Marathon has contracts with the federal government, and campaign finance laws prohibit federal contractors from making any political contributions while negotiating or performing federal contracts.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska House Passes Campaign Contribution Limits Bill
Alaska Public Media – Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2022

The Alaska House narrowly passed legislation that would set a limit on individual contributions to candidates after prior limits were struck down by a court and the state agency overseeing campaign finance rules urged the Legislature to revisit the issue. The bill would set a $2,000 limit on what an individual could give to a candidate each election cycle. It has a $5,000 a year limit on what an individual can give a group, such as a non-party organization.

California – Alvarez Work for SDG&E Could Have Violated City Ethics Law
Voice of San Diego – Andrew Keatts | Published: 3/21/2022

When former city council member David Alvarez helped San Diego Gas & Electric push an energy infrastructure project, he may have violated San Diego’s prohibition on elected officials influencing city decisions after leaving office. Alvarez says he was working as part of a contract to do community engagement, not lobbying, and therefore is not in violation of ethics law. After leaving office, elected officials face a two-year waiting period during which they cannot influence officials over city decisions.

California – SJ City Council Passes Draft Proposal to Bar Political Donations by Foreign-Owned Corps
California Globe – Evan Symon | Published: 3/23/2022

The city council approved a piece of draft legislation to prohibit foreign-influenced corporations from making political contributions to any city elections in San Jose. The new campaign finance law would not allow corporations with one percent or more ownership by a single foreign national or five percent or more ownership by multiple foreign nationals from making political expenditures in city elections. While the proposal was only a policy memorandum on final draft ordinance language, its passage was seen as an indication the council would pass the ordinance in the coming weeks.

Connecticut – Connecticut Lobbyists Back at Capitol After Two Years to Influence Legislation
Yahoo News – Christopher Keating (Hartford Courant) | Published: 3/20/2022

For the past two years, lobbyists in Connecticut disappeared from the state Capitol as the building was closed to the public for fear of spreading the coronavirus. Now, mask-wearing lobbyists say they are happy to be back after having little personal access to lawmakers during the entire pandemic. While it is impossible to roll back the clock, both lawmakers and lobbyists say some legislation might have been changed over the past two years if the advocates could have lobbied more aggressively and in person as they always did in the past.

Georgia – Augusta Mayor Faces State Law Charges, $800,000 Fines in Ethics Commission Decision
MSN – Susan McCord (Augusta Chronicle) | Published: 3/22/2022

Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis faces charges he broke state laws and fines of more than $800,000 after the Georgia ethics commission found probable cause to move forward with two complaints against him. The investigations stemmed from the origin of billboards encouraging voters to support replacing the James Brown Arena. The billboards appeared a few weeks before a non-binding ballot poll on where to build a new facility. The billboards were attributed to Concerned Citizens of Richmond County. The complaint said unlike a corporation, a ballot committee is required to register with election officials when it raises or spends more than $500.

Georgia – Stacey Abrams Seeks Access Now to Unlimited Fundraising
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 3/20/2022

Georgia’s Democratic candidate for governor, Stacey Abrams, is asserting she should be allowed to immediately begin using a fundraising vehicle that would allow her to raise unlimited contributions because she is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Abrams could sue to gain access to a leadership committee, a type of fundraising committee approved by lawmakers last year. The committees can raise unlimited funds, while top individual donors to Abrams’ direct committee would be limited to giving $7,600 for the May 24 primary election and another $7,600 for the November general election.

Illinois – After the Madigan Charges, Democrats Lack an Appetite for New Ethics Reform This Spring
WBEZ – Dave McKinney | Published: 3/22/2022

The chances of Democrats pushing through a new round of ethics reforms in the wake of former Speaker Michael Madigan appear bleak at the moment, with time running out on the Illinois Legislature’s spring calendar. A top government reform group and a former state legislative watchdog say what lawmakers did last year on ethics is not nearly enough and more stringent safeguards are needed to confront legislative conflicts-of-interest and other misconduct that have been adding to the federal prison population.

Illinois – Chicago City Council Debates Measure to Ban Spouses of Aldermen from Lobbying Elected Officials
MSN – Mary Ann Ahern (WMAQ) | Published: 3/23/2022

A proposed ordinance before the Chicago City Council would prohibit spouses or partners of elected officials from lobbying their fellow aldermen, with the measure following reports that City Clerk and Illinois secretary of state candidate Anna Valencia failed to disclose her husband’s lobbying contracts. Valencia did not disclose her husband Reyahd Kazmi’s lobbying, which is required under state law.

Illinois – Ex-Ald. Ricardo Muñoz Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Spending Thousands of Dollars in Political Funds on Tuition, Trips and Sports Tickets
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/17/2022

Former Chicago Ald. Ricardo Muñoz was sentenced to 13 months in prison for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a political campaign fund he controlled and spending it on personal items ranging from iPhones to skydiving excursions. Muñoz had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, becoming the latest in a long line of city council members to be caught using their elected positions to line their own pockets.

Illinois – Former State Rep. Edward Acevedo Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Tax Case Stemming from ComEd Probe
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/23/2022

A federal judge sentenced former state Rep. Edward Acevedo on to six months in prison for cheating on his taxes in a prosecution that resulted from the same investigation that led to the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Acevedo is now the first person to be sentenced in the sweeping probe that has so far led to charges against Madigan, two of his closest advisers, and a slew of former Commonwealth Edison executives and contract lobbyists, many with ties to the former speaker.

Maryland – Giving from the Grave? Marilyn Mosby’s Dead Grandfather Contributed to Her and Her Husband’s Campaigns
Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 3/23/2022

The grandfather of Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby died in 2015 but apparently lives on as a source of campaign money for her and her husband, city council President Nick Mosby. Prescott Thompson is listed as contributing $500 to Marilyn Mosby last year. The report was filed on January 19, 2022, six days after she was indicted on federal charges linked to her purchase of two Florida vacation homes. Marilyn Mosby has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Maryland – Maryland’s High Court Takes Up Gerrymandering Case That Delayed State’s Elections
MSN – Ovetta Wiggins (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2022

Maryland’s highest court heard arguments in the gerrymandering case that has shaken up the state’s elections calendar, with Republicans arguing that about a dozen recently redrawn legislative districts are politically, demographically, or racially unfair. The map, approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, dictates the boundaries for state Senate and House districts. Under the state constitution, each legislative district is supposed to consist of adjoining land, be compact, and have a substantially equal number of residents. The map must give “due regard” to natural boundaries and the boundaries of political subdivisions.

