January 7, 2019 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “House Democrats Propose Major Campaign Finance Reforms in First Bill of Session” by Carl Evers-Hillstrom for Center for Responsive Politics Illinois: “Campaign Money Tied to Ald. Edward Burke’s Alleged Extortion Scheme Was Intended for County Board President […]
Campaign Finance
National: “House Democrats Propose Major Campaign Finance Reforms in First Bill of Session” by Carl Evers-Hillstrom for Center for Responsive Politics
Illinois: “Campaign Money Tied to Ald. Edward Burke’s Alleged Extortion Scheme Was Intended for County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Sources Say” by Bill Ruthhart and Jason Meisner for Chicago Tribune
Ethics
National: “Makeup of Cabinet Is Creating More Hurdles for Trump” by Andrew Restuccia for Politico
Florida: “Florida Senate Pays $900,000 in Case Related to Jack Latvala Sexual Misconduct Case” by Elizabeth Koh for Tampa Bay Times
Michigan: “Whitmer Bans Campaign Activities on Public Dime, Use of Private Email” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News
Oregon: “Former Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes Criticized for ‘Bad Faith’ in Bankruptcy Proceedings” by Ben Botkin for Salem Statesman Journal
Lobbying
National: “Joe Lieberman, Registered Lobbyist Who Doesn’t Actually Lobby” by C. Ryan Barber for Law.com
California: “California Health Care CEO Pleads Guilty in Public Corruption Case That Netted Alabama Legislators” by Melissa Brown for Montgomery Advertiser
January 4, 2019 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 4, 2019
Federal: Mueller Fuels Foreign Lobbying Crackdown The Hill – Morgan Chalfont and Alex Gangitano | Published: 12/31/2018 The Federal Agents Registration Act dates to 1938, when it was passed to ensure transparency of foreign influence in the American political process […]
Federal:
Mueller Fuels Foreign Lobbying Crackdown
The Hill – Morgan Chalfont and Alex Gangitano | Published: 12/31/2018
The Federal Agents Registration Act dates to 1938, when it was passed to ensure transparency of foreign influence in the American political process as a result of fears over Nazi and communist propaganda. It has been amended twice since then but is essentially the same law. It requires that “agents of foreign principals,” typically lobbyists or consultants who work for foreign governments or political parties, register and file regular reports with the Justice Department on their activities. They also must file copies of materials they distribute for any foreign entities and keep a record of their activities. Criminal prosecutions under the law have been few and far between, but special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation has changed that, at least for the time being.
Sexism Claims from Bernie Sanders’s 2016 Run: Paid less, treated worse
MSN – Sydney Ember and Katie Benner (New York Times) | Published: 1/2/2019
Accounts of sexual harassment and demeaning treatment, as well as pay disparity, in U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign have circulated in recently in emails, online comments, and private discussions among former supporters. As Sanders tries to build support for a second run at the White House, his perceived failure to address this issue has damaged his progressive bona fides, nearly a dozen former state and national staff members said. It also has raised questions among them about whether the senator can adequately fight for the interests of women, who have increasingly defined the Democratic Party, if he runs again for the presidential nomination. The former staff members said complaints about mistreatment and pay disparity during and just after the campaign reached some senior leaders of the operation.
Trump Effect: How out-of-state money fueled Democratic House wins in 2018
USA Today – Maureen Groppe and Christopher Schnaars | Published: 12/29/2018
The Democrats who captured the U.S. House by flipping 43 districts from red to blue in the November election received on average more than half of their large-dollar campaign funds from outside their states. By contrast, defeated Republicans in those districts collected only about one-third of their itemized funds from outside their states. The money that poured into House races from out-of-state donors was another example of the nationalization of the 2018 midterm elections that were partly a referendum on President Trump’s first two years in office. Analysts said the data reinforced other signs that opposition to Trump helped to motivate Democratic donors.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: Ethics Revision Commission Could Give Legislators Multiple Choices
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 12/27/2018
A commission working on proposed changes to the state’s ethics law might deliver multiple options to legislators next year. Tom Albritton, executive director of the Alabama Ethics Commission, said the final proposals will likely include a range of options on different issues for lawmakers to take up, should they decide to revise ethics laws in the legislative session that begins next March. The Code of Ethics Clarification and Reform Commission has taken up a number of issues, though it has spent a great deal of time on the definition of “principal,” or a person or entity who hires a lobbyist.
Delaware: Former Delaware Lawmaker Melanie George Smith’s New Career Draws Complaints of Self-Dealing
Wilmington News Journal – Scott Goss | Published: 1/2/2019
Former Rep. Melanie George Smith has launched a consulting firm that critics say is benefiting from a Delaware “sustainability” industry that she helped create during her final months in office. Her business, Sustainable World Strategies, is prompting questions about the rules that are supposed to stop state lawmakers from crafting legislation that benefits them personally. Smith rejects the notion that her business has anything to do with the legislation she sponsored. “They are completely separate,” she said. “And when you introduce legislation in Dover that is broadly beneficial to everybody, there is no conflict whatsoever.”
