April 17, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Former Trump Campaign Chairman to Register as Foreign Agent” by Jeff Horwitz, Chad Day, and Julie Pace (Associated Press) for ABC News “United Airlines Spent Millions Fighting Proposals to Protect Passenger Rights” by Frank Bass (MapLight) and David Sirota […]
Lobbying
“Former Trump Campaign Chairman to Register as Foreign Agent” by Jeff Horwitz, Chad Day, and Julie Pace (Associated Press) for ABC News
“United Airlines Spent Millions Fighting Proposals to Protect Passenger Rights” by Frank Bass (MapLight) and David Sirota for International Business Times
Missouri: “Ethics 101: What defines a lobbyist in Missouri?” by Jennifer Moore for KSMU
Pennsylvania: “Environmental Group Fined by State Ethics Commission” by Marie Cusik for StateImpact Pennsylvania
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “In Colorado, Lawmakers Clash Over a Dark Money Loophole” by Corey Hutchins for Colorado Independent
New Jersey: “2 Birdsall Execs Admit Roles in $1M Pay-to-Play Scheme” by S.J. Sullivan (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger
Ethics
“Trump Administration Won’t Release White House Visitor Logs” by Jordan Fabian for Roll Call
“Trump Organization Drops Plans for Dallas Hotel with ‘Turkish Trump’” by Ben Protess and Steve Eder for New York Times
Alabama: “For Alabama Christians, Governor Bentley’s Downfall Is a Bitter Blow” by Alan Blinder for New York Times
Minnesota: “Minnesota Ballpark Authority Limits Use of Publicly Owned Target Field Suite to Charities” by Rochelle Olson for Minneapolis Star Tribune
North Carolina: “Veto Fight Ahead Over Elections Board Rewrite” by Laura Leslie and Michael Burns for WRAL
Pennsylvania: “Former Top Aide to Rendell Gets Probation in Pay-to-Play Probe” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Texas: “Top Liquor Regulator Got ‘Hazardous Duty’ Pay on Hawaii Junket” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Elections
Arizona: “Senate Republicans Pass Bill Targeting Arizona Initiatives” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
Legislative Issues
Alabama: “Bill: Legislature could compel impeachment testimony” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertisor
Iowa: “Iowa to Become Latest State to Allow Guns in Its Capitol” by Barbara Rodriguez (Associated Press) for Des Moines Register
April 14, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – April 14, 2017
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
April 14, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 14, 2017
Federal: Can Democrats Cuss Their Way Back to the White House? McClatchy DC – Alex Roarty | Published: 4/11/2017 After voters rewarded Donald Trump despite – or perhaps because of – his plain, often expletive-prone rhetoric, Democrats are suddenly […]
Federal:
Can Democrats Cuss Their Way Back to the White House?
McClatchy DC – Alex Roarty | Published: 4/11/2017
After voters rewarded Donald Trump despite – or perhaps because of – his plain, often expletive-prone rhetoric, Democrats are suddenly quite eager to adopt the language of America’s president. From the party’s new chairperson to a senator many believe will run for the White House in 2020, Democrats are letting loose four-letter words in public speeches and interviews, causing a small stir, at least in political circles, where swearing in public is usually off limits.
FBI Obtained FISA Warrant to Monitor Trump Adviser Carter Page
Washington Post – Ellen Nakashima, Devlin Barrett, and Adam Entous | Published: 4/11/2017
The FBI obtained a warrant to secretly surveil former Donald Trump aide Carter Page last summer under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The FBI and Justice Department demonstrated probable cause that Page is acting on behalf of a foreign state to be granted the warrant. This is the clearest evidence so far the FBI had reason to believe during the 2016 presidential campaign that a Trump campaign adviser was in touch with Russian agents. Such contacts are now at the center of a probe into whether the campaign coordinated with the Russian government to swing the election in Trump’s favor. Page has not been accused of any crimes, and it is unclear whether the Justice Department might later seek charges against him or others.
