November 28, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Toulouse Oliver Calls for Sexual Harassment Training for NM Lobbyists” by Laura Paskus for New Mexico Political Report Campaign Finance Connecticut: “Campaign Finance Laws Changed in New Budget” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post Louisiana: “Corruption Figure’s […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Toulouse Oliver Calls for Sexual Harassment Training for NM Lobbyists” by Laura Paskus for New Mexico Political Report
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Campaign Finance Laws Changed in New Budget” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post
Louisiana: “Corruption Figure’s Donations to Cantrell Campaign Questioned” by David Hammer for WWL
Pennsylvania: “U.S. Rep. Bob Brady’s Emails Searched as FBI Probe Nears Critical Point” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“A Split from Trump Indicates That Flynn Is Moving to Cooperate with Mueller” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
“Congress Returns to Intense Pressure to End Secrecy Over Sex Harassment” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“Congressman on Tape Tells Woman He Would Report Her to Capitol Police Because She Could Expose His Secret Sex Life” by Mike DeBonis and Elise Viebeck for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Ethics Commission Investigating Altered State Police Report” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
Minnesota: “2 Minnesota Lawmakers Accused of Sexual Harassment Step Down” by Maggie Astor for New York Times
Elections
“In Tax Debate, Gift to Religious Right Could Be Bargaining Chip” by Kenneth Vogel and Laurie Goodstein for New York Times
November 28, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Toulouse Oliver Calls for Sexual Harassment Training for NM Lobbyists” by Laura Paskus for New Mexico Political Report Campaign Finance Connecticut: “Campaign Finance Laws Changed in New Budget” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post Louisiana: “Corruption Figure’s […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Toulouse Oliver Calls for Sexual Harassment Training for NM Lobbyists” by Laura Paskus for New Mexico Political Report
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Campaign Finance Laws Changed in New Budget” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post
Louisiana: “Corruption Figure’s Donations to Cantrell Campaign Questioned” by David Hammer for WWL
Pennsylvania: “U.S. Rep. Bob Brady’s Emails Searched as FBI Probe Nears Critical Point” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“A Split from Trump Indicates That Flynn Is Moving to Cooperate with Mueller” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
“Congress Returns to Intense Pressure to End Secrecy Over Sex Harassment” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“Congressman on Tape Tells Woman He Would Report Her to Capitol Police Because She Could Expose His Secret Sex Life” by Mike DeBonis and Elise Viebeck for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Ethics Commission Investigating Altered State Police Report” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
Minnesota: “2 Minnesota Lawmakers Accused of Sexual Harassment Step Down” by Maggie Astor for New York Times
Elections
“In Tax Debate, Gift to Religious Right Could Be Bargaining Chip” by Kenneth Vogel and Laurie Goodstein for New York Times
November 16, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 17, 2017
National: Despite Recent Wins for Democrats, Gerrymanders Dim Hopes for 2018 New York Times – Alexander Burns, Michael Wines, and Trip Gabriel | Published: 11/12/2017 For all the Democrats’ optimism, the elections in Virginia vividly reflected why the reality might […]
National:
Despite Recent Wins for Democrats, Gerrymanders Dim Hopes for 2018
New York Times – Alexander Burns, Michael Wines, and Trip Gabriel | Published: 11/12/2017
For all the Democrats’ optimism, the elections in Virginia vividly reflected why the reality might be a good deal harsher. While Democrats won the governorship by nearly nine percentage points and won a similar margin in total votes in legislative races, it appears likely, unless recounts reverse seats, that they will fall just short of taking control of the state’s heavily gerrymandered House. And around the country, gerrymandering, refined to a high art, and increasingly restrictive voting laws have left many experts wary of assuming the intensity of Democratic voters will translate into equally robust electoral gains.
Federal:
Judge Declares Mistrial in Menendez Prosecution
Washington Post – Alan Maimon and Devlin Barrett | Published: 11/16/2017
The bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez ended in a mistrial when the jury said it was hopelessly deadlocked on all charges against him and Salomon Melgen, a wealthy physician. Menendez is accused of using his political influence to help Melgen in exchange for luxury vacations, flights on a private jet, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to organizations that supported the senator. Prosecutors said Menendez pressured government officials on Melgen’s behalf over an $8.9 million Medicare billing dispute and helped obtain U.S. visas for the doctor’s girlfriends. The defense argued the gifts were not bribes but tokens of friendship between two men who were “like brothers.”
Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign Finance Regulation
Center for Public Integrity – Lateshia Beachum | Published: 11/15/2017
The Center for Public Integrity investigated an array of organizations that have participated in legal challenges dating back 40 years that have resulted in a campaign finance system allowing unlimited sums to be pumped into modern elections. It is a system that both Republicans and Democrats now fully rely upon. Throughout that history, groups backed by David and Charles Koch have stood out as reliable, stalwart opponents of regulation of money in politics. While far from the only players in the legal battle, the Kochs are certainly among the most recognizable – and significant.
Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 11/15/2017
Foreign advocacy work in Washington, D.C. is common, lucrative, and occasionally controversial, but has rarely received the front-page scrutiny it is attracting now. That is mostly because of Paul Manafort and Richard Gates, two high-level figures from the Trump campaign who have been indicted as part of Robert Mueller’s investigation. The charges against the two men, including allegations of money laundering, stem from work they did years ago to benefit a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine. The lobbying work was not disclosed to the Department of Justice as is required under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, according to the indictment. Manafort retroactively registered that work this year.
Russia Scandal Befalls Two Brothers: John and Tony Podesta
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/10/2017
Kimberly Fritts resigned as chief executive of the Podesta Group as she begins work on launching a new firm, which will be called Cogent Strategies. The move is creating new uncertainty for the Podesta Group following the departure of its founder, Tony Podesta, who stepped away after he and the firm were pulled into special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
The Brave New World of Political Conspiracy-Theory Illustrations
Washington Post – Philip Bump | Published: 11/15/2017
Rep. Louie Gohmert produced a convoluted flowchart at a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee to convince Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the Justice Department ought to appoint a special prosecutor to probe the so-called Uranium One scandal. Sean Hannity also used the chart to explain interactions between President Obama’s administration, the Russians, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There is a reason both Hannity and Gohmert seized on these flowcharts to make their points. Americans have come to understand patterns of boxes and connecting arrows and lines as iconography meaning “conspiracy theory.” What Hannity and Gohmert are doing, in short, is implying a conspiracy by using the visual language associated with conspiracy theories.
From the States and Municipalities:
Florida: Hillsborough Will Go After Citizens Watchdogs Over Hagan Ethics Complaint
WTSP – Noah Pransky | Published: 11/15/2017
The Hillsborough County Commission voted to seek financial reimbursement from four activists who filed a failed ethics complaint against Commissioners Ken Hagan and Sandy Murman. Hagan filed a petition for fees and costs for his attorney following the Florida Commission on Ethics’ announcement it found do probable cause that Hagan, Murman, and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn violated the state’s ethics code in their involvement with the Go Hillsborough transportation plan. The Florida First Amendment Foundation called the request “deeply troubling” for the “chilling” effect it could have on more citizen watchdogs coming forward with concerns about government officials breaking the law.
Louisiana: Louisiana Politics: State ethics revisions seem likely; committee created
StMaryNow.com – Jeremy Alford | Published: 11/15/2017
Members of an advisory committee reviewing Louisiana’s ethics laws sound optimistic, some even confident, that significant policy changes will be recommended to the Legislature, maybe even in time for the regular session that begins March 12. There was an organizational meeting in September and a more structured gathering in October, when committee members discussed travel provisions and the different reporting tiers for financial disclosure statements. Some members are interested in taking a deeper look into the monthly reporting requirements for lobbyists, arguing that quarterly filings should be sufficient. Others are more curious about fees and how the state ethics board is allowed to determine or negotiate fine and penalty payments.
Michigan: Trash Giant Rizzo Pleads Guilty to Bribery
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 11/9/2017
A year after getting indicted in a wide-sweeping corruption probe that toppled his family trash-hauling empire, Chuck Rizzo Jr. pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud, admitting he lined the pockets of public officials to win lucrative contracts. Between 2012 and 2016, Rizzo was chief executive of Rizzo Environmental Services and the company was looking to maintain or extend municipal contracts in Macomb and Clinton townships, along with other municipalities. Rizzo admitted he provided money to former Clinton Township Trustee Dean Reynolds and former Macomb Township Trustee Clifford Freitas in exchange for their support for his company’s attempts at securing lucrative garbage contracts in their communities. Reynolds and Freitas are both also facing federal charges.
Missouri: How’s a Former Missouri Lawmaker Spending Campaign Cash? Golf, Booze, Cigars and More
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 11/10/2017
Former Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones transferred more than $650,000 from his campaign committee to a PAC called Leadership for America. Since it was formed last year, the committee has donated $22,000 to various Republican candidates in Missouri and given roughly $38,000 to a handful of charities. But it has also spent about $5,000 in recent months at golf resorts in Missouri, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee, as well as several thousand more on meals, cigars, alcohol, event tickets, travel, and renovations to Jones’ St. Louis County office. Watchdogs worry that Jones has found a way to use campaign funds to bolster his lifestyle, despite prohibitions on using the money for personal business.
New Mexico: Compliance with ABQ Lobbying Rules Falls Way Short
NMPolitics.net – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 11/13/2017
A review by New Mexico In Depth found a lack of compliance among registered lobbyists in Albuquerque. The reporting failure is due in part, to lack of education aimed at lobbyists about the rules. It is also due to how the ordinance’s enforcement provision is interpreted. According to the city attorney’s office, a written, notarized complaint is the only way to trigger an inquiry, although one transparency champion reads the ordinance as giving the city attorney’s office flexibility to pursue investigations even when there is no written complaint. The result is less public information than the law requires involving lobbyists whose employers have had an interest in influencing proposals before city officials this year.
New York: Museum of Political Corruption Bestows Nellie Bly Award
Albany Times Union – Amy Biancolli | Published: 11/14/2017
When Bruce Roter informed Susanne Craig that she won the Museum of Political Corruption’s inaugural Nellie Bly Award, he traveled to the offices of The New York Times to hand over the prize: a check for $1,250. It was the exact amount paid by the muckraking Bly when she bought off the state Legislature in 1888, successfully defeating a piece of legislation. “He presented me with a check in a brown envelope and passed it under the table,” recalled Craig. She is the reporter who discovered pages from Donald Trump’s tax returns in her newsroom mailbox in October 2016.