Florida: Lauren Book Proposes ‘Swearing In’ Legislative Speakers
Florida Politics – Jim Rosica | Published: 1/2/2019
Florida Sen. Lauren Book filed the Truth in Government Act for the 2019 legislative session that would require people appearing at legislative committees to be sworn in before speaking. Those making a “false statement that he or she does not believe to be true, … in regard to any material matter, commits a felony of the third degree,” Senate Bill 58 says. But the legislation exempts lawmakers themselves, staff members, and children. The majority of speakers before legislative panels are paid lobbyists. “I don’t think it’s necessary because it confuses 1st Amendment-right advocacy with investigatory or legal proceedings that require testimony under oath,” one lobbyist said.
Idaho: Why Does This Charity Golf Event Hosted by Idaho’s Governor Cost More Than It Gives Out?
Idaho Statesman – Audrey Dutton | Published: 1/3/2019
The annual Governor’s Cup tournament is a multiday golf and sporting affair that raises money for college and trade-school scholarships in Idaho. The event is hosted by the governor and first lady and is attended by the state’s political and business movers and shakers. Almost every year of the past decade, the nonprofit that runs the tournament has spent at least twice as much money on throwing the annual event than it has awarded in financial aid. Marcus Owens, a former director of the IRS’s division for tax-exempt organizations, said the event’s cost calls into question its primary purpose. “It sure sounds like this is an opportunity for lobbyists to do what lobbyists do outside the eyes of reporters or the general public,” said Owens.
Illinois: Feds Charge Powerful Ald. Edward Burke with Corruption
Chicago Tribune – Jason Meisner | Published: 1/3/2019
Chicago Ald. Edward Burke was charged with attempted extortion in a federal criminal complaint. It alleges Burke tried to extort a company that owns fast-food restaurants in the Chicago area and needed help with permits for a remodeling job. The complaint also alleged Burke illegally solicited a campaign donation from an executive with the restaurant company for another politician, who is not named in the charges. The criminal charge was stunning even for a city with a long history of public corruption. While dozens of his city council colleagues have been convicted and sent to prison over the decades, Burke was largely seen as too clever or sophisticated to be caught. He had faced federal scrutiny several times before but always escaped charges.
Missouri: No More Free Lunch for Missouri Lawmakers. Literally.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 1/3/2019
Although it could face a test in court, a possible repeal by frustrated lawmakers, and varied legal opinions from ethics regulators, the so-called Clean Missouri ballot measure approved by voters in November places a five-dollar cap on gifts lawmakers can receive from lobbyists. That means fewer lobbying groups offering free food to lawmakers and legislative staffers during the busy crush of the legislative session that begins January 9 and runs through May 17. It means no more dinners being purchased by lobbyists for lawmakers at local restaurants, nor free tickets to baseball games, concerts, or golf tournaments. For lobbyists, lawmakers, and restaurateurs in Jefferson City, the changes are significant.
Missouri: State Seeks Dismissal of Lobbyist Gift Ban Lawsuit
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 12/26/2018
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to overturn a ban on workers in the governor’s office receiving gifts from lobbyists. Gov. Mike Parson in November rewrote an order issued by his predecessor, Eric Greitens, that had prohibited all gifts from lobbyists. The change was aimed at allowing groups to distribute informational booklets to employees of the state’s chief executive. In October, the Institute for Justice said the ban on gift-giving violated the organization’s First Amendment rights to free speech because it prohibits them from giving workers in Parson’s office two books. Hawley’s office said the change makes the lawsuit unnecessary.
New Jersey: New Jersey Is the Latest Battleground in National Redistricting Fight
Politico – Matt Freidman | Published: 12/28/2018
Democrats who control the New Jersey Legislature attempted to fast track a constitutional amendment to change the way the state draws its legislative districts. The plan would have inserted a formula into the state constitution almost certainly cementing Democratic majorities for decades to come. But to a new wave of liberal activists, it reeked of an attempted power grab. Their party’s redistricting amendment gave them a new target and joined by good government groups and Republican state lawmakers who stood to see their already diminished clout reduced further, they held rallies in front of the Statehouse to oppose it. Redistricting is drawing more and more mainstream attention, with New Jersey the latest state to battle over the drawing of district lines in the run-up to 2020.
New York: N.Y.’s New Attorney General Is Targeting Trump. Will Judges See a ‘Political Vendetta?’