Foreign Influence in the U.S. Cloaked in Unnecessary Obscurity, Watchdog Groups Say
Roll Call – Stephanie Akin | Published: 4/12/2017
The U.S. has required American citizens who lobby on behalf of foreign governments to register with the Department of Justice since 1938. Registrants are supposed to periodically update the government about their activities, including the materials they have distributed, meetings they have attended, and the payments they have received. The result is a large volume of paperwork that, if properly collected and maintained, could provide a window into the attempts of foreign governments to influence American lawmakers. But the technology the government uses to catalogue and store the data is so outdated that it is next to impossible to quickly find the answers to many basic questions, according to nonprofit groups familiar with the database.
Trump’s Trademark Continues Its March Across the Globe, Raising Eyebrows
New York Times – Sharon LaFraniere and Danny Hakim | Published: 4/11/2017
For most of last year, Donald Trump’s application to register trademarks for his brand of home accessories languished in a government office in Lima, Peru. But since he was elected in November, the pace has picked up. Peruvian officials say they are treating Trump’s trademark applications like anyone else’s and are acting on them now simply because his business representatives have answered outstanding questions. But to a team of constitutional lawyers, the pending Peruvian petitions are emblematic of the legal and moral perils in Trump’s continued ownership of his business empire. In a federal lawsuit that has set up a high-stakes legal battle with the administration, they argue the Constitution prohibits the president from accepting any economic benefit, including trademark approvals, from foreign governments.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Alabama Governor Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Charges Tied to Allegations He Tried to Cover Up Affair with a Top Aide
Washington Post – Amber Phillips | Published: 4/10/2017
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley resigned rather than face impeachment and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor campaign violations that arose during an investigation of his alleged affair with a top aide. The plea agreement specified he must surrender campaign funds totaling nearly $37,000 and perform 100 hours of community service as a physician. Bentley also cannot seek public office again. Bentley was first engulfed in scandal last year after recordings surfaced of him making sexually charged comments to Rebekah Mason. A House Judiciary Committee report said Bentley encouraged an “atmosphere of intimidation” to keep the story under wraps and directed law enforcement officers to track down and seize the recordings.
Massachusetts – Massachusetts Judge Upholds Ban on Corporate Contributions to Politicians
MassLive.com – Shira Schoenberg | Published: 4/6/2017
A Massachusetts law banning corporations from making political donations survived a legal challenge on when a judge ruled against two local business owners seeking to overturn the restriction. Superior Court Judge Paul Wilson found the law does not unconstitutionally discriminate against a business’s right to free speech or equal protection. He also ruled the Office of Campaign and Political Finance successfully showed the law treating unions and corporations differently “serves the anti-corruption interest” used by the state as justification for the law.
Mississippi – Bryant Signs Campaign Finance Reform into Law
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Geoff Pender | Published: 4/11/2017
Legislation that would prohibit politicians from using their campaign finance funds for personal use was signed into law by Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. The new law comes after an ongoing investigative report by The Jackson Clarion-Ledger that illustrated how the state’s lax campaign finance laws and nearly nonexistent enforcement had created a tax-free second income for many Mississippi politicians, mostly funded by special interests.
Missouri – Ferguson Re-Elects White Mayor 2 Years After Mike Brown Incident
New York Times – John Eligon | Published: 4/5/2017
Although much of the activism for racial justice today stems from the killing of Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, voters in the town re-elected James Knowles III, a white Republican who has been the object of much scorn among those who believe the city has discriminated against black people. About 67 percent of the city’s 21,000 residents are black, and 29 percent are white. Some activists are now assessing what is happening politically for black people and whether there needs to be a complete rethinking of how they engage with mainstream politics.
Nevada – What Is a Conflict of Interest? Lawsuit against Reno Lawmaker Might Decide.
