Campaign Finance

Arizona – “Arizona Secretary of State’s Website to Track Political Spending Triples in Cost” Mary Jo Pitzl for Arizona Republic

Michigan – “‘Shadowy’ 527 Political Groups Would Have to Report Finances Under New Bill” by Emily Lawler for MLive.com

New York – “De Blasio Stymied in Attempt to Pay Legal Fees with Donations” by J. David Goodman for New York Times

Ethics

“Ivanka Trump, Shifting Plans, Will Become a Federal Employee” by Rachel Abrams and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Florida – “Bribery Attempts in Miami Beach Drop, But They Still Happen, Ethics Survey Shows” by Joey Flechas Miami Herald

Pennsylvania – “Have Bribery, Fraud and Abuse of Power Become Synonymous with ‘Pennsylvania’?” by Jan Murphy for PennLive.com

South Carolina – “South Carolina Ports Agency Suspends Payments to Consultant Richard Quinn During Statehouse Corruption Probe” by David Wren for Charleston Post and Courier

Virginia – “Feds Looking into Any ODU Payments, Gifts to Ex-Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe” by Scott Daugherty for The Virginian-Pilot

Washington – “Head of Public Disclosure Commission Stepping Down in May” by the Associated Press for U.S. News and World Report

See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!

Federal:

2 White House Officials Helped Give Nunes Intelligence Reports
New York Times – Matthew Rosenberg, Maggie Haberman, and Adam Goldman | Published: 3/30/2017

Two White House official were involved in giving House Intelligence Committee Chairperson Devin Nunes access to intelligence reports that seemed to show that President Donald Trump and his associates were incidentally included in surveillance efforts. The New York Times reported that multiple sources said Ezra Cohen-Warrick, senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who used to work for Nunes and is now in the White House Counsel’s Office, helped Nunes get the information. American officials said the reports consisted primarily of ambassadors and other foreign officials talking about how they were trying to develop contacts within Trump’s family and inner circle in advance of his inauguration.

A Former Trump Administration Appointee Who Left Without Signing Ethics Pledge Is Now a Lobbyist
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 3/29/2017

Robert Wasinger, a former campaign official and transition team member for Donald Trump, served briefly as White House liaison to the State Department before joining McGuireWoods Consulting as senior vice president of its federal public affairs group in February. He registered recently as a lobbyist for Verizon and Inovio Pharmaceuticals. Ethics experts said it is troubling that there are now two examples of early Trump appointees who left without committing to the lobbying ban.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Arizona Firefighters Have Grip on Financial Power in Local Elections – But Should They?
Arizona Republic – Jessica Boehm | Published: 3/28/2017

In 2015 and 2016, firefighter union PACs across Arizona donated hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to mayoral or city council candidates they often had never met. In total, 31 firefighter union PACs donated more than $250,000 to 59 city council and mayoral candidates in Arizona. Firefighter leaders say their campaign donations are noble efforts to ensure their communities are run by politicians who will do the best job for the community. Others question the power and legality of city employees so actively involved in electing council members, the people who will decide matters such as their wages and department budgets.

California – PG&E to Pay $86.5 Million for Backdoor Lobbying of Regulators
KNSD – Jaxon Van Derbeken | Published: 3/28/2017

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) will pay $86.5 million in a settlement over corruption allegations that followed a fatal pipeline explosion in San Bruno. The announcement comes in the wake of the disclosure of a series of improper communications and back-channel deals linked to the disaster. The utility’s inappropriate actions also affected gas-pipeline operations in San Carlos. Under pressure, PG&E agreed to release 65,000 emails sent between 2010 and 2014. In them, critics found proof of an overly cozy relationship between  top officials at PG&E and regulators both before and after the explosion that killed eight people.

Connecticut – Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles
Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahoney and Jon Lender | Published: 3/29/2017

Ted Kennedy, Jr. in his 2014 campaign for the Connecticut Senate signed a contract promising to limit campaign spending to a grant of about $95,000 in taxpayer money he received under the state’s Citizen Election Program, the landmark campaign finance reform its supporters claim is a model for keeping special interest money out of elections. But records show Kennedy and the Democratic Party spent almost four times that much on his campaign, using a loophole opened by an amendment pushed through the Democrat-controlled state Legislature the year before. The Democratic State Central Committee paid about $288,000 to cover “organizational expenditures” on the Kennedy campaign – after family, friends, and business associates of Kennedy donated about $300,000 to the committee.

