National:

Tough Choices, and Criticism, for Emily’s List as Democratic Women Flood Primaries
New York Times – Sheryl Gay Stolberg | Published: 5/4/2018

Crowded Democratic primaries, many involving two or more women, have forced Emily’s List, one of the nation’s most powerful PACs, to make difficult choices that have spawned resentment around the nation. For Democratic women, no endorsement is as sought after or powerful as one conferred by Emily’s List, which functions as the political equivalent of the old-fashioned “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval for voters and potential donors. And Emily’s List has bold ambitions this year; its president, Stephanie Schriock, says her aim is to deliver the House to Democrats. So, its endorsement decisions are drawing scrutiny.

Federal:

EPA Pesticide Settlement Comes Under Scrutiny
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 5/8/2018

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to scale back a pesticide fine on Syngenta has raised eyebrows, highlighting the ethical land mines facing an administration filled with former lobbyist and business executives. Critics noted that Jeff Sands, who was a top EPA agricultural adviser at the time of the settlement, was previously a lobbyist for Syngenta. Sands said he was not involved in the decision to reduce the fine, and there is no evidence he worked on the settlement. Still, ethics experts said Sands’ connection to Syngenta illustrates the difficulties that arise from having so many former lobbyists serving in key positions.

‘I’m Crushing It’: How Michael Cohen, touting his access to President Trump, convinced companies to pay millions
MSN – Michael Kranish, Rosalind Helderman, Carolyn Johnson, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/9/2018

New information shows how Michael Cohen quickly leveraged his role as President Trump’s personal attorney, developing a lucrative sideline as a consultant to companies eager for insight into how to navigate the new administration. The rapid flow of millions of dollars to Cohen shows the rush by corporations – unable to rely on the influence of K Street in dealing with a new, outsider president – to lock in relationships with Trump’s inner circle. Selling access is common in Washington, D.C., but investigators could probe whether Cohen promised specific government actions in exchange for payments, which could cause him legal trouble. If he spent large amounts of time speaking to government officials on behalf of clients, investigators could also explore whether he should have registered as a lobbyist.

Russia’s 2016 Facebook Strategy Exposed in Trove of 3,500 Ads
Bloomberg.com – Anna Edgerton and Sarah Frier | Published: 5/10/2018

Democrats on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee released thousands of copies of Kremlin-linked Facebook advertisements used during the 2016 presidential election, a data dump that provides a greater understanding of a Russian company’s disinformation campaign across social media. The lawmakers released more than 3,500 Facebook ads purchased by the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a Russian firm with ties to the Kremlin. Over 11.4 million American users were exposed to these ads between 2015 and 2017. Special counsel Robert Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian groups earlier this year for engaging in “information warfare” during the election, alleging they had used social media and other sophisticated measures to sow discord in the U.S.

‘Scam PACs’ Rake in Millions Under Guise of Charity
Politico – Maggie Severns and Scott Bland | Published: 5/6/2018

Some new PACs have feel-good names like Cops and Kids Together and Americans for the Cure of Breast Cancer. They have succeeded in raising millions of dollars from small donors in a matter of months, and spent most of it just as quickly, without supporting candidates or making a mark on a policy issue. Their activities show political groups often receive less oversight and get more leeway than charities, even though they have to disclose more details about their donations and spending. The FEC has said it is all but powerless to crack down on these so-called scam PACs.

Trump’s Appointees Pledged Not to Lobby After They Leave. Now They’re lobbying.
ProPublica – Derek Kravitz and Alex Mierjeski | Published: 5/3/2018

Days after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order requiring every political appointee to sign a pledge as a condition of taking office, agreeing not to lobby the agencies they had worked in for five years after they left government service. Nor would they lobby anyone in the White House or appointees across federal agencies for the duration of the administration. But at least eight former Trump officials have found ways around the pledge. ProPublica identified at least 184 people who have left the Trump administration. Of those, at least six former officials are now registered lobbyists and several others work at firms in roles that resemble lobbying in all but name.