Maryland – Md. Legislator Says Corporate Funding of ‘Astroturf’ Ad Campaigns Must Be Disclosed
WTOP – Bruce DePuyt | Published: 3/21/2022

An influential Maryland legislator is taking aim at what he considers “astroturf” lobbying by large government contractors. Under a measure sponsored by House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke and 14 others, companies with million-dollar state government contracts would be required to disclose contributions they make to advocacy organizations. Luedtke said the broadcast and internet advertising campaigns these groups sponsor “create the appearance of a grassroots movement when, in truth, support comes from a narrow group of special interests that have a financial interest in a project.”

Michigan – Michigan Republicans Delay Absentee Ballot Signature Rules
MSN – David Eggert (Associated Press) | Published: 3/22/2022

Republican lawmakers delayed until after the November election rules that will tell Michigan election clerks how to match the signatures of people applying for and submitting absentee ballots. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules’ maneuver to propose bills keeps the regulations from taking effect for nine months. The rules drafted by the state elections bureau eventually will go into effect because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would likely veto Republicans’ alternative legislation.

Mississippi – Speaker Philip Gunn Uses Secret Capitol Meetings to Pass His Bills and Restrict Public Debate. Is It Legal?
Mississippi Today – Adam Ganucheau | Published: 3/21/2022

Mississippi Speaker Philip Gunn called a House Republican Caucus to a closed-door meeting on March 14. Gunn told the Republicans that he, his chief of staff, and Rep. Trey Lamar had reworked a tax reform proposal that, if passed, could change the way government funds public services for generations. Few House Republicans knew the details of Gunn’s updated proposal until that meeting. A few minutes after the bill passed committee, the entire House passed it on the floor. The caucus meetings are just one tool Gunn regularly employs to strong-arm House Republicans into passing the bills he authors or supports and to restrict public debate among his fellow party mates, critics say.

New Jersey – Bill to Expand New Jersey Bribery Law to Include Candidates for Office Gains Momentum
MSN – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 3/17/2022

After a decade in legislative limbo, a bill that would allow politicians to be convicted of bribery even if they do not hold public office has begun moving in the New Jersey General Assembly. Over the last decade, courts have dismissed charges or overturned convictions against several politicians based on the loophole, despite evidence they took bribes with the intention of granting official favors if elected. The bill that expands the definition of “public servant” in the state’s bribery statute.

New Mexico – Cowboys for Trump Co-Founder Charged with Campaign Violation
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 3/18/2022

A New Mexico elected official was charged with a misdemeanor campaign finance violation for refusing to register his political group Cowboys for Trump, the state’s attorney general announced. Couy Griffin, a county commissioner, has been facing off with state election regulators for more than a year over whether he needs to register the group as a political committee. Griffin expressed concern that registering may lead to other disclosure requirements about contributions and spending.

New Mexico – New Harassment Allegations Against Lawmaker Prompt Call for State Ethics Commission to Handle Future Complaints
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress and Trip Jennings | Published: 3/21/2022

Representatives of eight organizations called for New Mexico Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto to resign or for his legislative colleagues to remove him from office if he did not leave, in an open letter containing new allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The accusations against Ivey-Soto come a month after lobbyist Marianna Anay accused him of sexually harassing her. After receiving Anaya’s complaint in February, legislative leaders opened an investigation into Ivey-Soto, adhering to a system where complaints against state lawmakers are kept confidential in a procedure overseen by other lawmakers.

New York – Ethics Commission Orders Cuomo to Repay $5.1M from Book Deal
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/18/2022

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) passed a motion again ordering former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to repay $5.1 million in book royalties. Cuomo is already stating he will contest the order and will not comply. This time, JCOPE is taking a near-certain legal battle with Cuomo into its own hands.

New York – Hochul’s Ethics Overhaul Plan Wilts but New Plan Is Pushed
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/23/2022

Although lawmakers have not shut the door on reforming the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to have law school leaders appoint members of a new ethics panel appears dead. In its wake, a coalition good-government groups sent a new proposal to the governor’s office, the Assembly, and the state Senate, all controlled by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said there is still a potential for an ethics overhaul as part of the budget process.

New York – Prosecutor Who Resigned Over Stalled Trump Probe Says Ex-President Committed Felonies
MSN – Shayna Jacobs, Josh Dawsey, and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2022

A veteran prosecutor who resigned from a special appointment to the Manhattan district attorney’s investigation into Donald Trump’s finances and business practices said the former president personally committed felonies and should be charged promptly. The comments were made in Mark Pomerantz’s resignation letter as he and Carey Dunne, another top investigator on the team probing Trump and the family-run Trump Organization, abruptly left the office after people familiar with the matter said District Attorney Alvin Bragg appeared uninterested in pursuing a case.

North Carolina – N.C. Investigates Mark Meadows After Reports That He Never Lived Where He Registered to Vote
MSN – Felicia Sonmez and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2022

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are probing Mark Meadows over his voter registration after news organizations reported the former White House chief of staff registered to vote in 2020 using the address of a mobile home that he has never lived in. WRAL reported the State Board of Elections is also investigating Meadows. It is illegal to provide false information on a voter registration, and while Americans can have multiple residences, they can have only one official domicile, which is tied to their voter registration.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Panel to Split Proposed Conflict of Interest Rules
Bismarck Tribune – Jack Dura | Published: 3/23/2022

The North Dakota Ethics Commission decided to split draft conflict-of-interest rules into two categories for further review. The panel is writing the rules for state government officials and members of certain boards to disclose conflicts and some campaign contributions when handling “quasi-judicial” proceedings. Commissioner Paul Richard recommended the consolidated rules for general conflicts-of-interest and for “quasi-judicial” proceedings be split. The board’s attorney also walked its members through revisions to the proposed rules.

Ohio – FirstEnergy Shareholders’ Attorneys Identify Charles Jones, Michael Dowling for Devising House Bill 6 Payments
Cleveland Plain Dealer – John Caniglia | Published: 3/23/2022

Charles Jones, the former chief executive officer of FirstEnergy, and Michael Dowling, who led the company’s lobbying efforts, “devised and orchestrated” a $64 million bribery scheme to pay a top Ohio legislative leader and utility regulator in exchange for official action, according to a sworn declaration in court. While Jones and Dowling were both suspected central characters in the operation – both were fired after initial FBI arrests in the case – the new filing marks the first time the two were personally identified. FirstEnergy said it paid the bribes to help pass House Bill 6, an energy policy overhaul worth an estimated $1.3 billion to the utility.

