Lobbying

“Washington Lobbying Firms Receive Subpoenas as Part of Russia Probe” by Carol Leonnig and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

Massachusetts: “In Massachusetts, Lobbyists Outnumber Lawmakers Seven-to-One” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) for WWLP

Campaign Finance

Washington: “Is Olympia Lawyer the Democrats’ Champion in Complaint-Filing War?” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune

Ethics

“Trump’s Business Sought Deal on a Trump Tower in Moscow While He Ran for President” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

Florida: “FBI Arranged Outings for Gillum, Others During NYC Trip” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat

Illinois: “State Lawmaker’s Charity Borrowed from Political Campaign, Inconsistently Filed Reports” by Zak Koeske (Daily Southtown) for Chicago Tribune

New York: “Son of High-Profile State Democrat Up Against Bribery Charges” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post

Elections

“Democrats Exploit GOP Ethics Woes in Battle for the House” by Elena Schneider and Austin Wright for Politico

Lobbying

“Trump Rejects Wealthy Friends’ Pleas for Help” by Alex Guillen and Eric Wolff for Politico

District of Columbia: “In D.C., Lobbying ‘Swamp; Isn’t Drained So Much as Clogged” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe

Iowa: “Special Interest Groups Spend Big at Iowa Capitol” by Brianne Pfannenstiel for Des Moines Register

Campaign Finance

New Mexico: “Secretary of State: Public election fund almost gone” by Daniel Chacón for Santa Fe New Mexican

Ethics

“Trump Asked Sessions About Closing Case Against Arpaio, an Ally Since ‘Birtherism’” by Philip Rucker and Ellen Nakashima for Washington Post

“At CIA, a Watchful Eye on Mike Pompeo, the President’s Ardent Ally” by Greg Miller for Washington Post

Georgia: “Ethics Board Proposal ‘Retaliation’ for Falcons Ticket Request, Councilwoman Says” by Nicole Carr for WSB

Illinois: “Jury: Buncich guilty on all counts in sheriff corruption case” by Craig Lyons for Chicago Tribune

Kentucky: “Ethics Group Wants to Know What Led Mnuchin to View Eclipse in Kentucky” by Drew Harwell and Beth Reinhard for Washington Post

Michigan: “Mich. GOP Strategist’s ‘News’ Site Touts Clients” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Elections

“Service Union Plans Big Push to Turn Midwest Political Tide” by Noam Scheiber for New York Times

Federal:

In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking
New York Times – Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins | Published: 8/15/2017

A hacker known as Profexer wrote computer code alone in an apartment and sold his handiwork on the anonymous portion of the internet known as the Dark Web. Profexer’s posts, already accessible only to a small band of fellow hackers and cybercriminals looking for software tips, blinked out in January, just days after American intelligence agencies publicly identified a program he had written as one tool used in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. But while Profexer’s online persona vanished, a flesh-and-blood person has emerged: a fearful man who the Ukrainian police said turned himself in early this year, and has now become a witness for the FBI.

Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire
Politico – Lauren Dezenski | Published: 8/13/2017

Elizabeth Warren is not just a progressive icon, she is a merchandising industry unto herself. The U.S. senator and presidential prospect is at the center of a sprawling business built around her appeal to liberals across the country, a reminder of the devotion she inspires on the left and the footprint she will cast in the 2020 Democratic primary. Warren’s campaign store has expanded beyond traditional political fare such as buttons, bumper stickers, tote bags, and T-shirts to offer a line of products that capitalize on the “Nevertheless, she persisted” meme spawned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s much-publicized admonishment of Warren on the Senate floor earlier this year.

Justice Dept. Demands Data on Visitors to Anti-Trump Website, Sparking Fight
New York Times – Charlie Savage | Published: 8/15/2017

The Department of Justice has requested information on visitors to a website used to organize protests against President Trump. Dreamhost, a web hosting provider, claimed that complying with the request would amount to handing over roughly 1.3 million visitor IP addresses to the government, in addition to contact information, email content, and photos of thousands of visitors to the website, which was involved in organizing protests against Trump on Inauguration Day. “hat information could be used to identify any individuals who used this site to exercise and express political speech protected under the Constitution’ First Amendment,”DreamHost wrote in a blog post.

Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville
New York Times – Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan | Published: 8/15/2017

A grant awarded by the Obama administration to an organization dedicated to combating right-wing domestic extremists was rescinded by the Trump administration. After the violent clash in Charlottesville, the move to pull back the money from an organization dedicated to helping people leave hate groups is receiving renewed scrutiny. The decision to rescind the grant highlights the different approach between Donald Trump and Barack Obama over whether Muslim extremists or white supremacist groups pose a greater domestic threat. Organizations that received funding from the Trump administration work almost exclusively on programs to deal with terrorist threats from Islamic extremists, even as research shows white supremacist groups have been linked to most domestic terrorist attacks in recent years.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama: Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 8/16/2017

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted to table a staff opinion that would have specifically classified site consultants as lobbyists under state law. State Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield argued the opinion could imperil what he characterized as “confidential” negotiations for various economic development projects. “If companies considering multiple states to relocate existing operations were to have to disclose themselves publicly to the state, would they … consider Alabama when they have other states to consider where their confidentiality will be protected?” Canfield asked.

California: Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions
Voice of OC – Nick Gerda | Published: 8/16/2017

Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson received more than $700 worth of wine and cigars from two contractors after he voted to award them county contracts, and his handling of the items may be a way around the county’s gift ban. Nelson used campaign funds to reimburse the lobbying firm Potomac Partners for $539 worth of wine, and Kevin McCarthy for $169 worth of cigars. Nelson said his approach is legal because he repaid the contractors, and the wine and cigars are not for his personal use, but rather for “officeholder” purposes. “Nobody anticipated that some guy that was doing business with the county could bring in an unsolicited gift, and then you just pay for it [with campaign funds the contractor contributed to] and it’s no longer a gift,” said Shirley Grindle, who helped write the county’s gift ban.

District of Columbia: ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads
Los Angeles Times – Matt Pearce | Published: 8/10/2017

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for pulling or rejecting controversial ads, which the organization claims violates freedom of speech. In the lawsuit, the ACLU is representing a wide range of plaintiffs, including an abortion provider, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and conservative firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos. One of the rejected ads featured the text of the First Amendment in English, Spanish, and Arabic, which the group proposed after President Trump escalated his feud with the media earlier this year. The authority rejected the ad on the grounds it “intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions” or “intended to influence public policy.”

Florida: FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’
USA Today – Sean Rossman | Published: 8/14/2017

Mike Miller was a developer willing to spend millions of dollars to revitalize downtown Tallahassee as the capital city longed to rebrand itself. But Miller was not what he appeared to be. After spending nearly two years infiltrating the ranks of up-and-coming entrepreneurs and wooing the town’s politicians, he vanished – until early this summer, when a pair of FBI subpoenas were served on City Hall. Miller, it turned out, was no ordinary developer. He was an undercover FBI agent, the lynchpin in an elaborate scheme to ferret out public corruption – a multi-year investigation of local politicians, their friends, and millions of dollars in taxpayer redevelopment money.

Illinois: Lobbyist Registrations Surge After Fines Tied to Emanuel Emails
Chicago Sun-Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 8/16/2017

An “all-time record” of 759 lobbyists are now registered with the Chicago Board of Ethics, a 27 percent increase over the last year, according to Steve Berlin, the board’s executive director. Board of Ethics Chairperson William Conlon noted the registration surge coincided with the agency’s decision to come down hard on those who lobby Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, but fail either to register as lobbyists or report the activity. “So much is being made public that it is now very hard to hide in the gray area,” said Cindi Canary, founder of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Louisiana: Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016
New Orleans Advocate – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 8/12/2017

State lawmakers in Louisiana accepted complimentary hotel stays, travel, and conference admissions valued at more than $73,000 combined since January 2016. The trips, which do not face the same caps that limit gifts from lobbyists, are reflected in signed affidavits that lawmakers must file with the state Board of Ethics within 60 days of traveling for free to conferences and seminars or to give speeches to sponsoring groups. Some watchdogs question whether special interests use the trips as a way to win face time and curry favor with lawmakers often at beach-side locales or in major cities; legislators generally defend them as taxpayer-money saving educational opportunities.

