The San Diego Ethics Commission released a draft of proposed amendments to San Diego’s Election Campaign Control Ordinance. The proposed changes would extend the one-year pre-election fundraising time period to January 1 of odd-numbered years and eliminate the third pre-election […]
The San Diego Ethics Commission released a draft of proposed amendments to San Diego’s Election Campaign Control Ordinance.
The proposed changes would extend the one-year pre-election fundraising time period to January 1 of odd-numbered years and eliminate the third pre-election filing for primarily formed recipient committees.
Comments and suggestions regarding the draft amendments can be made at the next commission meeting on June 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Written comments can also be sent via email to ethicscommission@sandiego.gov.
May 25, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “Impact of Missouri’s ‘Revolving Door’ Lobbyist Law Questioned” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Campaign Finance “Despite Recommendations, FEC Won’t Pursue Charges that Murray Energy Coerced Campaign Donations from Employees” by Sabrina Eaton for Cleveland Plain Dealer […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Impact of Missouri’s ‘Revolving Door’ Lobbyist Law Questioned” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
“Despite Recommendations, FEC Won’t Pursue Charges that Murray Energy Coerced Campaign Donations from Employees” by Sabrina Eaton for Cleveland Plain Dealer
“NRA to Pay $15,000 for Breaking State Campaign-Finance Rules” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Virginia: “Officials: Federal prosecutors investigating Virginia Gov. McAuliffe” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Ethics
“Facebook Says an Investigation Found No Evidence of Bias in a News App” by Mike Isaac for New York Times
“NFL Tried to Influence ‘Unrestricted’ Research Gift, Congressional Report Says” by Rick Maese for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Legislature Poised to Pass Public Records Measure” by Joshua Miller for Boston Globe
Elections
“Getting a Photo ID So You Can Vote Is Easy. Unless You’re Poor, Black, Latino or Elderly.” by Sari Horwitz for Washington Post
“Democrats Are Gay, Republicans Are Rich: Our stereotypes of political parties are amazingly wrong” by John Sides for Washington Post
“Reeling from 2016 Chaos, G.O.P. Mulls Overhaul of Primaries” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
May 24, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Pennsylvania: “Pa. Officials, Lobbyists Split on How to Vet Business Propositions” by Brad Bumsted for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Campaign Finance “Key G.O.P. Donors Still Deeply Resist Donald Trump’s Candidacy” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times Massachusetts: […]
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Pa. Officials, Lobbyists Split on How to Vet Business Propositions” by Brad Bumsted for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Campaign Finance
“Key G.O.P. Donors Still Deeply Resist Donald Trump’s Candidacy” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times
Massachusetts: “New Bill Would Rein in State GOP’s Fund-Raising” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
Ethics
Alabama: “One-Time Rising Star Hubbard to Stand Trial on Ethics Charges” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Colorado: “Audit: Colorado ethics commission rarely helps those filing complaints” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post
Hawaii: “Hawaii Lawmakers Again Balk at Ethics, Lobbying Reform” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Elections
“Why Democrats Are Set to Retake State Legislatures in 2016 (and It’s Not Just Trump)” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post
“Bernie Sanders Makes a Campaign Mark. Now, Can He Make a Legacy?” by Jonathan Mahler and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Montana: “Term Limits Have Weakened Legislature, Some Observers Say” by Jayme Fraser for Helena Independent Record
Redistricting
Virginia: “Supreme Court Upholds Virginia Redistricting” by Richard Wolf for USA Today
May 23, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Rhode Island: “Do R.I. General Assembly Grants Funnel Back into Lobbying?” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “G.O.P. Donors Shift Focus from Top of Ticket to Senate Races” by Nick Corasaniti and Ashley Parker for New York […]