Ohio – Ohio GOP Governor Candidate Joe Blystone Ordered to Return More Than $100,000 in Campaign Donations
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Jeremy Pelzer | Published: 3/23/2022

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office says Republican Joe Blystone’s campaign for governor must refund a total of more than $100,000 in contributions that violate the state’s limit on cash donations or ban on corporate contributions. The flagged contributions include more than $101,000 in donations that exceed the state’s limit of $100 for each contribution made in cash, according to Brian Katz, campaign finance director for LaRose’s office. Katz also said it is necessary for Blystone to refund $1,100 in in-kind contributions from corporations, which are not allowed to give to Ohio candidates.

Oklahoma – Lawmakers Again Stifle Debate on Applying Open Records Law to Themselves
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 3/17/2022

Lawmakers’ emails to lobbyists, calendars, call logs, and other records that could give the public insight into the bills they craft are set to remain secret for at least another year. A bill that would have ended Oklahoma’s status as one of a handful of states that allows the Legislature to exempt itself from open records and meeting laws failed to clear a key legislative deadline. The proposal would have ended a decades-old exemption that allowed the Legislature to ignore the open records and meeting laws that city councils, county commissioners, school boards, and other state governing bodies must follow.

Oregon – Oregon Supreme Court Ruling Likely Dooms Campaign Finance Limits This Year
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 3/18/2022

In a setback for election reformers, the Oregon Supreme Court declined to direct Secretary of State Shemia Fagan to reverse a decision to disqualify ballot measures aimed at limiting campaign contributions. Proponents of the measures asked the Supreme Court to step in and rule Fagan’s interpretation of the state constitution was incorrect. If justices had agreed, it might have given the group enough time to collect signatures and put one of their proposals before voters. But the court ruled that intervening in the case would not be appropriate.

Pennsylvania – Kenyatta Johnson Corruption Case Heads to Trial After Pandemic Delays
WHYY – Aaron Moselle | Published: 3/18/2022

Philadelphia City Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson and his wife, political consultant Dawn Chavous, are headed to court more than two years after they were charged in a federal fraud and racketeering case. The couple will be joined by Abdur Rahim Islam and Shahied Dawan, two former executives at Universal Companies, a nonprofit real estate developer and charter-school operator headquartered in Johnson’s legislative district. Federal prosecutors say the co-defendants participated in a tangled quid pro quo that saw Johnson use his council seat to help Universal in exchange for a series of bribes concealed as payments to Chavous’ consulting firm, which the nonprofit had hired.

Tennessee – Campaign Finance Probes of Ex-Speaker, Ex-Staffer Head to DA
Yahoo News – Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2022

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance’s voted to give prosecutors their investigations surrounding a former House speaker and his then-chief of staff, who have been implicated in an alleged political consulting kickback scheme. Another former lawmaker recently plead guilty to helping carry out the scheme. The vote refers the probes about former House Speaker Glen Casada, his former chief of staff Cade Cothren, and the Faith Family Freedom Fund PAC to the Williamson County district attorney’s office.

Vermont – Vermont Code of Ethics Bill Unanimously Passes State Senate
MSN – Lisa Rathke (Associated Press) | Published: 3/23/2022

A bill to create a state code of ethics for elected and appointed officials, legislators, and all state employees was passed unanimously by Vermont Senate. A majority of other states already have similar codes. The bill, which now goes to the House, also would apply to individuals appointed to state boards and commissions or who are authorized to act or speak on behalf of the state. Anyone who violates the code of ethics can be investigated by the Vermont State Ethics Commission.

Wisconsin – Supreme Court Rejects GOP Bid to Block Wisconsin Congressional Map but Sides with Republicans in State Legislative Map Dispute
MSN – Tierney Sneed (CNN) | Published: 3/23/2022

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Republican Party request that it upend a congressional map adopted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that was preferred by Democrats. That redistricting plan had a Republican lean but was still favored by Democrats because of the potential it could give them at least one additional seat in the U.S. House. The justices, however, also on issued an order in a separate Wisconsin redistricting case that blocked a state legislative map adopted by the state Supreme Court that was backed by Democrats.

Wyoming – Alleged Threats by Wyoming Legislators Lead to Calls for Civility
Pinedale Roundup – Jonathan Make (Wyoming Tribune Eagle) | Published: 3/17/2022

Amid new allegations of a state legislator making verbal threats, some who do business in the Wyoming Capitol here are seeking a return to greater civility. News emerged that state Rep. John Romero-Martinez allegedly threatened, in speaking with others, the lives of Rep. Andi LeBeau and former Rep. Sara Burlingame. In recent days, legislative leaders had separately asked a Senate panel to consider whether to launch a formal investigation into allegations recently brought against Sen. Anthony Bouchard. The full Senate has stripped Bouchard of his committee assignments.

Wyoming – Bill Signed into Law Attempts to Close Dark Money Loopholes
Wyoming News Tribune – Jasmine Hall | Published: 3/19/2022

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law a bill that attempts to close “dark money” loopholes through additional campaign finance reporting fees. The new law requires all campaigns, PACs, and organizations to file an itemized statement of contributions and expenditures. If there is a failure to file the reports with the secretary of state, there can be a final order imposing a civil penalty. The penalty can be up to $500 a day beginning on the date of the final order and ending when the final report is filed. Previously, it was a one-time fee of $500.

Wyoming – Federal Judge Sides with Wyoming Gun Owners in Campaign Ad Lawsuit
Cowboy State Daily – Jim Angell and Ellen Fike | Published: 3/21/2022

A federal judge said Wyoming cannot force a Second Amendment advocacy group to share the names of its donors. U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl ruled in favor of Wyoming Gun Owners (WyGo), finding the state law requiring the group to share a list of people who helped pay for a campaign ad is unconstitutional. The secretary of state’s office said WyGO was required to file campaign finance reports, including a list of contributions and expenditures, because it had spent more than $500 on “political activity.”

National:

National Liberal Groups to Push ‘Record’ Number of 2016 Ballot Measures
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 1/6/2016

Liberal groups working at the national level are using state ballot initiatives as their weapon of choice in 2016, but given the costs, they are carefully planning exactly where to push these measures. That top-down approach seems ironic. The initiative process was put in place at the beginning of the 20th century as a way for local citizens to band together to pass laws. And voters may not be aware that national groups are helping fuel the ballot fights in their backyards. Still, national liberal leaders see state ballot measures as their best option for winning on some issues. National conservative groups, meanwhile, seem poised to play defense, setting up a battle of outsiders on state playing fields.