Oklahoma: State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 8/13/2017

A review of thousands of gifts and meal purchases made during the first six months of 2017 found it is impossible to confirm through records who was bankrolling efforts to influence policymakers for a quarter of the record-setting $485,000 that lobbyists spent on state officials and legislators. That is because Oklahoma, unlike dozens of other states, does not require lobbyists to reveal what bill or topic they are discussing when they buy a meal for a state official. Lobbyists also do not have to list what client they are representing when they buy a meal or a gift.

Oregon: Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 8/15/2017

Oregon is one of six states with no limits on campaign donations and spending. State law also allows individuals and groups to pay for political ads without disclosing they are the source. Multnomah County voters overwhelmingly approved new limits on political contributions last year. Now Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Bloch will begin the process of determining whether the measure is constitutional. Bloch promised to provide as a ruling “as quickly as I possibly can.” That is expected to be before September 1, when the new campaign spending limits take effect. Bloch said his decision will likely not be the final one, given that both sides have indicated their openness to appeals.

South Carolina: Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith | Published: 8/5/2017

Legal observers criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for sharing confidential information and for seeking advice concerning a potential criminal investigation with one of the subjects of that probe. They said Wilson should not have asked his longtime political consultant and friend Richard Quinn Sr. in October 2014 to help edit a letter that would have informed independent prosecutor David Pascoe that he would play no further role in any future prosecutions stemming from an investigation into statehouse corruption. The exchange came as Pascoe prepared to dig deeper into a State Law Enforcement Division report detailing alleged misdeeds by sitting lawmakers. Named in that document were Quinn and his son, state Rep. Rick Quinn, who was also identified as a potential target of the probe.

Texas: Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map
Texas Tribune – Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz | Published: 8/15/2017

A federal court invalidated two congressional districts in Texas, ruling they violated racial discrimination prohibitions. The three-judge panel’s unanimous decision could lead to a battle to redraw the districts in time for the 2018 elections. The court ordered the Texas attorney general’s office to indicate whether the state Legislature would take up redistricting to fix those violations. Otherwise, the state and its legal foes will head back to court on September 5 to begin re-drawing the congressional map.

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.

On August 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) voted to reverse a longstanding rule that limited how much money politicians and their committees can give to a candidate-controlled recall committee.

The 2002 FPPC opinion that was reversed by today’s vote limited politician contributions to candidate-controlled recall committees to $4,400.

The rule change now allows politicians to give unlimited amounts of money to help fight the recall of Democratic Senator Josh Newman.

Chair Jodi Remke was the only dissenting commissioner in the 3-1 final vote.

Lobbying

Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Maine: “State Employees Union Could Drop ‘Fair Share’ Fees in Exchange For 6 Percent Raise” by Mal Leary for Maine Public Radio

Campaign Finance

Montana: “Former State Legislator Jailed After Refusing to Pay Fine in Political Corruption Case” by Tom Lutey for Billings Gazette

Oregon: “Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian

Ethics

“Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville” by Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan for New York Times

California: “Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC

Pennsylvania: “State Rep. Marc Gergely Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges” by Kate Giammarise and Liz Navratil for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Elections

“In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking” by Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins for New York Times

“Roy Moore and Luther Strange Head for G.O.P. Runoff in Alabama Senate Race” by Jonathan Martin and Alan Blinder for New York Times

Redistricting

Texas: “Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map” by Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

California: “John Chiang Helped Award Millions in Tax Breaks to His Developer Donors” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee

Ethics

“Trump Defends Initial Remarks on Charlottesville; Again Blames ‘Both Sides’” by Michael Shear and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

“After Charlottesville, Trump Retweets – Then Deletes – Image of Train Running Over CNN Reporter” by David Nakamura and Aaron Davis for Washington Post

“New on This Fall’s Law School Syllabus: Trump” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

“Tech Firm Is Fighting a Federal Order for Data on Visitors to an Anti-Trump Website” by Ellen Nakashima for Washington Post

“FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’” by Sean Rossman for USA Today

Oregon: “Campaign to Taint Courtroom Foe Costs Saxton Post at OHA” by Jeff Manning for Portland Oregonian

Elections

“Trump Campaign Emails Show Aide’s Repeated Efforts to Set Up Russia Meetings” by Tom Hamburger, Carol Leonnig, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

Redistricting

North Carolina: “Redistricting Criteria Call for Partisan Maps, No Consideration of Race” by Travis Fain and Laura Leslie for WRAL

Lobbying

Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate

Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch

Campaign Finance

California: “Voting Rights Group Fined for Not Disclosing Union Support for Ballot Measures” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune

Tennessee: “Election Registry Advises Tennessee Lawmakers Not to Use Campaign Funds for Living Expenses” by Jordan Buie for The Tennessean

Ethics

“How a Conservative TV Giant Is Ridding Itself of Regulation” by Cecilia Kang, Eric Lipton, and Sydney Ember for New York Times

“Mueller Is Said to Seek Interviews with West Wing in Russia Case” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

New York: “Dan Squadron Fought the LLC Loophole and the Loophole Won” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette

Elections

“Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire” by Lauren Dezenski for Politico

Ethics

“Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times

“Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC

California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier Meals to L.A. Schools Charged with Mishandling District Funds” by James Queally for Los Angeles Times

District of Columbia: “ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times

Maryland: “Former Anne Arundel Judicial Candidate Sues State for Defamation” by Phil Davis for Capital Gazette

South Carolina: “Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case” by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier

Texas: “House Member’s Ties to Utility Districts Raise Ethical Questions” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

Maine: “New Subpoena Seeks York County Casino Supporter’s Personal Financial Records” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald

Lobbying

Florida: “Brevard County Commission Unanimously Backs Pursuing Code of Ethics” Dave Berman for Florida Today

Utah: “Former Utah Senator Criticizes ‘Secretive,’ ‘Puppet-String’ Lobbying by Mormon Church” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune

Legislative Issues

“Nebraska’s Flag Lacks Pizazz. The Hard Part Is Changing It.” by Mitch Smith for New York Times

Becky Campbell is here to help you sort through all the state government ethics news from a busy week in this week’s video digest.

National:

Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere
Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017

Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up as the gold standard for policymakers looking to shine a light on the often murky industry. Calls for transparency are growing louder across Europe. Ireland’s experience, say proponents of the law, has dispelled worries that tough lobbying rules would cripple the industry or limit the ability of politicians to do their job.

Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are
New York Times – Kevin Roos | Published: 8/6/2017

As television, radio, and newspapers give way to the power of social media, today’s political donor class is throwing its weight behind a new group of partisan organizations that specialize in creating catchy, highly shareable messages for Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms. Viral media expertise is emerging as a crucial skill for political operatives, and as donors look to replicate the success of the social media sloganeers who helped lift Donald Trump to victory, they are seeking out talented meme makers.

Federal:

FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/9/2017

Investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller searched the Alexandria, Virginia, home of President Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, for documents related to tax, banking, and other matters. Mueller is investigating an array of allegations about Manafort, including work for the Ukrainian government and his role in a 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians promising to share damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Manafort had previously given documents voluntarily to the congressional committees investigating Russia’s election meddling, including possible collusion with members of Trump’s campaign.