North Carolina: Nonprofit Provides TV Studio for Lt. Gov. Forest’s Office
WRAL – Travis Fain | Published: 11/12/2017
A little-known group set up by the lieutenant governor’s office and headed by a major campaign donor has provided Lt. Gov. Dan Forest with enough television equipment to build an in-office studio. Forest’s arrangement with the North Carolina Promotion and Development Fund (NCPDF) appears to be unique in state government. NCPDF is a 501(c)(4). These groups are perhaps best known as political advertising vehicles for anonymous donors. Attorneys who specialize in this section of the tax code said the way Forest’s office uses the NCPDF seems to be allowed under state and federal law, without disclosing donors, provided the group does not fund campaign activities.
Texas: Texas Sheriff Is on the Hunt for Driver with Profane Anti-Trump Window Sticker
Washington Post – Marwa Eltagouri and J. Freedom du Lac | Published: 11/16/2017
A sheriff in Texas is looking for a truck bearing a profanity-laced anti-Trump sticker and said authorities are considering charging its owner with disorderly conduct, a threat that raised alarm among free speech advocates. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls posted a photograph of the truck on Facebook after, he said, he received several complaints about the display from unhappy people in the Houston-area county. The Houston Chronicle said the truck’s owners have no plans to remove the custom graphic, which they ordered after Trump’s election.
Wisconsin: Scott Walker’s Campaign Treasurer’s Firm Gets Capitol Contract After Being the Only Bidder
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 11/9/2017
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s administration helped give a contract worth at least $35,000 to a firm affiliated with Walker’s campaign treasurer. The administration in June sought proposals as it looked for a company that could raise $75,000 or more for improvements to the Capitol and a gala to celebrate its 100th anniversary, giving the contract to Solutions KCB. The company’s registered agent is Kate Lind, the governor’s campaign treasurer. Department of Administration spokesperson Steve Michels said the administration helped with the procurement process, but the ultimate decisions were made by the Wisconsin Historical Foundation and the commission organizing the anniversary celebration.
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.
November 16, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Inside the ‘Lewandowski Embassy’” by Theodoric Meyer, Daniel Lippman, and Josh Dawsey for Politico “Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Inside the ‘Lewandowski Embassy’” by Theodoric Meyer, Daniel Lippman, and Josh Dawsey for Politico
“Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign Finance Regulation” by Lateshia Beachum for Center for Public Integrity
New York: “A Growing Call to Limit Lawyers’ Donations to Prosecutors” by James McKinley Jr. for New York Times
North Carolina: “Nonprofit Provides TV Studio for Lt. Gov. Forest’s Office” by Travis Fain for WRAL
Ethics
“When the Subject Is Russia, Trump’s Advisers Have Spotty Memories” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Florida: “This Beach Official Is Accused of Trading Favors for Hotel Stays. Now He May Be Charged” by Joey Flechas and David Ovalle for Miami Herald
Louisiana: “Louisiana Politics: State ethics revisions seem likely; committee created” by Jeremy Alford for StMaryNow.com
New Jersey: “Joey Torres Gets 5 Years on Paterson Corruption Charge” by Joe Malinconico (Patterson Times) for Bergen Record
New York: “Museum of Political Corruption Bestows Nellie Bly Award” by Amy Biancolli for Albany Times Union
Texas: “Fort Worth School District’s Tale of Two Ethics Policies Goes to Committee – Again” by Diane Smith for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Elections
“The Brave New World of Political Conspiracy-Theory Illustrations” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
November 16, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Inside the ‘Lewandowski Embassy’” by Theodoric Meyer, Daniel Lippman, and Josh Dawsey for Politico “Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Inside the ‘Lewandowski Embassy’” by Theodoric Meyer, Daniel Lippman, and Josh Dawsey for Politico
“Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign Finance Regulation” by Lateshia Beachum for Center for Public Integrity
New York: “A Growing Call to Limit Lawyers’ Donations to Prosecutors” by James McKinley Jr. for New York Times
North Carolina: “Nonprofit Provides TV Studio for Lt. Gov. Forest’s Office” by Travis Fain for WRAL
Ethics
“When the Subject Is Russia, Trump’s Advisers Have Spotty Memories” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Florida: “This Beach Official Is Accused of Trading Favors for Hotel Stays. Now He May Be Charged” by Joey Flechas and David Ovalle for Miami Herald
Louisiana: “Louisiana Politics: State ethics revisions seem likely; committee created” by Jeremy Alford for StMaryNow.com
New Jersey: “Joey Torres Gets 5 Years on Paterson Corruption Charge” by Joe Malinconico (Patterson Times) for Bergen Record
New York: “Museum of Political Corruption Bestows Nellie Bly Award” by Amy Biancolli for Albany Times Union
Texas: “Fort Worth School District’s Tale of Two Ethics Policies Goes to Committee – Again” by Diane Smith for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Elections
“The Brave New World of Political Conspiracy-Theory Illustrations” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
November 15, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Ethics Lawmakers Describe Pervasive Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill by Cristina Marcos for The Hill Sessions Considering Second Special Counsel to Investigate Republican Concerns, Letter Shows by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post Past Sex Scandals Show McConnell Is Willing to […]
Ethics
Lawmakers Describe Pervasive Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill by Cristina Marcos for The Hill
Sessions Considering Second Special Counsel to Investigate Republican Concerns, Letter Shows by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Past Sex Scandals Show McConnell Is Willing to Take a Tough Line by Carl Hulse for New York Times
Alabama: Judge Allows Spencer Collier Lawsuit Against Robert Bentley to Proceed by Mike Cason for AL.com
Lobbying
An Open Door for Pesticide Lobbyists at the U.S.D.A. by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times
