February 13, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Alaska: “Group Picks Alaska to Challenge Unlimited Campaign Donations” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for Bristol Herald-Courier Connecticut: “An Unlikely Rebuke of the General Assembly Over Election Laws” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror Texas: “Anti-Abortion Group Deletes […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Group Picks Alaska to Challenge Unlimited Campaign Donations” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for Bristol Herald-Courier
Connecticut: “An Unlikely Rebuke of the General Assembly Over Election Laws” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror
Texas: “Anti-Abortion Group Deletes State Senator’s Video After Questions of Legality Raised” by Patrick Svitek and Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Ethics
National: “First-Class Travel Distinguishes Scott Pruitt’s EPA Tenure” by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis for Washington Post
National: “#MeToo Movement Lawmaker Investigated for Sexual Misconduct Allegations” by Carla Marinucci for Politico
California: “California Legislative Staff Get Whistleblower Protections” by Kathleen Ronayne (Associated Press) for KPCC
Canada: “Ethics Czar Calls for Tougher Sanctions for Breaking Conflict of Interest Laws” by Beatrice Britnoff for iPolitics.ca
Oregon: “Kruse to Resign after Finding of Groping, Unwanted Touching at Oregon Capitol” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “Former S.C. House Majority Leader Rick Quinn Gets Probation in Misconduct Case” by Andrew Knapp and Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier
Tennessee: “Mayor Megan Barry Affair: Ethics complaint alleges improper influence, prompts new probe” by Dave Boucher and Nate Rau for The Tennessean
Legislative Issues
Colorado: “If You Can Pay $250, Colorado Lawmakers May Let You Skip Security at State Capitol” by John Frank for Denver Post
Lobbying
Florida: “Scott Maddox Never Registered as Waste Pro Lobbyist” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
North Dakota: “Amid Backlash, Gov. Burgum Reimburses Xcel Energy $37,000 for Super Bowl Tickets” by John Hageman for Grand Forks Herald
Oklahoma: “New Lobbying Rule Gets Mixed Review from Lawmakers and Those Who Try to Influence Them” by Barbara Hoberock for Tulsa World
South Carolina: “Utility Watchdog Asks SCANA and Dominion How Much They Are Spending on Lobbying, Advertising” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Pa. GOP Proposes a New Congressional Map. Democrats Say It’s Still Gerrymandered” by Liz Navratil, Jonathan Tamari, and Jonathan Lai for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 12, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Alaska: Group Picks Alaska to Challenge Unlimited Campaign Donations by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for Bristol Herald-Courier Texas: Anti-Abortion Group Deletes State Senator’s Video After Questions of Legality Raised by Patrick Svitek and Jay Root for Texas Tribune Ethics California: California Legislative Staff […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: Group Picks Alaska to Challenge Unlimited Campaign Donations by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for Bristol Herald-Courier
Texas: Anti-Abortion Group Deletes State Senator’s Video After Questions of Legality Raised by Patrick Svitek and Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Ethics
California: California Legislative Staff Get Whistleblower Protections by Kathleen Ronayne (Associated Press) for KPCC
Canada: Ethics Czar Calls for Tougher Sanctions for Breaking Conflict of Interest Laws by Beatrice Britnoff for iPolitics.ca
Legislative Issues
Colorado: If You Can Pay $250, Colorado Lawmakers May Let You Skip Security at State Capitol by John Frank for Denver Post
Lobbying
Florida: Scott Maddox Never Registered as Waste Pro Lobbyist by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
North Dakota: Amid Backlash, Gov. Burgum Reimburses Xcel Energy $37,000 for Super Bowl Tickets by John Hageman for Grand Forks Herald
South Carolina: Utility Watchdog Asks SCANA and Dominion How Much They Are Spending on Lobbying, Advertising by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
February 9, 2018 •
NYCU Video Digest – February 9, 2018
The fastest 2 and half minutes in campaign finance, ethics and lobbying news you’ll see this week!