MSN – Jeffery Mays (New York Times) | Published: 12/31/2018
Letitia James, the incoming New York attorney general, has suggested that President Trump could be charged with obstruction of justice, and implied that foreign governments channeled money to his family’s real estate holdings, which she characterized as a “pattern and practice of money laundering.” Democratic attorneys general across the country have used their offices to confront Trump. But since her election, James has opened herself up to criticism that she has gone too far in allowing politics to shape her agenda. Her strident attacks on the president could potentially threaten the legal standing of cases that her office brings against Trump, his family members or their business interests, legal experts said.
North Carolina: NC Lawmakers Override Veto of Bill That Makes Allegations of Campaign Finance Violations Secret
Raleigh News and Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 12/27/2018
Republican lawmakers held off North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s attempt to muster enough Democrats to thwart an override of his veto of an elections law bill. A large majority of Democrats had voted to approve the bill, as it reflected changes in state election law that Cooper achieved in a lawsuit. But despite negotiations with legislative leaders over how to accomplish those changes, Cooper focused the argument on keeping accusations of campaign finance violations secret. Cooper opposed a provision in the bill that will require allegations of campaign finance wrongdoing to be probed by the State Ethics Commission and its findings to be referred to the State Board of Elections. The elections board could then refer the matter to local prosecutors to consider bringing criminal charges, all in confidence.
South Dakota: Undisclosed Donors Gave $95K in SD Governor Race
Rapid City Journal – Seth Tupper | Published: 12/30/2018
An out-of-state PAC that ran advertisements supporting Kristi Noem and opposing Billie Sutton in the race for South Dakota governor received $95,000 from undisclosed sources during the final week of the campaign. The money was raised by a corporation, apparently a 501(c)4 nonprofit, that does not disclose its donors. The corporation then gave the money to a super PAC, which appears to have spent most or all the money on independent expenditures in the race. The contributions from the corporation to the super PAC occurred late enough in the campaign that they did not show up on the super PAC’s campaign finance reports until a post-election report, which was filed on December 6.
January 3, 2019 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Congress Unlikely to Stop Super PACs from Hiding Donors” by Maggie Severns for Politico National: “Potential 2020 Candidates Confront the Need for Campaign Cash, and Fewer Sources of It” by Matt Viser for Washington Post National: “Trump […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Congress Unlikely to Stop Super PACs from Hiding Donors” by Maggie Severns for Politico
National: “Potential 2020 Candidates Confront the Need for Campaign Cash, and Fewer Sources of It” by Matt Viser for Washington Post
National: “Trump Effect: How out-of-state money fueled Democratic House wins in 2018” by Maureen Groppe and Christopher Schnarrs for USA Today
South Dakota: “Undisclosed Donors Gave $95K in SD Governor Race” by Seth Tupper for Rapid City Journal
Ethics
Connecticut: “Former Access Health CEO, State Contractor Pay to Settle Ethics Violation” by Clarice Silber for Connecticut Mirror
Delaware: “Former Delaware Lawmaker Melanie George Smith’s New Career Draws Complaints of Self-Dealing” by Scott Goss for Wilmington News Journal
Missouri: “Committee Investigating Eric Greitens Releases 2,100 Pages of Documents on New Year’s Eve” by Jack Suntrup and Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Lobbying
Florida: “Lauren Book Proposes ‘Swearing In’ Legislative Speakers” by Jim Rosica for Florida Politics
Redistricting
New Jersey: “New Jersey Is the Latest Battleground in National Redistricting Fight” by Matt Freidman for Politico
January 2, 2019 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New Mexico: Legislators Challenge Campaign Finance Rules by Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal North Carolina: NC Lawmakers Override Veto of Bill That Makes Allegations of Campaign Finance Violations Secret by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News and Observer Elections […]
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: Legislators Challenge Campaign Finance Rules by Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal
North Carolina: NC Lawmakers Override Veto of Bill That Makes Allegations of Campaign Finance Violations Secret by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News and Observer
Elections
National: Sen. Elizabeth Warren Says She Will Seek the Presidency in 2020 by Annie Linskey and Matt Viser (Washington Post) for Chicago Daily Herald
Ethics
California: Gov.-Elect Gavin Newsom to Place California Wineries, Hotels in Blind Trust by Phil Willon for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: Maryland Lawmakers Accused in 11 Sexual Harassment Complaints in the Past Year by Ovetta Wiggins (Washington Post) for Stamford Advocate
New York: N.Y.’s New Attorney General Is Targeting Trump. Will Judges See a ‘Political Vendetta?’ by Jeffery Mays (New York Times) for MSN
North Dakota: Bill Drafted to Enact Provisions of Ethics Measure by Jessica Holdman for Bismarck Tribune