Reno Gazette-Journal – Seth Richardson | Published: 4/8/2017
State Sen. Heidi Gansert works for the University of Nevada, Reno as executive director of external relations, Gansert’s focus is on economic development for the university. The Nevada Policy Research Institute (NPRI) filed a lawsuit that argues her job presents a conflict-of-interest to her role as a state senator. As a university employee, Gansert is a part of the Nevada System of Higher Education in the executive branch. As an elected lawmaker, she is serving in the legislative branch and votes will come up on a variety of higher education bills. Gansert’s case is not isolated and illustrates the sometimes precarious positions of lawmakers professional careers and public service. With Nevada’s citizen legislature, lawmakers almost always have an outside job. Sometimes, those two lives can seem at odds with each other.
New Jersey – N.J. Election Watchdog: State needs pay-to-play reform
Bergen Record – Nicholas Pugliese | Published: 4/6/2017
Political contributions made by New Jersey’s public contractors declined in 2016 for the third year in a row, but the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) remains concerned about the rise of PACs and issue-advocacy groups that are not subject to “pay-to-play” restrictions and disclosure requirements. New Jersey law generally bars any company with a contract worth more than $17,500 from giving more than $300 to gubernatorial candidates and party fundraising committees. Any contractor that gives money must disclose that to the ELEC.
New Mexico – Governor Vetoes Campaign Finance Reform
New Mexico In Depth – Trip Jennings | Published: 4/7/2017
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed legislation that would have required greater public disclosure by those who spend big money in campaigns. Senate Bill 96 would have updated the law to address the proliferation of unlimited election fundraising and spending by independent groups since a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision. It would have required any groups making independent campaign expenditures before primary or general elections to report the source of their money. The bill also would have doubled campaign contribution limits for lawmakers.
New Mexico – Martinez Vetoes Bill to Close Lobbyist Loophole
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 4/6/2017
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed legislation that aimed to close a loophole in the state’s lobbying law that was created last year. Because of the veto, lobbyists will not need to report expenses on lawmakers and other public officials under $100, as they did prior to the current law taking effect. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, said Martinez told him it was unclear if Senate Bill 393 required aggregate reporting of all expenses less than $100 or specific reporting of every expense once a $100 threshold was reached.
New York – On Ethics, Cuomo Budget Entered Like a Lion and Emerged Like a Lamb
New York Times – Lisa Foderaro | Published: 4/11/2017
Despite the recent convictions of the leaders of both the Assembly and the Senate, and indictments against some of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s own associates, state lawmakers failed to take up a raft of ethics proposals included in the governor’s executive budget. Their absence in a $153 billion budget, which included a roster of contentious items, left watchdog organizations, academics who study Albany, and even some legislators doing a collective tsk-tsk. Some blamed the Senate for putting up the most resistance to reforms; others criticized Cuomo for not making them a priority.
Oklahoma – LGBTQ Group’s Capitol Visit Prompts Mass Email About ‘Cross-Dressers in the Building’
Tulsa World – Randy Krehbiel | Published: 4/10/2017
An email telling teenage pages that “there are cross-dressers in the building” caused a furor in the Oklahoma Capitol. The email, by a House staffer who oversees the page program, was apparently prompted by the visit of about 70 LGBTQ students from the Tulsa area who were lobbying mostly on behalf of HIV awareness and education funding and support. Their presence prompted Karen Kipgen, supervisor of the page program, to arrange for pages to use private staff and member restrooms. Kipgen also sent a mass email saying “As per the Speaker’s office, Pages are being allowed access to the ladies restroom across from 401, for today. Again, there are cross-dressers in the building.”
Oklahoma – State Officials Disclosing Fewer Facts Than Ever About Their Personal Finances
Oklahoma Watchdog – Molly Bryant | Published: 4/8/2017
Each year, Oklahoma legislators and statewide elected officials must report details about their personal finances to alert the public to potential conflicts-of-interest. This year, however, they generally will be asked to report fewer facts than ever – that is, since the disclosure rules were approved in 1994. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has revised the disclosure form and slashed the number of state employees required to file it, from nearly 6,000 to 362. Those who must file do not have to reveal as many potential sources of income outside of their state jobs. Unlike before, they also do not have to disclose all contracts they have with a state agency or all income-producing relationships with registered lobbyists.