Florida – Florida Paid Law Firm for Meeting with House Speaker
U.S. News and World Report – Gary Fineout (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2017

Blurring the lines between his role as an up-and-coming legislator and his job as an attorney, the law firm of House Speaker Richard Corcoran once charged the state for a meeting with Corcoran in his capacity as a lawmaker. Billing records show the firm of Broad and Cassel charged the state’s economic development agency ahead of a meeting between its affiliate, the state Division of Bond Finance, and Corcoran – putting the meeting in the crosshairs of a new review by Gov. Rick Scott of potential conflicts-of-interest. Corcoran said he was unaware his firm asked to be paid to prepare for the meeting with him. He said he and all lawmakers are routinely asked by friends and colleagues to meet with people to discuss issues and problems they have with state government.

Illinois – Campaign Donation Limits Lifted in Illinois Governor’s Race
Northwest Herald – Sophia Tareen (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2017

Chris Kennedy’s roughly $250,000 donation to his own campaign has lifted spending caps in what is expected to be another big money race for Illinois governor. Kennedy’s contribution follows Gov. Bruce Rauner’s record-setting $50 million donation to his own re-election bid last year. But Rauner’s contribution did not remove the limits because of how early the donation was made. When a self-funded statewide candidate or family member gives more than $250,000 in the 12 months before an election, the caps are lifted for all candidates. Illinois’ gubernatorial primary is March 20, 2018.

Illinois – Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees
Illinois Policy – Jacob Huebert | Published: 3/24/2017

An Illinois law banning state marijuana growers and sellers from making campaign contributions has been struck down as unconstitutional. U.S. District Court Judge John Lee ruled the legislation, passed in 2013, the same year the General Assembly voted to legalize medical marijuana, violates free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Lee said the state had provided no justification for banning contributions from the medical cannabis industry while not banning donations from any other regulated industries.

Iowa – House Ethics Committee Admonishes Americans for Prosperity Lobbyist
Des Moines Register – Brianne Pfannenstiel | Published: 3/22/2017

The Iowa House Ethics Committee voted to issue a letter admonishing Americans for Prosperity lobbyist Drew Klein for failing to register his position on a controversial bill scaling back collective bargaining rights. State law requires lobbyists to register their support or opposition to legislation moving through the Capitol to create transparency. The committee said Klein did not officially register his support of House File 291 until after it had already been under discussion. That prompted a complaint from the Iowa Federation of Labor.

Missouri – Goodbye to All That? Missouri Lawmakers Dragging Feet on Lobbyist-Gift Ban
St. Louis Public Radio – Marshall Griffin | Published: 3/24/2017

There has been no movement for nearly two months on bills that would ban gifts from lobbyists to Missouri lawmakers. The House passed House Bill 60 on January 17, and a Senate committee conducted a joint hearing on it and on the Senate version, Senate Bill 305. With the legislative session scheduled to end on May 12, it remains to be seen whether what was once a strong priority for Republicans will pass at all.

New Jersey – 2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal
New York Times – Nick Corasaniti | Published: 3/29/2017

Two former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were sentenced to prison for their role in a political revenge plot involving traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge, a scandal that sank Christie’s presidential aspirations. Bill Baroni, Christie’s appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was sentenced to two years, and Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, received 18 months. The government’s star witness, David Wildstein, testified he and the co-defendants sought to retaliate against a Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie’s re-election. Christie was not charged with any wrongdoing. But his version of events – that he was not aware that anyone in his office was involved until months after the fact – was contradicted by testimony from multiple people.

