August 22, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: Michael Cohen Says He Arranged Payments to Women at Trump’s Direction by William Rashbaum, Maggie Haberman, Ben Protess, and Jim Rutenberg (New York Times) for MSN Florida: “After a Florida Democrat Said She’d Take Donations from the […]

August 21, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Tax Cuts Are a Hit with One Pivotal G.O.P. Group: Rich donors” by Jim Tankersely and Michael Tackett (New York Times) for MSN National: “Contractor Scrutinized for Giving $10K to James Super PAC” by Melissa Nann Burke […]

August 20, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: Despite Year-of-the-Woman Buzz, Female Candidates Lag Behind Men in Pulling in Campaign Cash by Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post Alabama: Obscure Names, Big Dollars: How Alabama chain PACs power campaigns & veil […]

August 17, 2018 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – August 17, 2018

National: Independents Uneasy About Taking Cash, Even from Indie Group St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) | Published: 8/9/2018 Hoping to capitalize on voter frustration over growing polarization in politics, a group fueled partly by what critics call […]

National:

Independents Uneasy About Taking Cash, Even from Indie Group
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) | Published: 8/9/2018

Hoping to capitalize on voter frustration over growing polarization in politics, a group fueled partly by what critics call “dark money” plans to spend $3 million this year to support and elect independents. But some lawmakers are declining their help. Unite America is endorsing and providing polling for independent gubernatorial and legislative candidates across the country. Some independents, however, are reluctant to accept the support because they distrust influence by any outside, special interest group. They are also wary of any link to so-called dark money, contributions from groups such as nonprofits that do not have to disclose their donors under federal law.

Lax State Ethics Rules Leave Health Agencies Vulnerable to Conflicts
Politico – Brianna Ehley, Sarah Karlin-Smith, Rachana Pradhan, and Jennifer Haberkorn | Published: 8/12/2018

A lack of transparency in state ethics laws prevents the public from having visibility into conflicts by officials who may oversee millions of dollars in spending and make decisions that affect thousands of people. A review of ethics rules found that in one out of five states, top public health officials are not subject to any disclosure for financial holdings. Even when states do have rules on the books, they vary widely, and loopholes abound. Watchdogs and ethics experts say the uneven rules, and ill-defined consequences if problems are identified, make it virtually impossible to know whether officials might have conflicts that skew their decision-making, or to hold them accountable if lapses do occur.

Federal:

Charges Against Rep. Chris Collins Highlight Lack of Trading Limits for Congress
Chicago Tribune – Bill Allison and Erik Wasson (Bloomberg) | Published: 8/9/2018

The indictment of U.S. Rep. Christopher Collins on insider trading charges, along with his colleagues’ holdings in the biotechnology company at the center of the case, highlight how members of Congress face few restrictions on their investments and service on corporate boards, creating the potential for conflicts-of-interest. Unlike executive branch officials, who must resign from outside positions and divest assets that could pose conflicts, Congress relies on public disclosure as the main mechanism for keeping lawmakers honest. In the past, that has led to a number of scandals involving investment decisions that resulted in charges of self-enrichment and insider trading.

Trump Offers White House Staffers a Special Perk at His Golf Club
Politico – Annie Karni and Eliana Johnson | Published: 8/13/2018

White House staffers who displayed proof of their administration job are getting discounted merchandise from the pro shop at President Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club. The administration officials get discounts ranging from 15 percent on regular merchandise to 70 percent off clearance items. The discount amounts to the same perk given to Bedminster members who pay a reported $350,000 annually. Watchdogs raised concerns about the practice, noting it amounts to a conflict-of-interest and is considered a gift if the discount is not available to all government employees.