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.
April 13, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Connecticut: “Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, A Felon, Says He Deserves Public Funding for Campaign” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant Mississippi: “Bryant Signs Campaign Finance Reform into Law” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger Missouri: “Pay to Play? […]
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, A Felon, Says He Deserves Public Funding for Campaign” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant
Mississippi: “Bryant Signs Campaign Finance Reform into Law” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Missouri: “Pay to Play? Missouri Senate Leader Faces Questions About Consumer Protection Bill” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Elections
“Can Democrats Cuss Their Way Back to the White House?” by Alex Roarty for McClatchy DC
“FBI Obtained FISA Warrant to Monitor Trump Adviser Carter Page” by Ellen Nakashima, Devlin Barrett, and Adam Entous for Washington Post
Ethics
“Trump’s Trademark Continues Its March Across the Globe, Raising Eyebrows” by Sharon LaFraniere and Danny Hakim for New York Times
New York: “On Ethics, Cuomo Budget Entered Like a Lion and Emerged Like a Lamb” by Lisa Foderaro for New York Times
Oklahoma: “State Officials Disclosing Fewer Facts Than Ever About Their Personal Finances” by Mollie Bryant for Oklahoma Watchdog
Lobbying
“Foreign Influence in the U.S. Cloaked in Unnecessary Obscurity, Watchdog Groups Say” by Stephanie Akin for Roll Call
April 12, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Missouri: “Limit on Lobbyist Gifts Clears Missouri Senate Committee” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Campaign Finance California: “Anti-Pot Group Faces Campaign Finance Violations from Its Work Opposing Marijuana Legalization in California” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Limit on Lobbyist Gifts Clears Missouri Senate Committee” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
California: “Anti-Pot Group Faces Campaign Finance Violations from Its Work Opposing Marijuana Legalization in California” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
New York: “Investigations into De Blasio Spurred City Reform, Renewed Calls for State Changes” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Ethics
“Secret A.T.F. Account Paid for $21,000 Nascar Suite and Las Vegas Trip” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times
Michigan: “Michigan Sen. Bert Johnson Indicted by Grand Jury” by Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray for Detroit Free Press
South Carolina: “New SC Ethics Law Does Not Go Far Enough, Critics Say” by Avery Wilks for The State
Elections
Texas: “Federal Judge Says Texas Voter ID Law Intentionally Discriminates” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Oklahoma: “LGBTQ Group’s Capitol Visit Prompts Mass Email About ‘Cross-Dressers in the Building’” by Randy Krehbiel for Tulsa World
Procurement
California: “Feds: Well-known Oakland contractors conspired to cheat government” by Malaika Fraley for East Bay Times
April 11, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Montana: “Montana Considers Raising Political Campaign Donation Limits” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for Washington Times New Mexico: “Governor Vetoes Campaign Finance Reform” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth Ethics “Who’s Visiting the White House? Watchdog […]
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Montana Considers Raising Political Campaign Donation Limits” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for Washington Times
New Mexico: “Governor Vetoes Campaign Finance Reform” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Ethics
“Who’s Visiting the White House? Watchdog Groups Are Suing to Find Out” By John Wagner for Washington Post
“How Bannon’s Multimedia Machine Drove a Movement and Paid Him Millions” by Shawn Boburg and Robert O’Hara Jr. for Washington Post
Alabama: “Alabama Governor Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Charges Tied to Allegations He Tried to Cover Up Affair with a Top Aide” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post
California: “Los Angeles County D.A.’s Office Sees a Big Drop in the Number of Public Corruption Prosecutions” by Ben Poston and Kim Christensen for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “In Session Bookended by Corruption, Maryland Lawmakers Re-Write Ethics Laws” by Erin Cox for Baltimore Sun
Nevada: “What Is a Conflict of Interest? Lawsuit against Reno Lawmaker Might Decide” by Seth Richardson for Reno Gazette-Journal
Lobbying
Oregon: “Aiming for Openness, Oregon House Passes Bill to Make Lobbyists Say What They Influence” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “South Carolina Statehouse Corruption Probe Investigating Whether Richard Quinn & Associates’ Campaign Work ‘Bled into’ Lobbying” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
April 10, 2017 •
Massachusetts Ban on Contributions Upheld
A state ban on political contributions to candidates by businesses was upheld by a Suffolk Superior Court judge last week. Massachusetts campaign finance law prohibits contributions from businesses but allows contributions from labor unions. Two businesses active in a fiscally […]
A state ban on political contributions to candidates by businesses was upheld by a Suffolk Superior Court judge last week. Massachusetts campaign finance law prohibits contributions from businesses but allows contributions from labor unions.