From the States and Municipalities:

California: An Urgent Debate for California Republicans: How to get back in the game
New York Times – Adam Nagourney | Published: 5/6/2018

There may be no Republican candidate for governor or U.S. senator on the ballot this November in California. That dispiriting possibility is beginning to sink in for Republicans, against the backdrop of a divisive debate among its candidates and leaders on how the embattled party can become competitive again in a state where Ronald Reagan was elected twice as governor. It is no secret the GOP has been in a decline for 20 years in the state. Its challenges have been aggravated by the election of President Trump, as he has pushed tougher policies on such issues as immigration and the environment, running up against strong and often bipartisan sentiment in California. A field of Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor is struggling against these headwinds as they seek to end a more than 10-year drought and elect a party member to statewide office.

Florida: Fox News Plays Kingmaker in Florida Governor’s Race
Politico – Matt Dixon | Published: 5/8/2018

Florida Republican primary voters are largely unfamiliar with U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis. Fox News is helping to change that. The little-known Republican, a vigorous defender of President Trump, is building a campaign around the president’s endorsement and a seemingly endless series of appearances on a news network favored by conservatives, an approach that has taken him from an asterisk in the polls to a top contender for the governorship in the nation’s largest swing state. TV Eyes, a television monitoring service, estimates those appearances equate to $7.1 million in what it calls “national publicity value” – a number that is likely smaller since the value only applies to Florida-specific exposure, but still represents a significant amount.

Hawaii: Why No One Wants to Blow the Whistle on Sexual Misconduct
Honolulu Civil Beat – Anita Hofschneider | Published: 5/3/2018

The recent resignation of a top Hawaii lawmaker who admitted to repeated sexual harassment only scratches the surface of a much deeper problem at the State Capitol, where the local tendency to “no talk stink” is compounded by fear of retaliation from people in power. The result – according to more than a dozen current and former lobbyists, staffers, and lawmakers – is a pervasive culture of silence around issues of sexual harassment. The difficulty speaking up is compounded by policies that discourage victims from filing complaints. Lawmakers are not planning to change these policies until at least next year, citing the need to do more research about the best way to improve them.

Missouri: County Council to Ask Voters to Restrict Campaign Donations
St. Louis Public Radio – Jo Mannies | Published: 5/9/2018

The St. Louis County Council approved a proposal to ask county voters on August 7 to set a $2,600 contribution limit for any county office and restrict contributions from entities bidding on county contracts. The ballot measure was aimed at county Executive Steve Stenger, who has repeatedly faced accusations during his term that donors to his campaign get favorable treatment by his administration. The ballot proposal also would restrict donations when the council is considering contracts.

Missouri: Missouri Lawmakers Agree to Call Special Session to Consider Greitens’ Impeachment
Kansas City Star – Allison Kirte, Jason Hancock, and Bryan Lowry | Published: 5/3/2018

The Missouri General Assembly has taken the historic step of calling itself back into special session to decide whether to impeach Gov. Eric Greitens. The announcement comes as Greitens faces widespread calls to step down amid criminal charges. The governor faces a trial on a felony invasion-of-privacy charge for allegedly taking an unauthorized, nude photograph of a blindfolded woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. Greitens was also charged with computer tampering stemming from allegations he used a veterans’ charity donor list to raise funds for his 2016 campaign for governor without the permission of the group, which he founded. The special session is set to begin on May 18, just days after the start of the governor’s criminal trial, and will last no more than 30 days.

New York: Eric Schneiderman, Accused by 4 Women, Quits as New York Attorney General
MSN – Danny Hakim and Vivian Wang (New York Times) | Published: 5/7/2018

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned, stepping down hours after it was reported that four women accused him of physically assaulting them. The women said Schneiderman choked and repeatedly slapped them. Two of the women, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, described patterns of emotional as well as physical abuse. Selvaratnam said Schneiderman warned her he could have her followed and her phones tapped. Both women said he threatened to kill them if they ended their relationships with him. Schneiderman denied abusing the women. For several years, his office has published a “Know Your Rights” brochure for victims of domestic violence.

