November 28, 2016 •
Lawmakers File Legal Challenge Against South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 22
A group of Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit in state court Wednesday, Nov. 23, to block the government ethics overhaul recently approved by voters. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Initiated Measure 22, which became effective last week restricting campaign […]
A group of Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit in state court Wednesday, Nov. 23, to block the government ethics overhaul recently approved by voters.
The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Initiated Measure 22, which became effective last week restricting campaign contributions and gifts from lobbyists. Gov. Dennis Daugaard says he supports repeal of the measure and he will not include money in his budget for the public campaign finance system called for by the new law.
November 23, 2016 •
2016 NCSL State Vote Recaps Campaign Finance Ballot Initiatives
The 2016 election was about a lot more than just a battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Across the country, states asked voters to consider a variety of ballot measures, including a few campaign finance issues. At the 2016 National Conference […]
The 2016 election was about a lot more than just a battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Across the country, states asked voters to consider a variety of ballot measures, including a few campaign finance issues. At the 2016 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Vote seminar held in Washington, D.C., Wendy Underhill recapped a number of those issues and the decisions that voters made on Nov. 8.
Both California and Washington held votes related to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United vs. FEC. Voters approved ballot measures that urged government leaders to use their power to work to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling, possibly through a constitutional amendment, if possible.
In Missouri, voters approved an initiative establishing limits on campaign contributions to candidates for state or judicial office; while in South Dakota, voters approved an initiative to create a publicly funded campaign finance program and an ethics commission.
For more from the NCSL State Vote seminar you can view some of the presentation slides here. To see a list of ballot measure election results of interest to government relations professionals, take a look at our 2016 election dashboard.
November 23, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Indiana: “Holcomb Transition Team Enjoys Pacers Game at Team’s Expense” by Leslie Weidenbener for Indianapolis Business Journal Oregon: “Governor’s Respected Energy Chief to Step Down, Partly Because of Lobbyist Influence” by Scott Thistle and Tux Turkel for Portland Press […]
Lobbying
Indiana: “Holcomb Transition Team Enjoys Pacers Game at Team’s Expense” by Leslie Weidenbener for Indianapolis Business Journal
Oregon: “Governor’s Respected Energy Chief to Step Down, Partly Because of Lobbyist Influence” by Scott Thistle and Tux Turkel for Portland Press Herald
Campaign Finance
“FEC Questions Trump Donations Worth $1.3M” by Mark Hensch for The Hill
New York: “City Council Hears Legislative Package on Conflicts of Interest and Campaign Finance” by Samar Khursid for Gotham Gazette
Washington: “GMO Labeling Supporters Fined $320K Over Campaign Disclosure” by the Associated Press for KOMO
Ethics
“Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation” by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Michael D. Shear for The New York Times
“Trump Foundation Admits to Violating Ban on ‘Self-Dealing’’ New Filing to IRS Shows” by David Fahrenthold for The Washington Post
Missouri: “Columbia Lawmaker Proposes Ethics Bills in Response to Greitens’ Campaign Promises” by Brittany Ruess for Columbia Daily Tribune
New York: “Percoco, Kaloyeros, Six Others Indicted” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
Pennsylvania: “Pittsburgh’s Revamped Ethics Board Up, Running” by Bob Bauder for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
North Carolina: “North Carolina Governor Alleges Voter Fraud in Bid to Hang On” by Elena Schneider for Politico
Wisconsin: “Many in Milwaukee Neighborhood Didn’t Vote – and Don’t Regret It” by Sabrina Tavernise for The New York Times
Redistricting
Wisconsin: “Judges Find Wisconsin Redistricting Unfairly Favored Republicans” by Michael Wines for The New York Times
November 22, 2016 •
Transparency Bills Filed for Arkansas 2017 Session
Since pre-filing began for the 2017 Arkansas legislative session, multiple measures have been introduced regarding lobbying, ethics and campaign finance. If passed, measures introduced in the House would require reporting and disclosure of electioneering communications and covered transfers (House Bill […]
Since pre-filing began for the 2017 Arkansas legislative session, multiple measures have been introduced regarding lobbying, ethics and campaign finance.