Two businesses active in a fiscally conservative advocacy group challenged the law hoping for a change in favor of businesses wishing to contribute, asserting the same political contribution rules should apply to businesses and unions.
The Office of Campaign and Political Finance argued businesses are different from unions and the state is within its rights to regulate each entity differently, maintaining the state’s interest in preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption.
Under the upheld law, individuals can contribute $1,000 per year to candidates and labor unions can contribute up to $15,000.
April 10, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Those Prized Small Donors? They May Not Be as Small as You Think” by Andrew Mayersohn for Center for Responsive Politics Canada: “Liberals Promise to Begin Holding Fundraisers in Public, Share Details Online” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail […]
Campaign Finance
“Those Prized Small Donors? They May Not Be as Small as You Think” by Andrew Mayersohn for Center for Responsive Politics
Canada: “Liberals Promise to Begin Holding Fundraisers in Public, Share Details Online” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail
Florida: “State Attorney Clears Donald Trump, Pam Bondi on Campaign Donation” by Arek Sarkissian for Naples Daily News
Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Judge Upholds Ban on Corporate Contributions to Politicians” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive.com
New Jersey: “N.J. Election Watchdog: State needs pay-to-play reform” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record
Washington D.C.: “Audit Finds D.C. Council Member Cannot Substantiate $100K in Contributions” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Ethics
“The U.S. Government Has Withdrawn Its Request Ordering Twitter to Identify a Trump Critic” by Hayley Tsukayama and Craig Timberg for Washington Post
“Kushner Omitted Meeting with Russians on Security Clearance Forms” by Jo Becker and Matthew Rosenberg for New York Times
Alabama: “Alabama Governor Faces Impeachment Hearing in Scandal of Sex and Power” by Alan Blinder for New York Times
Missouri: “After Repeal, Ethics Law Supporters to Push Ballot Amendment” by James Nord (Associated Press) for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Elections
Missouri: “Ferguson Re-Elects White Mayor 2 Years After Mike Brown Incident” by John Eligon for New York Times
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Martinez Vetoes Bill to Close Lobbyist Loophole” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth
April 7, 2017 •
Gov. Martinez Vetoes Ethics and Campaign Finance Bills
Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed ethics and campaign finance bills. Senate Bill 393 would have required lobbyists to report expenses on lawmakers and other public officials under $100. Martinez stated she supports transparency, but thought the bill was unclear and could […]
Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed ethics and campaign finance bills.
Senate Bill 393 would have required lobbyists to report expenses on lawmakers and other public officials under $100. Martinez stated she supports transparency, but thought the bill was unclear and could have several unintended consequences.
Additionally, Martinez vetoed Senate Bill 96 which would have required disclosure of “dark-money” campaign spending by nonprofit groups. Martinez vetoed the legislation because it may discourage charities from advocating for their causes.