Federal:

For Hillary Clinton, Old News or New Troubles?
Washington Post – Karen Tumulty and Frances Stead Sellers | Published: 1/6/2016

Donald Trump’s focus on the scandal that almost derailed Bill Clinton’s presidency is something Hillary Clinton’s campaign long expected. What remains to be seen is whether a reminder of allegations of sexual impropriety against President Clinton, which were deemed to have varying levels of credibility when they were first aired, can gain new traction in a different context. The fresher case being made is that Hillary Clinton has been, at a minimum, hypocritical about her husband’s treatment of women, and possibly even complicit in discrediting his accusers. And it is being pressed at a time when there is a new sensitivity toward victims of unwanted sexual contact.

How Obama Failed to Shut Washington’s Revolving Door
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 12/31/2015

Barack Obama’s vow to end the “revolving door” in Washington was central to the narrative animating his 2008 campaign: a promise of wholesale change to business as usual. But seven years into Obama’s presidency, the “revolving door” shuttling officials out of his administration is spinning at a rapid clip, and he has seen his campaign promise founder against the deeply ingrained culture of selling government expertise in the nation’s capital. “They were overpromising on something they could never deliver – it’s worse than doing nothing,” said Melanie Sloan, former executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Marco Rubio’s Shiny Boots Stir Up the Presidential Race
New York Times – Vanessa Friedman | Published: 1/7/2016

Are they a surprisingly fashionable choice of footwear (One Direction’s Harry Styles is said to have a similar pair) or a less generously termed set of “men’s high-heeled booties?” The political and fashion world have been set atwitter since New York Times reporter Michael Barbaro spotted U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio “rocking some seriously fashionable black boots” in New Hampshire. The fashion choice had become a target of ribbing from his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination. “We’ve seen Rubio has those cute new boots and I don’t want to be outdone,” U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said, while surrounded by shelves of shoes in Whoopi Goldberg’s dressing room before an appearance on “The View.”

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Colorado Ethics Commission Has No Investigators, Little Authority
Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 1/4/2016

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission is struggling to do its work for lack of authority, resources, and money, say critics who include former administrators. The commission has declined to hear about 87 percent of the complaints it has received since it was created in 2006. Unless a public official or government employee received a gift worth more than $53 or seeks a job as a lobbyist, there is little else the commission concerns itself with. Nonetheless, there is a proposed ballot question for next year to extend the commission’s narrow authority over public employees to the judicial system.

Florida – Painful Lessons for a Troubled Florida Legislature
Tampa Bay Times – Steve Bousquet | Published: 1/5/2016

In a year that was defined by dysfunction at the Florida Capitol, the House violated the state constitution by shutting its doors prematurely. Senators later admitted they defied the will of the people by drawing districts to save their own careers at the expense of fair districts that the constitution demands. Sharply divided over whether to expand health care, lawmakers nearly failed to execute their one prescribed duty, passing a budget. Three special sessions later, as unresolved legal skirmishes over redistricting still reverberated in the courts, lawmakers were vilified as arrogant and out of touch, and some said they deserved it. Lawmakers, lobbyists, and observers see systemic problems that are bad for democracy.

Kentucky – Prosecutor Urges Vigilance against Legislative Corruption
Fresno Bee – Bruce Schreiner (Associated Press) | Published: 1/6/2016

Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan who recently secured the convictions of two top New York lawmakers, said the blame for corruption lies not only with bad actors but also with the “good people” who do not try to stop it. Bharara’s speech at the Kentucky General Assembly’s annual ethics training was his first before a full state Legislature. It came at the request of Kentucky officials. During an address that lasted about 45 minutes, Bharara drew occasional laughter, nodding approval, and gasps of disbelief, particularly when he quoted wiretapped phone conversations and other evidence from recent public corruption trials.

Maine – Clinton Donors Use Maine Democrats to Skirt Campaign Cash Limits
Ellsworth American – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 1/7/2016

Fourteen out-of-state donors gave $93,552 to the Maine Democratic Party since mid-September 2015. But all the contributions have not stayed in Maine, or any of the other state Democratic parties to which Hillary Victory Fund donations have been funneled. FEC reports show two transfers totaling $39,000 from the Hillary Victory Fund to the Maine Democratic Party each sat for less than 48 hours with the party before the exact same amounts were transferred to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). While individual contributions to the state and national parties are capped, transfers between state and national committees are unlimited. That means that, effectively, donors can skirt contribution limits to the DNC or state parties by giving through joint fundraising committees like the Hillary Victory Fund.

Michigan – Gov. Rick Snyder Signs Campaign Finance Bill Locals Say Amounts to a ‘Gag Order’
MLive.com – Emily Lawler | Published: 1/6/2016

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill that prohibits public money or resources from being used to disseminate information about local ballot measures through television and radio ads, mass mailings, or “robo-calls” in the 60 days before an election. Local officials said the law will keep voters in the dark about important issues because they no longer will receive unbiased educational materials in the two months prior to an election. Some Republicans who voted for the legislation said they did not realize its ramifications. Senate Bill 571 also bars companies from deducting union PAC contributions from employees’ paychecks while allowing deductions for corporate PACs, and requires political and independent committees to file annual reports, among other provisions.

Missouri – Bill Requires Reporting Sex between Lawmakers and Lobbyists on Ethics Forms
Columbia Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/6/2016

Lobbyists who have sex with a state lawmaker or their staff members would have to disclose it to the Missouri Ethics Commission under a new bill. House Bill 2059 defines sex between lobbyists and legislators as a gift. As such, sexual relations would have to be included on monthly lobbyist gift disclosure forms. The proposal excludes sex in marriage or a relationship that began before either party’s registration as a lobbyist, election to the Legislature, or employment on a legislative staff.

New Jersey – AG: Former Birdsall exec McFadden pleads guilty to misconduct
PolitickerNJ; Staff –   | Published: 1/6/2016

Scott McFadden, former chief administrative officer of Birdsall Services Group, pleaded guilty to corporate misconduct in the criminal “pay-to-play” case. Under terms of a plea bargain, the state will recommend a sentence of up to 364 days in jail. McFadden also will be required to forfeit $30,000 to the state. The amount represents political contributions he made on behalf of Birdsall that were later reimbursed to him by the firm. The company pleaded guilty in 2013 to money laundering and making false representations for government contracts and was fined $1 million. The company was essentially crippled when the state froze its assets in the wake of the indictment, forcing Birdsall to file for bankruptcy. The company and its executives were accused of masking corporate political contributions to campaigns and political organizations that otherwise would disqualify it from receiving public contracts.