Lobbying
National: Tony Podesta Sues Former Clients, Seeking to Collect on Unpaid Bills by Theodoric Meyer for Politico
National: Lobbyist Conviction Disclosure Bill Heads to President’s Desk by Megan Wilson and Jorge Uquillas for Bloomberg Government
National: Mueller Fuels Foreign Lobbying Crackdown by Morgan Chalfant and Alex Gangitano for The Hill
Alabama: Ethics Revision Commission Could Give Legislators Multiple Choices by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Missouri: Will ‘Clean Missouri’ Slow the Revolving Door That Turns Lawmakers into Lobbyists? By Hunter Woodall for Kansas City Star
Missouri: State Seeks Dismissal of Lobbyist Gift Ban Lawsuit by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
December 21, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2018
Federal: Lawmakers Push Review of New Member Events After Complaints Over Lobbyists at Harvard Orientation Washington Post – Jeff Stein | Published: 12/14/2018 Harvard invited lobbyists to speak at its orientation program for incoming members of Congress and paid for […]
Federal:
Lawmakers Push Review of New Member Events After Complaints Over Lobbyists at Harvard Orientation
Washington Post – Jeff Stein | Published: 12/14/2018
Harvard invited lobbyists to speak at its orientation program for incoming members of Congress and paid for travel and board for the newly elected members of the House to attend. Under House rules, that arrangement would typically be subject to an extensive review by the ethics committee before members could be cleared to attend. But Harvard’s program was not for sitting members of Congress, it was for members to-be, who will not be sworn in until January. Lawmakers say they are planning to review House ethics rules for incoming members, bringing new scrutiny to Harvard’s decades-long orientation program, as well as a broader review of how lobbyists reach incoming freshman lawmakers.
Targets of U.S. Sanctions Hire Lobbyists with Trump Ties to Seek Relief
MSN – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 12/11/2018
As the Trump administration has increasingly turned to sanctions, travel restrictions, and tariffs to punish foreign governments as well as people and companies from abroad, targets of those measures have turned for assistance to K Street’s corridor of law, lobbying, and public relations firms. The work can carry reputational and legal risks, since clients often come with toxic baggage and the U.S. Treasury Department restricts transactions with entities under sanctions. As a result, it commands some of the biggest fees of any sector in the influence industry. And some of the biggest payments have been going to lobbyists, lawyers, and consultants with connections to Trump or his administration.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona: Bennett Loses Court Bid to Get Public Financing for Gubernatorial Campaign
Arizona Capitol Times – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Srevices) | Published: 12/14/2018
A judge rejected the latest bid by Ken Bennett to get public financing for his failed gubernatorial bid in Arizona, or at least reimburse himself for the money he spent. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Teresa Sanders acknowledged Bennett said he did have enough valid signatures on five-dollar donation forms to qualify for $839,704 which was available for candidates in the Republican primary for governor earlier this year. Bennett said he fell short only because some county election officials incorrectly classified some of them as invalid. But Sanders said there is nothing in Arizona law that provides an opportunity for a candidate to “rehabilitate” previously disqualified contribution slips.
Florida: ‘He Got Screwed’: Gillum absent from indictment after DeSantis bashed him as corrupt
Politico – Marc Caputo | Published: 12/12/2018
City Commissioner Scott Maddox and political consultant Janice Paige Carter-Smith were indicted on bribery and other charges in the first results to emerge from a years-long investigation into corruption in Tallahassee. Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order suspending Maddox from the commission. Maddox had served as mayor, while Carter-Smith was his chief of staff and business partner. The indictment alleges they conspired to run two companies as one, known as Governance, in a far-reaching racketeering scheme. It did not name Andrew Gillum, who was Tallahassee’s mayor at the time and was accused on the gubernatorial campaign trail this year of being tied to the suspected wrongdoing the FBI was investigating.
Kansas: Kansas Lawmakers Can Quickly Become Lobbyists, but Many States Make Them Wait
Wichita Eagle – Jonathan Shorman | Published: 12/20/2018
Kansas has no law stopping legislators from immediately becoming a lobbyist after they leave office, unlike the majority of states. At least 38 states have some kind of waiting period for lawmakers who want to become lobbyists. Supporters of the waiting periods say they are needed to stop lawmakers from being influenced by potential future employers while they are in the Legislature. Others question their usefulness. U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins’ move to set up a lobbying firm while still in Congress drew attention to Kansas’ lack of a waiting period. While Jenkins is a federal lawmaker, her new firm plans to lobby at both the state and federal level. Federal rules require Jenkins to wait a year before lobbying at the federal level.