If passed, measures introduced in the House would require reporting and disclosure of electioneering communications and covered transfers (House Bill 1005), prevent a member of the General Assembly from forming more than one political action committee (PAC) as either a registered agent or an officer (House Bill 1009), require the Secretary of State to make independent expenditures and PAC reports public (House Bill 1010), prohibit PAC-to-PAC transfers (House Bill 1011) and ban direct contributions to candidates from PACs (House Bill 1012). Several measures introduced in the Senate mirror the House bills.
Additionally, bills introduced in the Senate would bar soliciting or accepting campaign contributions before the expiration of the immediately preceding general election (Senate Bill 2), prohibit elected officials from registering as a lobbyist while serving as an elected state official (Senate Bill 3) and ban constitutional officers, like the governor, from soliciting or accepting loans from lobbyists (Senate Bill 7).
November 22, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “White Nationalists Dress Up and Come to Washington in Hopes of Influencing Trump” by Lisa Mascaro for Los Angeles Times “Groups Ease Off Events for Lawmakers Under New Lobbying Law” by James Nord (Associated Press) for The Washington Times […]
Lobbying
“White Nationalists Dress Up and Come to Washington in Hopes of Influencing Trump” by Lisa Mascaro for Los Angeles Times
“Groups Ease Off Events for Lawmakers Under New Lobbying Law” by James Nord (Associated Press) for The Washington Times
Campaign Finance
“FEC Deadlocks, Won’t Investigate Dark Money Group That Spent All Its Funds On an Election” by Robert Maguire for Center for Responsive Politics
California: “Did Money Buy California Ballot Measure Contests?” by Taryn Luna for The Sacramento Bee
Kentucky: “State Agencies Investigate Political Donations Raised by Tim Longmeyer, Others” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Ethics
“Ethics Watchdog Updates Gift Rules for Federal Workers” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
“A Scramble to Assess the Dangers of President-elect Donald Trump’s Global Business Empire” by Drew Harwell and Anu Narayanswamy for The Washington Post
Arkansas: “Lawmakers File Bills on Ethics, Taxes, Sessions” by John Lyon (Arkansas News Bureau) for The Times Record
Florida: “Convicted Opa-locka City Manager Gets 3 Years in Prison for Taking Bribes” by Jay Weaver and Michael Sallah for Miami Herald
Pennsylvania: “Mastery Charter Schools to Pay $2,000 to Settle City Ethics Complaint” by Martha Woodall for Philadelphia Inquirer
Elections
“Underestimating the Unconventional” by Susan Milligan for U.S. News and World Report
November 21, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Trump’s New Lobbying Rules Could ‘Drain the Swamp.’ But They May Be Illegal and Are Porous.” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post Missouri: “Missouri Senate Moves to End Pizza-for-Play Bank Account” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch […]
Lobbying
“Trump’s New Lobbying Rules Could ‘Drain the Swamp.’ But They May Be Illegal and Are Porous.” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post
Missouri: “Missouri Senate Moves to End Pizza-for-Play Bank Account” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Campaign Finance
Texas: “Zimmerman Appeals Campaign Contribution Limits” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor
Ethics
“Ethics Rules Bar Bannon from Helping Breitbart” by Isaac Arnsdorf and Taylor Gee for Politico
Michigan: “Text Messages Help FBI Nab 3rd Macomb County Politician in Rizzo Probe” by Tresa Baldas and Christina Hall for Detroit Free Press
New Jersey: “Passaic Mayor Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes” by Richard Cowen and Todd South for Bergen Record
Legislative Issues
“Rep. Tim Ryan Launches Long-Shot Challenge to Pelosi as Democrats Struggle with Postelection Strategy” by Paul Kane for The Washington Post
November 18, 2016 •
New York City Campaign Finance Board Approves Final Rules
On November 17, 2016, The New York City Campaign Finance Board approved rule changes from September. The purpose of the new rules is to reduce coordination between campaigns and independent expenditure groups by adding two new factors to determine coordination […]
On November 17, 2016, The New York City Campaign Finance Board approved rule changes from September.