New York – Albany’s Businessman-Legislators Scoff at a Call to Make Lawmaking Full-Time
New York Times – Vivian Yee | Published: 1/5/2016

The list of lawyers, insurers, and full-time politicians in the New York Legislature is long, and outside income, as the money earned from non-legislative work is known, is at the crux of the corruption scandal that toppled the former speaker of the Assembly in November. Reformers say to clean up Albany, outside income must be capped or done away with. Some have gone even further, suggesting the Legislature, a part-time institution that pays its members $79,500 a year, should become full time with a commensurate salary. But legislators see no conflict between their business activities and lawmaking, and their contempt for Albany makes a full-time Legislature seem nonsensical.

New York – Setting Precedent, Conflict of Interest Board Settle with Mark-Viverito
Capital New York – Gloria Pazmino | Published: 1/6/2016

New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will pay a $7,000 fine for breaking laws on taking gifts from lobbyists under a settlement with the Conflicts of Interest Board. Mark-Viverito admitted she ran afoul of the rules by taking free help from Scott Levenson and his consulting firm the Advance Group when she was running for speaker two years ago. Levenson, a registered lobbyist, and two staffers spent months working on Mark-Viverito’s bid for the top job, attending “kitchen cabinet” meetings to prepare her for debates with other speaker candidates and networking events. They also redesigned a flyer for a reception hosted in her honor and spent $1,796.44 to have 3,000 copies of it printed. Mark-Viverito was never billed for the work. Rules bar public officials from taking gifts worth more than $50 from people who do business with the city. And lobbyists are barred from giving any gifts to politicians.

Oregon – Uber Fined $2,000 for Violating Portland Lobbying Rules
Portland Oregonian – Brad Schmidt | Published: 1/5/2016

Portland City Auditor Mary Hull Caballero fined the Uber ride-hailing service $2,000 for violating lobbying regulations by not disclosing its ties to political consultant Mark Wiener. The city auditor’s office had sent warning letters to Mayor Charlie Hales and city Commissioner Steve Novick for meeting with Wiener and Uber officials without disclosing the contact, as required by the law. The meeting took place at Wiener’s home as the city council was considering whether to allow such companies to operate in Portland. Hull Caballero issued the maximum fine because she found Uber showed a pattern of noncompliance, noncooperation, and incomplete disclosures.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Legislature Aims at Lobbying Overhaul; Reaction Mixed
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise and Chris Potter | Published: 1/4/2016

As proposed by five Senate Republicans in Pennsylvania, a “Lobbyist Reform Package” includes six measures, among them: stricter reporting of gifts to state officials, increasing fines on lobbyists who violate such requirements, and requiring state officials to disclose when a spouse or other family member is a lobbyist. Another proposal would prohibit lobbyists from being paid to work on political campaigns or having financial ties to a consultant who does. Even some lobbyists say an overhaul is needed. But several insiders say elements of the package appear to be targeted at one firm, Long Nyquist and Associates, and two of its clients: United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, which represents state store workers, and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“State Focus and Infusion of Funding Buoy Gun Control Advocates” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times

Michigan: “Top Snyder Aide to Register as Lobbyist” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press

Oregon: “Uber Fined $2,000 for Violating Portland Lobbying Rules” by Brad Schmidt for Portland Oregonian

Campaign Finance

California: “California Supreme Court Allows Campaign Finance Measure on Ballot” by Alexei Koseff for Sacramento Bee

New Mexico: “New Test for Campaign Financing” by T.S. Last for Albuquerque Journal

Elections

“How the Koch Network Rivals the GOP” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico

“The Political Consultant Racket” by Adam Sheingate for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Florida: “Painful Lessons for a Troubled Florida Legislature” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times

New York: “Albany’s Businessman-Legislators Scoff at a Call to Make Lawmaking Full-Time” by Vivian Yee for New York Times

Lobbying

“Donald Trump Says He Doesn’t Need Lobbyists. He’s Probably Wrong.” by Tina Nguyen for Vanity Fair

“Sandy Murman Announces Effort to Clean Up Special Interests’ Influence in County Government” by Staff  for SaintPetersBlog

Campaign Finance

“The Campaign-Finance Activist Who Thinks We Need More Money in Politics, Not Less” by Marin Cogan for New York Magazine

“Scott Walker’s Demise Shows Limits of ‘Super PAC’ Money Model” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times

Ethics

“Hillary Clinton Proposes Cap on Patients’ Drug Costs as Bernie Sanders Pushes His Plan” by Patrick Healy and Margot Sanger-Katz for New York Times

Alabama: “Todd Opinion Draws Fire, Becomes Point in Hubbard Case” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Kentucky: “GOP State Senator Suing to Overturn Kentucky Laws Limiting Campaign Donations” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader

Rhode Island: “Political Scene: R.I. lawmaker Lombardo gets a piece of action in state contract” by Jennifer Bogdan and Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal

Washington: “State’s Disclosure Commission Names Tacoma Lawyer as New Director” by Jerry Cornfield for Everett Herald

Procurement

Iowa: “Board Files Ethics Charges against Iowa Purchasing Executive” by Ryan Foley (Associated Press) for Des Moines Register

Lobbying

Arizona: “Second Arizona Corporation Commissioner Regulator Found to Be Lobbyist” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

California: “San Diego Lobbyist Fee Nearly Quadruples” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune

Campaign Finance

“Twitter Offers New Cash Stream for Presidential Candidates” by Julie Bykowicz (Associated Press) for Philadelphia Inquirer

“Democrats Seek to Expand Use of ‘Super PACs’” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times

Ethics

“Statehouse Sex Scandals Carry Public Costs, Consequences” by David Lieb (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer

Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission Balks at Forcing Spouses of Elected Officials to Reveal Finances” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times

Minnesota:”Lawmakers Accused of ‘Making Out’ in Park Apologize for Calling Ranger a Liar” by David Montgomery and Rachel Stassen-Berger for St. Paul Pioneer Press

New York: “Leaders of Moreland Commission Panel Felt Cuomo Intervened, Prosecutors Say” by Benjamin Weiser, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig for New York Times

New York: “William Scarborough, Ex-New York Assemblyman, Is Sentenced to 13 Months” by The Associated Press for New York Times

Wisconsin: “Knudson on GAB: ‘We need to take this thing apart’” by M.D. Kittle for Wisconsin Watchdog

Lobbying

“Much of Northrop Grumman’s Washington Influence Flies under the Radar” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation

Maine: “Senator Accepted Flight from J.D. Irving While Promoting Looser Mining Laws” by Lance Tapley (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Sun Journal