The fastest 2 and half minutes in campaign finance, ethics and lobbying news you’ll see this week!
February 9, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 9, 2018
Federal: Hero or Hired Gun? How a British Former Spy Became a Flash Point in the Russia Investigation. Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 2/6/2018 Former British spy Christopher Steele wrote memos that came to be […]
Federal:
Hero or Hired Gun? How a British Former Spy Became a Flash Point in the Russia Investigation.
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 2/6/2018
Former British spy Christopher Steele wrote memos that came to be known as the dossier and has become the central point of contention in the political brawl raging around the Russia inquiry by special counsel Robert Mueller. Some consider Steele to be a hero, a latter-day Paul Revere who, at personal risk, tried to provide an early warning about the Kremlin’s unprecedented meddling in a U.S. campaign. Those who distrust him say he is merely a hired gun leading a political attack on President Trump. Steele himself struggled to navigate dual obligations – to his private clients, who were paying him to help Clinton win, and to a sense of public duty born of his previous life.
Trump Picks New Federal Ethics Chief
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 2/7/2018
President Trump nominated a new director for the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), several months after the previous director, Walter Shaub, resigned over frustration with the administration. Trump nominated Emory Rounds, a current associate counsel at the OGE, to head the independent agency. Rounds previously served as an ethics attorney at the Commerce Department and in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Navy.
White House Officials Knew About Porter’s Abuse Allegations and Scrambled to Protect Him
CNN – Kaitlin Collins, Kevin Liptak, and Dan Merica | Published: 2/8/2018
President Trump’s staff secretary, Rob Porter, resigned after his two ex-wives accused him of physical and emotional abuse, with one presenting pictures of her blackened eye. Porter was the gatekeeper to the Oval Office, determining which policy proposals reached the president’s hands and screening the briefing materials his visitors shared with him. Sources said the allegations against Porter had contributed to a delay in granting him a permanent security clearance. Aides had been aware generally of accusations against Porter since late last year, White House advisers said.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Arizona House Expels Yuma Rep. Don Shooter After Sexual-Harassment Findings
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 2/1/2018
The Arizona House voted to expel a Republican lawmaker after a report ordered by legislative leaders of his own party showed he engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment toward women. Rep. Don Shooter is believed to be the first state lawmaker in the U.S. to be voted out of his seat since the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct began in the fall. Shooter was facing censure, House Speaker changed his mind after Shooter sent a letter to his colleagues asking that they delay the vote to consider whether there also are credible charges against Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who was the first to level harassment charges against Shooter.
California – Oakland Asks District Attorney to Investigate Alleged Bribes by Cannabis Lobbyist
East Bay Times – Darwin BondGraham | Published: 2/2/2018
A man who Oakland City Council President Larry Reid says tried to bribe him to help obtain a cannabis dispensary permit also allegedly offered two businessmen assistance in getting a dispensary license in exchange for bags of cash. Developer Dorian Gray tried in January to give Reid an envelope he said had $10,000 in it, Reid said. Gray then approached the city official who oversees Oakland’s cannabis permit office and offered him a free trip to Spain to tour cannabis lounges there. The matter has been referred to the to the Alameda County district attorney’s office. The city’s Public Ethics Commission has opened its own investigation.
District of Columbia – D.C. Council Approves Fair Elections Act
Washington Times – Julia Airey | Published: 2/6/2018
The District of Columbia Council gave final approval to legislation authorizing publicly financed campaigns, clashing with Mayor Muriel Bowser, who vowed she would not fund the program. The voluntary system would allow qualified candidates to receive a base sum that varies by office, with a maximum of $160,000 for the mayoral contest as well as a five-to-one match on small donations. Supporters say the program will open local politics to new candidates, increase the power of small donors, and reduce the influence of wealthy campaign contributors. But critics including Bowser say the program, estimated to cost city taxpayers $5?million a year, will waste precious funds.