April 7, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – April 7, 2017
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
April 7, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 7, 2017
Federal: DOJ Renews Promise of Action on Lobbying Law Compliance Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 4/5/2017 The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) compliance noted the Justice Department expects to take action on […]
Federal:
DOJ Renews Promise of Action on Lobbying Law Compliance
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 4/5/2017
The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) compliance noted the Justice Department expects to take action on four “chronic offenders” of the law. The report said House and Senate officials in charge of administering the LDA have referred thousands of cases of noncompliance, but the U.S. attorney’s office has been able to resolve only about half of these cases through letters and other contacts seeking compliance. The GAO said officials believe many of those who fail to file disclosure reports are no longer lobbying. But more than 1,300 referrals regarding failure to file lobbying reports remained unresolved last year. Meanwhile, another 700 referrals for failing to file required reports on lobbyists’ political contributions also remained unresolved.
Ethics Panel Opens Investigation into Nunes
The Hill – Cristina Marcos and Katie Bo Williams | Published: 4/6/2017
House Intelligence Committee Chairperson Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) temporarily recused himself from all matters related to the panel’s ongoing probe into Russia’s interference in the presidential election. The House ethics committee released a statement saying it would investigate allegations that “Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct.” Nunes has come under fire for going to the White House grounds to meet with a secret source and view documents he said suggest President Trump and his transition team members’ identities may have been improperly revealed in reports on surveillance of foreign targets.
Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work
Politico – Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey | Published: 4/3/2017
Some of President Donald Trump’s former campaign hands are rushing to sign lucrative deals with foreign clients, shrugging off their own pledges to avoid foreign lobbying and the president’s vow to “drain the swamp.” Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s firm is one a handful of upstarts looking to undercut the lobbying giants that for years dominated the market for foreign lobbying work in Washington. They are betting their experience on Trump’s campaign and relationships with former colleagues now in his administration can woo foreign governments away from more established rivals.
Trump Can Quietly Draw Money from Trust Whenever He Wants, New Documents Show
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 4/3/2017
The trust agreement that Donald Trump used to put his adult sons in charge of his company allows him to draw money from it upon his request, illustrating the thin divide between the president and his private fortune. Trump and his attorneys have pointed to the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust as a response to widespread worries from ethics lawyers, who have said the president’s refusal to divest ownership of his company creates the potential that he can derive personal profit from his public office. Trump’s trust is not “blind” because he knows how his assets are performing, has close relationships with both trustees, can make money off the trust’s financial interests, and can revoke the trust at any time.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Ethics Commission Finds Probable Cause Against Gov. Robert Bentley
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 4/5/2017
Gov. Robert Bentley could face criminal prosecution after the Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause he broke ethics and campaign finance laws in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for over a year. The commission voted to refer four issues to the Montgomery County district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to pursue charges. The commission found probable cause to believe Bentley had misused state resources and campaign funds, improperly accepted a campaign donation outside of an allowed fundraising window, and lent himself campaign money when he was not a candidate. Bentley has been under scrutiny since recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.
Arizona – Arizona Secretary of State’s Website to Track Political Spending Triples in Cost
Arizona Republic – Mary Jo Pitzl | Published: 3/29/2017
It was a key talking point of her 2014 campaign for secretary of state: Michele Reagan would build a website to allow the public to track the money spent in political campaigns, from the governor’s office down to the smallest town-council race. But the much-touted See the Money website has yet to materialize, despite a nearly $500,000 investment, a now-completed contract with an outside firm, and a string of promised due dates. Reagan said she is moving the project in-house and is determined to have it online by January.
Colorado – A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop
Colorado Independent – Corey Hutchins | Published: 4/4/2017
The best drama in Colorado politics is not occurring at the Capitol, but in a courtroom. The characters in the dispute are half the intrigue. At issue is the question of whether it is legal for someone to set up a nonprofit to shield donors from disclosure even when that nonprofit works almost exclusively, through an affiliated entity, on campaigns for or against candidates. In Colorado, anyone who lodges a complaint about a suspected campaign finance violation has to prove his or her own case against an alleged violator in a courtroom setting. It is a system its critics say discourages average citizens from bringing complaints against powerful people or well-funded groups.