New York: Furthering Split from Cuomo, Senate Passes Reform Bills
Gotham Gazette – Samar Khurshid | Published: 5/10/2018

The Republican-controlled New York Senate passed an extensive package of reforms, including bills that would increase oversight over state-funded economic development programs, prevent conflicts-of-interest, and improve transparency. In a rare gesture of bipartisanship, Senate Democrats volunteered to move many of the long-stalled bills from the Rules Committee to the floor. Taking aim at the governor’s office, one of the bills would prohibit executive agency appointees and members of their households from making campaign contributions to, or soliciting them for, the same executive who appointed them. Several of the bills have companion legislation in the Assembly and some have even been approved by that chamber. But it is unclear how the Assembly will vote on the entire package.

Ohio: Ohio Votes to Reform Congressional Redistricting; Issue 1 Could End Gerrymandering
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Rich Exner | Published: 5/8/2018

Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that will reform the state’s redistricting process. The measure asked voters whether they wanted to amend the state constitution to require bipartisan support when drawing new congressional district lines. Any new maps would require three-fifths support in the state House and Senate, including support from at least half the members of the minority party. If Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature cannot agree on a map, a bipartisan commission would be assigned to draw new maps. Those maps would have to be approved with at least two votes from the minority party. If the bipartisan commission fails, the Legislature would be allowed to try to draw maps that earn support from one-third of the minority party or a four-year map with only majority support.

Oklahoma: Pruitt’s Coziness with Lobbyists Includes Secretly Buying a House with One
MSN – Hiroko Tabuchi and Steve Eder (New York Times) | Published: 5/3/2018

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt once purchased a house from a top lobbyist in Oklahoma with the help of a shell company. Two business associates involved in the 2003 purchase are now aides to Pruitt at the EPA: Kenneth Wagner is a senior adviser, and Albert Kelly runs the agency’s effort to redesign the Superfund program. According to The New York Times, the home, which was seen as a prime property because of its proximity to the Capitol, was purchased for $375,000 from a retiring telecommunications lobbyist. But that price was $100,000 less than the lobbyist, Marsha Lindsey, had paid for it just a year before. The shortfall was picked up by Lindsey’s company, SBC Oklahoma.

The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 9, 2018. Lawmakers took no action on a bill affecting campaign finance and elections.

House Bill 5526 would have modified registration requirements for political committees, expanded independent expenditure disclosure requirements, prohibited independent expenditures by foreign-influenced entities, and required online platforms to disclose purchasers of political advertisements.

Employer and lobbyist reports are due on the 10th day of the following month when the General Assembly is in regular session.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed 14 bills into law on May 8.

Of particular interest, Dayton approved Senate File 3306, a bill clarifying campaign finance definitions and making several miscellaneous campaign finance modifications.

The bill will be effective June 1, 2018.

Campaign Finance

National: “Romney’s Old Campaign Sitting on Illegal Campaign Dollars” by Ken Doyle for Bloomberg Government

Missouri: “County Council to Ask Voters to Restrict Campaign Donations” by Jo Mannies for St. Louis Public Radio

Elections

National: “Blankenship Loses West Virginia Primary; Cordray Defeats Kucinich in Ohio” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times

National: “‘People Are Afraid of Retribution’: Hunter clan fights for survival” by Rachael Bade for Politico

Florida: “Fox News Plays Kingmaker in Florida Governor’s Race” by Matt Dixon for Politico

Ethics

National: “Firm Tied to Russian Oligarch Made Payments to Michael Cohen” by Mike McIntire, Ben Protess, and Jim Rutenberg (New York Times) for MSN

New Mexico: “Rep. Trujillo Faces Investigation, New Calls to Resign” by Dan Boyd and Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal

Pennsylvania: “Report: Wolf deputy being investigated for possible Ethics Act violation” by Charles Thompson for PennLive.com

Campaign Finance

National: “Tough Choices, and Criticism, for Emily’s List as Democratic Women Flood Primaries” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times