Voting Rights Advocates Used to Have an Ally in the Government. That’s Changing.
MSN – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 8/12/2018

During the Obama administration, the U.S. Justice Department would often go to court to stop states from taking steps to suppress voter rights. But 18 months into President Trump’s term, there are signs of change: the department has launched no new efforts to roll back state restrictions on the ability to vote, and instead often sides with them. In the national battle over voting rights, the fighting is done in court, state by state, over rules that can seem arcane but have the potential to sway the outcome of elections. The Justice Department’s recent actions point to a decided shift in policy at the federal level toward an agenda embraced by conservatives who say they want to prevent voter fraud.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Ex-Assemblyman Matt Dababneh, Under Legislative Investigation on Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Sues Lobbyist for Defamation
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 8/14/2018

Former California Assemblyperson Matt Dababneh, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault, is suing the lobbyist who accused him of pushing her into a hotel bathroom and masturbating in front of her. Dababneh sued Pamela Lopez for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking unspecified damages. A letter from the Assembly Rules Committee said an investigator determined Lopez’s allegation was “substantiated” and in violation of Assembly policy.

California – It’s an Election Year, and California’s Campaign Watchdogs Are Busy Fighting Among Themselves
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 8/13/2018

After years of limiting commissioners to $200 per month, members of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) moved in February to pay themselves on an hourly basis. They have debated whether to loosen campaign finance restrictions on lawmakers and argued over how much power to give their chairperson. As the FPPC focuses on internal issues, they are missing an opportunity to become one of the leading campaign finance agencies in the country, said Jessica Levinson, a political ethics expert at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. “They are not only missing that opportunity, they watched it go by, they waved at it and they kept arguing about how much they were going to charge per diem,” Levinson said.

Colorado – Backers of Denver Campaign Finance Ballot Measure Agree to Deal That Would Delay Public Financing, Lower Limits
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 8/14/2018

Backers of a Denver campaign finance initiative have agreed to a deal with city officials that would replace the measure on the November ballot with a revised version that delays the changes until after next year’s municipal election. Voter approval for the new proposal this fall would bring about drastically lower contribution limits for candidates seeking city offices and would ban direct corporate and union contributions. It also would institute a voluntary public financing system. While the gist of those elements is unchanged, the city council is set to begin the process of referring a replacement measure to the ballot that would make several changes to dates and details such as how quickly the city must issue public funds.

Georgia – Atlanta City Council Seeks to Require Lobbyists to Register with the City
Staff, Atlanta Daily World – | Published: 8/13/2018

A pair of ordinances were introduced in the Atlanta City Council that would require individuals and principles to register as lobbyists if they seek to influence legislative or administrative actions and encourage council members to report any violations of Georgia’s lobbying law. Atlanta currently doe not have any rules on lobbying in the city.

Illinois – Mayoral Hopeful Who Gave Thousands in Cash, Checks: ‘I’m just tired of white people telling me what to do.’
Chicago Tribune – Gregory Pratt | Published: 8/9/2018

Responding to what his Chicago mayoral campaign called an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a defiant Willie Wilson defended his recent cash giveaways and said there is “nothing wrong” with his charitable foundation’s paperwork. The controversy stems from a church event in July, where Wilson handed out more than $200,000 in cash and checks. Gov. Bruce Rauner was at the event and later criticized the giveaway, but the state election board said Wilson apparently did not violate any election laws. Noting he was raised in the Jim Crow South, Wilson, who is black, said, “I’m just tired of white people telling me what to do.”

Maine – Maine Ethics Regulators Vote to Re-Open Taxpayer Campaign Funding for 2018
Bangor Daily News – Michael Shepherd | Published: 8/16/2018

Maine’s ethics commission said it will release about $3 million in public campaign funds for one gubernatorial candidate and over 200 legislative candidates. The commission voted to release the money held up by a typo in a budget law. Gov. Paul LePage’s administration recently agreed to comply with a judge’s order to release over $1 million in public campaign funding that LePage held up by refusing to sign routine financial orders. Several commissioners said that same logic should apply to more money held up because lawmakers did not fix the error.

Michigan – Michigan Senate Winner Still Shrouded in Mystery Following Primary Shocker
Detroit News – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 8/10/2018

Betty Jean Alexander of Detroit remains shrouded in mystery after scoring a shocking win over state Sen. David Knezek in a Democratic primary race that few thought would be competitive. Alexander, whom several local party leaders say they had never heard of, did not report spending any money on her campaign and has not granted any media interviews since her surprise victory. Lamar Lemmons III, a former state lawmaker and current Detroit school board member, is under scrutiny for his role in electing Alexander, whom he describes as a 53-year-old single mother with two children who works in an administrative job.