Florida – FBI Lays Out Case for Bribery, Mail Fraud in Search Warrant
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 2/5/2018
An FBI search warrant lays out a “pay-to-play” scheme where Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars in payments from clients seeking to do business with the city through his friend and business associate Paige Carter-Smith, owner of the lobbying firm Governance Services. Among the firm’s clients were Uber and FBI undercover agents posing as developers and a medical marijuana entrepreneur. The warrant says Maddox sold Governance Services to Carter-Smith between 2010 and 2012. After the sale, Maddox denied keeping an interest in the company, but continued his control of the firm and profited from its work.
Florida – Tallahassee Commission Adopts Broad New Ethics Rules
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 2/3/2018
The Tallahassee City Commission adopted an ethics reform ordinance that includes a ban on elected or appointed officials soliciting gifts from vendors, lobbyists, or tenants of city property, prohibits elected or appointed officials from accepting any gifts totaling over $100 in any calendar year, and a requires elected officials to file their financial disclosure forms and quarterly gift forms with the city treasurer-clerk. An ethics complaint filed at the same time with any law enforcement agency or the Florida Commission on Ethics will be put on hold until the other agency concludes its investigation.
North Carolina – Lobbyist Charged with Felonies After Investigation of Bail Bonds Advocacy
Raleigh News and Observer – Colin Campbell | Published: 2/7/2018
Raleigh attorney and lobbyist Mark Bibbs was indicted on 10 charges, including obstruction of justice, perjury, and lobbying without registering. Prosecutors said Bibbs lobbied legislators on behalf of a bail bonds company without properly registering and then lied under oath about his actions to the North Carolina secretary of state’s lobbying compliance investigators. Investigators spent months looking into Bibbs’ work in 2016 on behalf of NC Bail Academy, Rockford-Cohen Group, All American Bail Bonds, and Cannon Surety. A complaint about Bibbs’ activities was filed by Robert Brawley, a former state lawmaker who was a partner in the Cannon Surety business.
North Carolina – Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Stanford Professor’s Election Districts for Wake and Mecklenburg
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 2/6/2018
The U.S. Supreme Court partly granted a request from North Carolina Republicans to block a voting map drawn by a federal court. That court had interceded after finding a map drawn by state lawmakers for the General Assembly had relied too heavily on race and had violated state laws. The Supreme Court’s order, which was brief and gave no reasons, partly blocked that decision while the justices consider whether to hear an appeal in the case.
South Carolina – SC Special Prosecutor Wants to Toss Out Quinn’s Guilty Plea If He Won’t Admit Crime
The State – John Monk | Published: 2/5/2018
Special prosecutor David Pascoe said when former South Carolina Rep. Rick Quinn pleaded guilty to misconduct in office in December, he did so without actually admitting to any crime. Therefore, Pascoe in said in court filings, Quinn should revise his guilty plea. Pascoe wants him to make it clear he intended to commit a crime when he failed to report that a business he was associated with received nearly $30,000 from the University of South Carolina. Quinn’s crime was failure to disclose that payment, Pascoe says, adding it was legal for the business to take the university’s money.
Tennessee – Mayor Barry Recommended City Job for Daughter of Officer with Whom She Had Affair
The Tennessean – Anita Wadhwani | Published: 2/6/2018
Within months of taking office, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry recommended the adult daughter of the head of her security detail – the man with whom she later admitted to having an affair – be hired for a job in the city’s legal department. The daughter got the job. The position as an entry-level city attorney was the first newly created job in Nashville’s legal department in two years. It was not part of the existing budget. Barry approved the new job opening and no other candidate was considered. Ethics experts say that whether the mayor made the recommendation to hire the woman during her romantic relationship, or in its prelude, her involvement in a hiring decision may constitute a misuse of her office.