Elections

Virginia: “Virginia State Senator Walks Back Offer of Capitol Access in Exchange for Donation” by Patrick Wilson (Richmond Times-Dispatch) for Roanoke Times

Ethics

National: “Chao’s Interviews with Father Raise Ethical Flags” by Tanya Snider for Politico

Florida: “FBI Got Tax Records Last Year for Maddox-Related Firms” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat

Missouri: “Activists Aim to Put Slate of Progressive Initiatives on Missouri Voters’ Ballots” by Allison Kite for Kansas City Star

New York: “Eric Schneiderman, Accused by 4 Women, Quits as New York Attorney General” by Danny Hakim and Vivian Wang (New York Times) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Few Retiring Lawmakers Disclose Plans to Lobby” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

National: “EPA Pesticide Settlement Comes Under Scrutiny” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Campaign Finance

National: “‘Scam PACs’ Rake in Millions Under Guise of Charity” by Maggie Severns and Scott Bland for Politico

Elections

California: “An Urgent Debate for California Republicans: How to get back in the game” by Adam Nagourney for New York Times

Ethics

National: “Trump Is Said to Have Known of Payment to Stormy Daniels Months Before He Denied It” by Michael Shear, Maggie Haberman, Jim Rutenberg, and Matt Apuzzo (New York Times) for MSN

National: “Influential GOP Donors and Lobbyists Played Key Roles in Scott Pruitt’s Foreign Travel” by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Delaware: “Wilmington Ethics Commission Keeps Opinions Confidential” by Christina Jedra for Wilmington News Journal

Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers Agree to Call Special Session to Consider Greitens’ Impeachment” by Allison Kirte, Jason Hancock, and Bryan Lowry for Kansas City Star

Washington D.C.: “Ethics Officials Examine D.C. Lawmaker’s Business Ties to Digital Sign Company” by Peter Jamison and Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

Lobbying

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Legislators Reject Ethical Rules Restricting When They Can Become Lobbyists” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Campaign Finance

Missouri: Greitens Lied to State Ethics Commission, Took Charity Donor List, Report Says by Jack Suntrup and Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Elections

Wisconsin: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Is Sending 671,000 Families an Election-Year Check. Democrats Call It Bribery by Jeff Stein (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Ethics

Hawaii: Why No One Wants to Blow the Whistle on Sexual Misconduct by Anita Hofschneider for Honolulu Civil Beat

Pennsylvania: Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski Co-Defendant Jim Hickey Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

South Carolina: Bills Target Corrupt SC Lawmakers, Lobbyists Who Use Their Posts for Profit by John Monk for The State

Lobbying

National: Trump’s Appointees Pledged Not to Lobby After They Leave. Now They’re Lobbying. By Derek Kravitz and Alex Mierjeski for ProPublica

California: Union, Lawyers Spar Over Wildfire ‘Shadow lobbying’ at California Capitol by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Oklahoma: Pruitt’s Coziness with Lobbyists Includes Secretly Buying a House with One by Hiroko Tabuchi and Steve Eder for New York Times

The 2018 session of the Hawaii State Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, May 3.

Senate Bill 2154 passed and was transmitted to the governor upon adjournment. If Gov. Ige signs the bill, noncandidate committees will no longer be required to include contributor information on their campaign finance organizational reports.

The Legislature will reconvene in regular session at 10 a.m. on January 16, 2019.

National:

Crimes Are No Longer a Disqualification for Republican Candidates
San Francisco Chronicle – Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2018

Criminal convictions, once seen as career-enders, are no longer disqualifying in the world of Republican politics. In the era of President Trump, even time spent in prison can be turned into a positive talking point, demonstrating a candidate’s battle scars in a broader fight against what he perceives as liberal corruption. Trump has attacked some branches of law enforcement, especially those pursuing white-collar malfeasance, as his allies and former campaign officials are ensnared in various investigations. Following his lead, Republican Senate candidates with criminal convictions in West Virginia and Arizona have cast themselves as victims of the Obama administration’s legal overreach.