Pennsylvania – Could Abuse Report Lead to Laws Extending Rights to Sue the Church?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Liz Navratil and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 8/15/2018

In its report detailing a coverup of child sex abuse by Catholic bishops across Pennsylvania, a grand jury recommended giving older adults the right to file lawsuits for abuse they suffered as children. Political disagreements and lobbying have repeatedly stalled bills that would have retroactively loosened the statute of limitations for claims against the Catholic Church, leading to questions of whether the new findings would lead to change. While victims say the ability to sue could help them access services to cope with the trauma, lobbyists for the church and the insurance industry have opposed such legislation, saying a flood of lawsuits would deliver a crushing financial blow.

Vermont – Christine Hallquist Wins Vermont Primary, Becoming First Openly Transgender Major Party Nominee for Governor
Washington Post – Samantha Schmidt and Kayla Epstein | Published: 8/15/2018

Christine Hallquist won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Vermont, becoming the first openly transgender candidate to be nominated for governor by a major party in the U.S. Hallquist, a first-time candidate, won in a crowded field of four Democrats. She is part of a progressive wave of political novices, women, and LGBTQ candidates running in this year’s midterm elections, many of them galvanized by the election and behavior of President Trump. But from here, her path to the governor’s office could be a narrow one, even though she is a Democrat running in a progressive state.

West Virginia – Lawmakers Impeach All 4 W.Va. Court Justices Over Spending
MSN, Associated Press – | Published: 8/14/2018

The West Virginia House voted to impeach all the justices on the state Supreme Court, a decision prompted by reports of extravagant spending on office renovations. If the justices are convicted in the Senate and removed, replacements will be named by Gov. Jim Justice. Most of the articles involved Chief Justice Allen Loughry, who has been suspended since June and is facing a federal indictment on charges of fraud and false statements. The court as a whole was impeached for not creating policies to rein in the wasteful spending. Two justices were charged with overpaying retired judges who fill in to hear cases, and Justice Robin Davis was charged with wasteful spending on her office remodeling. A fifth justice, Menis Ketchum, resigned in July before pleading guilty to fraud, having taken a state car for personal use.

August 16, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “California Democratic Party and Open-Government Groups Fight Proposal to Lift Contribution Limits for Legislative Leaders” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Missouri: “In Missouri, Group Wants to Bar Lawmakers from Fundraising in Capitol” by Kurt Erickson […]

August 15, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Colorado: “Backers of Denver Campaign Finance Ballot Measure Agree to Deal That Would Delay Public Financing, Lower Limits” by Jon Murray for Denver Post New Mexico: “Cannabis Industry Grows as Source of Campaign Funds” by Steve Terrell (Santa […]

August 14, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Independents Uneasy About Taking Cash, Even from Indie Group” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for St. Louis Post-Dispatch California: “It’s an Election Year, and California’s Campaign Watchdogs Are Busy Fighting Among Themselves” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento […]

August 10, 2018 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – August 10, 2018

National: Accused of Harassment, and Seeking Redemption at the Ballot Box MSN – Julie Turkewitz and Alan Blinder (New York Times) | Published: 8/5/2018 Almost a year into an anti-harassment movement that has prompted a coast-to-coast cultural reckoning, more than […]

National:

Accused of Harassment, and Seeking Redemption at the Ballot Box
MSN – Julie Turkewitz and Alan Blinder (New York Times) | Published: 8/5/2018

Almost a year into an anti-harassment movement that has prompted a coast-to-coast cultural reckoning, more than a dozen politicians who have been accused of misconduct and are running for state legislative seats again anyway. Some candidates hope voters will accept their apologies. Others believe constituents will dismiss the allegations as untrue or deem them unimportant at a time when state Legislatures could play crucial roles either in advancing the Trump administration’s agenda or forming bulwarks against it. Apologies alone do not satisfy some of those who are working to ensure candidates accused of harassment do not retain political power.

