February 9, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying New York: “Ethics Watchdog Clarifies Expanded Lobbying Definition” by Marie French for Albany Business Review Campaign Finance “O’Malley Campaign Secures Public Cash before Dropping Out” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun “Campaign Reform Group Calls White House Response to […]
Lobbying
New York: “Ethics Watchdog Clarifies Expanded Lobbying Definition” by Marie French for Albany Business Review
Campaign Finance
“O’Malley Campaign Secures Public Cash before Dropping Out” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun
“Campaign Reform Group Calls White House Response to Secret Money Petition ‘Offensive’” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
“The Politico 100: Billionaires dominate 2016” by Kenneth Vogel and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico
Kentucky: “Grand Jury Brings Fresh Scrutiny to Alison Grimes’ Campaigns” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Michigan: “Judge Puts Michigan ‘Gag Order’ Election Law on Hold” by Kathleen Gray and Lori Higgins for Detroit Free Press
Ohio: “Weak Controls Led to Corruption while Boyce Was State Treasurer, Report Says” by Jim Siegel and Randy Ludlow for Columbus Dispatch
Elections
California: “Finding Statewide Office Hard to Attain, Tea Party Stakes Claim to City, County Races” by Phil Willon for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Trone Fires Campaign Staffers Who Tried to Plant Themselves with Opponents” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun
North Carolina: “Federal Court Invalidates Maps of Two NC Congressional Districts” by Anne Blythe, Craig Jarvis, and Jim Morrill for Raleigh News & Observer
February 8, 2016 •
California Campaign Finance Bill Passes Assembly
The State Assembly has passed a campaign finance bill requiring many political advertisements to prominently display or announce the names of the ad sponsor’s top donors of $50,000 or more. Assembly Bill 700 requires the true source of funds to […]
The State Assembly has passed a campaign finance bill requiring many political advertisements to prominently display or announce the names of the ad sponsor’s top donors of $50,000 or more. Assembly Bill 700 requires the true source of funds to be disclosed, making efforts to hide contributions using middleman organizations or earmarked funds impermissible.
The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate.
Photo of the California State Assembly chamber by David Monniaux on Wikimedia Commons.
February 8, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It” by Dipka Bhambhani for PRWeek Campaign Finance “Clinton Blasts Wall Street, but Still Draws Millions in Contributions” by Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger, and Anu Narayanswamy for […]
Lobbying
“Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It” by Dipka Bhambhani for PRWeek
Campaign Finance
“Clinton Blasts Wall Street, but Still Draws Millions in Contributions” by Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger, and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post
“Ted Cruz, a Public Firebrand on Social Issues, Is Cooler When Wooing Donors” by Jeremy Peters and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Minnesota: “Does Minnesota’s Constitution Need a Campaign Finance Amendment? DFL Thinks So” by Rachel Stassen-Berger for St. Paul Pioneer Press
Virginia: “Panel Punts on Bill to Limit Personal Use of Campaign Funds” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for WTOP
Ethics
“Senate Ethics Panel Has Issued No Punishments in 9 Years” by Paul Singer and Jenny Ung for USA Today
California: “San Jose Mayor Cancels Calls with His ‘Kitchen Cabinet’” by Ramona Giwargis for San Jose Mercury News
Colorado: “Michael Hancock Seeks Guidance on City Money for Super Bowl Trip” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Michigan: “Amid the Flint Water Crisis, Journalists Are Calling for Changes to Michigan’s FOIA Law” by Annie Byrnes for Poynter.org
Texas: “Federal Corruption Case Snares Leaders of South Texas City” by Nomaan Merchant (Associated Press) for ABC News
Elections
“Young Democrats Flock to Bernie Sanders, Spurning Hillary Clinton’s Polish and Poise” by Amy Chozick and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
February 5, 2016 •
Campaign Finance Amendment to be Introduced in Minnesota
In an effort to repair and modernize Minnesota’s campaign finance system, House Democrats have announced their intention to introduce a state constitutional amendment requiring disclosure of all election-related spending. The bill would require disclosure for contributions and expenditures made for […]
In an effort to repair and modernize Minnesota’s campaign finance system, House Democrats have announced their intention to introduce a state constitutional amendment requiring disclosure of all election-related spending. The bill would require disclosure for contributions and expenditures made for communications clearly identifying a candidate, as well as the use of words or phrases of express advocacy.