Federal:

Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez Is ‘Severely Admonished’ by Ethics Committee, Ordered to Repay Gifts
Chicago Tribune – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 4/26/2018

The Senate Ethics Committee “severely admonished” U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez for accepting gifts from a wealthy physician while using his position as a senator to promote the doctor’s personal and financial interests. It also ordered Menendez to repay the market value of all improper gifts he has not already repaid. The admonition stems from the same actions for which Menendez was indicted. His trial ended with a deadlocked jury and the federal government decided not to retry Menendez. In its letter of admonition, the Ethics Committee acknowledged the lack of a conviction at trial, but wrote, “The criminal system … neither enforces nor supplants the Senate’s rules or standards of conduct ….”

Giuliani: Trump repaid attorney Cohen for Stormy Daniels settlement
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Robert Costa, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/2/2018

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said President Trump reimbursed his personal attorney Michael Cohen the $130,000 paid to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about their alleged affair before the 2016 election. The comments by Giuliani, who recently joined Trump’s legal team, contradicted a previous statement by the president, who has said he did not know about the payment. Giuliani said Trump had repaid Cohen over a series of months, and the repayments were to ensure there was no campaign finance violation. Giuliani’s comments are also in direct contrast to what Cohen has been saying for months – that he used his own money to pay Daniels.

Lobbyist Helped Broker Scott Pruitt’s $100,000 Trip to Morocco
Los Angeles Times – Kevin Sullivan, Juliet Eilperin, and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2018

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is facing new criticism after it was revealed his controversial trip to Morocco was partially arranged by a lobbyist and cost $100,000, more than double what was previously reported. Richard Smotkin, a former Comcast lobbyist who is a longtime friend of Pruitt, accompanied him on the trip and served as a liaison. Smotkin’s role in the trip is unusual and could pose more problems for Pruitt since federal laws prohibit public officials from using government resources to financially benefit friends or relatives. Months after the visit, Smotkin registered as a foreign agent representing the Moroccan government after taking a contract with the country.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas: Wilkins, Former Arkansas Legislator, Pleads Guilty to Bribery
Arkansas Business – Jan Cottingham | Published: 4/30/2018

Former Arkansas lawmaker Henry Wilkins pleaded guilty to accepting over $80,000 in bribes. Wilkins admitted that from 2010 to 2014, he accepted bribes from lobbyists and non-profit organizations. In exchange for the cash, Wilkins said he fixed shell bills, sponsored full bills, and voted for legislation. About $245,000 from Arkansas’ General Improvement funds were steered towards entities that funneled bribes to Wilkins through his church, where he served as pastor, the Justice Department said.

District of Columbia: Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories Roil DC City Government
Associated Press – Ashraf Khalili | Published: 5/2/2018

A spiraling controversy over anti-Semitic comments and conspiracy theories has roiled the government in the District of Columbia, seemingly getting worse with every public attempt to ease the tensions. The issue nearly derailed a city council meeting and resulted in the resignation of a city official who organized a disastrous “unity rally” that featured a speaker who called all Jewish people “termites.” Councilperson Trayon White ignited a firestorm by posting a short video on his Facebook page claiming an unexpected snowfall was because of “the Rothschilds controlling the climate to create natural disasters.”

Georgia: Georgia Governor Candidate Aims Gun at Teen in Campaign Ad. ‘Get Over It,’ He Tells Critics.
Chicago Tribune – Samantha Schmidt (Washington Post) | Published: 5/2/2018

A commercial for a Republican candidate in Georgia’s gubernatorial race, which features the politician holding a shotgun while seated next to a teenage boy, is drawing condemnation for what critics see as a casual attitude toward gun violence.  In the ad, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp sits with a double-barrel shotgun, which he appears to be cleaning as he holds it across his lap with the action open. Seated next to Kemp is “Jake,” a young man interested in one of Kemp’s daughter’s. Kemp asks Jake the two keys to dating one of his daughters. “Respect, and a healthy appreciation for the Second Amendment,” Jake responds as Kemp pops the break-action closed with a click.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts Sen. Stan Rosenberg Resigns After Ethics Report Says He Failed to Protect State Senate from His Husband Bryon Hefner
MassLive.com – Gintautas Dumcius and Shira Schoenberg | Published: 5/3/2018