Federal:

GOP Rep. Chris Collins Charged with Securities Fraud
Politico – Kyle Cheney, Jimmy Vielkind, and Laura Nahmias | Published: 8/8/2018

U.S. Rep. Christopher Collins was indicted on charges he used inside information about a biotechnology company to make illicit stock trades. The indictment charges Collins and his son, Cameron, and Stephen Zarsky, who is the father of Cameron Collins’ fiancée, with conspiracy, wire fraud, and other counts. Rep. Collins was Innate Immunotherapeutics’ largest shareholder and served on its board. He received an email from Innate’s chief executive alerting him the company’s highly touted drug had failed in clinical trials. Rep. Collins is alleged to have passed that information to his son, who notified Zarsky. Prosecutors say the three avoided about $768,000 in losses because of the information.

Judge’s Ruling Invalidates FEC Regulation Allowing Anonymous Donations to ‘Dark Money’ Groups
Politico – Brent Griffiths | Published: 8/4/2018

U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell struck down an FEC rule that allowed for anonymous donations to “dark money” groups. Howell ruled the FEC regulation allowing for those donors to remain anonymous fell below the standard that Congress meant to set when it passed laws on disclosing the sources of political donations. The ruling, which is likely to be appealed, means nonprofits could be required to reveal the identities of donors who give $200 or more toward affecting federal elections. The FEC has 45 days to issue temporary regulations that would require the so-called dark money groups to reveal more about their donors.

On Appeals Court, Kavanaugh Helped to Loosen Political Money Laws
National Public Radio – Peter Overby | Published: 8/8/2018

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been on the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia, a frequent destination for cases involving the FEC. His decisions have effectively pulled the campaign finance system rightward, letting in more money with less regulation. He is been roughly in sync with Anthony Kennedy, the justice he once clerked for and now might succeed. “I think his record on money and politics should be right up there alongside the likelihood that he’ll overturn Roe or strike down the [Affordable Care Act],” said Chiraag Bains, director of legal strategies for the progressive advocacy group Demos.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona: Prosecutors Drop Bribery, Fraud Charges Against Former Utility Regulator, Others
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 8/7/2018

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona filed a motion to dismiss the indictment of a former utility regulator and others who were charged in a bribery case that ended in a mistrial. Jurors could not agree whether former utility regulator Gary Pierce, his wife, Sherry, lobbyist Jim Norton, and water company owner George Johnson had participated in a bribery scheme, as prosecutors alleged. Taryn Jeffries served as the jury foreperson. She said she was not surprised the government decided not to retry the case, which she considered “weak.” Jeffries said the jurors deadlocked at seven-to-five with those believing the defendants were guilty in the minority.

Florida: Panel Finds ‘Probable Cause’ That Five Municipal Officials, Five Lobbyists Violated State Ethics Laws
Florida Watchdog – John Haughey | Published: 8/3/2018

The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause that five lobbying firms filed inaccurate financial disclosure reports for 2016. The evidence turned up in random audits of executive branch lobbying firms. Among the commission’s notable actions was finding probable cause that former Madeira Beach City Manager Shane Crawford “accepted prohibited gifts from lobbyists, or alternatively, failed to report discounts valued at more than $100 as gifts.”

Kansas: ‘That Is a Conflict’: Kobach should recuse himself from a recount, experts say
Kansas City Star – Bryan Lowry, Steve Vockrodt, Jonathan Shorman, and Hunter Woodall | Published: 8/8/2018

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach said he does not plan to recuse himself from a potential recount effort in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary, despite being a candidate in the race. He said while his office oversees recounts, it does not directly participate in vote-counting, which is done at the county level. Kobach is leading Gov. Jeff Colyer by fewer than 200 votes in the closely watched race. If Colyer requests a hand recount after all provisional and mail-in ballots are counted, the secretary of state’s office will decide how much the governor’s campaign would have to pay for a recount. Kobach is not required by law to recuse himself, but legal and political experts said it would be in his best interest to do so.