Florida – Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance
SaintPetersBlog.com – Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) | Published: 4/5/2017
Registered lobbyists can no longer text or email Hillsborough County commissioners during meetings. Lobbyists who violate the new ordinance can be punished with a ban of up to a year, though it would take four violations to reach that. Commissioners that violate the ban and do not report communications sent to them during meeting will be punished with a $250 fine on the first offense and $500 on the second. If a third violation occurs, the Florida Commission on Ethics will be notified.
Kansas – These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.
Washington Post – Samantha Schmidt | Published: 4/5/2017
A group of reporters and editors from the student newspaper, the Booster Redux at Pittsburg High School in Kansas, had gathered to talk about Amy Robertson, who was hired as the high school’s head principal on March 6. The student journalists had begun researching Robertson, and quickly found some discrepancies in her education credentials. When they researched Corllins University, the private university where Robertson said she got her master’s and doctorate degrees, the website did not work. They found no evidence it was an accredited university. The students began digging into a weeks-long investigation that would result in an article questioning the legitimacy of the principal’s degrees and of her work as an education consultant. Robertson resigned four days later.
Maine – Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only
Portland Press Herald – Kevin Miller | Published: 4/3/2017
A legislative committee voted in favor of a bill to make it a crime for lobbyists to lie to Maine lawmakers after narrowing a bill to exclude the public, and themselves. Maine is one of nine states that have no laws against providing false information in committee. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia prohibit lobbyists from providing false testimony, and some states require speakers to take an oath before testifying in committee.
North Carolina – Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board
WRAL – Matthew Burns | Published: 4/4/2017
House Republicans would prefer changing a law struck down by a three-judge panel related to overseeing North Carolina elections instead of extending a court fight with new Gov. Roy Cooper. A new measure approved by the Elections Committee would rework an eight-member state panel overseeing both elections and ethics rules the judges threw out as unconstitutional and give more control over the board to Cooper. The revised bill would still merge the elections and ethics boards, but the governor would be able to appoint all members from nominations made by the state Republican and Democratic parties. The board would be split evenly between the two parties.
Pennsylvania – Have Bribery, Fraud and Abuse of Power Become Synonymous with ‘Pennsylvania’?
PennLive.com – Jan Murphy | Published: 3/30/2017
Pennsylvanians have witnessed scores of corruption cases involving state officials from both sides of the political aisle and all three state governmental branches. Whether it is on a per-capita basis or simply the sheer number of high-profile corruption cases in recent years, Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick said it is obvious that “something is pretty wrong in our political system in terms of corruption.” Some blame it on lax rules that do not hold government officials accountable or lawmakers’ failure to enact reform laws such as a ban on gifts or limits on campaign contributions. Though watchdogs continue to seek such reforms, little progress has been made in the Legislature.
Tennessee – Analysis: Possible double dipping at Tennessee statehouse
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert | Published: 3/31/2017
A review of campaign finance reports filed in 2016 by all 131 current Tennessee lawmakers found state representatives and senators spent $189,700 combined in campaign money on expenses that may have been paid for by state funds. But lawmakers are not required to report specific dates and locations of smaller purchases that are typically less than $100. That makes it unclear how many of those expenses also may have been reimbursed by the state, providing the opportunity to obscure double dipping or other financial abuse.
Tennessee – Nashville’s Private Club with a PAC
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher | Published: 4/2/2017
Many nights, the most powerful Tennessee lawmakers imbibe and eat at The Standard, a restaurant a few blocks from the Capitol. Often, it is at the expense of their campaign donors. An analysis found 25 Tennessee legislators and one prominent Nashville elected official, or their PACs, combined with seven other state PACs to spend $150,000 from their campaign coffers at the restaurant and club since 2009. More than $50,000 of that money was spent by elected officials to pay for their personal memberships in the club. The Standard also operates its own state PAC, which has donated almost $100,000 to state and local leaders who are members or who frequent the club.