Iowa: Reynolds to Seek Foreign Agent Law Change by Rod Boshart for Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
Campaign Finance
Arizona: ‘The Tragedy of American Politics’: Follow the money in Tempe politics by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy for Arizona Republic
Canada: Political Action Committees Face Uncertain Future as Province Weighs Tougher Rules by James Wood for Calgary Herald
Elections
Donald Trump Jr. Communicated with WikiLeaks During 2016 Campaign by Carol Leonnig and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Red or Blue? Supreme Court to Rule on Voters’ Apparel by Richard Wolf for USA Today
November 15, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Ethics Lawmakers Describe Pervasive Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill by Cristina Marcos for The Hill Sessions Considering Second Special Counsel to Investigate Republican Concerns, Letter Shows by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post Past Sex Scandals Show McConnell Is Willing to […]
Ethics
Lawmakers Describe Pervasive Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill by Cristina Marcos for The Hill
Sessions Considering Second Special Counsel to Investigate Republican Concerns, Letter Shows by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Past Sex Scandals Show McConnell Is Willing to Take a Tough Line by Carl Hulse for New York Times
Alabama: Judge Allows Spencer Collier Lawsuit Against Robert Bentley to Proceed by Mike Cason for AL.com
Lobbying
An Open Door for Pesticide Lobbyists at the U.S.D.A. by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times
Iowa: Reynolds to Seek Foreign Agent Law Change by Rod Boshart for Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
Campaign Finance
Arizona: ‘The Tragedy of American Politics’: Follow the money in Tempe politics by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy for Arizona Republic
Canada: Political Action Committees Face Uncertain Future as Province Weighs Tougher Rules by James Wood for Calgary Herald
Elections
Donald Trump Jr. Communicated with WikiLeaks During 2016 Campaign by Carol Leonnig and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Red or Blue? Supreme Court to Rule on Voters’ Apparel by Richard Wolf for USA Today
November 14, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: “Cuomo, a Master of the $50,000 Fund-Raiser, Bypasses Small Donors” by Shane Goldmacher for New York Times Ethics “Menendez Jury Deadlocks, Judge Orders Them to Keep Trying to Reach a Verdict” by Laura Jarrett and Sarah […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “Cuomo, a Master of the $50,000 Fund-Raiser, Bypasses Small Donors” by Shane Goldmacher for New York Times
Ethics
“Menendez Jury Deadlocks, Judge Orders Them to Keep Trying to Reach a Verdict” by Laura Jarrett and Sarah Jorgenson for CNN
“Too Rich for Conflicts? Trump Appointees May Have Many, Seen and Unseen” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
California: “Santa Monica School Leader Voted on Contracts with Firms That Did Business with Her Husband, Documents Show” by Benjamin Oreskes and Adam Elmahrek for Los Angeles Times
Colorado: “Why a Colorado Lawmaker Went Public with Sexual Harassment Allegations Against a Fellow Lawmaker” by John Frank for Denver Post
Florida: “Citizens Give Commissioners an Earful on Ethics” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Minnesota: “As Harassment Allegations Surface at Minnesota State Capitol, a Culture Is Challenged” by J. Patrick Coolican and Maya Rao for Minneapolis Star Tribune
New York: “Despite Recent Wins for Democrats, Gerrymanders Dim Hopes for 2018” by Alexander Burns, Michael Wines, and Trip Gabriel for New York Times
Procurement
Maryland: “Baltimore County School Leaders Verletta White, Dallas Dance Were Paid by Tech Industry Group” by Liz Bowie and Doug Donovan for Baltimore Sun
November 13, 2017 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Ethics California: Adelanto Councilman Accused of Taking $10,000 Bribe, Hiring Man to Burn Down His Restaurant by Beatriz Valenzuela and Joe Nelson for San Bernardino Sun California: She Wanted a Job and Said California Senator Invited Her Home. He Fired […]
Ethics
California: Adelanto Councilman Accused of Taking $10,000 Bribe, Hiring Man to Burn Down His Restaurant by Beatriz Valenzuela and Joe Nelson for San Bernardino Sun
California: She Wanted a Job and Said California Senator Invited Her Home. He Fired Aides Who Knew. By Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
Michigan: Trash Giant Rizzo Pleads Guilty to Bribery by Robert Snell for Detroit News
New York: N.Y. Pension Fund Manager Charged with Taking Bribes Pleads Guilty by Brendan Pierson for Reuters
Lobbying
Russia Scandal Befalls Two Brothers: John and Tony Podesta by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
New Mexico: Compliance with ABQ Lobbying Rules Falls Way Short by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth
Campaign Finance
Missouri: Missouri’s Move to Limit Campaign Donations Puts Elections in Hands of Big-Money PACs by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Procurement
Wisconsin: Scott Walker’s Campaign Treasurer’s Firm Gets Capitol Contract After Being the Only Bidder by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November 10, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 10, 2017
Federal: Commerce Secretary’s Offshore Ties to Putin ‘Cronies’ New York Times – Mike McIntire, Sasha Chavkin, and Martha Hamilton | Published: 11/5/2017 Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross faces questions about his financial disclosures to Congress and the government after a report […]
Federal:
Commerce Secretary’s Offshore Ties to Putin ‘Cronies’
New York Times – Mike McIntire, Sasha Chavkin, and Martha Hamilton | Published: 11/5/2017
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross faces questions about his financial disclosures to Congress and the government after a report he did not disclose business ties to the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an oligarch under U.S. sanctions. Ross said in an ethics disclosure filed following his nomination that he held an investment worth as much as $10 million in shipping company Navigator Holdings. But news organizations alleged he did not disclose the company’s clients include a Russian energy company called Sibur whose owners include Putin’s son-in-law and the oligarch, who is close to the Kremlin and has been sanctioned by the American government.