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Officials Report More than $160K in Gifts, Travel in 2014” by Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) for Harrisburg Patriot-News

Rhode Island: “R.I. Secretary of State Gorbea Seeks Lobbying Changes” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“Partisanship Stalemates FEC, Says Report” by Ben Kamisar for The Hill

California: “LACMA Expansion, Ridley-Thomas, ‘Super PAC’ Intersect in Email Trail” by Robert Faturechi and Jack Dolan for Los Angeles Times

Ethics

North Carolina: “NC Senator’s Private Legal Work Mixes with State Policy” by Lynn Bonner for Charlotte Observer

Oregon: “Oregon House Passes Resolution to Create Impeachment Process for Governor” by Ian Kullgren for Portland Oregonian

Elections

Pennsylvania: “Jim Kenney Wins Philadelphia’s Democratic Primary for Mayor” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times

Legislative Issues

California: “Details Hidden On Legislative Lawyers Drafting Bills for Influential Groups” by John Meyers (CaliforniaReport.org) for Capitol Public Radio

Federal:

Collapse of Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Shows Limits of Lobbying
Politico – Tony Romm and Alex Byers | Published: 4/24/2015

Comcast spends more than any other company lobbying Washington, D.C. Its chief executive officer has golfed with President Barack Obama, and its executives raise cash for Democrats. But the strategy did not work as the largest U.S. cable company dropped its merger with Time Warner Cable over continued opposition from Congress and federal regulators. Two agencies had balked at the $45.2 billion proposed merger in a twist of the narrative that says deep connections guarantee big results in Washington. “It’s nice to see that even an effective, very well-funded, pervasive lobbying campaign cannot win when it was wrong,” said Ed Black, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association.

Never Before Have So Many People with So Much Money Run for President
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Ed O’Keefe | Published: 4/27/2015

Some political operatives say 2016 could be the first presidential race in the modern era in which a candidate does not need to win Iowa or New Hampshire to prevail. Strong showings in those early states historically translated into much-needed financial momentum. But this time, wealthy patrons might keep their favorite picks aloft through independent spending. The political money boom is being driven largely by super PACs, which can collect unlimited donations from individuals and corporations. The groups are supposed to operate independently from the candidates they support, but in this race, they are functioning as de facto arms of the campaigns.

States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says
Los Angeles Times – David Savage | Published: 4/29/2015

A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can limit judicial candidates’ ability to personally appeal for donations, a rare victory for supporters of campaign finance limits. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal justices in the decision to uphold a Florida prohibition on such personal solicitations, saying states have a compelling interest in “preserving the public confidence in the integrity of its judiciary.” The ruling was an outlier for the high court and for Roberts himself, who supported decisions over the past six years that have opened the floodgates on political spending and given rise to super PACs.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – For Statewide Change, Advocates Are Making Their Battles Local
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 4/24/2015

Whether the subject is plastic grocery bags or soda taxes, some of California’s most compelling policy battles are occurring not in the Capitol but in City Halls and county seats. Local governments are increasingly a staging ground for issues such as the regulation of electronic cigarettes, limits on payday lenders, and fracking moratoriums. The local efforts can prod the state Legislature to act. Political operatives who bypass Sacramento are waging their local campaigns with data-driven sophistication.

Florida – Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable
Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet | Published: 4/28/2015

The Florida House abruptly and unilaterally adjourned on April 28, ending the legislative session before the scheduled date and leaving dozens of major bills dead and escalating tensions between the House and Senate over their health care stalemate. It marked the first time in Florida’s modern history that one chamber shut down and went home on a different day than the other in a regular session. The presiding officers of each chamber must now agree to come back in special session in order to complete the state budget, the only bill they are required to pass each year by the June 30 deadline, or Gov. Rick Scott could order them back together.

Georgia – Ethics Commission Picks Veteran State Attorney as Chief Exec
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer – Kathleen Foody (Associated Press) | Published: 4/28/2015

Stefan Ritter was chosen as the new head of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. He is currently a senior assistant attorney general and for several years has served as the ethics commission’s legal counsel. The agency’s previous executive secretary was fired after a judge fined her for allegedly withholding documents in a lawsuit against the state. The agency enforces Georgia’s campaign finance and ethics laws but has been troubled by employee lawsuits and a backlog of cases.

Indiana – Gov. Pence to Sign Ethics Reform Bill
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook | Published: 4/27/2015

The Indiana General Assembly approved an ethics overhaul that requires greater financial disclosure by lawmakers and expressly prohibits elected officials from using state resources for political purposes. The bill follows an investigation into former state schools Superintendent Tony Bennett’s use of state staff and resources during his 2012 re-election campaign. In another case, a privately lobbied last year to defeat legislation that could have cost his family’s business millions of dollars. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.

Kentucky – Gov. Gets 360 Derby Tickets, Who Uses Them?
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 4/29/2015

Churchill Downs sets aside 360 tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks every year for sale to the governor’s entourage. Many of those seats are prime – 160 of them are coveted spots on Millionaires Row. Gov. Steve Beshear says the purpose for the large number of tickets, and all of his official Derby activities, is to show off Kentucky to official economic-development and tourism guests who might bring jobs to the state. But records of previous years’ ticket assignments from the governor’s allotment show only about 60 of the 360 tickets are used by the official guests of the state Economic Development Cabinet or Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinets. Ticket holders also include family of the governor, top administration officials, Democratic Party activists, and some big contributors to the governor’s political causes.

Massachusetts – Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit
Boston Globe – Sara Morrison | Published: 4/28/2015

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration committee will return donations from two lobbying firms that exceeded a limit he imposed for lobbyist contributions. Baker said lobbyists could only give a maximum of $250. But at least five firms registered as lobbyists with the state gave well over that limit. The inaugural committee pledged to return $2,500 to Beacon Strategies Group and $10,000 to Bay State Strategies Group.

Montana – Senate Confirms Motl as Political Practices Commissioner
Helena Independent Record – Charles Johnson | Published: 4/24/2015

Montana senators confirmed Jonathan Motl as the state’s commissioner of political practices. Motl has come under fire during his tenure for what opponents call a bias against Republican candidates. Senators supporting Motl called attention to the work he did on a major campaign finance bill that was signed into law this session. Senate Bill 289 will require more disclosure for “dark money” in campaigns.