Maine: After Court Battle, Maine’s Clean Elections Candidates to Get $1 Million In Campaign Funds
New England Public Radio – Steve Mistler | Published: 8/8/2018

Maine Gov. Paul LePage has complied with a court order that he release about $1.4 million in public campaign funding he had held up by refusing to sign routine financial orders. The move means about 120 candidates for the Legislature and one for governor will be getting money soon to help run their campaigns under the Maine Clean Election Act. Seven candidates and the Maine Citizens for Clean Elections sued LePage because he refused to release the funds, which would come from unspent money from the 2016 election cycle.

Missouri: Lawsuit Seeks to Knock Gerrymandering Issue Off Missouri’s November Ballot
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 8/6/2018

An attorney who helped draw the boundaries of Missouri’s current legislative districts is trying to knock a question off the November ballot designed to end partisan gerrymandering. Eddie Greim said the proposed referendum violates a provision in the Missouri Constitution that prevents multiple subjects from being combined into one ballot proposal. The referendum asks whether voters want to tighten campaign contribution limits, ban lobbyist gifts, institute a two-year waiting period for lawmakers-turned-lobbyists, start a new redistricting system in 2020, and require lawmakers to adhere to the Sunshine Law.

Missouri: Slay’s Role as Lobbyist Raises Questions Over Conflict of Interest in Quest to Privatize Airport
St. Louis Public Radio – Melody Walker | Published: 8/6/2018

Francis Slay, just weeks before leaving office as mayor in April of last year, initiated the process that could lead to the privatization of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. In June of this year, Slay was hired by Ferrovial Airports, a company with experience in managing airports in Europe, and considered one of three top contenders in the bidding process for Lambert. Slay registered as a lobbyist in June “to lobby local elected officials.” His role as a lobbyist for a company seeking to lease the city’s largest asset through a process he initiated while mayor has raised some eyebrows, and some serious questions about a conflict-of-interest.

New York: BOE Approves Regulations That Could Hinder Independent Investigations
Albany Times Union – David Lombardo | Published: 8/8/2018

The New York State Board of Elections is moving to weaken the powers of an independent watchdog. The board voted to require the state’s independent enforcement counsel to justify in writing each subpoena they want to issue when investigating alleged campaign finance and election law cases. The board already had control over whether subpoenas could be issued in specific cases, but the new rule means the counsel must get approval on a subpoena-by-subpoena basis. Good-government groups criticized the move, which state Attorney General Barbara Underwood said will “gut” the counsel’s independence and lead to more corruption.

Texas: Dwaine Caraway Resigns from Dallas City Council, Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges
Dallas News – Robert Wilonsky, Holly Hacker, and Miles Moffeit | Published: 8/9/2018

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway pleaded guilty to federal charges of receiving $450,000 in bribes and kickbacks and resigned from the city council. Caraway admitted taking the payments exchange for votes in favor of a camera company, Force Multiplier Solutions (FXS), which sought contract work with Dallas County Schools. At times, Robert Leonard, the owner of FXS, would pay Caraway in checks that he would cash at liquor stores and pawn shops. Leonard also admitted to paying Rick Sorrells, a former Dallas County school superintendent, more than $3 million in bribes and kickbacks. Their actions, prosecutors said, helped FXS secure more than $70 million in contracts and agreements with Dallas County Schools.

Texas: Texas Court Revives Lawsuit to Strip Ethics Regulators of Campaign, Elections Oversight
Dallas News – Lauren McGaughey | Published: 8/3/2018

A conservative advocacy group’s legal challenge to the Texas Ethics Commission took a leap forward after the lawsuit, dismissed in 2016 by a District Court judge, was revived by an appeals court. The decision by the Third Court of Appeals is the latest in an ongoing series of blows between Empower Texans, an influential group led by Michael Quinn Sullivan, and the commission, which years ago investigated the organization for alleged campaign law violations. The lawsuit asks whether the ethics panel has the legal authority to carry out many of its core functions, including enforcement and oversight of campaign finance rules.