Virginia – Dozens of Virginia Churches Have Been Donating Cash to Campaigns for Years, Despite Law
The Virginian-Pilot – Bill Bartell | Published: 2/1/2018
For years, national Christian conservative activists have argued churches and other houses of worship should be allowed to endorse or donate money to candidates. Such support is prohibited if a religious organization wants to keep its tax-exempt status. But in Virginia, dozens of churches have been donating cash to campaigns for several years. Sen. Lionell Spruill Sr. received almost two-thirds of the $31,500 that churches have given to Virginia candidates in the past two decades. Spruill argues the checks were not campaign contributions – the churches were buying tickets for their members at a reduced price to his annual campaign fundraising dinner.
Washington – Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law
Reuters – David Ingram | Published: 2/6/2018
The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission said Facebook has violated the city’s election advertising laws. It is the first attempt at regulatory action on internet companies over political ads on their platforms. The company could pay as much as $5,000 per ad in fines if it does not disclose information about campaign spending on its platform during last year’s city elections. The company has provided partial spending numbers, but not copies of ads or data about whom they targeted. The commission’s executive director, Wayne Barnett, said Facebook’s response “doesn’t come close to meeting their public obligation.”
West Virginia – Ethics Commission OKs Tourism Contract with Justice’s Greenbrier Resort
Charleston Gazette-Mail – Phil Kabler | Published: 2/1/2018
West Virginia Division of Tourism officials can partner with The Greenbrier resort in an advertising campaign after the state Ethics Commission granted the division a contract exemption. Tourism officials argued it would be an undue hardship if the state could not enter into an agreement with The Greenbrier as part of their new centralized advertising campaign. The contract exemption was needed to avoid potential conflicts-of-interest, since Gov. Jim Justice is primary owner of the resort, and as governor, has authority to hire or fire the state Secretary of Commerce and the Tourism commissioner. That effectively gives Justice direct authority over the proposed state contract with The Greenbrier, in violation of the ethics law.
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.
February 8, 2018 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Peskin Wants Big Political Donors to Disclose Investments” by Joshua Sabatini for San Francisco Examiner District of Columbia: “D.C. Council Approves Fair Elections Act” by Julia Airey for Washington Times Elections National: “Hero or Hired Gun? How […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Peskin Wants Big Political Donors to Disclose Investments” by Joshua Sabatini for San Francisco Examiner
District of Columbia: “D.C. Council Approves Fair Elections Act” by Julia Airey for Washington Times
Elections
National: “Hero or Hired Gun? How a British Former Spy Became a Flash Point in the Russia Investigation.” by Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Ethics
Nebraska: “Is the Time Right for an Ethics Board in the Nebraska Legislature?” by Jo Anne Young for Lincoln Journal Star
New York: “State Senate’s New Sexual Harassment Policy Draws Criticism” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette
Oregon: “Report Finds Kruse Groped Women at Oregon Capitol, Misbehavior Escalated after Warnings” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “S.C. House Ethics Committee Warns Legislators Don’t Use Campaign Cash to Defend Misconduct Allegations” by Seanna Adcox for Charleston Post and Courier
Tennessee: “Mayor Barry Recommended City Job for Daughter of Officer with Whom She Had Affair” by Anita Wadhwani for The Tennessean
Lobbying
California: “California Lobbyists Could Receive a Four-Year Ban for Sexual Harassment Under New Legislation” by John Myers for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Senators Propose Limiting Gifts from Lobbyists to $40 a Day” by Marshall Griffin for St. Louis Public Radio
Canada: “Democracy Watch Asks Court to Force Lobbying Commissioner to Investigate Aga Khan” by Elizabeth Thompson for CBC
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Stanford Professor’s Election Districts for Wake and Mecklenburg” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
February 7, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News Ethics Federal: “House Prohibits […]
Campaign Finance
Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters
West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News
Ethics
Federal: “House Prohibits Sexual Relationships Between Lawmakers and Their Staffers” by Elise Viebeck and Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
Federal: “Document Shows GSA Employees Spending at the Trump Hotel in DC” by Cristina Alesci and Curt Devine for CNN
National: “Trump’s Lawyers Want Him to Refuse an Interview in Russia Inquiry” by Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
Alabama: “Alabama Legislature Could Consider Ethics Law Changes” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Arizona: “Lawmaker Wants ‘Explicit’ Photos from Sexual Harassment Investigation Kept Secret” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez for Arizona Republic
Florida: “This Casino Town Has a Dark Side – Conspiracies, ‘Corruption’ and Calls for a Takeover” by Martin Vasollo and Carli Teproff (Miami Herald) for Tampa Bay Times
Lobbying
Florida: “FBI Lays Out Case for Bribery, Mail Fraud in Search Warrant” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
February 6, 2018 •
Comment Period for FEC Rulemaking Proposal Concerning Multistate Independent Expenditures and Electioneering Communications Ends March 30
On March 30, the public comment period will end for proposed Federal Election Commission (FEC) rulemaking concerning independent expenditures by candidates and reporting of independent expenditures and electioneering communications relating to presidential primary elections. The covered independent expenditures and electioneering […]
On March 30, the public comment period will end for proposed Federal Election Commission (FEC) rulemaking concerning independent expenditures by candidates and reporting of independent expenditures and electioneering communications relating to presidential primary elections.