Mailings, ads, or anything a reasonable person would interpret to be advocating for or against a candidate will also be required in the disclosure.
Similar bills have been previously introduced, but have defeated. If the proposal is passed it will then be added to the upcoming November ballot for voter approval.
Photo of the Minnesota Capitol Building by Jonathunder on Wikimedia Commons.
February 5, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 5, 2016
National: How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 1/29/2016 The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was rightly convicted of corruption for his efforts on […]
National:
How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 1/29/2016
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was rightly convicted of corruption for his efforts on behalf of a businessperson who bestowed money and gifts on the governor and his family. Experts said if the court overturns the conviction, it could narrow what is considered criminal public corruption and halt investigations of politicians across the country. The McDonnell case strikes at the core issue of when, and to what extent, money should be allowed to influence politics. The justices are essentially being asked to clarify the line between a public official legally performing a routine courtesy for a benefactor, and a politician corruptly using government power in exchange for a bribe.
State Integrity Investigation Spurs Proposals for Reform
Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 1/29/2016
Many states are proposing ethics reform this year, in part because of the State Integrity Investigation, an evaluation of state government accountability and transparency, published by the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity. The best score, a grade of “C,” went to Alaska, while 11 states received failing grades. The project found that in most states, ethics and open records laws are riddled with loopholes while the government agencies meant to enforce them are often toothless and underfunded. Many states that earned poor grades could see improvement if the new proposals are enacted.
Will Online Polls Revolutionize Elections?
Governing – Louis Jacobson | Published: 2/1/2016
Most public-opinion surveys are conducted by phone, with pollsters calling a large enough sample of the population to ensure a statistically valid survey. To do this, pollsters have had to expand their reach to cellphone users, which adds to the already considerable operational costs of survey work. Pollsters have also had to grapple with the reality that many Americans no longer want to pick up calls from an unfamiliar phone number, much less spend 20 minutes sharing their personal opinions with a stranger (or a computer) on the other end of the line. Because of these trends, some polling has moved online. Still, this shift brings with it a series of other challenges, notably the fact that a fraction of Americans remain offline. That is where The American Panel Survey comes in.
Federal:
Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine | Published: 1/28/2016
Regardless of which presidential candidates win their parties’ nominations, partisan operatives view national conventions as prime networking opportunities. Corporate-and-lobbyist-sponsored events that happen alongside the conventions are classic venues for politicians and influencers to connect. Congress passed reform legislation that in part attempted to curb the convention-related mingling between lawmakers and the corporations and lobbyists that advocate before them. Still, there are loopholes that have allowed the parties to continue. Because of them, convention attendees, especially members of Congress, continue to have their pick of functions tailored to comply with the law.
Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 2/3/2016
An elite group of 50 companies and trade associations spent a combined $714 million to lobby Washington in 2015. The total represents a quarter of all the money spent on federal advocacy, and it includes some of the biggest names in corporate America, including Boeing, Exxon Mobil, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The total does not purely encompass lobbying. Several groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Realtors, notably, included campaign and political spending in their totals. Still, a look at the top 50 provides a snapshot of where lobbying dollars went in 2015, with many corporate interests significantly boosting their spending in response to legislative and regulatory battles.
N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role
New York Times – Eric Lichtblau | Published: 1/28/2016
Chris Cox, the National Rifle Association’s chief lobbyist, has emerged as the group’s point man in pushing to defeat new gun control laws, expand existing gun rights measures, and gain even more lobbying clout for an organization he calls “the greatest political force in America.” He has also been instrumental in working on one of the association’s biggest political priorities this year: defeating Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House. Cox leads the NRA’s PAC, which took in $31.3 million in the last three years to dole out on gun rights candidates and causes, and he is the ultimate arbiter of the coveted “grades” the group gives political candidates, which can make or break a campaign.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – San Jose Mayor Cancels Calls with His ‘Kitchen Cabinet’
San Jose Mercury News – Ramona Girwagis | Published: 2/3/2016
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will no longer hold weekend calls with his “kitchen cabinet” after the hidden Saturday conversations with advisers and lobbyists were reported in the media. While it is not unusual for mayors to chat with a cabinet of close advisers, Liccardo’s group drew some criticism for being mostly white, male, and business-oriented and including two registered lobbyists who have lucrative projects before the city council.