The purpose of the new rules is to reduce coordination between campaigns and independent expenditure groups by adding two new factors to determine coordination between the two groups. Another rule codifies an advisory opinion stating once an individual has been compensated for a service, he or she may no longer be considered a volunteer for the previously compensated service.
The entire notice of the final rules can be found here. The final rules will be published in The City Record on November 25, 2016, and will be effective on December 27, 2016.
November 18, 2016 •
NYCU Video Digest – November 18, 2016
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!
November 18, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 18, 2016
National: Political Divide Splits Relationships – and Thanksgiving, Too New York Times – Sabrina Tavernise and Katharine Seely | Published: 11/15/2016 The election is over, but the repercussions in people’s lives may be just beginning as families across America contemplate uncomfortable holidays – […]
National:
Political Divide Splits Relationships – and Thanksgiving, Too
New York Times – Sabrina Tavernise and Katharine Seely | Published: 11/15/2016
The election is over, but the repercussions in people’s lives may be just beginning as families across America contemplate uncomfortable holidays – or decide to bypass them – and relationships among friends, relatives, and spouses are tested across the political divide. Democrats in some cases are refusing to sit across the table from relatives who voted for President-elect Donald Trump, a man they say stands for things they abhor. Many who voted for Trump say it is the liberals who are to blame for discord, unfairly tarring them with the odious label of “racist” just because they voted for someone else.
Rights Groups See ‘Unprecedented’ Support in Wake of Election
Washington Post – Sandhya Somashekhar | Published: 11/15/2016
Perhaps the most concrete action to follow the end of the divisive election season has been a surge in donations to various organizations whose agendas counter those proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. In recent days, groups that champion causes like civil liberties and women’s health, as well as focus on immigration rights and anti-discrimination initiatives, have seen record responses to the election in the form of contributions and volunteer applications. Left-leaning organizations say they are being forced to regroup in the wake of the election that gave Republicans control of both the White House and Congress for the first time in a decade.
Why Facebook and Google Are Struggling to Purge Fake News
Washington Post – Nick Wingfield, Mike Isaac, and Katie Benner | Published: 11/15/2016
Google and Facebook announced they would ban fake news sites from using their respective advertising platforms, a strategy aimed at cutting off some of the revenue sources for the sites, which have been under fire for stoking fears during the campaign. Facebook will bar all fake news sites from its Facebook Audience Network, while Google will ban them from using its AdSense ad-selling software. The move has raised new questions about long-standing claims by Facebook, Google, and other online platforms that they have little responsibility to exert editorial control over the news they deliver, even when it includes outright lies, falsehoods, or propaganda that could tilt elections.
Federal:
Former Illinois Congressman with ‘Downton Abbey’ Office Is Indicted
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 11/10/2016
Former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, whose taste for first-class travel and a “Downton Abbey”-themed office design led to questions about his judgement and adherence to spending rules, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 24 counts, including wire fraud and theft of government funds. Ethics questions arose after The Washington Post reported on his opulent Capitol Hill office in 2015, which prompted a government investigation into whether he had improperly accepted pro bono interior design services. Schock personally paid back $40,000 for office renovations, which included a crystal chandelier and a plume of pheasant feathers. A New York Times article described the office as being decorated like a drawing room from “Downton Abbey.”
How Federal Ethics Laws Will Apply to a Trump Presidency
New York Times – Steve Eder | Published: 11/11/2016
A theme of Donald Trump’s presidency is likely to be the clash of his duties running the country with the remnants of his decades as a businessperson. But federal rules and precedent make a couple of things clear. Trump will have no immunity from lawsuits involving his corporate ventures, thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving Paula Jones, one of former President Bill Clinton’s accusers. And nothing will stop Trump’s family from continuing to run its vast international web of businesses. Federal ethics laws and conflict-of-interest statutes that apply to other federal employees and cabinet members do not apply to the president.