Vermont – Vermont’s Campaign Finance Law Survives Legal Challenge
U.S. News & World Report; Associated Press – | Published: 4/3/2017
A challenge to Vermont’s campaign finance laws has been struck down in federal court. Dean Corren, an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor, sued the state for violating his First Amendment rights, alleging a restriction on fundraising for publicly financed candidates is unconstitutional.
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.
April 6, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Colorado: “A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop” by Corey Hutchins for Colorado Independent Ethics “It’s Plausible Trump Incited Violence, Federal Judge Rules in OK’ing Lawsuit” by Eliott McLaughlin for […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop” by Corey Hutchins for Colorado Independent
Ethics
“It’s Plausible Trump Incited Violence, Federal Judge Rules in OK’ing Lawsuit” by Eliott McLaughlin for CNN
“How the U.S. Ethics Chief Took on Trump and Became a Reluctant Washington Hero” by David Montgomery for Washington Post
“Russian Spies Tried to Recruit Carter Page Before He Advised Trump” by Adam Goldman for New York Times
Kansas: “These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.” by Samantha Schmidt for Washington Post
North Carolina: “Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board” by Matthew Burns for WRAL
Legislative Issues
Minnesota: “House DFL Leader Won’t Back Down from ‘White Male Card Game’ Remarks” by Brian Bakst for Minnesota Public Radio
Lobbying
Florida: “Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance” by Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) for SaintPetersBlog.com
Texas: “Jet Setting Liquor Regulators Could See Wings Clipped by Lawmakers” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
April 5, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Changing of the Guard at DC’s Top Lobby Firm” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Maine: “Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only” by Kevin Miller for Portland Press Herald Campaign Finance Missouri: “Greitens’ Political Nonprofits Take Center […]
Lobbying
“Changing of the Guard at DC’s Top Lobby Firm” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Maine: “Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only” by Kevin Miller for Portland Press Herald
Campaign Finance
Missouri: “Greitens’ Political Nonprofits Take Center Stage in Missouri; Common for Governors Around US” by Jo Mannies for St. Louis Public Radio
Tennessee: “Nashville’s Private Club with a PAC” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Vermont: “Vermont’s Campaign Finance Law Survives Legal Challenge” by the Associated Press for U.S. News & World Report
Ethics
“Blackwater Founder Held Secret Seychelles Meeting to Establish Trump-Putin Back Channel” by Adam Entous, Greg Miller, Kevin Sieff, and Karen DeYoung for Washington Post
“Trump Aides’ Disclosures Reveal Surge in Lucrative Political Work” by Steve Eder, Eric Lipton, and Andrew Lehren for New York Times
“Trump Can Quietly Draw Money from Trust Whenever He Wants, New Documents Show” by Drew Harwell for Washington Post
Tennessee: “Lawmakers Kill Gift Transparency Bill; Senate OKs Higher Campaign Limits” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
April 4, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work” by Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey for Politico Tennessee: “Tennessee Bill to Limit State-Paid Legislative Travel Falters” by Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher for The Tennessean Campaign Finance New […]
Lobbying
“Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work” by Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey for Politico
Tennessee: “Tennessee Bill to Limit State-Paid Legislative Travel Falters” by Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Campaign Finance
New York: “In a Bind, de Blasio May Explore Legal Defense Fund Legislation” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Tennessee: “Analysis: Possible double dipping at Tennessee statehouse” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Washington: “State Sues Tim Eyman, Alleging Campaign-Finance Violations” by Jerry Cornfield for Everett Herald
Ethics
“Flynn Made $1.3 Million for Lobbying, Speeches, Other Work” by Stephen Braun and Chad Day (Associated Press) for PBS
“Trump Couple, Now White House Employees, Can’t Escape Conflict Laws” by Eric Lipton and Jesse Drucker for New York Times
“Hands Raised, Trump Aides Rush to Try to Testify on Russia” by the Associated Press for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Controller: Nutter and former chairwoman of Mayor’s Fund should pay back thousands spent on trips, hotels and restaurants” by Claudia Vargas and David Gambacorta for Philadelphia Inquirer
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