Iowa – Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third
Washington Post – Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson | Published: 2/1/2016
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, powered by a surge of support from evangelical Christians, dealt a humbling loss to Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses, throwing into question the depth of support for Trump’s unconventional candidacy. In the first contest of what so far has been more a populist revolt against the political order than a traditional Republican primary, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio finished a strong third, bolstering his case to consolidate the support of Republicans uneasy about the two top finishers.
Iowa – Iowa Count: Clinton nudges past Sanders in photo-finish race
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and John Wagner | Published: 2/2/2016
Hillary Clinton eked out a win over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Iowa caucuses, but the razor-thin margin suggested the Democratic contest is headed toward a protracted wrestling match between its progressive and pragmatic wings. The virtual tie between the two candidates instantly raised the stakes for their next face-off, in the New Hampshire primary. Sanders holds a solid lead in polls there and has the advantage of being from Vermont; candidates from neighboring states have won the state’s primary in recent decades. Nevada holds its Democratic caucuses on February 20 and the South Carolina Democratic primary is a week later and Clinton could fare better in those more diverse electorates.
Michigan – Amid the Flint Water Crisis, Journalists Are Calling for Changes to Michigan’s FOIA Law
Poynter.org – Annie Byrnes | Published: 2/2/2016
Under fire for his administration’s role in Flint’s lead-tainted water emergency, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released his government emails related to the crisis. But Snyder withheld the emails of everyone else in the 70-person executive office along with his own emails from his first three years in office. Also left out were an unknown number of messages the public sent to the governor’s office about Flint through the state website and his staff’s responses. Michigan is one of only two states that exclude the governor’s office from public records searches. In the absence of those emails, it is still unclear when and to what extent the Snyder administration was involved in and aware of the decision to switch water sources and the resulting public health emergency.
New Mexico – Report: Perceptions of cronyism hurt state’s bottom line
NMPolitics.net – Bruce Krasnow (Santa Fe New Mexico) | Published: 1/28/2016
A new report says the perception in New Mexico that moneyed interests gain more advantage through lobbying and tax subsidies is a subtle but negative factor as businesses decide where to expand or relocate. “No question that education and infrastructure and things like broadband matter, but corruption and cronyism matter as well,” said Michael Rocca, a political scientist at the University of New Mexico. To curb cronyism in the state, the report suggests three changes that are already under consideration: a statewide ethics commission, greater transparency in campaign financing and lobbying, and a more detailed review of tax breaks given to businesses.
New York – Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It
PRWeek – Dipka Bhambhani | Published: 2/4/2016
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) posted a solicitation for comments from the public on the extent to which social media activity could be considered lobbying. JCOPE is planning to accept feedback until February 19 when it will draft a proposal that could establish guidelines on the issue. Among the questions, JCOPE asked if communications must be made directly to a public official, such as via his or her social media pages, to be considered lobbying. JCOPE is also considering whether posts or tweets with hyperlinks to lobbying websites are reportable activity, and whether social media expenditures can be considered expenses under the lobbying law.
Tennessee – Tennessean Investigation Finds Inappropriate Text Messages
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Jill Cowan | Published: 1/24/2016
The Tennessean has been investigating inappropriate text messages from Tennessee House Majority Whip Jeremy Durham to three women who worked at the statehouse. Republican leaders were told of a potential sexual harassment complaint about Durham’s behavior about a week before an unprecedented GOP caucus meeting to decide the fate of his leadership role, but the specific concerns were never disclosed to his fellow legislators. The incidents point to a legislative sexual harassment policy experts have said is mired in secrecy and contributes to an environment where sexual harassment by the state’s elected leaders can go essentially unchecked.
Texas – As Ethics Panel Bars Guns in Meetings, Others Not So Lucky
Houston Chronicle – Lauren McGaughy | Published: 2/1/2016
The Texas Ethics Commission will ban guns from their meetings. State law allows those with a license to carry holstered handguns into the Capitol in Austin. The guns can be carried openly or concealed. But another state law allows governmental entities that hold certain public meetings to ban guns from their gatherings by posting signs to that effect. Texas Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw said the state House and Senate are also subject to these same open meetings laws, and therefore have the power to ban open and concealed carry in the gallery that overlooks the chambers and at legislative hearings. Before the open carry law went into effect on January 1, the Senate allowed concealed carry in its gallery and hearings.