The covered independent expenditures and electioneering communications are specific to those publicly distributed in multiple states and not referring to any particular state’s primary election.
On January 29, the announcement of these proposed rulemakings was published in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted directly to the FEC’s website.
February 6, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Virginia: “Dozens of Virginia Churches Have Been Donating Cash to Campaigns for Years, Despite Law” by Bill Bartell for The Virginian-Pilot Elections Florida: “Judge Strikes Down Florida’s System for Denying Felons’ Voting Rights” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa […]
Campaign Finance
Virginia: “Dozens of Virginia Churches Have Been Donating Cash to Campaigns for Years, Despite Law” by Bill Bartell for The Virginian-Pilot
Elections
Florida: “Judge Strikes Down Florida’s System for Denying Felons’ Voting Rights” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
Ethics
Florida: “Tallahassee Commission Adopts Broad New Ethics Rules” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahassee Democrat
Massachusetts: “Hefner Had Access to Rosenberg’s E-mails” by Yvonne Abraham for Boston Globe
South Carolina: “SC Special Prosecutor Wants to Toss Out Quinn’s Guilty Plea If He Won’t Admit Crime” by John Monk for The State
Tennessee: “Mayor Megan Barry Potentially Violated Her Own Ethics Rules During Affair with Officer, Experts Say” by Adam Tamburin (USA Today) for The Tennessean
Lobbying
California: “Oakland Asks District Attorney to Investigate Alleged Bribes by Cannabis Lobbyist” by Darwin BondGraham for East Bay Times
Redistricting
National: “Opponents of Gerrymandering Keep Winning, But It Might Not Affect 2018” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
National: “In Blow to GOP, U.S. Supreme Court to Allow Pennsylvania Redistricting” by Jonathan Lai and Liz Navratil for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 5, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Elections Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Elections
Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Federal: “Revolving Door Between Trump Pentagon, Contractors Spins Faster” by Sam Skolnik for Bloomberg Government
Arizona: “Arizona House Expels Yuma Rep. Don Shooter After Sexual-Harassment Findings” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
District of Columbia: “D.C. Will Not Reappoint Open Government Watchdog Who Ruled Against City” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission OKs Tourism Contract with Justice’s Greenbrier Resort” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette-Mail
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbyist Accuses Legislator of Retaliation Over His Role in Sexual Harassment Case” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Sen. Scarnati Refuses Pa. Supreme Court Order to Turn Over Map Data in Gerrymander Case” by Jonathan Lai for Philadelphia Inquirer
February 2, 2018 •
NYCU Video Digest – February 2, 2018
With the amount of news this week, you can’t afford to miss this week’s news you can use video digest!
With the amount of news this week, you can’t afford to miss this week’s news you can use video digest!