New Jersey – The Dinner Proposal That Led United into Corruption Probe
Bloomberg Business – David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos | Published: 4/28/2015

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether United Airlines made improper attempts to influence David Samson at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to sources. The authority oversees Newark Liberty International Airport. United was seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment for the airport when its chief executive dined with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s top Port Authority official in September 2011. Investigators are looking into whether Samson abused his public position for private gain. According to people close to the case, prosecutors want to know if Samson gave United preferential treatment on Port Authority business in return for the airline reviving a route that he and his wife had used but had been cancelled.

North Carolina – Not Just Photo-Ops: Businesses gain from political visits
Asheville Times-Citizen – Caitlin Byrd | Published: 4/27/2015

Chris Champlin, vice president of Thermo Fisher Scientific, estimates at least six politicians have accepted invitations to visit the Asheville, North Carolina plant in the last 12 months. For politicians, visiting and speaking at businesses gives them a chance to learn more about an employer in the region. But these events are not one-sided affairs; sometimes the businesses have the most to gain. When it comes time to call on legislators for some help, a special visit to the business can help cement a company and its interests in the mind of a politician. “… Once they walk in the door, put on the steel-toe boot covers and the safety glasses, it’s just a much more meaningful interaction than I could ever hope to accomplish in Washington, D.C. in a business suit,” said Tim Fenton, senior director of global government relations for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Pennsylvania – Council Moves to Illuminate Super PAC Money
Philadelphia Inquirer – Tricia Nadolny | Published: 4/23/2015

Independent groups would face additional reporting requirements under a bill introduced in the Philadelphia City Council. Those groups, which are not permitted to coordinate with candidates they support, are not required to file finance reports until days before an election. The bill would change that by requiring super PACs to disclose their donors six weeks before an election or primary and every two weeks thereafter. It would apply to donations of $5,000 or more spent on communications, including television, print, and radio ads, that make reference a candidate in any way.

Rhode Island – Raimondo Signs into Law New Campaign Finance Measures
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 4/23/2015

Gov. Gina Raimondo signed four bills aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s campaign finance reporting laws. One bill requires candidates and PACs to file bank statements from their campaign finance accounts following their final quarterly report to the Board of Elections. Another measure requires that candidates and PACs maintain a campaign finance account separate from personal bank account. Lawmakers reviewed the system after ex-House Speaker Gordon Fox acknowledged taking a $52,500 bribe and making dozens of interbank transfers totaling $108,000, using money from his campaign account for personal expenses.

Texas – Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 4/28/2015

The Texas Senate strengthened and approved an ethics reform bill with provisions that call for drug testing of elected officials, convicted felons to leave office, tougher financial disclosures, and more transparent dealings with lobbyists. Sen. Kirk Watson got his amendment added on that requires disclosure of lobbyists paying for lawmakers meals if over $50 even when splitting the checks between multiple lobbyists, a loophole many use now. Senate Bill 19 now goes to the House.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Federal:

Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist
Politico – John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman | Published: 4/16/2015

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairperson of the House Transportation Committee, admitted he has a “close private and personal relationship” with a female lobbyist for an airline association whose job is to influence his panel. Shuster acknowledged he has been dating Shelley Rubino, vice president of government affairs for Airlines for America, while the committee he leads has been working to overhaul the Federal Aviation Administration. The House Ethics Manual does not address lobbying by romantic partners but does urge “special caution” when a spouse or other immediate family member is a lobbyist. Shuster said his office consulted with legal counsel to establish its own internal policy on personal relationships that “goes further than required by law.”

House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors
Politico – Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn | Published: 4/16/2015

The U.S. House passed legislation that would protect major campaign donors from having to pay gift taxes on huge contributions to secretive political groups. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, is seen by fundraising operatives as removing one of the few remaining potential obstacles to unfettered big-money spending by nonprofit groups registered under a section of the tax code that allows them to shield their donors’ identities. While fundraising operatives say most donors do not pay taxes on their contributions to 501(c) groups, the law is somewhat ambiguous on whether gift taxes could be assessed. That has left donors fearing such gifts could bring scrutiny from the IRS.

Jeb Bush Prepares to Give Traditional Campaign a Makeover
AP.org – Thomas Beaumont | Published: 4/21/2015

A report that Jeb Bush will delegate much of his presidential campaign’s work to a super PAC is prompting criticism from reform advocates and the threat of legal action. Bush has spent months developing a plan to give Right to Rise the authority to run activities such as advertising, phone banking, and data analysis for his campaign. Such groups can raise unlimited money to participate in campaigns but legally are not supposed to coordinate with a candidate’s operations. While super PACs have played major roles in campaigns before, supporting candidates who have fallen out of favor with voters, they have never served as the overt drivers of a candidate’s campaign operations, said Bill Allison, a senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Ariz. Court: Groups can’t conceal attack-ad funding sources
East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 4/21/2015

The Arizona Supreme Court refused to overturn an appeals court ruling against a political group that spent about $1.5 million during the state’s 2010 attorney general race. The high court left in place the ruling that found a television commercial by the Committee for Justice and Fairness advocated for the defeat of then-candidate Tom Horne and was not exempt issue advocacy. The association claimed its ad confronted issues of child safety. But the appellate court said – and now the state Supreme Court has agreed – that any commercial or mailer must be examined in its entirety, including its timing, to determine its real purpose.

Arkansas – 30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel
Arkansas Online – Michael Wickline | Published: 4/18/2015

The Arkansas Ethics Commission discussed new laws that came out of this year’s legislative session, including one that gives elected officials a 30-day grace period to return improper gifts from lobbyists and correct reporting errors. Commissioners asked Executive Director Graham Sloan a number of questions about Act 1280, which allows a state elected official to avoid sanctions if the official unwittingly receives an improper gift from a lobbyist and returns it, or pays the donor an amount equal to or greater than the value of the gift, within 30 days of the discovery of the violation.

California – Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show
Los Angeles Times – Marc Lifsher | Published: 4/21/2015

After many complaints about ties between the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the state’s largest utility fired its chief lobbyist, Brian Cherry, his boss, and another vice president. PG&E also released a flood of documents that has sparked the biggest investigation of a state agency in the last decade. The documents, including emails between the utility and regulators, portrayed questionably cozy relations between then-PUC President Michael Peevey and top PG&E executives. “Cherry’s job was to know everybody and be on good terms with everybody,” said John Geesman, former executive director of the California Energy Commission. “You make friends so that your friends could help you.”

Florida – Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers
Tampa Bay Times – Michael Van Sickler | Published: 4/17/2015

Powerful Florida lawmakers in both parties still get special interests to cover personal expenses, even after the gift ban and a subsequent reform in 2013. Committees set up by some legislators are legally allowed to reimburse their host lawmakers for expenses, as long as they can show it is related to the political mission of their committees. But a review of 84 committees operated by 75 state legislators show a handful of politicians routinely used their committees for reimbursements that could not easily be explained.