New Mexico – What Financial Disclosure Forms Don’t Require Reveal as Much as What They Do
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 3/23/2017

New Mexico In Depth created a database of the information in financial disclosures filed by lawmakers this year. The disclosures do not just reveal potential conflicts for lawmakers. In fact, sometimes the forms do not reveal much at all. The watchdog group Ethics Watch has noted that reporting requirements are unclear and lawmakers interpret them in a variety of ways. New Mexico is the only state in the nation that does not pay lawmakers. So, they typically have outside jobs that can pose conflicts-of-interest with their work at the Capitol.

Oregon – Lax Conflicts of Interest Rules Let Oregon Lawmakers Keep Quiet About Their Ties
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 3/26/2017

Oregon law allows officials to make decisions financially benefitting a class of people equally, even if the state lawmaker is a member of that group. That means it is perfectly legal for Oregon lawmakers to sponsor and vote for bills that benefit people in the occupation they hold or the type of companies their families work for. Regardless of potential conflicts, lawmakers are not allowed under Senate and House rules to recuse themselves from voting. They are required only to announce prior to voting that a potential conflict exists. Failing to disclose a conflict can result in censure or other discipline. But the onus is also on lawmakers to self-report.

Pennsylvania – Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/27/2017

U.S. District Court Judge John Jones III has thrown out a “pay-to-play” case against an investment adviser accused of bribing Pennsylvania’s former treasurer to get state business. Jones said prosecutors had not proven that favors were traded in exchange for campaign contributions from defendant Richard Ireland. Prosecutors had relied on testimony from former state Treasurer Rob McCord, who pleaded guilty two years ago to extortion charges after being caught strong-arming contributions from campaign donors, including some who had state contracts. But during testimony, McCord provided such lukewarm support for the government’s case that prosecutors grew increasingly short with him, almost treating him as a hostile witness.

Texas – Liquor Regulators Partying on Taxpayers’ Tab
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 3/24/2017

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has spent at least $85,000 on out-of-state travel since the 2011 fiscal year, much of it on liquor industry conferences. Almost $17,000 has been paid to the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), an industry trade group that brings liquor interests and government regulators together, for registration and membership fees over the same period. TABC Director Sherry Cook says the NCSLA’s meetings provide training and networking opportunities that help keep her agency abreast of the complicated regulatory structure in various states. Critics say they are junkets that waste precious tax dollars while raising troubling questions about the cozy relationship between the government regulators and powerful corporate interests.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Campaign Finance

“Ex-Congressman Stockman Indicted in Texas” by Josh Gerstein for Politico

Connecticut: “Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles” by Edmund Mahony and Jon Lender for Hartford Courant

Ethics

“Schock Staffer Was FBI Informant, Court Filings Reveal” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Alabama: “Vote on Whether to Impeach Alabama Governor May Come Quickly” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Myrtle Beach Sun News

Maine: “Memo: Dozens of Maine lawmakers may have failed to disclose changes in income” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public

New Jersey: “2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times

New Jersey: “N.J. Election Watchdog Meets after Year of Paralysis” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record

Elections

“A Former Trump Administration Appointee Who Left Without Signing Ethics Pledge Is Now a Lobbyist” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Lobbying

California: “PG&E to Pay $86.5 Million for Backdoor Lobbying of Regulators” by Jaxon Van Derbeken for KNSD

Campaign Finance

“Court Allows Challenge to FEC Rule Shielding Nonprofit Donors” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

Arizona: “Arizona Firefighters Have Grip on Financial Power in Local Elections – But Should They?” by Jessica Boehm for Arizona Republic

Connecticut: “Democrats Back Ban on ‘Dark Money’ in State Campaigns” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror

Illinois: “Campaign Donation Limits Lifted in Illinois Governor’s Race” by Sophia Tareen (Associated Press) for Northwest Herald

Maine: “Under Proposal, Some Campaign Finances Could Be Hidden Until Weeks After Election” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public

West Virginia: “WV Senate Passes Campaign Finance Overhaul” by Jake Zuckerman for Charleston Gazette

Ethics

“Mar-a-Lago Can’t Release Visitor Logs – Because It Doesn’t Keep Them” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico

Florida: “Florida Paid Law Firm for Meeting with House Speaker” by Gary Fineout (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report

Michigan: “Sources: FBI, State Police probe Johnson on payroll” by Jonathan Oosting and George Hunter for Detroit News

Montana: “City Council Repeals Ethics Ordinances, Disbands Board in Favor of State Statutes” by Mike Ferguson for Billings Gazette

Gov. Matt Bevin approved changes to a campaign finance law yesterday, March 27, 2017.