Vermont: This 14-Year-Old Is Running for Governor Before He Can Even Vote
Washington Post – Kayla Epstein | Published: 8/8/2018

Unlike most states, Vermont has no age requirement for gubernatorial candidates, only a residency requirement. So, Ethan Sonneborn, who has lived in Bristol for 14 years – his entire life – makes the cut. Sonneborn declared his candidacy for governor back in August 2017, and then told his parents about it. After the secretary of state consulted with the attorney general, it was decided he would be allowed to run, but his parents would have to sign a form acknowledging they knew he was running and did not oppose him doing so.

August 9, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “On Appeals Court, Kavanaugh Helped to Loosen Political Money Laws” by Peter Overby for National Public Radio Oregon: “Campaign Spending Limits to Appear on Portland Ballots” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian Elections National: “Democratic Party’s Liberal […]

August 7, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Judge’s Ruling Invalidates FEC Regulation Allowing Anonymous Donations to ‘Dark Money’ Groups” by Brent Griffiths for Politico Elections National: “Accused of Harassment, and Seeking Redemption at the Ballot Box” by Julie Turkewitz and Alan Blinder (New York […]

August 2, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Tennessee: “Tennessee Sued Over PAC Contributions ‘Blackout Period’ Before Elections” by Joey Garrison for The Tennessean Vermont: “Vermont Campaign-Finance Limits Survive Appeal” by Nick Rummell for Courthouse News Service Elections National: “Campaigns Enter Texting Era with a Plea: […]

August 1, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Arizona: “Secretary of State Michele Reagan Again Delays Arizona Campaign Website Planned for 2015” by Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic Michigan: “Former Michigan Secretary of State, Husband Agree to Pay $66K Fine” by Todd Spangler for Detroit Free […]

July 27, 2018 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – July 27, 2018

Federal: In Ruling Against Trump, Judge Defines Anticorruption Clauses in Constitution for First Time WRAL – Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2018 A federal judge rejected President Trump’s effort to block a lawsuit that alleges he is violating […]

Federal:

In Ruling Against Trump, Judge Defines Anticorruption Clauses in Constitution for First Time
WRAL – Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2018

A federal judge rejected President Trump’s effort to block a lawsuit that alleges he is violating the Constitution by continuing to do business with foreign governments. The state of Maryland and the District of Columbia claim Trump is violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits elected officials from receiving gifts or benefits from foreign governments without congressional approval. In the first judicial opinion to define how the meaning of the Constitution’s anticorruption clauses should apply to a president, U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte said the framers’ language should be broadly construed as an effort to protect against influence-peddling by state and foreign governments.

Mueller Examining Trump’s Tweets in Wide-Ranging Obstruction Inquiry
MSN – Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2018

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is scrutinizing tweets and negative statements from President Trump about Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former FBI Director James Comey, according to people briefed on the matter. Several of the remarks came as Trump was also privately pressuring the men – both key witnesses in the inquiry – about the probe, and Mueller is examining whether the actions add up to attempts to obstruct the investigation by both intimidating witnesses and pressuring senior law enforcement officials to tamp down the inquiry. Mueller’s interest in them is the latest addition to a range of presidential actions he is investigating as a possible obstruction case, like misleading White House statements, public attacks, and possible pardon offers to potential witnesses.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama: Rep. Randy Davis Indicted on Bribery Charges
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 7/25/2018

Alabama Rep. Randy Davis was indicted on charges of conspiracy and bribery over what prosecutors describe as an attempt to pressure Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to cover insulin therapies offered in health clinics in which he had a financial interest. The indictment accuses Davis of working with former Rep. Micky Hammon, an investor in the clinics, to recruit investors, from which he received finders’ fees. Prosecutors also accused Davis of trying to lobby BCBS on behalf of Trina Health, which operated the clinics. Later, the indictment alleges, Davis and Hammon worked together to push a bill through the 2016 legislative session that would have forced coverage of the insulin treatment offered at the clinics.