New Hampshire: Sununu, Inner Circle Received Thousands from Lobbyist-Funded Nonprofit
Manchester Union Leader – Todd Feathers | Published: 12/15/2018
Lobbying firms and corporations donated to New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s inaugural party committee, helping raise $450,000. But when all the festivities were finished, there was still money left over in the accounts of The Sununu Inaugural Celebration Inc., a 501c(4) organization set up to pay for the parties. And most of the surplus funds have since been paid out to Sununu, his immediate family, and his closest advisers. The transactions create the appearance of conflicts-of-interest and improper profiteering, tax attorneys and ethics experts say, and raise a number of legal questions. The explanations for the payments are vague. Reports filed with the secretary of state’s office simply state the purposes as “expenses” or “travel.”
New Jersey: GoFundMe Violates Election Law, but Candidates Keep Using It
Bergen Record – Nicholas Katzban | Published: 12/17/2018
In a race for seats on the Rutherford school board, Kevin Wilson and Hesham Mahmoud challenged three incumbents in November’s election. The two received $375 in contributions through GoFundMe, which they reported to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). But no matter the amount, the commission said use of the site for political fundraising is prohibited due to the difficulty in tracing the source of the donations. GoFundMe’s compliance director, Stephanie Olivo, said ELEC’s policy on crowdfunding is guided by an advisory opinion issued in 2001. The statement does not address crowdfunding sites, specifically, but does outline the services that must be available through an online vendor, that would ensure each transaction complies with election law.
New York: JCOPE’s New Regs Constrained by Settlement
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/19/2018
A settlement was reached in a lawsuit challenging the Joint Commission on Public Ethics’ (JCOPE) new regulations on lobbying. Under the terms of the agreement, the 92 pages of rules are defined simply as a “statement” for how the agency plans to administer and enforce state lobbying law. New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood’s office agreed the regulations will not in and of themselves have the force and effect of law. That makes the guidelines different from some regulations traditionally created by state agencies, violations of which can on their own be the basis for penalties. But JCOPE Executive Director Seth Agata argued that, in practical terms, the settlement would have virtually no effect, and the agency still planned to vigorously enforce the regulations as planned.
North Carolina: Secrecy Provision in Elections Board Bill Prompted Cooper Veto
WRAL – Matthew Burns | Published: 12/18/2018
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he will veto legislation that again overhauls the state elections board because it also would make investigations of potential campaign finance violations confidential. The bill comes amid an investigation by the State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement into suspicious absentee voting in the Ninth Congressional District, and Cooper said lawmakers should be more concerned about building public confidence in elections than in protecting politicians who bend the rules. House Bill 1029 also would place a four-year statute of limitations on investigations, with the clock starting once the board knows, or should have known, about a violation of the state’s campaign finance rules.
North Dakota: Wary of New Ethics Rules, North Dakota Lobbyists Rethink Plans for Legislator Receptions
Bismarck Tribune – John Hageman | Published: 12/13/2018
Some lobbying groups are rethinking plans to hold events with state lawmakers after North Dakota voters passed a ballot measure establishing new ethics rules in the state constitution. Industry group leaders cited language in Measure 1 that prevents lobbyists from giving gifts to public officials. Although that provision is not effective for two years and includes exceptions for educational and social settings meant to “advance opportunities for North Dakota residents to meet with public officials,” lobbyists said they were taking a conservative approach to the new rules.
Oklahoma: State Rule Would Disclose Hidden Backers of Groups Trying to Affect Legislation
Oklahoma Watch – Paul Monies | Published: 12/17/2018
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is proposing to close a gap in law that keeps certain funding and spending on efforts to influence legislation a secret. Although sources and amounts of money are typically required to be disclosed when groups seek to influence an election involving candidates or state ballot questions, little must be revealed when a group tries to push or oppose legislation. The proposed rule would mandate certain disclosures for groups that pay for communications about pending bills. Commission Executive Director Ashley Kemp said the proposal just adds another category for what is called “indirect lobbying” at the Legislature.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Ethics Commission Fines Workers Comp Law Firm’s Lobbying Wings for Late Disclosure of Influence Peddling
Allentown Morning Call – Steve Esack | Published: 12/7/2018
A pair of lobbying groups connected to the law firm Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano violated Pennsylvania’s lobbying law and were fined. If at least $2,500 is spent to lobby legislation, the lobbyists involved are given 10 days to register and must file quarterly expenditure reports. The State Ethics Commission determined PA Works Now and Citizens to Protect Our Pennsylvania failed to register and did not report $115,800 spent on professional lobbyists, online posts, billboards, and flyers aimed at defeating two Workers’ Compensation bills. PA Works Now did not register its lobbying activities until 388 days after it started. PA Works Now must pay a fine of $13,580 and Citizens to Protect Our Pennsylvania was fined $15,500.