Trump Draws Sharp Rebuke, Concerns Over Newly Appointed Chief White House Strategist Stephen Bannon
Washington Post – Jose DelReal | Published: 11/13/2016
Critics denounced President-elect Donald Trump for appointing Stephen Bannon to a top White House position as chief strategist. Civil rights groups, senior Democrats, and some Republican strategists have said that Bannon, the former head of Breitbart News, will bring anti-Semitic, nationalist, and racist views to the West Wing. Bannon has said while there are fringe elements associated with the right-wing nationalist movement, his critics are painting with too broad a brush. “These people are patriots,” he said. “They love their country. They just want their country taken care of.”
Trump Team Sets Broader Limits on Lobbying by Former Staff
New York Times – Michael Shear and Eric Lipton | Published: 11/16/2016
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team announced it will require incoming officials to terminate their lobbyist registrations and agree not to lobby again for five years after leaving the administration. The sweeping post-employment restrictions could make it difficult for Trump, whose transition team has struggled to get off the ground, to attract experienced professionals in policy circles where lobbying is a common revenue stream. The policy is in some ways far more rigid than President Barack Obama’s groundbreaking lobbyist ban.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Strange’s Office Asked Groups for Input on Ethics Law
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 11/15/2016
A few months after securing the conviction of House Speaker Mike Hubbard under the state ethics law, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange’s office solicited input about the law and its application to groups covered by it. The main point of unease grows from the Hubbard jury’s application of the ethics law to individuals and organizations who hire lobbyists, known as principals. The state’s ethics law forbids legislators from asking for or receiving any “thing of value” from a lobbyist or a principal. The Hubbard trial also led to questions about how state employees could find employment in the private sector without violating the ethics law.
Florida – Toll Board Lobbyist Accused of Foiling County’s Push for Transit Funds
Miami Herald – Douglas Hanks | Published: 11/11/2016
The private lobbyist Miami-Dade County hired to push transit legislation had another client on the issue that paid more: the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority. A report from the county’s ethics board criticized the lobbyist, Fausto Gomez, for not disclosing the “potential conflict” and recommended that the county commission ban his firm, Gomez Barker, from county lobbying contracts for up to three years.
Illinois – Red Light Cameras Figure Given 2 1/2 Years in Prison for Massive Bribe Scheme
Chicago Tribune – David Kidwell | Published: 11/10/2016
The former chief executive officer of Chicago’s longtime red light camera vendor was sentenced to two-and-one-half years in prison for her role in a $2 million cash-for-cameras bribery scheme with a top City Hall manager who rigged the contract for a decade. In addition to imposing the prison sentence, the judge ordered Karen Finley to pay $35,000 up front in restitution and then 10 percent of whatever net income she makes for the rest of her life. The sentence will run concurrent with the 14-month prison term given to Finley in federal court in Ohio for her role in a smaller bribes-for-contracts scheme there.
Massachusetts – Federal Prosecutors Open Criminal Grand Jury Probe of Thornton Law Firm Donations
Center for Responsive Politics – Andrea Estes (Boston Globe) and Viveca Novak | Published: 11/15/2016
Federal prosecutors have opened a grand jury investigation into potentially illegal campaign contributions from lawyers at the Thornton Law Firm, a leading donor to Democrats around the country. The U.S. attorney’s office is one of three agencies now looking into the Boston-based personal injury firm’s practice of reimbursing its partners for millions of dollars in political donations. The law firm has insisted the donations were legal, but soon after the media revealed the firm’s practice, politicians began returning hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. Federal prosecutors, as well as state and federal campaign finance regulators, are investigating whether Thornton and its lawyers violated the law by paying “bonuses” to firm partners in the exact amount of their political donations and often on the same day. The firm’s attorney acknowledges the payments went on for a decade.