California: New Head of California Political Watchdog Agency Says It Is Moving on After Period of Tumult
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 7/22/2018

Alice Germond is taking over an agency that has been mired in turmoil for months following a dispute between commissioners over the sharing of power. But the new chairperson of the California Fair Political Practices Commission said she has talked to the other commissioners and believes the panel can put the past behind them to focus on enforcing campaign finance laws ahead of the midterm elections in November. A power struggle in recent months pitted some part-time commissioners against the chairperson at the time, Jodi Remke, who they felt left them out of key decisions on budgets, personnel, legal issues, and policy changes.

Colorado: Colorado Campaign Finance Loophole Allows Dark Money Flyers
Colorado Independent – Sandra Fish | Published: 7/23/2018

Colorado’s campaign finance law has a loophole that allows printed literature, mailers, or other materials about candidates to be distributed without disclosing who paid for them if they do not include so-called magic words such as “vote for” or “vote against.” Colorado was one of only 10 states that did not require disclosure of an ad’s sponsor in the 2016 election cycle. It is a form of “dark money” that prevents voters from tracing who is behind a campaign message.

Florida: South Miami’s Mayor Shut Down an Opponent at Meetings. Now He Faces an Investigation.
Miami Herald – Aaron Leibowitz | Published: 7/18/2018

When Stephen Cody approached the podium at a South Miami commission meeting, Mayor Philip Stoddard had a good idea of what he might say. A few days earlier, a group that Cody created criticized Stoddard for the city’s firing of its former police chief and a resulting lawsuit. Stoddard refused to let Cody speak and demanded he first register as a lobbyist. When Cody returned to the commission the next month, without having registered, Stoddard again cut him off when he began to discuss the police chief’s firing. The county ethics commission ruled there was probable cause Stoddard had violated Cody’s “right to be heard” under the county’s Citizens’ Bill of Rights.

Georgia: Georgia State Rep. Jason Spencer to Resign in Wake of Sacha Baron Cohen Pants-Dropping Debacle
MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2018

Georgia Rep. Jason Spencer, who was fooled into repeatedly yelling a racial epithet on comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s television show, intends to resign effective July 31. “Who Is America?” has pranked a long list of sitting and former lawmakers. In this segment, Cohen played an Israeli antiterrorism expert and Spencer was seen on camera dropping his pants, mocking a stereotypical Asian accent, and seemingly not requiring much coaxing to yell the racial epithet, spurring immediate outrage. Spencer lost in the primary in his bid for a fifth term and initially said he would serve out his final months, but calls for him to resign became too loud.

Illinois: Rauner Blasts Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson’s Cash Giveaway, State Says He Didn’t Violate Campaign Rules
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne and Rick Pearson | Published: 7/23/2018

The Illinois State Board of Elections said Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson’s handing out of nearly $200,000 in checks at a recent church event did not break campaign finance laws. A campaign spokesperson said Wilson gave the money to people to help them cover the cost of their property taxes and other expenses as part of his philanthropic work through the Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation, a registered nonprofit. “As far as we can see, it looks like he didn’t use campaign funds for this and there doesn’t appear to have been any quid pro quo, like, ‘Here’s some money, vote for me,'” said elections board spokesperson Matt Dietrich. “So, from our perspective, it doesn’t look like there was anything illegal about this.”

Indiana: Secret Donations to Fuel Hill’s Defense Against Groping Allegations
Indianapolis Star Tribune – Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin | Published: 7/23/2018

Supporters of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill have set up a legal fund to defend him against accusations that he inappropriately touched four women. Attorney Jim Bopp announced the creation of Fairness for Curtis Hill, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed to collect tax deductible funds for Hill’s defense. Some tax and campaign finance experts questioned whether the new fund could even operate as a charitable nonprofit under the law. Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, a law professor at Notre Dame, said a 501(c)(3) charity cannot benefit one person. Usually defending public officials from allegations also is not considered charitable, he said. “The name alone should have been a red flag for the IRS,” Mayer said.