South Carolina: SC Lawmaker Benefiting from Law Change That Opened Top State Agency Slot for Him
Charleston Post and Courier – Jamie Lovegrove | Published: 12/10/2018
As South Carolina lawmakers considered reauthorizing the state’s land preservation agency this year, they proposed restricting legislators from taking over the department for one year after leaving office. But in the final version of the bill, the one-year waiting period for the Conservation Bank was removed. Now, just a few months after the bill passed, a lawmaker who has supported the agency for years stands to benefit from that last-minute change. State Rep. Mike Pitts, who oversaw the agency’s budget and headed the House ethics committee, announced he is retiring to take over the Conservation Bank.
Vermont: As Ethics Panel Director Steps Down, Differing Explanations Are Offered
VTDigger.org – Mark Johnson | Published: 12/14/2018
Vermont Ethics Commission Executive Director Brian Leven has resigned but he and the panel’s chairperson have offered different reasons why the separation occurred. Leven said he believed the commission exceeded its authority in an advisory opinion involving Gov. Phil Scott issued earlier this year. After taking the executive director job last December, he said he resigned because he and the commission were at odds over what powers the Legislature intended to give the board. Commission Chairperson Madeline Motta said the panel and Leven parted ways because of his “work performance.”
Washington: Facebook, Google to Pay Washington $450,000 to Settle Lawsuits Over Political-Ad Transparency
Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 12/19/2018
Google and Facebook agreed to pay $455,000 for violating Washington’s campaign finance law. Google will pay $217,000 and Facebook will pay $238,000 in response to two lawsuits filed by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson that accused the companies of not obeying the state law requiring them to maintain detailed records about who is paying for online political ads on their platforms. The lawsuits came after the state’s Public Disclosure Commission issued regulations related to a new law and passed an emergency rule that clarified digital ad companies like Google and Facebook are subject to state law requiring them to maintain publicly available information about political ads, just like television stations and other media.
December 20, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Michigan: “Legislation Shielding Non-Profit Political Donors Heads to Snyder” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News Mississippi: “Companies Asked a Mississippi Senator to Refund Donations. They Are Still Waiting.” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times Vermont: “Did Dunne’s […]
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Legislation Shielding Non-Profit Political Donors Heads to Snyder” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News
Mississippi: “Companies Asked a Mississippi Senator to Refund Donations. They Are Still Waiting.” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Vermont: “Did Dunne’s Double Donations Violate Vermont Campaign Rules?” by Colin Meyn for VTDigger.org
Washington: “Facebook, Google to Pay Washington $450,000 to Settle Lawsuits Over Political-Ad Transparency” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
Elections
New York: “Why Deep Blue New York Is ‘Voter Suppression Land’” by Vivian Wang for New York Times
Ethics
National: “Blaming the Deep State: Officials accused of wrongdoing adopt Trump’s response” by Julian Barnes, Adam Goldman, and Charlie Savage for New York Times
National: “Former Rep. Steve Stockman’s Staffer Sentenced in Fraud Case” by Katherine Tully-McManus for Roll Call
South Carolina: “SC Lawmaker Benefiting from Law Change That Opened Top State Agency Slot for Him” by Jamie Lovegrove for Charleston Post and Courier
December 19, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Bennett Loses Court Bid to Get Public Financing for Gubernatorial Campaign” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Srevices) for Arizona Capitol Times New Jersey: “GoFundMe Violates Election Law, but Candidates Keep Using It” by Nicholas Katzban for Bergen […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Bennett Loses Court Bid to Get Public Financing for Gubernatorial Campaign” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Srevices) for Arizona Capitol Times
New Jersey: “GoFundMe Violates Election Law, but Candidates Keep Using It” by Nicholas Katzban for Bergen Record
North Carolina: “Secrecy Provision in Elections Board Bill Prompted Cooper Veto” by Matthew Burns for WRAL
Elections
Arizona: “Arizona Governor Taps Martha McSally to Fill Senate Seat Once Held by McCain” by Sean Sullivan (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Trump Agrees to Shut Down His Charity Amid Allegations That He Used It for Personal and Political Benefit” by David Fahrenthold (New York Times) for MSN
National: “Judge Postpones Sentencing of Michael Flynn After Harshly Rebuking Him” by Sharon LaFraniere and Adam Goldman (New York Times) for MSN
Vermont: “As Ethics Panel Director Steps Down, Differing Explanations Are Offered” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Lobbying