How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence
Washington Post – Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 8/7/2017

The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. has emerged as a Republican Party power center. And for the first time, a profit-making venture touts the name of a U.S. president in its gold signage. The hotel has become a symbol of the tangled ethical questions posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Critics have charged that anyone seeking favor from the White House has an incentive to stay in rooms that can be booked for $400 per night or more. Trump tried to address ethical concerns by turning over the hotel’s management to his two eldest sons and vowing to take no hotel profits during his tenure. But he retained his ownership interest, allowing him to eventually profit from the holdings.

Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In
Politico – Carrie Levine | Published: 8/4/2017

An analysis of campaign finance data indicates Democrats and Republicans are now aggressively trafficking in a new, and perfectly legal, kind of soft money, enabled by a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the latest in a series eviscerating major parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In a fundraising environment that had come to be dominated by super PACs, it is helping national political parties regain some relevancy after years of declining power. It’s also reviving an era when politicians were able to directly solicit large checks from donors on behalf of the political parties.

From the States and Municipalities:

California: Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions
Los Angeles Times – Alene Tchekmedyian | Published: 8/7/2017

A Santa Monica hotel is facing a $310,000 fine for improperly concealing donations to local candidates in hopes of preserving the property’s Pacific Ocean views. The California Fair Political Practices Commission said it would be the second largest fine in the agency’s history. The Huntley Hotel reimbursed individuals and local businesses for $97,350 in campaign contributions to candidates for Santa Monica City Council that it believed would oppose the expansion of a neighboring hotel so its name would not show up on disclosure reports. The commission will vote on whether to accept the settlement at its August 17 meeting.

Illinois: Emanuel Warns Those Emailing Him for Favors about Chicago’s ‘Strict Lobbyist Rules’
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 8/9/2017

The hard line drawn by the Chicago Board of Ethics has not discouraged a few powerful people from attempting to influence Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, so much so that Emanuel has warned a few of them about the line they were about to cross. The Chicago Tribune found Emanuel’s personal email accounts had served as a private avenue of influence for those who sought action from – or access to – the mayor. The board issued fines for eight lobbying violations tied to the emails. Amid the added public scrutiny, Emanuel cautioned a real estate executive and longtime political ally about making requests of him and cited the city’s “strict lobbyist rules” in one exchange.

Kentucky: Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 8/4/2017

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin won a property tax dispute that had prompted two ethics complaints from people who questioned whether the governor and his wife got a sweetheart deal when buying their new home. The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals agreed with the value an appraiser hired by Bevin’s team had placed on the property that includes the governor’s home. The board determined the price Bevin paid for part of the property was above market value. The ruling seemed to vindicate Bevin, who has said for months that he bought the home for more than it was worth.

New York: JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 8/8/2017

The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted to move forward in the process of implementing several regulations at a recent meeting, including broad lobbying guidelines that have been long in the works. The regulations still need to go through the rule-making process where the public will have a final chance to weigh in on them before formal adoption. The commission also voted to move forward with regulations laying out the amended requirements for what information lobbying groups must disclose about their donors.

Oregon: State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit
Portland Tribune – Nick Budnick | Published: 8/4/2017

There was a state government-funded public relations plan to demean a Portland-area healthcare nonprofit in a court battle over whether the Oregon Health Authority is giving FamilyCare a fair rate of reimbursement for its care of low-income Medicaid patients. FamilyCare been the most vocal coordinated care organization, often accusing state officials of incompetence or seeking to do the nonprofit harm, including in the pending litigation. The company’s critics call it excessively combative.

Pennsylvania: Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 8/7/2017

A payoff highlighted in the indictment against Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was a $5,000 night on the town, complete with tickets to a sold-out Philadelphia Eagles playoff game and a pricey dinner. Prosecutors say the mayor pressured two businesspeople seeking city contracts to pay for his night out. The incident has also placed a spotlight on another elected officeholder now poised to be a key witness should the case go to trial. Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, who before assuming his post in 2015 worked as a lawyer under contract with municipalities across the region, admits he and a business partner picked up the tab for that 2014 evening. They also poured $14,000 more into Pawlowski’s campaign coffers in pursuit of a $3 million tax-collection contract they ultimately won.