Kansas – Kobach PAC Embroiled in Naming-Law Issue; ‘Stupid’ PAC Gets Letter from Ethics Panel
Wichita Eagle – Dion Lefler | Published: 4/22/2015

A new PAC in Kansas filed to organize under the name “It’s Time to Fix Stupid.” They got a letter from the state Governmental Ethics Commission saying: “The name of your political action committee, It’s time to fix stupid, must be changed or expanded upon to more clearly reflect your interest.” KCTU news director R.J. Dickens, chairperson and treasurer of the PAC, said the name is directly reflective of what the group wants to do. It bought a website, itstimetofixstupid.com, and plans to use it to hold a “Stupid Tuesday” primary in August to identify what are deemed to be the stupidest state legislators and to direct campaign donations to those lawmakers’ opponents.

Kentucky – Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 4/20/2015

John Steffen, executive director of the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission, is leaving the post to become head of the state Registry of Election Finance. Steffen will replace Sarah Jackson, who retired from the registry last fall. During his seven years as executive director, Steffen has been involved in several widely publicized cases, including investigations of former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, the state Fish and Wildlife Department, nepotism involving property valuation administrators, and the state merit hiring system.

Missouri – Resignations after Election of Black Mayor Put Missouri Hamlet in Spotlight
New York Times – John Eligon | Published: 4/23/2015

Before being sworn in to office on April 14, Tyus Byrd never could have imagined the national headlines she would grab as the first black mayor of Parma, Missouri. Upon her taking office, several employees of the rural hamlet, including the chief of police and two full-time police officers, resigned. All are white. Adding to the intrigue was that the man whom Byrd defeated, Randall Ramsey, mayor for more than three and a half decades during two separate stints, offered a cryptic reason for the resignations: “safety concerns.” With the nation roiled in a debate over law enforcement in minority communities, many Internet commenters wondered whether this was all about race. Many residents seem to believe what happened was because of tensions between an old government and the new one, not between the races.

Montana – Bullock Signs Campaign Finance Bill into Law
The Missoulian – Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) | Published: 4/23/2015

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed a bill into law that is meant to expose “dark money” in elections. Senate Bill 289 will require groups that spend money on elections at the state level to disclose their donors, including those that have been previously exempt from the practice. Organizations have been able to skirt laws requiring disclosure if their purpose and federal tax designation categorizes the group as dedicated to education or advocacy.

New York – Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling
New York Times – Russ Buettner and David Chen | Published: 4/20/2015

The New York Times reported that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie appears to have benefited from his mother’s past embezzlement. Heastie’s mother in 1998 pleaded guilty to writing checks from the nonprofit where she worked, using some of the money to buy a family home. As part of her restitution, she and her son, who also lived in the home, were to sell it and pay back the former employer. Heastie’s mother died shortly after her plea. Heastie did not sell the apartment until six years later, and pocketed a $200,000 profit, according to the report.

New York – New York State Elections Board Retains a Corporate Donation Loophole
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 4/16/2015

New York’s State Board of Elections split along party lines on closing the so-called LLC loophole in campaign finance rules, leaving it intact. Two commissioners proposed treating limited liability companies like partnerships, subject to more complete disclosures and donation restrictions. That would reverse the board’s 1996 decision. The board now treats LLCs as individuals, who can give up to $60,800 to a statewide candidate. Corporations, meanwhile, have much lower limits. Reform advocates say certain wealthy individuals use LLCs to hide their identities and donate large amounts to politicians in support of particular causes or interests.

Rhode Island – Campaign Finance Measures Sent to Governor
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 4/16/2015

The Rhode Island General Assembly approved a series of bills to tighten campaign finance reporting. If signed into law, the measures will require candidates and PACs to create a separate bank account for campaign funds and file bank statements for it with the state elections board. Candidates also could not serve as their own campaign treasurers if their accounts reach or expend $10,000 or more annually.

Virginia – Legislature Approves Ethics Bill with $100 Aggregate Gift Cap
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Jim Nolan and Markus Schmidt | Published: 4/17/2015

Virginia lawmakers gave final approval to an ethics reform package that includes an aggregate $100 annual cap on gifts. Legislation that passed at the close of the regular session would have meant officials could receive an unlimited number of gifts from the same source as long as none exceeded $100. Gov. Terry McAuliffe sought to close the loophole and put in place an aggregate $100 annual cap on gifts from a single source. But it got bogged down when it was discovered the language of the governor’s amendment could be interpreted to be a lifetime limit, rather than an annual one. Lawmakers returned to Richmond for an abbreviated session to resolve the issues with the bill.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online

Campaign Finance

“House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico

“Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue in 2016 Campaign” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Ethics

Florida: “Florida Ethics Panel Recommends Fining Former Lawmaker David Rivera $58K” by Kathleen McGrory for Miami Herald

Florida: “Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times

Kentucky: “Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader

New Jersey: “Ferriero Convicted on Racketeering Count; Ex-Democratic Chief Used Political Clout for Profit” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record

New York: “Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling” by Russ Buettner and David Chen for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “Montco Businessman Charged in PennDot Graft Probe” by Ben Finley for Philadelphia Inquirer

Redistricting

North Carolina: “US Supreme Court Tosses NC High Court Decision on State’s GOP-Drawn Electoral Maps” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer

Lobbying:

“Capitol Book Club, with a Bonus” by Ben Protess and Eric Lipton for New York Times

“Harrisburg Lobbying Costs on the Rise” by Robert Swift for Citizens Voice

“Ex-Lawmakers Predict Post-Election Return of Earmarks” by Katelyn Plantz for National Journal

“Complaint: D.C. law firm illegally lobbied Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times

Ethics:

“California Lawmakers’ Campaign Credit-Card Spending Often Lacks Disclosure, Sacramento Bee Review Finds” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee

“How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting” by Daniel Vock for Governing

“Ex-Homestead Mayor Now a Convicted Felon” by David Ovalle for Miami Herald

Elections:

“Rogue Pastors Endorse Candidates, but IRS Looks Away” by Rachael Bade for Politico

“Cell Phones, Social Media and Campaign 2014” by Aaron Smith for Pew Research Center

Campaign Finance:

“Election 2014: A new level of collaboration between candidates and big-money allies” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

“Surplussing: How donors, parties legally circumvent campaign contribution caps” by Austin Jenkins for KPLU