Massachusetts Sen. Stan Rosenberg will resign after a report said he failed to protect the Senate from his husband, Bryon Hefner, who has been accused of sexual misconduct. Rosenberg stepped down as Senate president when the allegations first surfaced. Investigators concluded Rosenberg showed “significant failure of judgment and leadership,” and knew or should have known that his now-estranged husband was “disruptive, volatile and abusive,” and had racially or sexually harassed employees of the Senate. The report did not accuse Rosenberg of breaking any chamber rules, though it did say he violated policy by giving Hefner access to his Senate email account despite a promise to his colleagues he would build a “firewall” between his personal and professional life.

Michigan: Michigan Lawmakers Voted on Bills Even After Admitting Conflicts of Interest
Center for Public Integrity – Kristian Hernandez | Published: 4/24/2018

A Center for Public Integrity analysis found seven Michigan legislators who voted on bills even when they publicly noted their own conflicts-of-interest in the matters. Currently, the penalties for voting when a conflict exists are modest., and seemingly unused. But a new bill introduced this session would make voting on such conflicts-of-interest a felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and as much as four years in prison, which would make Michigan stricter than some states. But some officials say conflicts-of-interest are not a concern to their constituents, and the efforts to regulate them are just a ploy used for political attacks. Other officials and watchdogs say the measure falls short in fixing the transparency and accountability issues.

Minnesota: Allegations Against Minnesota Rep. Rod Hamilton Pose Big Test for New House Sexual Harassment Policy
Minnesota Post – Brianna Bierschbach | Published: 4/27/2018

Within 24 hours of Minnesota lawmakers adopting major changes to the House’s internal sexual harassment policy, that new policy is facing a big test as a woman filed a police report accusing state Rep. Rod Hamilton of sexual assault. Hamilton allegedly invited the woman back to his apartment near the Capitol during a snowstorm and “stroked her hair, traced her ear with his finger, kissed her cheek and held her hands and hugged her.” The woman first met Hamilton through her work advocating for sexual assault victims in Minnesota. Hamilton’s case deals with the question of how the chamber will handle an incident that involves a third party: someone who does not directly work for the House and Senate.

Montana: En Banc 9th Circuit Stays Out of War on Montana Campaign Caps
Coiurthouse News Service – John Parton | Published: 5/2/2018

Montana’s campaign contribution limits will stay in place for the June 5 primary elections after a federal appeals court decided against revisiting the issue. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it would not reconsider its October ruling upholding the contribution limits for state races. The decision is part of a long-running lawsuit over claims that Montana’s limits are so low that they restrict donors’ free-speech rights. The Ninth Circuit ruled he limits prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption.

North Carolina: Steak Dinners, Travel, HOA Fees: How some NC legislators spend campaign donors’ money
Charlotte Observer – Will Doran and Lynn Bonner | Published: 4/25/2018

State campaign finance law allows North Carolina legislators to use donations to pay expenses that come along with being a lawmaker. They can use campaign contributions for housing, travel, and other expenses associated with working as lawmakers and spending part of the week in Raleigh. Spending on suits and other personal items is allowed for legislators who would otherwise have no need for them. Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause North Carolina, said it is up to each state candidate to determine whether spending from campaign accounts on personal items could withstand scrutiny from constituents. Use of campaign funds for living expenses points to the inadequacy of legislator pay, Phillips said.