Rhode Island: City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist
WPRI – Dan McGowan | Published: 8/8/2017

Rhode Island’s legislative session is over, but a firm hired by the Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s office to lobby the General Assembly still has not been paid. City Treasurer James Lombardi said Monday he has not cut a $36,000 check to Government Strategies because the administration never asked the city’s Board of Contract and Supply for approval to hire the firm. Lombardi contends that all city contracts worth more than $5,000 must be approved by the board before he releases a payment. He said he does not believe the lobbying contract needs to go out to bid, but the board does need to vote in favor of the agreement.

Texas: Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?
Texas Tribune – Neil Thomas | Published: 8/9/2017

In Texas, lawmakers earn just $7,200 per year as part-time public servants. They all have regular jobs, and some of them have business relationships with public entities that depend on the Legislature to approve their budgets, decide how much taxpayer money they receive, and pass the laws that regulate their operations. Some of those entities owe their very existence to the Legislature. Under state ethics laws, such apparent conflicts-of-interest are not prohibited. Lawmakers are banned from doing business with the state or counties, but only when that business relationship is specifically approved by legislation while they are serving at the Capitol.

Utah: Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office
Cache Valley Daily; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/3/2017

Utah lawmakers recommended the Mormon church’s chief lobbyist for a top job overseeing the state Legislature’s office that drafts laws, gives legal advice, and staffs committees. The appointment illustrates what is sometimes seen as a thin line between Utah’s government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith to which most state lawmakers and residents belong. John Cannon’s nomination to head up the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel seems far too cozy and perpetuates a national impression the Mormon church runs the Utah Legislature, said the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

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.

Lobbying

“Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere” by Harry Cooper for Politico

New York: “JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Judge Rejects APS Arguments in Rate Increase Case” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Verde Independent

Maryland: “Md. Delegates Weigh Matching Funds for Candidates on a County-by-County Basis” by Rachel Siegel for Washington Post

Ethics

“FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

“Secrecy and Suspicion Surround Trump’s Deregulation Teams” by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times

“Mueller, Several Team Members Gave Up Million-Dollar Jobs to Work on Special Counsel Investigation” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

California: “Ethics Commissioner Had Private Meetings with Democrats Over Recall Election Rules” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Texas: “Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune

Elections

Maine: “Maine Regularly Sells Voter Data It Denied to Feds” by Scott Thistle for Governing

Lobbying

Illinois: “Even After Hefty Lobbyist Fines, Rahm Pals Sought Help Via Email” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times

Rhode Island: “City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist” by Dan McGowan for WPRI

Campaign Finance

“Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are” by Kevin Roose for New York Times

California: “Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions” by Alene Tchekmedyian for Los Angeles Times

Virginia: “Republican Donor from Virginia Beach Sues GOP, Accusing the Party of Fraud Over Failed Obamacare Repeal” by Bill Bartel and Scott Daugherty for The Virginian-Pilot

Ethics

“How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

“Many Politicians Lie. But Trump Has Elevated the Art of Fabrication.” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times

Elections

“The Socialist Movement Is Getting Younger, Thanks to One 75-Year-Old” by David Weigel for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

“Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In” by Carrie Levine for Politico

New York: “Law Requires Names of Campaign Workers, But Is Little Enforced” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Ohio: “Rosenberger Memo Seems to Call into Question Legality of Cuyahoga County GOP Donation to House Speaker Candidate” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ex-Senator Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Campaign Funds” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Ethics

“Special Counsel Mueller Using Grand Jury in Federal Court in Washington as Part of Russia Investigation” by Carol Leonnig, Sari Horwitz, and Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“Flynn Files Amended Disclosure Report Showing Additional Payments” by Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold for Washington Post

Elections

Michigan: “Michigan Petitioners Stretch Truth for Signatures” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Legislative Issues

Utah: “Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office” by Associated Press for Cache Valley Daily