Lawmakers Alarmed at Push to Sell CNN
Politico – Steven Overly | Published: 11/8/2017
Antitrust regulators and AT&T sparred over whether the wireless carrier would be required to sell Time Warner’s CNN cable network as a condition of approval of its deal to buy the media company. Sources said the Department of Justice demanded significant asset sales in order to approve the $85.4 billion deal, and asked AT&T to sell CNN-parent Turner Broadcasting or its DirecTV operation. The dispute is the latest twist in a deal which took on broader political significance immediately after its inception in October 2016. President Trump, a frequent critic of CNN, attacked the deal on the campaign trail last year, vowing that as president, his Justice Department would block it.
‘Open Sesame:’ Lobbyists cheer warmer welcome in Trump White House
Reuters – Ginger Gibson | Published: 11/6/2017
During the eight years of the Obama administration, business lobbyists often found the gates to the White House closed tight. They are open now under President Trump. That is not altogether unexpected as Trump did campaign during the 2016 presidential election on a promise to elevate the needs of business, which he argued would fuel economic growth. What does surprise lobbyists, however, is the sheer number of wins in getting the Trump administration to roll back or delay unfavorable regulations in its first 10 months. And it is occurring despite White House dysfunction and distraction.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: Woman Says Roy Moore Initiated Sexual Encounter When She Was 14, He Was 32
Washington Post – Stephanie McCrummen, Beth Reinhardt, and Alice Crites | Published: 11/9/2017
Leigh Corfman says Roy Moore, then an assistant district attorney and now the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama, initiated a sexual encounter with her when she was 14 and he was 32. Aside from Corfman, three other women interviewed by The Washington Post in recent weeks say Moore pursued them when they were between the ages of 16 and 18 and he was in his early 30s, episodes they say they found flattering at the time, but troubling as they got older. In a written statement, Moore denied the allegations. “These allegations are completely false and are a desperate political attack by the National Democrat Party and the Washington Post on this campaign,” Moore said.
Florida: City: Fernandez deleted text messages to lobbyist
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 11/7/2017
Tallahassee City Manager Rick Fernandez deleted from his cell phone a text message chain with a lobbyist who he asked for expensive football tickets, believing they were not public records and did not need to be saved. John Bussian, a lawyer for The Tallahassee Democrat, said it does not matter what Fernandez believed, or that he made the bad call to destroy the texts. The city is still responsible for producing the texts, and failing to produce them violates Florida’s Public Records Act, Bussian said.
Florida: Code of Silence Is Breaking on Tallahassee’s Sex Secrets
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas, Steve Bousquet, and Patricia Mazzei | Published: 11/5/2017
For decades, the culture at the Florida Capitol used attractive people as tools to cajole the powerful, and rumors of affairs were used to extort favors. Now, in the era of Harvey Weinstein and social media, women have been empowered to speak out about sexual harassment. But in Tallahassee, where questions are raised about the political motive of every leaked allegation, the claims of unidentified accusers can get tangled in the bitter political forces of an election year. Complicating the quest for justice, said Jose Felix Diaz, a recently retired state legislator, are questions about political motives.
Indiana: Indiana Politicians Got Thousands in Gifts While Pushing Solar Policy
Indianapolis Star – Emily Hopkins and Sarah Bowman | Published: 11/5/2017
An Indianapolis Star review has found that as state lawmakers were considering crucial energy legislation, utilities and their PACs poured millions of dollars into the General Assembly in the form of gifts, entertainment, campaign contributions, and lobbying. The issue at hand was a bill whose most controversial provision was to phase out net metering, the practice of requiring utilities to compensate customers who produce more energy than they consume, usually from rooftop solar panels. The passage of Senate Bill 309 has thrown Indiana’s burgeoning solar installation industry into a pit of uncertainty.