Utah – Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1
Salt Lake Tribune – Mariah Noble | Published: 2/1/2016
There are 441 lobbyist registered in Utah, more than four for every one of the 104 state legislators. While a number of the registered lobbyists never make an appearance on Capitol Hill, some represent as many as 50 client organizations. “We’re an integral part of democracy,” said lobbyist Frank Pignanelli. “Elections are obviously the first and foremost key element, but for individuals and companies and organizations to have their interests represented in the law and policy-making process is absolutely imperative.”
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.
February 4, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance Alaska: “Political Groups That Supported Walker Violated Law, Settlement Says” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch Arizona: “Court Ruling Intensifies Ariz. ‘Dark Money’ […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Political Groups That Supported Walker Violated Law, Settlement Says” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch
Arizona: “Court Ruling Intensifies Ariz. ‘Dark Money’ Battle” by Mary Jo Pitzl for Arizona Republic
Florida: “Miami-Dade Commissioners Resist Greater PAC Disclosures” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
Ethics
New Mexico: “Despite Concerns, Ethics Commission Heads to House Floor” by Joey Peters for New Mexico Political Report
Pennsylvania: “FBI Probe Expands to Lehigh County” by Emily Opilo and Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call
Texas: “As Ethics Panel Bars Guns in Meetings, Others Not So Lucky” by Lauren McGaughy for Houston Chronicle
Elections
“Will Online Polls Revolutionize Elections?” by Louis Jacobson for Governing
“Rand Paul Drops Out of Presidential Race” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
Procurement
“Businesses Owned by Women Less Likely to Win U.S. Contracts, Study Shows” by Jackie Calmes for New York Times
February 3, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying New York: “JCOPE’s Overreaching Rule Violates First Amendment” by Tom Shanahan for Albany Times Union Utah: “Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1” by Mariah Noble for Salt Lake Tribune Campaign Finance “Hillary Clinton’s Women […]
Lobbying
New York: “JCOPE’s Overreaching Rule Violates First Amendment” by Tom Shanahan for Albany Times Union
Utah: “Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1” by Mariah Noble for Salt Lake Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Hillary Clinton’s Women Donors Could Change Politics Forever” by Li Zhou for The Atlantic
Arizona: “Arizona Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Kill Clean Elections” by Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) for Washington Times
District of Columbia: “D.C. Audit Reopens Questions about Vincent Gray’s 2010 Election Campaign” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Former Reading Official Gets 2 Years in Bribery Case” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Elections
“Martin O’Malley to Drop Out After Finish in Iowa Vote” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
“Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third” by Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
“Iowa Count: Clinton nudges past Sanders in photo-finish race” by Anne Gearan and John Wagner for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Kansas: “Kansas Sen. Mitch Holmes Apologizes for Women’s Dress Code” by Dani Stewart for CNN
North Carolina: “NC Lawmakers’ Government Staffers Double as Campaign Workers” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer
February 2, 2016 •
Citizen Funded Campaign System Proposed in Howard County, MD
A resolution has been introduced in the Howard County Council proposing a citizen funded campaign system. The resolution would make public resources available to qualifying candidates. The resolution, if passed, would create the Commission on Citizen Funded Campaigns, which would […]
A resolution has been introduced in the Howard County Council proposing a citizen funded campaign system. The resolution would make public resources available to qualifying candidates. The resolution, if passed, would create the Commission on Citizen Funded Campaigns, which would be comprised of five county residents appointed by the council and two county residents appointed by the county executive, and would calculate estimated costs to the citizen funded campaign citizen budget.
If the resolution is passed, it would be added to ballots this year and take effect for the 2022 election cycle. The resolution will be similar to the opt-in system in Montgomery County, Maryland’s first county to have any kind of opt-in campaign finance system.