Procurement

“Missing Data Hinders Contractor Disclosure Rule Nine Years” by Sam Skolnick for Bloomberg BNA

National:

Need a Job? Bob Brady and the Art of the Political Buyout
Philadelphia Inquirer – Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 7/30/2017

Prosecutors’ allegations that U.S. Rep. Robert Brady’s 2012 campaign paid a challenger $90,000 to drop out of the race may seem like a particularly brazen power play. Such transactions may look like backroom dealing, but campaign finance experts agree the line between the simply unseemly and the outright illegal can be difficult to determine. “Rarely are these situations an explicit quid pro quo: ‘I’ll give you money so you’ll drop out,'” said Kenneth Gross, who heads the political law practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. “But there are many shades of gray. There are often agreements to help a candidate retire [campaign] debt.”

Federal:

Democrats Introduce Bill to Strengthen Foreign Agents Law
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 7/31/2017

A new Senate bill would increase the U.S. Justice Department’s authority to impose civil fines people who do not comply with the Foreign Agent Lobbying Transparency Enforcement Act, which requires individuals working on behalf of a foreign government or official to register with the Justice Department within 10 days of signing a contract. In addition to fines, the legislation from Senate Democrats would create even more requirements for foreign agents. The registration laws on foreign lobbying are routinely flouted, according to Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.

Jared Kushner Stepped Down from 266 ‘Corporate Positions.’ What Does That Mean?
Washington Post – Jena McGregor | Published: 8/1/2017

In Donald Trump’s White House, Jared Kushner has many jobs. The president’s son-in-law is a senior adviser to Trump, has been charged with leading the administration’s revamping of the federal bureaucracy, and has a foreign policy portfolio that includes Mexico and the Middle East. But counting up the titles he stepped down from leading up to Trump’s inauguration, and the number looked to some, at first glance, as even more eye-popping. In a recent story following the release of his financial disclosures, it was reported Kushner had “resigned from 266 corporate positions.” Some on social media were scratching their heads. How does one person hold more than 250 positions?

No Going Back: Anthony Scaramucci’s White House job could cost him $7.5 million
USA Today – Gregory Korte | Published: 8/3/2017

Anthony Scaramucci took no salary during his short tenure as White House communication director, yet his 10-day career detour could end up costing him more than $7.5 million. That is because the hedge fund founder left the White House before he could obtain a “certificate of divestiture” giving him the special tax treatment available to federal employees who give up assets in order to avoid conflicts-of-interest. Without that certificate, the sale of Scaramucci’s Skybridge Capital to a Chinese holding company will be taxed at the capital gains rate of 15 percent. According to Scaramucci’s financial disclosure report, his share of the sale is worth at least $50 million; other estimates put that number even higher.

Trump Loyalist Mixes Businesses and Access at ‘Advisory’ Firm
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Kenneth Vogel | Published: 8/1/2017

Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump’s former campaign chairperson, left the K Street firm he helped to establish amid scrutiny over his clients and his access to the president. Lewandowski then started a new consulting business. Now, as he takes on an increasingly broad role as an unofficial White House adviser, he is building a roster of clients with major interests before the Trump administration. Lewandowski appears to be positioning his new firm as an “advisory” business, part of a growing cohort of Washington, D.C. influencers who advise companies on how to navigate the government but do not register as lobbyists or disclose their clients.

From the States and Municipalities:

California: Anaheim City Council Passes County’s Toughest Restrictions on Lobbying
Orange County Register – Joseph Pimentel | Published: 8/1/2017

The Anaheim City Council voted to approve a bill that requires paid lobbyists to register with the city and file quarterly reports, and prohibits the city from hiring people from lobbying firms. Anaheim elected officials and workers also will be barred from lobbying the city for two years after they leave their government jobs. The ordinance defines a lobbyist as anyone who receives $500 or more a month to communicate with city officials for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative actions. The council needs to take a second vote on the ordinance, slated for August 15, before it goes into effect.