February 2, 2018 •
Utah Bill Would Prevent Lobbyist Spending
A bill was introduced in Utah restricting funds from a campaign account owned by a lobbyist. House Bill 213 prohibits a lobbyist from using his or her own campaign account money for political purposes, unless the expenditure is in support […]
A bill was introduced in Utah restricting funds from a campaign account owned by a lobbyist.
House Bill 213 prohibits a lobbyist from using his or her own campaign account money for political purposes, unless the expenditure is in support of the candidacy of that lobbyist.
The bill passed the first reading and is currently in the House Business and Labor Committee.
February 2, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 2, 2018
National: Just How Bad is Partisan Gerrymandering? Ask the Mapmakers. New York Times – Michael Wines | Published: 1/29/2018 Eric Hawkins, an analyst for the political consulting firm NCEC Services, is part of a cottage industry of statisticians, computer jockeys, […]
National:
Just How Bad is Partisan Gerrymandering? Ask the Mapmakers.
New York Times – Michael Wines | Published: 1/29/2018
Eric Hawkins, an analyst for the political consulting firm NCEC Services, is part of a cottage industry of statisticians, computer jockeys, and political sages whose business is to turn demographic data into electoral maps. His firm works exclusively with Democrats; others – like Geographic Strategies, run by the former Republican Party redistricting expert Thomas Hofeller – are loyal to Republicans. If most mapmakers are partisan, their work goes well beyond back-room politics. A good map meets constitutional requirements, such as allotting an equal number of people to every district, and respecting racial and ethnic populations. For their part, mapmakers point out their job is to implement political will, not to determine it.
Federal:
CDC Director Resigns Because of Conflicts Over Financial Interests
Washington Post – Lena Sun | Published: 1/31/2018
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Brenda Fitzgerald resigned, one day after reports that she traded tobacco stocks while heading the agency. Fitzgerald has said she divested from many stock holdings. But she and her husband were legally obligated to maintain other investments in cancer detection and health information technology, according to her ethics agreement, requiring Fitzgerald to pledge to avoid government business that might affect those interests. In Congress, some lawmakers had become increasingly concerned over Fitzgerald’s ability to do her job effectively.
Trump Groups Raised Millions, Then Paid It Out to Loyalists and a Trump Hotel
Las Vegas Sun – Kenneth Vogel and Rachel Shorey (New York Times) | Published: 1/25/2018
President Trump’s close political advisers are making millions of dollars working for several different entities gearing up for Trump’s re-election campaign, raising questions about whether they are following campaign finance laws designed to keep campaigns from coordinating with big-money outside groups. Campaign finance reports shed light on a network of groups that were formed to support Trump, but have spent less than other groups bolstering his agenda, while steering money to the president’s businesses and his most ardent surrogates.
Why the Russia Probe Demolished One Lobbying Firm but Spared Another
Politico – Theodoric Meyer | Published: 2/1/2018
Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chief, once arranged the hiring of the lobbying firms Podesta Group and Mercury to work on behalf of a nonprofit that was ostensibly independent but which prosecutors say was “under the ultimate direction” of the president of Ukraine. Manfaort has been indicted on charges that include violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The Podesta Group collapsed within weeks of Manafort’s indictment, but Mercury just had its best year ever. There is no single explanation for why one firm imploded while the other appears to be relatively unscathed, but it is evident the Podesta Group was under pressures that Mercury did not face.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Patricia Todd Says Campaign Subpoena Was ‘Last Straw’ in Decision to Not Seek Re-election
AL.com – Roy Johnson | Published: 1/30/2018
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd says the state’s ethics laws regarding interactions between lawmakers and non-profits made it difficult, if not impossible, for her to get a job in her profession as an advocate in the non-profit sector. But after Todd announced she will not run for re-election, she received an offer from the Consumer Financial Education Foundation of America which she accepted. Todd said potential employers were skittish about regulations that consider anyone whose job entails speaking with a legislator as a lobbyist, and rules around interactions between lawmakers and lobbyists are strict.