Maine: Ethics Commission to Delay Clean Elections Funding Until Court Ruling
Lewiston Sun Journal – Colin Ellis | Published: 7/25/2018

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices delayed action on Clean Elections in the hope that a court ruling on the matter might be issued soon but did not rule out the possibility of calling a special meeting should the money continue to be held back. Commissioners agreed it was unfair that certain candidates have not received funding ahead of the November election but said they were not in a position to release funding at this point. Gov. Paul LePage has refused to release $1.4 million in public funding for Clean Election candidates, and Republican House members have refused to fix a typographical error in the law that provides additional funds to be used this year.

Montana: Gov. Bullock Sues IRS Over Decision to Stop Requiring Some Tax-Exempt Groups to Identify Donors
Helena Independent Record – Amy Beth Hanson (Associated Press) | Published: 7/24/2018

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock sued the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury Department to stop them from removing requirements that politically active nonprofits disclose their donors’ identities. Bullock said the Trump administration failed to give proper notice of or seek public comment on changes to the decades-old rule requiring such disclosure. He is asking a federal judge to find the rollback illegal and set it aside. This is the third time in recent months that Bullock has inserted himself and Montana into national issues and continues his efforts in support of transparent elections.

New York: Who Needs Small Donors When You Have Friends? Ask Gov. Cuomo.
WRAL – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 7/17/2018

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has always relied on large donations to accumulate a $31.1 million campaign account. But even as he emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most prolific fundraisers, he has all but ignored grassroots contributors. Now, mindful of the party’s insurgency, and facing a primary challenge from Cynthia Nixon, the governor has raced to find small donors. But disclosures revealed the extent to which Cuomo remains dependent on big donors, and some of the maneuvers undertaken to obscure that fact. One donor gave 69 times to Cuomo in the final days before the deadline – 67 of them one-dollar donations, driving down his average contribution size.

North Dakota: Anti-Corruption Measure Headed for North Dakota Ballot
West Fargo Pioneer – John Hageman | Published: 7/23/2018

North Dakota voters will decide whether to add anti-corruption language to the state’s constitution this fall. A ballot measure would prevent lobbyists from giving gifts to public officials and would establish an ethics commission that could investigate officials, candidates, and lobbyists. It would also prevent public officials from being a lobbyist while holding office and for two years after leaving their post. State lawmakers would be required to pass legislation mandating “public disclosure of the ultimate and true source of funds” spent to influence elections and government actions.

Ohio: Cincinnati Firm Lobbies for Taxpayers – and Companies That Want Their Money
Cincinnati Enquirer – Dan Horn | Published: 7/23/2018

Anne Sesler once acted as spokesperson for both FC Cincinnati and Hamilton County simultaneously. That is because Government Strategies Group, a firm for which Sesler is a consultant, is paid by both the county and the new Major League Soccer team to handle their lobbying and communications work. The county hired her in 2017 and the team hired her in January. Some say that is a conflict because the interests of FC Cincinnati and Hamilton County are not the same: FC Cincinnati needed $15 million last year for a stadium parking garage and taxpayers picked up the tab. And those are not the only Government Strategies clients with interests that sometimes overlap.

Pennsylvania: Board of Ethics Says Pro-Soda Tax Coalition Violated Lobbying Law
Philadelphia Business Journal – Alison Burdo | Published: 7/20/2018

The leading group that pushed for passage of Philadelphia’s controversial soda tax agreed to pay $8,000 in civil penalties after the Board of Ethics cited it for violations of the city’s lobbying law. Philadelphians for a Fair Future (PFF) formed in 2016 and raised more than $2 million to promote the tax, which was proposed by Mayor Jim Kenney. The board found the group gave incomplete information in required reports on its spending. In addition, four companies and individuals PFF employed to lobby failed to register as required.

June 19, 2018 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Elections National: “Trump Associate Roger Stone Reveals New Contact with Russian National during 2016 Campaign” by Manuel Roig-Franzia and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune Ethics National: “Facebook’s New Political Algorithms Increase Tension with Publishers” by Ben Sisario (New […]

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News You Can Use Digest – August 17, 2018

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News You Can Use Digest – August 10, 2018

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News You Can Use Digest – July 27, 2018

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