California: San Diego Boosts Qualifications for Ethics Commission Members
San Diego Union-Tribune – David Garrick | Published: 8/1/2017

The city council approved four changes that aim to boost the experience and expertise of San Diego Ethics Commission members. The council amended the commission’s rules to say “priority consideration” will be given to nominees familiar with campaign finance laws, government ethics, lobbying laws, and conflict-of-interest regulations. In addition, the council clarified that rules prohibiting commission members from seeking elective office in the city do not extend to seeking other offices, such as county supervisor or the state Legislature. In September, the council is scheduled to consider amending a rule that prohibits anyone who ran for office against a current member of the council from being appointed to the commission.

Colorado: Walker Stapleton Found a Way Around Governor’s Race Donation Limits – It’s Raising Money and Eyebrows
Denver Post – Mark Matthews | Published: 8/3/2017

The longer that state Treasurer Walker Stapleton waits before formally announcing his bid for governor of Colorado, the more he can help steer unlimited sums of money toward a super PAC-style group that is expected to provide his major funding during the campaign. It is a setup that watchdogs said could stretch the limits of the state’s election law, even as it projects Stapleton’s fundraising might. And it is another sign that the 2018 race to replace Gov. John Hickenlooper is likely to surpass spending records in Colorado’s gubernatorial elections.

Maryland: Marijuana Experts Scored Prospective Md. Pot Businesses. Some Had Ties to Them.
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil and Aaron Gregg | Published: 7/30/2017

Several of the independent experts hired to review applications to open medical marijuana businesses in Maryland had ties to companies whose materials they reviewed. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said it is investigating these potential conflicts of interest. The connections, which The Washington Post discovered after a public records request, raise new questions about how the state tried to avoid conflicts in setting up a legal marijuana industry where hundreds of businesses were competing intensely for a limited number of growing, processing, and selling licenses.

Missouri: Greitens Faces More ‘Dark Money’ Questions Over No-Bid Contract with Express Scripts
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 7/28/2017

When Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens issued an executive order creating a prescription drug monitoring program, he said his goal was to help combat the scourge of opioid addiction in the state. His critics quickly homed in on another detail: to start the program, Greitens’ administration was giving a no-bid contract  to Express Scripts, a St. Louis-based pharmacy benefits management company that donated an undisclosed amount of money to the governor’s inauguration. It has become a familiar accusation, one that has dogged Greitens throughout his nearly eight months in office – that secret campaign contributions could be influencing his actions. Critics say this is the unavoidable byproduct of the governor’s reliance on so-called dark money.

Missouri: Lobbyist Gifts Averaging $1,760 Per Missouri Lawmaker – Less Than Year Before
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock and Kelsey Ryan | Published: 8/3/2017

Lobbyists reported giving Missouri lawmakers and their staff members $347,368 in gifts from during the first six months of this year, which is less than the same period in 2016. Lobbyist gifts have declined every year since 2013. Observers point to numerous factors contributing to the decline, from increased public scrutiny on the practice to a series of embarrassing legislative scandals two years ago. Regardless of the reason, reform advocates say the drop is a sign that the tide is turning and lobbyist gifts are increasingly seen as a potential political liability.

Pennsylvania: Firms to Pay $9M to Feds to Resolve LCB Payola Case
PennLive.com – Mike Miller | Published: 7/27/2017

Four suppliers of alcohol to the state-owned system of liquor stores agreed to pay about $9 million in penalties for providing gifts to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials. The U.S. attorney’s office in Harrisburg said the vendors, in turn, will not be prosecuted. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Pennsylvania will pay $5 million for giving cash, all-expenses paid trips, and tickets to shows and sporting events to board officials from 2000 to 2012. Breakthru Beverage Pennsylvania, formerly Capital Wine and Spirits, and White Rock Distilleries will pay $2 million each for giving away gift cards, tickets, meals, and entertainment to the officials. Pio Imports will pay $200,000 for handing out gift cards to officials.

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.