Iowa: Iowa Power Couple Scrutinized for Saudi Arabia Lobbying Work
Patch.com – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2017
A Republican power couple who work in Iowa’s executive branch are facing scrutiny after moonlighting as agents of Saudi Arabia to oppose a new law allowing victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks to sue the kingdom. Connie Schmett and Kim Schmett are accused of being part of a campaign that misled veterans by concealing who was funding their advocacy work, which Connie Schmett failed to list on a recent disclosure filing for Iowa officials.
Maine: Maine Ethics Commission Levies Record $500,000 Against York County Casino Campaign
Portland Press Herald – Scott Thistle | Published: 11/3/2017
Maine’s ethics commission levied a record $500,000 in fines against four committees behind a referendum that would allow a casino in the state run by entrepreneur Shawn Scott. The commission investigated the ballot question committee Horseracing Jobs Fairness, where it got its financing to collect signatures to put the referendum on the ballot, and why it failed to meet campaign finance filing deadlines. Three other ballot question committees formed by Lisa Scott, Shawn Scott’s sister, were also penalized for missing deadlines to file reports that accurately reflected who was bankrolling the campaign.
New York: Long-Discussed Lobbying Rules Now Only ‘Advisory’
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/2/2017
For more than a year, a major priority of the New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has been writing “comprehensive lobbying regulations” that would govern the activity of state lobbyists and their clients. But in a seeming reversal, any regulations will only be advisory. Violations will not result in either civil or criminal penalties. One possible explanation for the reversal is a threatened lawsuit.
New York: Pension? Not for Corrupt Lawmakers Anymore in New York.
Governing – Liz Farmer | Published: 11/7/2017
Voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that gives judges the right to trim or revoke the pensions of any public servant in New York convicted of a job-related crime. The measure was largely driven by outrage over the corruption scandal that forced the resignation of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Both long-time lawmakers put in for their substantial pensions just days after their convictions. Both of their convictions were later overturned on a technicality.
Texas: Former Dallas Business Consultant Gets Probation for Bribery in John Wiley Price Corruption Case
Dallas News – Kevin Krause | Published: 11/2/2017
Christian Campbell said in a plea agreement that he helped funnel bribes from a political consultant to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. A federal jury said earlier this year that Price did not commit bribery. Campbell nevertheless was sentenced recently to 18 months’ probation for a bribery charge and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Campbell is in the unusual position of being the only one directly linked to the alleged bribery conspiracy to be convicted and punished.
Virginia: Danica Roem of Virginia to Be First Openly Transgender Person Elected, Seated in a U.S. Statehouse
Washington Post – Antonio Olivo | Published: 11/8/2017
Democrat Danica Roem is set to make history as the first openly transgender person elected and seated in a state Legislature in the U.S. She unseated Virginia Del. Bob Marshall, one of the state’s longest serving and most socially conservative lawmakers. The race was one of the year’s most high-profile, drawing international attention and big money to the district outside the nation’s capital. Roem openly discussed her gender identity during her campaign, but it was far from her focus. Instead, she concentrated on jobs, schools, and, with particular fervor, northern Virginia’s traffic congestion.
Washington: Judge Upholds Seattle’s Novel Campaign Finance Vouchers
Seattle Times – Gene Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 11/3/2017
Two Seattle taxpayers lost their constitutional challenge to a voter initiative that sends vouchers to residents so they can financially support political candidates. Voters passed a campaign finance reform initiative called Honest Elections Seattle, which is funded by $30 million property tax levy over 10 years. The program offers residents $100 “democracy vouchers” to give to candidates. The idea behind it is to give citizens more of a direct voice in government and make their elected officials more accountable. Mark Elster and Sarah Pynchon said the program is a compelled subsidy of political speech that violates their First Amendment rights, while the city countered that it was a valid form of campaign financing.
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.
November 10, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 10, 2017
Federal: Commerce Secretary’s Offshore Ties to Putin ‘Cronies’ New York Times – Mike McIntire, Sasha Chavkin, and Martha Hamilton | Published: 11/5/2017 Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross faces questions about his financial disclosures to Congress and the government after a report […]
Federal:
Commerce Secretary’s Offshore Ties to Putin ‘Cronies’
New York Times – Mike McIntire, Sasha Chavkin, and Martha Hamilton | Published: 11/5/2017
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross faces questions about his financial disclosures to Congress and the government after a report he did not disclose business ties to the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an oligarch under U.S. sanctions. Ross said in an ethics disclosure filed following his nomination that he held an investment worth as much as $10 million in shipping company Navigator Holdings. But news organizations alleged he did not disclose the company’s clients include a Russian energy company called Sibur whose owners include Putin’s son-in-law and the oligarch, who is close to the Kremlin and has been sanctioned by the American government.
Lawmakers Alarmed at Push to Sell CNN
Politico – Steven Overly | Published: 11/8/2017
Antitrust regulators and AT&T sparred over whether the wireless carrier would be required to sell Time Warner’s CNN cable network as a condition of approval of its deal to buy the media company. Sources said the Department of Justice demanded significant asset sales in order to approve the $85.4 billion deal, and asked AT&T to sell CNN-parent Turner Broadcasting or its DirecTV operation. The dispute is the latest twist in a deal which took on broader political significance immediately after its inception in October 2016. President Trump, a frequent critic of CNN, attacked the deal on the campaign trail last year, vowing that as president, his Justice Department would block it.