Senate Bill 75 doubles current contribution limits for individuals giving to candidates, state executive committees, and caucus campaign committees. The limit for individuals giving to PACs also increases from $1,500 to $2,000.

Contributions to candidates and PACs will be indexed for inflation every odd-numbered year based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill also creates a single reporting threshold of $3,000 for campaign finance reports.

The bill is effective June 28, 2017, or 90 days from adjournment sine die of the regular session of the Legislature.

On March 27, the West Virginia Senate voted to approve a bill to overhaul campaign finance laws.

Senate Bill 539 will raise campaign contribution limits to allow individuals to donate up to $2,700 to candidates for statewide office per election cycle. Individuals would also be able to contribute up to $5,000 to PACs per year and $10,000 to state parties and caucus campaign committees per year.

The bill also proposes changes to disclosure requirements, allowing citizens to donate up to $1,000 to certain PACs that do not donate to individual candidates or their committees before the donor’s identity must be disclosed.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Campaign Finance

Illinois: “Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees” by Jacob Huebert for Illinois Policy

Pennsylvania: “Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Elections

“Senate Committee to Question Jared Kushner Over Meetings with Russians” by Jo Becker, Matthew Rosenberg, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Ethics

Maine: “Bangor City Council’s Ethics Watchdog Group Hasn’t Investigated a Violation in 20 Years” by Danielle McLean for Bangor Daily News

Maryland: “Maryland House Passes First Major Ethics Bill in Over a Decade” by Ian Duncan for Baltimore Sun

Oregon: “Lax Conflicts of Interest Rules Let Oregon Lawmakers Keep Quiet About Their Ties” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian

Legislative Issues

“Chairman and Partisan: The dual roles of Devin Nunes raise questions about House investigation” by Greg Miller and Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post

New Mexico: “Amending New Mexico’s Convoluted Constitution” by Anna Lande for KUNM

Lobbying

“Trump’s ‘Beachhead’ Teams Host Dozens of Former Lobbyists” by Ashley Balcerzak and Niv Sultan for Center for Responsive Politics

Campaign Finance

“Duncan Hunter Under Criminal Investigation for Ethics Violations” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times

Elections

“One Rationale for Voter ID Debunked, G.O.P. Has Another” by Michael Wines for New York Times

Ethics

“Federal Agency Rules Trump’s D.C. Hotel Lease Is In ‘Full Compliance’” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

Florida: “Investigators Knocked Commissioners for VIP Treatment at MIA. Then Came the Funding Threat.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald

New Mexico: “What Financial Disclosure Forms Don’t Require Reveal as Much as What They Do” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth

New York: “Albany’s Latest Scandal: 2 more are accused of corruption” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Lobbying

Iowa: “House Ethics Committee Admonishes Americans for Prosperity Lobbyist” by Brianne Pfannenstiel for Des Moines Register

Missouri: “Goodbye to All That? Missouri Lawmakers Dragging Feet on Lobbyist-Gift Ban” by Marshall Griffin for St. Louis Public Radio

Texas: “Liquor Regulators Partying on Taxpayers’ Tab” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Federal:

Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand
New York Times – Rachel Abrams | Published: 3/20/2017

Ivanka Trump, who moved to Washington saying she would play no formal role in her father’s administration, is now officially setting up shop in the White House. The powerful first daughter has secured her own office on the West Wing’s second floor. She is also in the process of obtaining a security clearance and is set to receive government-issued communications devices. In everything but name, Trump is settling in as what appears to be a full-time staffer in her father’s administration, with a broad and growing portfolio, except she is not being sworn in, will hold no official position, and is not pocketing a salary, her attorney said. Watchdogs immediately questioned whether she is going far enough to eliminate conflicts-of-interest, especially because she will not be automatically subjected to certain ethics rules while serving as a de facto White House adviser.

Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 3/16/2017

Norm Eisen, President Barack Obama’s White House ethics czar, and Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer from the George W. Bush administration, have teamed up to become two of the most vocal critics of President Donald Trump’s conflicts-of-interest. They not only sued the president within days of his inauguration, they have also appeared regularly on television and testified on Capitol Hill. Though government ethics law may seem a lonely pursuit, leading a resistance against the Trump team’s web of potential ethics woes clearly is not. “I never imagined that White House ethics experts would be in such demand,” Eisen said.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida – Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?
Bradenton Herald – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/19/2017

In the ramp-up to the annual legislative session, before the self-imposed fundraising ban takes effect, Florida’s most politically powerful corporations seed hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign cash into the committees of legislators. But getting all the details on who got what is impossible. Florida law allows groups that accept contributions from corporations to legally distribute money to other political committees, including those controlled by legislators, without reporting the original source of the cash. The practice of shielding political spending from public view has fueled the “dark money” trend in politics that has allowed groups to launch political attacks in campaigns without fear of being traced.

Illinois – Emails to Emanuel Raise Questions About Dozens of Possible Lobbying Violations
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick | Published: 3/21/2017

The Chicago Tribune reviewed over 2,600 pages of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s personal emails, and found 26 instances where lobbyists, corporate executives, and longtime Emanuel associates and campaign donors sought action from, or access to, the mayor or city officials but did not register as a lobbyist or report their contact to the city ethics board. Some of those who sent emails pitching their business said they did not believe their actions qualified as lobbying or they were not familiar with the city’s ethics rules. But if the board determines someone sought to influence City Hall action but did not register as a lobbyist, it can fine the individual $1,000 per day from five days after the initial contact until they register.

Massachusetts – Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/22/2017

A Massachusetts business owner and his construction company have paid $150,000 for disguising the true source of campaign contributions. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance said J. Derenzo Companies gave $37,000 to employees and their family members to reimburse them for donations they made to nine candidates, including Gov. Charlie Baker and former Gov. Deval Patrick. The contributions were reported as coming from the individuals. State law prohibits disguising the true origin of a donation and bans corporate contributions. The company and its owner, David Howe, agreed to pay $125,000 to the state’s general fund. Howe also gave $25,000 to a charity with personal funds as part of the agreement.

Mississippi – Politicians Will See Campaign Spending Curbed
Hattiesburg American – Geoff Pender | Published: 3/22/2017

The Mississippi Legislature passed a campaign finance reform measure that would restrict politicians’ spending campaign money on personal expenses and provide for some enforcement and oversight by the state Ethics Commission. Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to sign the bill into law, to take effect January 1. Experts have called Mississippi’s lack of rules and transparency on campaign money – and allowing it to be used for personal expenses – “legalized bribery,” with special-interest cash making its way into politicians’ pockets after it runs through their campaign accounts. Campaign money is shielded from tax, ethics, bribery, and other laws because it is ostensibly to be used for campaigning and records of it are supposed to be open to the public.

New Mexico – Voters Will Decide Future of State Ethics Commission Proposal
New Mexico Politics – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2017

New Mexico voters will decide next year whether to create an independent ethics commission to shore up trust in government after a string of corruption scandals. The Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that calls for creating a seven-member body to investigate ethics violations and apply sanctions. The vote capped a decades-long effort by government watchdog groups and select lawmakers to put ethics complaints in the hands of an independent authority.

New York – Lobbyist in Libous Case Reaches $10k Settlement, as Legal Questions Remain
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/17/2017

Lobbyist Fred Hiffa, whose firm made payments to a law firm employing the son of late New York Sen. Thomas Libous at a time it regularly lobbied the once-influential politician, agreed to pay $10,000 to settle ethics charges. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) said Hiffa arranged for payments totaling $50,000 over one year to the law firm that employed Libous’ son. Libous was convicted of lying to the FBI about his son’s arrangement. But some legal experts said the gift ban law at the center of JCOPE’s case does not seem to apply to the Libous matter, as well as the case of former Sen. Dean Skelos, who was convicted on corruption charges relating to companies hiring his son.