Lobbying
Rhode Island: “Do R.I. General Assembly Grants Funnel Back into Lobbying?” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“G.O.P. Donors Shift Focus from Top of Ticket to Senate Races” by Nick Corasaniti and Ashley Parker for New York Times
California: “Tony Strickland Agrees to $40,000 Ethics Fine” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
New York: “De Blasio’s Elections Strategy, Under Scrutiny, Recalls Predecessor’s” by William Neuman for New York Times
Ethics
Arkansas: “Ark. High Court Rejects Lawsuit over Campaign Finance Ballot Measure” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Baxter Bulletin
Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Picks Interim Director” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Hawaii: “Totto Tells Ethics Commission to Scrap ‘Silly’ Time Sheet Rules” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Michigan: “Panel OKs Added Transparency for Governor, Legislators” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News
Elections
“A History of Insurgent Candidates’ Impact On Down-Ballot Races” by Louis Jacobson for Governing
Legislative Issues
“Chaos in House after GOP Votes Down LGBT Measure” by Cristina Marcos and Mike Lillis for The Hill
May 20, 2016 •
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Adjourned
On May 19, the fifth session of the 40th parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia adjourned. The Local Elections Campaign Financing (Election Expenses) Amendment Act, 2016, also received royal assent on May 19. Member Bills 213, 219, and […]
On May 19, the fifth session of the 40th parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia adjourned. The Local Elections Campaign Financing (Election Expenses) Amendment Act, 2016, also received royal assent on May 19. Member Bills 213, 219, and 229, which also dealt with campaign finance, did not progress pass the first reading stage.
The Legislature is scheduled to convene again this year on October 3.
A group of current and past politicians have announced an initiative to strengthen ethics laws in Miami-Dade County. The group, named An Accountable Miami-Dade, is leading the charge to place a measure on the November ballot. The measure would strengthen […]
A group of current and past politicians have announced an initiative to strengthen ethics laws in Miami-Dade County.
The group, named An Accountable Miami-Dade, is leading the charge to place a measure on the November ballot. The measure would strengthen enforcement of existing campaign finance laws, create pay-to-play restrictions on large contractors, create a ban on gifts from lobbyists, and institute a $250 per-election contribution limit to mayoral and commission candidates.
An Accountable Miami-Dade is headed by Monica Russo, president of the SEUI Florida Council, and Bettina Rodriguez, a former mayor of Doral. It also includes several local officeholders and party leaders.
May 19, 2016 •
Arizona Governor Signs More Campaign Finance Legislation
On May 18, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed campaign finance legislation advancing the effective date of implementation of some of the changes to June of this year. House bills 2296 and 2297 complement Senate Bill 1516, another campaign finance bill […]
On May 18, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed campaign finance legislation advancing the effective date of implementation of some of the changes to June of this year. House bills 2296 and 2297 complement Senate Bill 1516, another campaign finance bill signed into law in March. The legislation also includes criminal penalties left out of the earlier Senate bill.
The package of legislation is controversial among many because of the relaxation of disclosure by some entities involved in political activity.
May 19, 2016 •
Arkansas Attorney Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Attorney General Over Ballot Initiative
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” […]
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” harm to Couch’s attempt to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Couch cannot began collecting the 84,859 signatures due by July 8, until Rutledge approves the language.
If approved by voters, the proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit certain gifts from lobbyists to elected officials and lower campaign contribution limits.