Oklahoma: Chairman of Oklahoma Ethics Commission Accuses Legislators of Retaliation
The Oklahoman – Nolan Clay | Published: 5/1/2018

Oklahoma Ethics Commission Chairperson John Hawkins accused legislators of retaliating against the agency by illegally cutting its budget. Hawkins said lawmakers took the action because of new restrictions imposed on gift-getting and on becoming a lobbyist after leaving office. The commission is not getting any money next fiscal year from the state’s general revenue fund. Instead it is being required to use $710,351 from a fund made up of fees collected from lobbyists, candidates, political parties, and PACs. The commission is meeting May 11 and may decide to file a legal challenge. It contends the state constitution requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to the agency.

South Carolina: South Carolina Lawmakers Getting Help on Following State Ethics Laws
Charleston Post and Courier – Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) | Published: 4/28/2018

While the House Ethics Committee has issued official opinions since its creation in 1991, the questions have skyrocketed in the last few years as South Carolina legislators sought to avoid their colleagues’ fate in an ongoing probe into statehouse corruption. Auditing by a firm newly hired in 2016 also helps ensure House members are following the ethics laws that many of them helped craft. Ethics Committee Chairperson Mike Pitts insists his efforts have nothing to do with the corruption probe. He said he does want to help legislators clear up mistakes on their campaign disclosure reports “that could be troublesome.”

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.

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “Mary Taylor’s $3 Million Campaign Loan Subject of State Legislator’s Elections Complaint” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Elections

California: “Crimes Are No Longer a Disqualification for Republican Candidates” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for San Francisco Chronicle

Georgia: “Georgia Governor Candidate Aims Gun at Teen in Campaign Ad. ‘Get Over It,’ He Tells Critics.” by Samantha Scxhmidt (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Ethics

National: “Mueller Raised Possibility of Presidential Subpoena in Meeting with Trump’s Legal Team” by Carol Leonnig and Robert Costa (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Maryland: “Maryland Schools Superintendent Rejects Verletta White as Baltimore County Schools Chief, Citing Ethics Lapse” by Liz Bowie and Doug Donovan for Baltimore Sun

Massachusetts: “Rosenberg Cited for ‘Failure of Judgment and Leadership’ in Blistering Ethics Report” by Matt Stout, Joshua Miller, and Yvonne Abraham for Boston Globe

New York: “NY Appeals Court Rejects de Blasio’s Bid to Shield Emails from Disclosure” by Andrew Denney for New York Law Journal

Oklahoma: “Chairman of Oklahoma Ethics Commission Accuses Legislators of Retaliation” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Washington D.C.: “Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories Roil DC City Government” by Ashraf Khalili for Associated Press

Lobbying

National: “Lobbyist Helped Broker Scott Pruitt’s $100,000 Trip to Morocco” by Kevin Sullivan, Juliet Eilperin, and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

England: “Cabinet Office Searches for Lobbying Tsar Who Can ‘Command Respect’” by David Singleton for Public Affairs Now

Missouri: “Lobbyist Gift Ban Legislation Proceeds – with a Twist” by Katie Parkins and Sarah Kellog for Columbian Missourian

Canada: “Trudeau Government Proposes Major Changes to Elections Law” by Aaron Wherry for CBC

Florida: “FEC Plans Crackdown on Zombie Campaigns” by Christopher O’Connell for Tampa Bay Times

California: “Former Lobbyist Gets 4 Months in Prison for Role in Azano Campaign Finance Scandal” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union-Tribune

Ethics

National: “Senate Democrats Question the Role of a Former For-Profit College Lobbyist at the Education Department” by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel (Washington Post) for Seattle Times

National: “Trump-Allied House Conservatives Draft Articles of Impeachment Against Rosenstein as ‘Last Resort’” by Robert Costa, Sari Horwitz, and Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Mueller Has Dozens of Inquiries for Trump in Broad Quest on Russia Ties and Obstruction” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN

Arkansas: “Wilkins, Former Arkansas Legislator, Pleads Guilty to Bribery” by Jan Cottingham for Arkansas Business

Kentucky: “She Advised KY House GOP During Hoover Scandal. Now She’ll Advise the Investigators.” by Daniel Desrochers for Lexington Herald-Leader

Procurement

Missouri: “Auditor: Missouri highway patrol officials with ties to transportation firm steered it business” by Sky Chadde for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Before I can make a political contribution using my own funds, my employer requires that I obtain permission first.  Can my employer legally do this?