New York – No Charges, but Harsh Criticism for Mayor de Blasio
New York Times – William Rashbaum | Published: 3/16/2017

Prosecutors said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his aides will not face criminal charges for their role in soliciting donations for the mayor’s campaign and an affiliated nonprofit group, the Campaign for One New York. The investigation involved accusations that de Blasio and his aides gave favorable treatment to donors who contributed to his 2013 mayoral election campaign. Also at issue is whether the de Blasio team illegally raised money for several key state senate races. Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said the decision not to file charges was based, among other things, on the high burden of proof required in prosecuting serious public corruption cases, the clarity of existing law, and the difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit.

North Carolina – Judges Issue Split Ruling on NC Governor-Legislature Power Struggle
Charlotte Observer – Anne Blythe (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/17/2017

A three-judge panel delivered a mixed decision in the power struggle between Gov. Roy Cooper and legislative leaders in North Carolina. The General Assembly passed two laws that require Senate confirmation of Cooper’s cabinet secretaries, cut the number of state positions to which the governor can appoint supporters, and overhauled the structure of North Carolina’s state and county elections boards. The panel agreed with Cooper that the law calling for combining the State Board of Elections and the State Ethics Commission was unconstitutional. The judges also ruled that a provision cutting the number of at-will policy-making and managerial positions in Cooper’s administration should be blocked. The judges upheld the Senate’s right to confirm the governor’s cabinet secretaries, saying Cooper has not demonstrated his administration will be hurt by the law.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation
New York Times – Matthew Haig | Published: 3/17/2017

Oklahoma Sen. Ralph Shortey was accused in a child prostitution case of offering to pay a 17-year-old boy for sex. Shortey was charged with three felony counts one week after police found him with the teenager in a hotel room. The maximum punishment, if convicted, is 25 years in prison. The Senate voted to punish Shortey for “disorderly behavior.” The unanimous vote stripped him of most of his privileges at the Capitol, including his office and parking space.

Pennsylvania – D.A. Seth Williams Indicted on Corruption, Bribery-Related Charges
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck, David Gambacorta, and Chris Brennan | Published: 3/21/2017

Philadelphia’s top prosecutor was charged with taking more than $160,000 in luxury gifts, Caribbean trips, and cash, often in exchange for official favors that included help with a court case, according to a bribery and extortion indictment. Federal prosecutors said District Attorney Seth Williams also spent $10,000 from a joint account he shared with a relative meant for the relative’s nursing home costs. The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into Williams’ financial affairs. In January, the city Board of Ethics imposed its largest fine ever, $62,000, on Williams for failing to disclose gifts and sources of income, and accepting gifts from prohibited sources.

Pennsylvania – Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo | Published: 3/22/2017

Former Allentown Managing Director Francis Dougherty pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in an ongoing FBI “pay-to-play” corruption probe. Prosecutors say Dougherty helped rig a $3 million contract to replace the city’s streetlights so it would go to a company whose executives and consultants gave thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to Mayor Ed Pawlowski. The mayor has not been charged, but he matches the description of the unnamed public official in court papers. As part of his plea deal, Dougherty must continue to cooperate with prosecutors concerning his knowledge of and participation in political corruption in Allentown.

South Carolina – Veteran State Sen. Courson of Columbia Suspended from Office after Misconduct Indictment
The State – John Monk | Published: 3/16/2017

One of South Carolina’s longest-serving senators has been indicted on ethics charges tied to veteran powerbroker Richard Quinn. A grand jury indicted Sen. John Courson on misconduct in office and using campaign donations for personal expenses. All three charges are tied to Courson’s payments to Quinn’s political consulting firm. Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant suspended Courson pending the case’s resolution. The indictments allege Courson gave Quinn’s firm nearly $248,000 and received back nearly $133,000 for personal use. The Quinn firm has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Texas – Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’
Dallas News – Tristan Hallman | Published: 3/22/2017

The Dallas City Council approved changes to the ethics law. The reforms include lowering the gift-reporting threshold to $250, requiring attorneys and law firms representing clients – along with leaders of associations – to register as lobbyists, and prohibiting city council members from discussing ongoing contract bids. Council members voted down several of their colleagues’ attempts to include additional changes. The ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2017.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Campaign Finance