New Jersey – GWB Scandal Puts a Light on the Benefits of Lobbying
Bergen Record – John Reitmeyer | Published: 11/14/2016
Wolff & Samson is one of the top “go-to” law firms in New Jersey, continuing the tradition of others that reap benefits when a particular political party or close ally is in power. Public records show the law firm headed by David Samson, who was legal counsel for Gov. Chris Christie’s 2009 campaign and led his transition team, also has earned millions of dollars doing legal work for numerous government agencies during Christie’s tenure. Wolff & Samson also employs lobbyists who have represented major corporations seeking favorable outcomes from state government.
New York – Cuomo, Stung by a Scandal, Offers Ethics Reforms
New York Times – Vivian Yee and Jesse McKinley | Published: 11/16/2016
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is taking a number of unilateral steps designed to reduce potential conflicts-of-interest and fraud in the annual awarding of billions of dollars in state contracts. Cuomo said he will ban his political campaign and the state Democratic Party from accepting contributions from companies as they bid for state contracts. He will also create new watchdog positions to oversee the executive branch and the state’s higher-education system, among other reforms.
Tennessee – Legal Loophole Allows Donors to Obscure State Campaign Contributions
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert | Published: 11/14/2016
Andy Miller, one of the most significant Tennessee Republican Party donors in recent history, has used more than a dozen names, addresses, and job descriptions when giving as much as $550,000 in state contributions, making it difficult to track the money. The obfuscation of the donations to state PACs, incumbent state lawmakers, and legislative candidates illustrates a loophole in campaign finance law that helps wealthy donors skirt contribution limits, according to an analysis of more than a decade of campaign finance reports.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
November 17, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue Announces Revamp of Group’s Lobbying Arm” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post “Trump Team Sets Broader Limits on Lobbying by Former Staff“ by Michael Shear and Eric Lipton for The New York Times Alabama: […]
Lobbying
“U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue Announces Revamp of Group’s Lobbying Arm” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post
“Trump Team Sets Broader Limits on Lobbying by Former Staff“ by Michael Shear and Eric Lipton for The New York Times
Alabama: “Strange’s Office Asked Groups for Input on Ethics Law” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Florida: “Senate, House Differ on Lobbyist, Budget Rules” by Brandon Larrabee (News Service of Florida) for Sunshine State News
Campaign Finance
Maine: “Maine Ethics Commission Proposes New Campaign Finance Rules” by Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) for Maine Sun Journal
“Federal Prosecutors Open Criminal Grand Jury Probe of Thornton Law Firm Donations” by Andrea Estes (The Boston Globe) and Viveca Novak for Center for Responsive Politics
Ethics
“Rudolph Giuliani’s Business Ties Viewed as Red Flag for Secretary of State Job” by Mark Landler, Eric Lipton and Jo Becker for The New York Times
New York: “Cuomo to Limit Campaign Cash, Create Watchdogs” by Jon Campbell for The Journal News
Elections
“Political Divide Splits Relationships – and Thanksgiving, Too” by Sabrina Tavernise and Katharine Q. Seelye for The New York Times
“Rights Groups See ‘Unprecedented’ Support in Wake of Election” by Sandhya Somashekhar for The Washington Post
November 16, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Florida: “Toll Board Lobbyist Accused of Foiling County’s Push for Transit Funds” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald Florida: “Ballot Questions Fail in Miami Beach” by Joey Flechas for Miami Herald New Jersey: “GWB Scandal Puts a Light on […]
Lobbying
Florida: “Toll Board Lobbyist Accused of Foiling County’s Push for Transit Funds” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Florida: “Ballot Questions Fail in Miami Beach” by Joey Flechas for Miami Herald
New Jersey: “GWB Scandal Puts a Light on the Benefits of Lobbying” by John Reitmeyer for The Bergen Record
Campaign Finance
Missouri: “Missouri Donors Say Effort to Limit Money in Politics Failed” by Summer Ballentine and David A. Lieb (Associated Press) for Southeast Missourian