National: “Lawmakers Push Review of New Member Events After Complaints Over Lobbyists at Harvard Orientation” by Jeff Stein for Washington Post
Florida: “Savvy Businessman or Sloppy Lobbyist? Ex-City Attorney’s Job-Shopping Tactics Questioned” by Sarah Blaskey and Joey Flechas for Miami Herald
Massachusetts: “Baker Returns Most of Lobbyist’s Donation for Inauguration” by Matt Stout for Boston Globe
Oklahoma: “State Rule Would Disclose Hidden Backers of Groups Trying to Affect Legislation” by Paul Monies for Oklahoma Watch
December 18, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Trump Inaugural Fund and Super PAC Said to Be Scrutinized for Illegal Foreign Donations” by Sharon LaFraniere, Maggie Haberman, and Adam Goldman (New York Times) for MSN Elections National: “New Report on Russian Disinformation, Prepared for the […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Trump Inaugural Fund and Super PAC Said to Be Scrutinized for Illegal Foreign Donations” by Sharon LaFraniere, Maggie Haberman, and Adam Goldman (New York Times) for MSN
Elections
National: “New Report on Russian Disinformation, Prepared for the Senate, Shows the Operation’s Scale and Sweep” by Craig Timberg and Tony Room (Washington Post) for San Jose Mercury News
Ethics
National: “Ryan Zinke’s Legal Troubles Are Far from Over” by Julie Turkewitz (New York Times) for MSN
Florida: “Ex-City Manager Rick Fernandez Agrees to Fines in Ethics Case” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Legislative Issues
Wisconsin: “Scott Walker Signs Lame-Duck Legislation Without Vetoes Curbing His Democratic Successor’s Power” by Patrick Marley and Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for USA Today
Lobbying
National: “Flynn Business Associates Charged with Illegally Lobbying for Turkish Government” by Caitlin Oprysko for Politico
Florida: “FDLE Investigation Finds Brevard School Officials Manipulated Process for Hiring Lobbying Firm” by Caroline Green for Florida Today
New Hampshire: “Sununu, Inner Circle Received Thousands from Lobbyist-Funded Nonprofit” by Todd Feathers for Manchester Union Leader
North Dakota: “Wary of New Ethics Rules, North Dakota Lobbyists Rethink Plans for Legislator Receptions” by John Hageman for Bismarck Tribune
December 17, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: Michael Cohen Sentenced to 3 Years After Implicating Trump in Hush-Money Scandal by Benjamin Weiser and William Rashbaum (New York Times) for MSN National: A ‘Loud Gong’: National Enquirer’s surprise deal could imperil Trump by Darren Samuelsohn […]
Campaign Finance
National: Michael Cohen Sentenced to 3 Years After Implicating Trump in Hush-Money Scandal by Benjamin Weiser and William Rashbaum (New York Times) for MSN
National: A ‘Loud Gong’: National Enquirer’s surprise deal could imperil Trump by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
Elections
North Carolina: Latest Plan to Overhaul Elections Board Heads to Cooper by Laura Leslie and Matthew Burns for WRAL
Ethics
National: Russian Maria Butina Pleads Guilty in Case to Forge Kremlin Bond with U.S. Conservatives by Spencer Hsu and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: ‘He Got Screwed’: Gillum absent from indictment after DeSantis bashed him as corrupt by Marc Caputo for Politico
Lobbying
National: Targets of U.S. Sanctions Hire Lobbyists with Trump Ties to Seek Relief by Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for MSN
Massachusetts: After Vow to Cap Inauguration Cash, Baker Took Lobbyist Donation by Matt Stout for Boston Globe
New York: Lawsuit Could Derail NY’s Pricey Lobbying Filing System by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Ethics Commission Fines Workers Comp Law Firm’s Lobbying Wings for Late Disclosure of Influence Peddling by Steve Esack for Allentown Morning Call
December 12, 2018 •
FEC to Consider Whether Mining Cryptocurrencies Is Contribution
On December 13, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) may consider whether allowing an individual volunteering to allow the processing power of his or her internet-enabled device to mine cryptocurrencies for the benefit a political committee would be considered a political […]
On December 13, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) may consider whether allowing an individual volunteering to allow the processing power of his or her internet-enabled device to mine cryptocurrencies for the benefit a political committee would be considered a political contribution.
An advisory opinion request asks the FEC if a federal political committee could allow its individual supporters to volunteer the processing power of their internet-enabled devices to pool the processing power of these devices, which results in the mining of a “block.”
Mining allows transactions between users to be authenticated and generates a new cryptocurrency unit for the miner as a reward for creating the “block” and pays the miner a transaction fee. Creating blocks requires enormous amounts of computing power and can take years to generate a valid “block” by a single miner.
The FEC may consider Draft Advisory Opinion 2018-13 (Draft A) at its open meeting December 13, or hold it over for a future date.