Florida – Proposed Change to Sexual Harassment Bill Adds Sex to Lobbying Gift Ban
Florida Politics – Ana Ceballos | Published: 1/29/2018
Sexual favors between Florida legislators and lobbyists could be illegal under a proposed amendment to a bill. Sen. Lauren Book wants to incorporate any type of sexual conduct, whether engaging in it or directing others to do it, into the state’s gift ban. The change would apply to any public official, including an “employee of an agency or local government attorney.” It would also require anyone who files a public disclosure of their financial interests to certify they have reviewed the new gift ban policy.
Illinois – IG Office: Sex harassment legislation needs teeth for lobbyists
State Journal-Register – Maximilian Kwiatkowski | Published: 1/30/2018
Sexual harassment legislation passed last year is weak when it comes to requiring lobbyists to cooperate with investigations, according to two representatives of the Illinois secretary of state’s inspector general’s office. Deputy Inspector General Randy Blue said the laws do not contain strong enough penalties or ways to enforce the rules on lobbyists working in the Capitol. Prior to the legislation, the secretary of state’s jurisdiction involving lobbyists was solely with their registration and expenditure reports. Now, it oversees sexual harassment allegations, too.
Kansas – Kansas Intern Confidentiality Rule: What happens in a lawmaker’s office stays there
Kansas City Star – Lindsay Wise (McClatchy) and Hunter Woodall | Published: 1/29/2018
The Kansas Legislature requires interns to sign agreements to keep anything that takes place or is said in a lawmaker’s office confidential, or the interns could be fired. Employment law experts who reviewed the agreement say it is written so broadly it could deter interns from reporting harassment or illegal activity, and might violate the First Amendment. Legislative leaders say the agreement is intended to remind interns that private political discussions should stay private, although they acknowledge the intention is not clear.
New York – 2 Donors Plead Guilty, but the Mayor Is Not Charged. Why?
New York Times – William Rashbaum and William Neuman | Published: 1/26/2018
A major donor to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio testified he made donations to an elected official that sources identify as the mayor to win favorable treatment from City Hall. Harendra Singh made the “pay-to-play” assertion during a plea proceeding in October 2016, but his statement remained hidden from public view until now. The mayor’s ties to Singh and several other campaign donors for whom he did favors were investigated by federal prosecutors. They decided not to bring charges against de Blasio or his aides, but in doing so, they issued a cutting statement raising questions about the mayor’s ethics and making it clear he had done favors for donors.
North Carolina – In Power Struggle with GOP Lawmakers, Cooper Wins Election Board Revamp Lawsuit
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 1/26/2018
The North Carolina Supreme Court limited the Republican-dominated Legislature’s efforts to minimize Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to pursue his goals, declaring unconstitutional a law devising a state elections board that hinted at deadlock. The justices ruled Cooper could not be forced to pick a politically divided, eight-member elections board from names the two major political parties selected. The law prevented the governor from removing members with whom he disagreed unless there was wrongdoing. The law makes Cooper unable to fulfill his duties to ensure election laws are followed because half of the board will be people who will probably oppose the governor’s policy preferences, the majority opinion said.
South Dakota – Ex-SD Lawmaker Returns Lobbyist Credentials Amid Concerns
Rapid City Journal – Bob Mercer | Published: 1/29/2018
Former South Dakota Sen. Corey Brown said he has given back the lobbyist badge he received to represent Sanford Health at the 2018 legislative session amid a concern he might be breaking a state law. The Legislature decided last year that many former state government officials must wait two years before starting work as private lobbyists in South Dakota. Brown retired from the Legislature at the end of 2016. He began work January 8 for Sanford Health as senior legislative specialist for South Dakota. “The confusion comes because there are different interpretations of the law,” Brown said.