February 2, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity Pennsylvania: “Lehigh Valley Zoological Society Faces $3,400 Fine over Late Lobbying Report” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call Campaign Finance “Bernie […]
Lobbying
“Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
Pennsylvania: “Lehigh Valley Zoological Society Faces $3,400 Fine over Late Lobbying Report” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call
Campaign Finance
“Bernie Sanders Tops His Rivals in Use of Outside Money” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
Arizona: “Utility Regulator Robert Burns Launches Investigation of APS Political Spending” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic
Texas: “Ethics Commission Fails to Approve Out-of-State Donations to Help Ken Paxton Pay His Legal Costs” by Bobby Blanchard for Dallas Morning News
Washington: “Union Settles Over Campaign Finance Omissions” by Jordan Schrader (Tacoma News Tribune) for The Olympian
Ethics
“How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
“U.S. Navy Commander Pleads Guilty in Corruption Scandal” by Marty Graham for Reuters
Tennessee: “Tennessean Investigation Finds Inappropriate Text Messages” by Dave Boucher and Jill Cowan for The Tennessean
Virginia: “Alexandria Council Agrees to Study Ethics Its Own Way” by Patricia Sullivan for Washington Post
Elections
“Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third” by Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
“Little Separates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton in Tight Race in Iowa” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
February 1, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times Campaign Finance “Dark Money Dominates Political Ad Spending” by William Allison for Bloomberg Politics Pennsylvania: “Allentown Parking Authority Subpoenaed in FBI Probe” by […]
Lobbying
“N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Dark Money Dominates Political Ad Spending” by William Allison for Bloomberg Politics
Pennsylvania: “Allentown Parking Authority Subpoenaed in FBI Probe” by Emily Opilo for Allentown Morning Call
Ethics
“State Integrity Investigation Spurs Proposals for Reform” by Nicholas Kusnetz for Center for Public Integrity
New Mexico: “Report: Perceptions of cronyism hurt state’s bottom line” by Bruce Krasnow (Santa Fe New Mexico) for New Mexico In Depth
Rhode Island: “Vincent ‘Buddy’ Cianci, 1941-2016” by Tom Mooney for Providence Journal
Vermont: “Sorrell Sees Issues with Scope, Details of State Ethics Board” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Virginia: “Alexandria Mayor Pushes for Expanded Ethics Rules for Officials” by Patricia Sullivan for Washington Post
Elections
“Clinton Foundation on Collision Course with Campaign” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
“Ben Carson’s Campaign Beset with Frustration, Disappointment and Grief” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times
January 29, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 29, 2016
National: Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016 Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. […]
National:
Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption
USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016
Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. Denmark came out on top for the second year running, and the other Nordic countries also did well. Somalia and North Korea were tied for last place, and war-torn states, such as Afghanistan and Sudan fared dismally. The best performing countries share a wide array of characteristics. They are open, liberal democracies with a free press. They embrace the notion of transparency, have independent judiciaries, and all support long-held assumptions about increased accountability leading to lower levels of corruption.
Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 1/27/2016
The leaders of three of the nation’s leading trade associations sent a letter to their members urging them to resist demands to disclose more details about their political spending. The leaders reserved particular criticism for the Center for Political Accountability and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics, which published an index ranking large companies on their political disclosure practices and policies. Such politically active nonprofit groups sometimes directly advocate for and against political candidates and may spend into the millions of dollars to do so.
Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself, Insiders Say
New York Times – Dave Philipps | Published: 1/27/2016
The Wounded Warriors Project, the country’s largest and fastest-growing veterans charity, offers programs to help veterans readjust to society, attend school, find work, and participate in athletics. But in its swift rise, it has also embraced aggressive styles of fundraising, marketing, and personnel management that have many current and former employees questioning whether it has drifted from its mission. It has spent millions of dollars a year on travel, dinners, hotels, and conferences that often seemed more lavish than appropriate, more than four dozen current and former employees said in interviews. The organization has also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years on public relations and lobbying campaigns to deflect criticism of its spending and to fight legislative efforts to restrict how much nonprofits spend on overhead.
Federal:
Companies Worry Trump-Led Convention Could Hurt Brands
Politico – Anna Palmer | Published: 1/28/2016
Companies are starting to question whether associating with a Donald Trump-led Republican National Convention in Cleveland this summer could hurt their reputations. Company representatives and association heads have already begun meeting with their consultants about whether they should rethink their convention plans if Trump wins the GOP nomination. Several Republican lobbyists and consultants said there is concern that associating with Trump, given some of his inflammatory comments about women and minorities, could turn off customers and damage corporate brands.
Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 1/21/2016
A federal appeals court dealt a setback to campaign finance reform advocates in a ruling about who pays for political ads. The ruling upheld an FEC regulation that narrows disclosure requirements for corporations and labor groups paying for ads that run close to Election Day. The regulation says groups running the ads only have to reveal donors who contribute for the express purpose of paying for the ads. That means donors who choose not to say how they want their money used can remain anonymous. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed a lower court decision that threw out the regulation last year. Judge Janice Rogers Brown said just because one of the purposes of campaign reform laws was broader disclosure “doesn’t mean that anything less than maximal disclosure is subversive,” the judge said.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Battle for Party’s Future
New York Times – Patrick Healy | Published: 1/24/2016
The race between Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination has intensified into a battle over their vastly different visions for the party. Sanders, a New Deal-style liberal, argues that only muscular government action – Wall Street regulations, public works jobs, Medicare for all – will topple America’s “rigged” economy. Clinton, a mainstream Democrat, has started contrasting herself with Sanders by championing a “sensible, achievable agenda” and promising to build on President Obama’s legacy in health care, the economy, and national security. Many Democrats are torn about whether Sanders’ liberalism, or Clinton’s pragmatism, will be enough to win a general election.
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement
ABC News – Dan Elliot (Associated Press) | Published: 1/26/2016
Colorado’s system of enforcing campaign finance rules is under fire from all sides. In many states, a campaign practices panel decides whether to prosecute spending violations. But Colorado’s constitution requires every complaint to be referred to an administrative law judge who can convene a trial-like process. Some critics say it allows anybody with a grudge to drag someone else into a costly legal battle. Others say the state is neglecting its duty to enforce the laws and instead leaving it up to members of the public. A lawsuit was filed in federal court challenging the system as unconstitutional. The lawsuit says the system suppresses free speech by discouraging people from speaking out.
Florida – Ethics Commission Opines on Romance
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 1/22/2016
Leon County School Board member Alva Striplin asked the Florida Commission on Ethics for an advisory opinion involving her relationship with George Smith, whose firm, Bryant Miller Olive, has provided bond counsel to the district for many years. Specifically, Striplin asked whether she would run afoul of the gift law if she and Smith traveled together and split expenses or exchanged Christmas and birthday gifts. Florida’s gift law bars public officials from soliciting any gift from a vendor or lobbyist doing business with the official’s agency. Commission staff said Striplin may not solicit any gift from Smith or his firm and cannot accept any gift from him or his firm over $100. The couple can, however, equally split the cost of travel, meals, lodging, or entertainment. Commissioners voted unanimously to affirm the staff opinion.
Florida – Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists
Florida Times Union – Tia Mitchell | Published: 1/23/2016
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians paid for a trip to the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, Alabama for five Florida lawmakers. They met with tribal leaders to discuss the tribe’s vision for a casino in rural North Florida. Beyond the debate over gambling, the trip to Alabama is an example of the legal but criticized practice of lawmakers classifying as campaign-related expenses things of value they receive from special-interest groups. They are prohibited by the state gift ban from accepting trips and gifts from lobbyists. The ability to classify trips and meals as in-kind campaign expenses is largely considered a work-around to the 2006 ethics law.
Illinois – Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Official in Red-Light Camera Case
ABC News; Associated Press – | Published: 1/26/2016
John Bills, the former second-in-command at Chicago’s Department of Transportation, was convicted on 20 counts of corruption for taking up to $2 million in bribes to steer $100 million in red-light camera contracts to Redflex Traffic Systems. Prosecutors detailed cash, hotels stays, golf trips, an Arizona condominium, and a Mercedes given to Bills for his efforts. Mayor Rahm Emanuel canceled Redflex’s contract in 2013 following reports of the alleged bribery scheme. Bills retired from his job as the city’s managing deputy commissioner of transportation in 2011, and he was charged in 2014.