December 10, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Democratic, GOP Super PACs Quadruple Fundraising as Big-Money Groups’ Influence Grows” by Maggie Severns for Politico Elections North Carolina: “Harris Campaign Owes $34K, in Part for Disputed Bladen Absentee Effort” by Travis Fain for WRAL Ethics National: […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Democratic, GOP Super PACs Quadruple Fundraising as Big-Money Groups’ Influence Grows” by Maggie Severns for Politico
Elections
North Carolina: “Harris Campaign Owes $34K, in Part for Disputed Bladen Absentee Effort” by Travis Fain for WRAL
Ethics
National: “Billionaire GOP Donor Gave Scott Pruitt $50,000 for Legal Expenses” by Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
New York: “Commission Recommends Pay Increases and Ethics Reforms for State Legislators” by Ben Brachfeld for Gotham Gazette
Lobbying
Kansas: “Lynn Jenkins Sets Up Lobbying Business — But She’s Still a Kansas Congresswoman” by Jonathan Shorman (Wichita Eagle) and Bryan Lowry for McClatchy DC
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Quits in Last Moment Before Lobbying Limit” by David Lieb (Associated Press) for Columbia Missourian
Procurement
Tennessee: “Nashville Mayor David Briley Taps Former Judge as First-Ever Chief Compliance Officer” by Joey Garrison for The Tennessean
December 7, 2018 •
Portland Mayor Enacts Voter Approved Campaign Finance Measure
Mayor Ted Wheeler submitted to City Council a proclamation stating the recently passed campaign finance ballot measure is enacted and in effect. The Honest Elections City of Portland Charter Amendment prohibits corporate contributions and limits contributions from individuals and committees […]
Mayor Ted Wheeler submitted to City Council a proclamation stating the recently passed campaign finance ballot measure is enacted and in effect.
The Honest Elections City of Portland Charter Amendment prohibits corporate contributions and limits contributions from individuals and committees to $500 per election cycle.
The measure also caps independent expenditures and is likely to face legal challenge.
City Council is expected to submit the measure to the local circuit court for validation early next year.
In 1997, the Oregon Supreme Court struck down statewide campaign finance limits as a violation of free speech protection outlined by the Oregon Constitution.
December 6, 2018 •
Arizona Judge Rules Campaign Finance Laws Unconstitutional
In a ruling this week, the Maricopa County Superior Court restored expanded oversight to the Citizens Clean Election Commission and deemed parts of the 2016 campaign finance law unconstitutional. The court found that power to investigate campaign finance violations and […]
In a ruling this week, the Maricopa County Superior Court restored expanded oversight to the Citizens Clean Election Commission and deemed parts of the 2016 campaign finance law unconstitutional.
The court found that power to investigate campaign finance violations and act as the filing officer was illegally stripped from the Commission created by voters in 1998.
Additionally, the 2016 law created provisions allowing unlimited spending on legal fees, accounting and other types of support for candidates and political committees without being counted toward contribution limits.
Judge David J. Palmer ruled the above provisions violate the Voter Protection Act, a voter-approved constitutional provision banning lawmakers from significantly altering voter-enacted laws.
An appeal is expected from the defendants who include the Arizona Secretary of State. It is unclear how campaign finance filing and enforcement will be immediately affected.
December 6, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Watchdog Group: Ducey re-election PAC received illegal $500,000 contribution” by Maria Polletta for Arizona Republic Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law on Union Donations Appealed to U.S. Supreme Court” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive.com Washington D.C.: “D.C. Council […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Watchdog Group: Ducey re-election PAC received illegal $500,000 contribution” by Maria Polletta for Arizona Republic
Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law on Union Donations Appealed to U.S. Supreme Court” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive.com
Washington D.C.: “D.C. Council Approves Sweeping Changes to Campaign Finance, Bans ‘Pay to Play’” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “Flynn Was Key Cooperator and Deserves Little Prison Time, Mueller Team Says” by Adam Goldman and Eileen Sullivan (New York Times) for WRAL
New Mexico: “Legislator Says Harassment Claim Dismissal Vindicates Him” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
New York: “NYC Board of Elections Boss Didn’t Properly Report Lavish Trips Funded by Voting Machine Company” by Denis Slattery for New York Daily News
Texas: “Some Republicans Want to Oust a Muslim Doctor from His GOP Leadership Role – Because He’s Muslim” by Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) for San Jose Mercury News
West Virginia: “He Is West Virginia’s Speaker of the House – and a Lawyer for Natural Gas Companies” by Ken Ward Jr. and Kate Mishkin (Charleston Gazette-Mail) for ProPublica
Legislative Issues
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Republicans Pass Lame-Duck Bill to Curb Powers of Incoming Governor, Attorney General” by Jessie Opoien for Madsion.com
Lobbying
National: “Prosecutors Ramp Up Foreign Lobbying Probe In New York” by Eric Tucker, Desmond Butler, and Chad Day (Associated Press) for TPM
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers Resign Ahead of New Lobbyist Limits” by David Lieb (Associated Press) for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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