Massachusetts: “Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Pennsylvania: “Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor” by Emily Opilo and Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

Ethics

“New Trump Hotels Face Political Fights, Ethics Questions” by Bernard Condon and David Koenig (Associated Press) for ABC News

“Betsy DeVos’s Hiring of For-Profit College Official Raises Impartiality Issues” by Patricia Cohen for New York Times

“Protesting at Lunchtime: Defying Trump becomes a Washington lifestyle” by Katie Rogers for Washington Post

Nebraska: “State Regulator’s Side Job Appears to Violate Oath of Office, Lawmaker Says” by Zach Pluhacek for Lincoln Journal-Star

Texas: “Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’” by Tristan Hallman for Dallas News

Elections

“FBI’s Russian-Influence Probe Includes a Look at Breitbart, InfoWars News Sites” by Peter Stone and Greg Gordon for McClatchy DC

Colorado: “Ex-Colo. GOP Leader Said Only Democrats Committed Voter Fraud. Now He’s Charged with Voter Fraud.” by Derek Hawkins for Washington Post

New York: “A Contest to Design New York City’s Next ‘I Voted’ Sticker” by Sarah Maslin Nir for New York Times

Lobbying

Illinois: “Emails to Emanuel Raise Questions About Dozens of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune

New York: “Lobbyist in Libous Case Reaches $10k Settlement, as Legal Questions Remain” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Texas: “By Wading into Energy Policy, Did Texas GOP Chair Break Ethics Law?” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “Franklin County Judge Will Spend Time in Jail for Filing Inaccurate Campaign-Finance Reports” by Encarnacion Pyle for Columbus Dispatch

Ethics

“Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand” by Rachel Abrams for New York Times

“Paul Manafort, Former Trump Campaign Chief, Faces New Allegations in Ukraine” by Andrew Kramer for New York Times

“Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Florida: “Ms. Book Goes to Tallahassee, Sees No Conflict Voting $ for Lauren’s Kids or Dad’s Clients” by Francisco Alvarado for Florida Bulldog

New York: “Sheldon Silver Appeal Looks to New Definition of Corruption” by Benjamin Weiser for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “D.A. Seth Williams Indicted on Corruption, Bribery-Related Charges” by Jeremy Roebuck, David Gambacorta, and Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer

Lobbying

Missouri: “Greitens’ Reliance on ‘Dark Money’ Endangers Proposed Ban on Lobbyist Gifts” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Utility Regulators Vote 3-1 to Let APS Slide on Political Finance Records” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

Florida: “Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald

Maine: “Lawmakers Propose Reeling Back Reporting Requirements” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report

Ethics

“White House Installs Political Aides at Cabinet Agencies to Be Trump’s Eyes and Ears” by Lisa Rein and Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post

“FBI Director Comey Confirms Probe of Possible Coordination Between Kremlin and Trump Campaign” by Ellen Nakashima, Karoun Demirjian, and Devlin Barrett for Washington Post

“Fired U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara Said to Have Been Investigating HHS Secretary Tom Price” by Robert Faturechi for ProPublica

Nevada: “Nevada Assemblywoman Resigns from Consulting Job After Ties to Saudi Arabia Are Revealed” by Ben Botkin for Las Vegas Review-Journal

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation” by Matthew Haag for New York Times

Rhode Island: “R.I. Gov. Raimondo Goes After ‘Bad Actors’ with Slate of Reforms” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal

Elections

“Senators Ask Trump Adviser to Preserve Any Russia-Related Documents” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

On March 16, California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) held a hearing on the possible adoption of a regulation to change the test for when a candidate controls a political committee.

Leaders of the Democratic and Republican caucuses of the state Senate and Assembly oppose the proposed regulation as creating a vague and uncertain test for whether a committee is controlled by a candidate.

One of the most contested features of the regulation is a provision that would determine a candidate controls a committee if the candidate raises an “extensive” amount of money for the committee.

FPPC staff decided to take legislators’ concerns into consideration, delaying action on the proposed regulation until next month to allow time for changes.