‘Open Sesame:’ Lobbyists cheer warmer welcome in Trump White House
Reuters – Ginger Gibson | Published: 11/6/2017
During the eight years of the Obama administration, business lobbyists often found the gates to the White House closed tight. They are open now under President Trump. That is not altogether unexpected as Trump did campaign during the 2016 presidential election on a promise to elevate the needs of business, which he argued would fuel economic growth. What does surprise lobbyists, however, is the sheer number of wins in getting the Trump administration to roll back or delay unfavorable regulations in its first 10 months. And it is occurring despite White House dysfunction and distraction.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: Woman Says Roy Moore Initiated Sexual Encounter When She Was 14, He Was 32
Washington Post – Stephanie McCrummen, Beth Reinhardt, and Alice Crites | Published: 11/9/2017
Leigh Corfman says Roy Moore, then an assistant district attorney and now the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama, initiated a sexual encounter with her when she was 14 and he was 32. Aside from Corfman, three other women interviewed by The Washington Post in recent weeks say Moore pursued them when they were between the ages of 16 and 18 and he was in his early 30s, episodes they say they found flattering at the time, but troubling as they got older. In a written statement, Moore denied the allegations. “These allegations are completely false and are a desperate political attack by the National Democrat Party and the Washington Post on this campaign,” Moore said.
Florida: City: Fernandez deleted text messages to lobbyist
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 11/7/2017
Tallahassee City Manager Rick Fernandez deleted from his cell phone a text message chain with a lobbyist who he asked for expensive football tickets, believing they were not public records and did not need to be saved. John Bussian, a lawyer for The Tallahassee Democrat, said it does not matter what Fernandez believed, or that he made the bad call to destroy the texts. The city is still responsible for producing the texts, and failing to produce them violates Florida’s Public Records Act, Bussian said.
Florida: Code of Silence Is Breaking on Tallahassee’s Sex Secrets
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas, Steve Bousquet, and Patricia Mazzei | Published: 11/5/2017
For decades, the culture at the Florida Capitol used attractive people as tools to cajole the powerful, and rumors of affairs were used to extort favors. Now, in the era of Harvey Weinstein and social media, women have been empowered to speak out about sexual harassment. But in Tallahassee, where questions are raised about the political motive of every leaked allegation, the claims of unidentified accusers can get tangled in the bitter political forces of an election year. Complicating the quest for justice, said Jose Felix Diaz, a recently retired state legislator, are questions about political motives.
Indiana: Indiana Politicians Got Thousands in Gifts While Pushing Solar Policy
Indianapolis Star – Emily Hopkins and Sarah Bowman | Published: 11/5/2017
An Indianapolis Star review has found that as state lawmakers were considering crucial energy legislation, utilities and their PACs poured millions of dollars into the General Assembly in the form of gifts, entertainment, campaign contributions, and lobbying. The issue at hand was a bill whose most controversial provision was to phase out net metering, the practice of requiring utilities to compensate customers who produce more energy than they consume, usually from rooftop solar panels. The passage of Senate Bill 309 has thrown Indiana’s burgeoning solar installation industry into a pit of uncertainty.
Iowa: Iowa Power Couple Scrutinized for Saudi Arabia Lobbying Work
Patch.com – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2017
A Republican power couple who work in Iowa’s executive branch are facing scrutiny after moonlighting as agents of Saudi Arabia to oppose a new law allowing victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks to sue the kingdom. Connie Schmett and Kim Schmett are accused of being part of a campaign that misled veterans by concealing who was funding their advocacy work, which Connie Schmett failed to list on a recent disclosure filing for Iowa officials.
Maine: Maine Ethics Commission Levies Record $500,000 Against York County Casino Campaign
Portland Press Herald – Scott Thistle | Published: 11/3/2017
Maine’s ethics commission levied a record $500,000 in fines against four committees behind a referendum that would allow a casino in the state run by entrepreneur Shawn Scott. The commission investigated the ballot question committee Horseracing Jobs Fairness, where it got its financing to collect signatures to put the referendum on the ballot, and why it failed to meet campaign finance filing deadlines. Three other ballot question committees formed by Lisa Scott, Shawn Scott’s sister, were also penalized for missing deadlines to file reports that accurately reflected who was bankrolling the campaign.
New York: Long-Discussed Lobbying Rules Now Only ‘Advisory’
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/2/2017
For more than a year, a major priority of the New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has been writing “comprehensive lobbying regulations” that would govern the activity of state lobbyists and their clients. But in a seeming reversal, any regulations will only be advisory. Violations will not result in either civil or criminal penalties. One possible explanation for the reversal is a threatened lawsuit.
New York: Pension? Not for Corrupt Lawmakers Anymore in New York.
Governing – Liz Farmer | Published: 11/7/2017
Voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that gives judges the right to trim or revoke the pensions of any public servant in New York convicted of a job-related crime. The measure was largely driven by outrage over the corruption scandal that forced the resignation of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Both long-time lawmakers put in for their substantial pensions just days after their convictions. Both of their convictions were later overturned on a technicality.