Yes, employers may require employees to seek preapproval before making personal political contributions. Not only can your employer require this, it’s smart business to do so. Employers may even require preapproval from family members of employees.

This preapproval requirement has evolved as a result of the increased number of jurisdictions enacting pay-to-play laws. A seemingly innocuous contribution by an employee could result in the loss of government contracts, fines, and a ban on future contracting. Criminal sanctions may apply when repeated violations occur. By requiring pre-approval, your employer can properly vet the contribution for compliance with a jurisdiction’s pay-to-play law, including disclosure requirements.

In a majority of jurisdictions, employees covered by pay-to-play laws include officers, partners, directors, senior management, salespersons, and their spouses and dependent children. In Pennsylvania and Kentucky, all employees are covered in the instance of a no-bid contract.

Requiring preclearance of employee personal political contributions is certainly more preferable than imposing a ban on employee contributions, which could result in a violation of applicable labor laws. Various jurisdictions bar employers from retaliating against employees for engaging in political activities, which can include everything from participating in a political rally to making campaign contributions. Even though an employer can require preapproval, an employer cannot directly or indirectly affect an individual’s employment by means of discrimination or threat of discrimination based on the individual’s personal political contributions.

Don’t miss Nola’s October 2022 LobbyComply Pod episode for more information on this important issue.

Campaign Finance

Canada: “B.C. Closes ‘Loophole’ in Municipal Campaign Finance Laws” by Frances Bula for Globe and Mail

National: “Meet the Little-Known ‘Big Fish’ Megadonor Setting the Tone for GOP Primary Races” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Michael Scherer for Northwest Herald

Pennsylvania: “Contractor’s Political Contribution Returned Due to Lehigh County Pay-to-Play Law” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call

Ethics

National: “With Congress Stalled on Sexual Harassment Legislation, Lawmakers Can Escape Sanctions by Quitting” by Deidre Shesgreen for USA Today

Ohio: “Former Councilman Joe Cimperman Agrees to Plead Guilty to Ethics Charges, Pay Fine” by Corey Shaffer for Cleveland Plain Dealer

South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmakers Getting Help on Following State Ethics Laws” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) for Charleston Post and Courier

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “Allegations Against Minnesota Rep. Rod Hamilton Pose Big Test for New House Sexual Harassment Policy” by Brianna Bierschbach for Minnesota Post

Lobbying

National: “EPA Watchdog Opens Probe of Scott Pruitt’s $50 Condo Rental” by Jennifer Dhouly for Bloomberg.com

Texas: “Committee Fails to Endorse Lobbying Rules Changes” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor

Campaign Finance

National: Did Diamond and Silk Commit Perjury? Or Is Campaign-Finance Language Often Confusing? by Philip Bump for Washington Post

California: Hackers Stole His Campaign Cash, Sacramento Lawmaker Says by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

North Carolina: Steak Dinners, Travel, HOA Fees: How some NC legislators spend campaign donors’ money by Will Doran and Lynn Bonner for Charlotte Observer

Ethics

National: Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez Is ‘Severely Admonished’ by Ethics Committee, Ordered to Repay Gifts by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

Florida: Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie Hid $335,000, Charges Allege by Skyler Swisher and Tonya Alanez for South Florida Sun Sentinel

Michigan: Michigan Lawmakers Voted on Bills Even After Admitting Conflicts of Interest by Kristian Hernandez for Center for Public Integrity

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: Minnesota House Leaders Unveil Major Changes to Sexual Harassment Policy, but Updates Won’t Make Process Any More Open to Public by Brianna Bierschbach for Minnesota Post

Lobbying

National: Democrats See Their Stock Rise on K Street by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Canada: MPs Defend Taking Trips Paid by Lobbyists, Foreign Governments, but Some Say the Practice Needs Review by Samantha Wright Allen for Hill Times