Tennessee: “Legal Loophole Allows Donors to Obscure State Campaign Contributions” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Ethics
Illinois: “Google and Facebook Take Aim at Fake News Sites” by Nick Wingfield, Mike Isaac, and Katie Benner for The New York Times
“Red Light Cameras Figure Given 2 1/2 Years in Prison for Massive Bribe Scheme” by David Kidwell for Chicago Tribune
Elections
“Bernie’s Empire Strikes Back” by Daniel Strauss for Politico
“Trump Draws Sharp Rebuke, Concerns Over Newly Appointed Chief White House Strategist Stephen Bannon” by Jose A. DelReal for The Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Republicans Unanimously Pick Ryan to Continue as Speaker, but Differences Remain” by Mike DeBonis for The Washington Post
New York: “No Pay Raises for State Legislators, Commission Says” by Rick Karlin for Albany Times Union
November 15, 2016 •
MA Task Force to Review Ethics Laws
On November 14, the Massachusetts Senate passed a resolution to create a task force to review ethics laws governing state, county, and municipal employees. House Bill 4627, which previously passed the House, requires the task force to file a report […]
On November 14, the Massachusetts Senate passed a resolution to create a task force to review ethics laws governing state, county, and municipal employees. House Bill 4627, which previously passed the House, requires the task force to file a report with the governor, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House of Representatives regarding the results of its investigation and study on or before March 15, 2017.
The original purpose of the bill was to review laws concerning lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics. House Ethics Committee Chairman Chris Markey said limiting the focus allows the task force to meet its deadline, according to the Sentinel and Enterprise News.
November 15, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance Laws Poised for Rollback Under Trump” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call “Howard Voters Approve Measure to Use Taxpayer Dollars for Local Campaigns“by Fatimah Waseem for The Baltimore Sun Elections “Critics See Stephen Bannon, Trump’s Pick for Strategist, […]
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Laws Poised for Rollback Under Trump” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
“Howard Voters Approve Measure to Use Taxpayer Dollars for Local Campaigns“by Fatimah Waseem for The Baltimore Sun
Elections
“Critics See Stephen Bannon, Trump’s Pick for Strategist, as Voice of Racism” by Michael Shear, Maggie Haberman and Michael Schmidt for The New York Times
Ethics
“Former Illinois Congressman with ‘Downton Abbey’ Office Is Indicted” by Matt Zapotosky for The Washington Post
“How Federal Ethics Laws Will Apply to a Trump Presidency” by Steve Eder for The New York Times
Kentucky: “Longmeyer Found Guilty of 45 Ethics Violations” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
Massachusetts: “Mass. Ethics Task Force OK’d” by Andy Metzger (State House News Service) for Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise
Lobbying
“Trump Campaigned Against Lobbyists, but Now They’re on His Transition Team” by Eric Lipton The New York Times
Florida: “Corcoran’s Changes Target Tallahassee’s ‘Good Ol’ Boy Culture’” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
Missouri: “Former Missouri Lawmaker Registers as Lobbyist After Quitting Early” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
November 14, 2016 •
Alaska’s Campaign Finance Limits Upheld as Constitutional
Last week, a federal judge upheld Alaska’s strict limits on several types of state-level campaign contributions, ruling that they don’t violate the free speech or equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The suit was brought by three individuals and […]
Last week, a federal judge upheld Alaska’s strict limits on several types of state-level campaign contributions, ruling that they don’t violate the free speech or equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
The suit was brought by three individuals and District 18 of the Alaska Republican Party against the Alaska Public Offices Commission. The lawsuit challenged state law that prohibits an individual from donating more than $500 annually to a candidate. The lawsuit also sought to overturn state law that sets limits on the amount a candidate can accept from nonresidents and the amount a political party may contribute to a candidate.
All of the challenged provisions of Alaska’s campaign finance laws were upheld as constitutional.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.