Texas: Former Dallas Business Consultant Gets Probation for Bribery in John Wiley Price Corruption Case
Dallas News – Kevin Krause | Published: 11/2/2017
Christian Campbell said in a plea agreement that he helped funnel bribes from a political consultant to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. A federal jury said earlier this year that Price did not commit bribery. Campbell nevertheless was sentenced recently to 18 months’ probation for a bribery charge and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Campbell is in the unusual position of being the only one directly linked to the alleged bribery conspiracy to be convicted and punished.
Virginia: Danica Roem of Virginia to Be First Openly Transgender Person Elected, Seated in a U.S. Statehouse
Washington Post – Antonio Olivo | Published: 11/8/2017
Democrat Danica Roem is set to make history as the first openly transgender person elected and seated in a state Legislature in the U.S. She unseated Virginia Del. Bob Marshall, one of the state’s longest serving and most socially conservative lawmakers. The race was one of the year’s most high-profile, drawing international attention and big money to the district outside the nation’s capital. Roem openly discussed her gender identity during her campaign, but it was far from her focus. Instead, she concentrated on jobs, schools, and, with particular fervor, northern Virginia’s traffic congestion.
Washington: Judge Upholds Seattle’s Novel Campaign Finance Vouchers
Seattle Times – Gene Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 11/3/2017
Two Seattle taxpayers lost their constitutional challenge to a voter initiative that sends vouchers to residents so they can financially support political candidates. Voters passed a campaign finance reform initiative called Honest Elections Seattle, which is funded by $30 million property tax levy over 10 years. The program offers residents $100 “democracy vouchers” to give to candidates. The idea behind it is to give citizens more of a direct voice in government and make their elected officials more accountable. Mark Elster and Sarah Pynchon said the program is a compelled subsidy of political speech that violates their First Amendment rights, while the city countered that it was a valid form of campaign financing.
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.
November 9, 2017 •
Signature Deadline met for Initiatives Regarding Ethics and Campaign Finance Laws
The group Represent South Dakota met the November 6 deadline for submitting petition signatures to the Office of the Secretary of State to add a constitutional amendment to the 2018 ballot. The amendment would tighten campaign finance and lobbying restrictions, […]
The group Represent South Dakota met the November 6 deadline for submitting petition signatures to the Office of the Secretary of State to add a constitutional amendment to the 2018 ballot.
The amendment would tighten campaign finance and lobbying restrictions, create an independent ethics commission, and require laws changing the ballot question process to pass a public vote.
House speaker Mark Mickelson also met the deadline to turn in petition signatures for an initiative that would ban out-of-state political contributions for ballot questions, affecting groups such as Represent South Dakota.
The Office of the Secretary of State will conduct a random sampling of the signatures to determine their validity.
November 9, 2017 •
Signature Deadline met for Initiatives Regarding Ethics and Campaign Finance Laws
The group Represent South Dakota met the November 6 deadline for submitting petition signatures to the Office of the Secretary of State to add a constitutional amendment to the 2018 ballot. The amendment would tighten campaign finance and lobbying restrictions, […]
The group Represent South Dakota met the November 6 deadline for submitting petition signatures to the Office of the Secretary of State to add a constitutional amendment to the 2018 ballot.
The amendment would tighten campaign finance and lobbying restrictions, create an independent ethics commission, and require laws changing the ballot question process to pass a public vote.
House speaker Mark Mickelson also met the deadline to turn in petition signatures for an initiative that would ban out-of-state political contributions for ballot questions, affecting groups such as Represent South Dakota.
The Office of the Secretary of State will conduct a random sampling of the signatures to determine their validity.
November 9, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Florida: “City: Fernandez deleted text messages to lobbyist” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahassee Democrat Campaign Finance Arkansas: “LR Taking Campaign Law to Court” by Chelsea Brewer for Arkansas Online Ethics “Case Is Dropped Against Activist Who Laughed at Jeff […]
Lobbying
Florida: “City: Fernandez deleted text messages to lobbyist” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahassee Democrat
Campaign Finance
Arkansas: “LR Taking Campaign Law to Court” by Chelsea Brewer for Arkansas Online
Ethics
“Case Is Dropped Against Activist Who Laughed at Jeff Sessions’s Hearing” by Maya Salam for New York Times
“Is Landscaping Drama at the Root of Rand Paul’s Assault?” by Nicholas Fandos, Noah Weiland, and Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Georgia: “Man Pleads Guilty to Obstruction in Atlanta Corruption Case” by the Associated Press for WTOP
Illinois: “Lawmaker Tells of Being Objectified by Colleague as Sexual Harassment Bills Pass in Springfield” by Kim Geiger and Monique Garcia for Chicago Tribune
New York: “Pension? Not for Corrupt Lawmakers Anymore in New York.” by Liz Farmer for Governing
Elections
Maine: “Maine Voters Overwhelmingly Defeat Proposal for York County Casino” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
New York: “New York Voters Reject a Constitutional Convention” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Virginia: “Danica Roem of Virginia to Be First Openly Transgender Person Elected, Seated in a U.S. Statehouse” by Antonio Olivo for Washington Post
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.