May 19, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by […]
Campaign Finance
“Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN
Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record
Ethics
California: “7 Former Top Officials of Beaumont Charged with Corruption” by Veronica Rocha and Joseph Serna for Los Angeles Times
Delaware: “Del. Bill Tightens Disclosure Requirements for Paid Lobbyists, Political Donors” by Mark Fowser for WXDE
Missouri: “For Some, Missouri Lawmakers’ Ethics Push Still Has a Long Way to Go” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Elections
“Bernie Sanders Facing Pressure Over Supporters’ Actions in Nevada” by Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“The Mind of Donald Trump” by Dan McAdams for The Atlantic
“Third-Party Candidates Face Uphill Climb to Get Place on Presidential Debate Stage” by Jonathan Easley and Ben Kamisar for The Hill
May 18, 2016 •
Campaign Finance Bill to Ban Corporate Contributions Introduced in Ontario Canada Legislative Assembly
On May 17, a bill to amend the Election Finances Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Bill 201, the Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, which also includes amendments to the Taxation Act, 2007, bans corporate […]
On May 17, a bill to amend the Election Finances Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Bill 201, the Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, which also includes amendments to the Taxation Act, 2007, bans corporate and union donations to political parties. The legislation will also limit contributions from individuals, limit spending for third-party advertising, and tighten political party spending and fundraising rules for by-elections.
If passed, the changes are hoped to be in place or significantly underway before the June 2018 election, with initial changes legislated for January 1, 2017.
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure […]
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure would need to be approved again next year to appear on the ballot.
Although numerous, broader bills seeking ethics and campaign finance reforms have been introduced this session, they are not expected to pass before the session ends in June.
May 18, 2016 •
Montana Political Contribution Limits Found Unconstitutional
On May 17, U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell ruled the current statutory campaign finance contribution limits in Montana unconstitutional. “Defendants have not proven that the campaign contribution limits … further the important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption […]
On May 17, U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell ruled the current statutory campaign finance contribution limits in Montana unconstitutional. “Defendants have not proven that the campaign contribution limits … further the important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption or its appearance,” Lovell wrote in the court’s order.
Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said the ruling reinstates the contribution limits in place before the statute was enacted. Those contribution limits have been adjusted for inflation and are now $1,990 for governor and lieutenant governor; $990 for other statewide offices; $530 for District Court judge, Public Service Commission, and state Senate; and $330 for all other elected offices, including the state House. The limits are per candidate per election.
Attorney Matthew Monforton said the court’s ruling should mean there are no caps on contributions from any source” and will consider additional litigation if Motl doesn’t lift all limits, according to the Independent Record.
The statute struck down by Lovell in Lair v. Motl was enacted by an initiative vote in 1994.
May 18, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times Ethics Arizona: “Judge […]
Campaign Finance
“Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times
Ethics
Arizona: “Judge Sentences Former Phoenix VA Director Sharon Helman to Probation” by Dennis Wagner for Arizona Republic
Arizona: “Inspired by Trump, New Arizona Law Redefines Free Speech” by Ben Rosen for U.S. News & World Report
Pennsylvania: “The Ones That Got Away: How 305 criminal charges against Steve Reed were dismissed” by Wallace McKelvey for Harrisburg Patriot-News
South Carolina: “Common Cause Leader John Crangle Retiring as His Book on Operation Lost Trust Is Published” by Andrew Shain for Charleston Post & Courier
Elections
“‘Who Is This Guy?’ In Connected Political World, Few Know Donald Trump” by Carl Hulse for New York Times
“Little Is Off Limits as Donald Trump Plans Attacks on Hillary Clinton’s Character” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Bernie Sanders Wins Oregon; Hillary Clinton Declares Victory in Kentucky” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
May 17, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press Campaign Finance “Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post Utah: “In Audio, […]
Lobbying
Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press
Campaign Finance
“Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Utah: “In Audio, Utah Guv Says He’s Available and Will ‘Go Anywhere’ to Meet with Campaign Donors” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune
Vermont: “Vt. Contractors Funnel Money to Politicians” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
“Social Media Finds New Role as News and Entertainment Curator” by John Herrman for New York Times
“Capitol Hill Newspapers, once a Protected Class, Redefine Themselves” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Arkansas: “AG Mishandled Ethics Proposal, Attorney Claims” by Spencer Willems for Arkansas Online
Missouri: “Lawmakers Pass Ethics Laws but Fail on Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Columbia Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Prosecutors: Longtime Pa. congressman abused his office ‘over and over again’” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Oversight Lax Compared to Other States” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
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