Tennessee – Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Admits to Extramarital Relationship with Top Police Security Officer
The Tennessean – Joey Garrison, Nate Rau, and Dave Boucher | Published: 1/31/2018
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry apologized for having an affair with the head of her security detail, Sgt. Robert Forrest Jr. of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The affair has drawn scrutiny to the overtime that Forrest accrued while managing her detail. Forrest accompanied Barry on trips to Paris, Athens, Washington, New York, and other cities in the past year. He racked up around $33,000 in expenses for the trips and more than $50,000 in overtime in 2017 on top of an $84,500 salary. Nine of the trips were only Barry and Forrest, including a trip to Greece in September.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Ethics Commission Hits Pause Button after Senate Rejects Director
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 1/25/2018
Wisconsin Ethics Commission Administrator Brian Bell returned to his old job at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services as a policy analyst, two days after Senate Republicans refused to confirm his appointment to the commission. Ethics Commission Chairperson David Halbrooks said he hoped to eventually bring back Bell as its director but wanted to wait to see what happens on the legal and legislative front in the coming weeks.
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.
January 31, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Republican Governors Association to Cut All Ties with Steve Wynn Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegation” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post Ohio: “Tool Will Allow the Public to Follow the Money in Ohio Politics” by Laura Bischoff and […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Republican Governors Association to Cut All Ties with Steve Wynn Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegation” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post
Ohio: “Tool Will Allow the Public to Follow the Money in Ohio Politics” by Laura Bischoff and Kyle Nagle (Dayton Daily News) for WHIO
Ethics
New York: “2 Donors Plead Guilty, but the Mayor Is Not Charged. Why?” by William Rashbaum and William Neuman for New York Times
South Dakota: “Government Ethics Measure Approved to Appear on 2018 Ballot” by Associated Press for Rapid City Journal
Lobbying
Alabama: “Patricia Todd Says Campaign Subpoena Was ‘Last Straw’ in Decision to Not Seek Re-election” by Roy Johnson for AL.com
Florida: “Proposed Change to Sexual Harassment Bill Adds Sex to Lobbying Gift Ban” by Ana Ceballos for Florida Politics
Hawaii: “Hawaii Lieutenant Governor to Resign, Join Lobbying Firm” by Audrey McAvoy (Associated Press) for Hawaii Tribune
Kansas: “Kansas Officials’ Path to Lobbying Would Be Slowed Under Transparency Bill” by Hunter Woodall for Kansas City Star
South Dakota: “Ex-SD Lawmaker Returns Lobbyist Credentials Amid Concerns” by Bob Mercer for Rapid City Journal
January 30, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “How the Koch Network Learned to Thrive in the Trump Era” by James Hohmann and Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post Illinois: “Cook County Cook County Assessor Berrios Sues Over Ordinance Limiting Campaign Contributions” by Ray […]
Campaign Finance
National: “How the Koch Network Learned to Thrive in the Trump Era” by James Hohmann and Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post
Illinois: “Cook County Cook County Assessor Berrios Sues Over Ordinance Limiting Campaign Contributions” by Ray Long for Chicago Tribune
Maine: “Maine GOP Director’s Links to Anonymous Website Add Fuel to Ethics Complaint” by Michael Shepherd for Bangor Daily News
Texas: “Does Business Group’s Use of ‘Dark Money’ for Its Political Action Committee Follow State Ethics Rules?” by Jay Root and Ryan Murphy for Texas Tribune
Ethics
National: “Andrew McCabe, FBI Deputy Director, Steps Down Amid Trump and Republican Criticism” by Kevin Johnson and David Jackson for USA Today
Kansas: “Kansas Intern Confidentiality Rule: What happens in a lawmaker’s office stays there” by Lindsay Wise (McClatchy) and Hunter Woodall for Kansas City Star
Legislative Issues
Maryland: “Ethics Panel Finds Baltimore Del. McCray Breached Legislature’s Conduct Standards” by Staff for Baltimore Sun
North Carolina: “In Power Struggle with GOP Lawmakers, Cooper Wins Election Board Revamp Lawsuit” by Annew Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
Lobbying
United Kingdom: “New Lobbying Rules for Business to Come into Force” by Staff for Insider.co.uk
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