Kansas – Senate Chairman’s Rules Block Female Witnesses in Revealing Attire
Topeka Capital-Journal – Tim Carpenter | Published: 1/21/2016
Kansas Sen. Mitch Holmes imposed a dress code for those testifying before his committee that prohibits women from wearing certain clothing while establishing no wardrobe restrictions exclusively for men. A rule of Holmes’ 11-point code of conduct says “low-cut necklines and miniskirts” are inappropriate for women. Holmes said he offered detailed guidance to women because he had observed provocatively clad women at the Capitol. He says it is a distraction to the panel during testimony. Holmes is and chairperson of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
Maryland – In Md., Officials Are Notified When Someone Checks Their Financial Filings
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil | Published: 1/23/2016
Public officials in Maryland must file reports spelling out their sources of income, property holdings, and business relationships. State law makes these reports available to the public as a safeguard against government officials abusing their power in an effort to enrich themselves. But unlike dozens of other states, Maryland agencies email officials every time a person looks at their disclosure forms. The notifications include the name and home address of the person conducting the search. Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings conceded that people may be nervous to look at ethics filings because their names will be reported to public officials. But he defended the system. “It’s a courtesy,” Jennings said. “Everyone wants to know every time someone is doing an investigation into them.”
New York – Albany Ethics Commission Adopts New Fund-Raising and Disclosure Rules
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 1/26/2016
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) approved an advisory opinion that expands the definition of lobbying to include public relations consultants. At issue is the rise in public relations campaigns, often called grassroots lobbying, which seek to influence policymaking. These activities are not regulated by traditional lobbying laws because they do not include the direct interaction of a lobbyist with a government official. A consultant setting up or attending a lobbying meeting with a public official, even if they do not directly lobby themselves, is lobbying under the opinion, for example. JCOPE also approved an opinion that says no statewide elected official, including the comptroller or the attorney general, would be allowed to accept or solicit campaign contributions from any person or group that is under investigation or embroiled in a legal battle with its offices.
North Carolina – Trial to Start in Lawsuit over North Carolina’s Voter-ID Law
Washington Post – Sari Horwitz | Published: 1/24/2016
North Carolina’s photo-ID rules, part of one of the strictest voting laws in the country, will go on trial in the first battle over the ballot this presidential year. The ID requirements, set to be used in the March presidential primary, were included in a bill passed by North Carolina’s Legislature that also reduced the number of days of early voting, prohibited people from registering and voting on the same day, stopped ballots cast in the wrong precinct from being counted, and ended the practice of preregistering teenagers before they turned 18. Republican lawmakers say they imposed the new restrictions to combat voter fraud and to preserve the integrity of the voting system. The Rev. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, which sued the state, called the law an “immoral and unconstitutional burden on voters.”
Virginia – Luxury Box Gifts Still Kosher for Virginia Public Officials
Connecticut Post – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/21/2016
A top official of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration accepted an invitation from the Washington Redskins to watch a playoff game from one of the team’s luxury boxes, the kind of gift that lawmakers said should not be allowed under a new ethics law the General Assembly passed last year. Staff from a newly empowered ethics council gave approval for members of McAuliffe’s administration to accept an invitation from the team to watch the game. The team has been in active negotiations with state officials over possibly moving out of its current stadium in Maryland and building a new one in Virginia.
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.
January 28, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Missouri: “Lobbying Gift Ban Approved in House” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Campaign Finance “Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Colorado: “Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement” […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Lobbying Gift Ban Approved in House” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Campaign Finance
“Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Colorado: “Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement” by Dan Elliot (Associated Press) for ABC News
Michigan: “Group Sues over New Limits on Promoting Ballot Issues” by Lori Higgins for Detroit Free Press
Ethics
“Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption” by Oren Dorell for USA Today
Ohio: “Convention Center Manager Fired After Ties to Vendor Are Discovered” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch
Oregon: “Legislature to Adopt Transparency Rules” by Gordon Friedman for Salem Statesman-Journal
Elections
“What Voters Want” by Emma Roller for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Accuses Colleague of Starting Fight Outside Bar” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
January 27, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Alaska: “Panel Says Lunch and Learn Events Could Raise Ethical” by Rashah McChesney (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post Florida: “Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists” by Tia Mitchell for Florida Times Union New […]
Lobbying
Alaska: “Panel Says Lunch and Learn Events Could Raise Ethical” by Rashah McChesney (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists” by Tia Mitchell for Florida Times Union
New York: “NY Attorney General Links Lobbying Data on Public Website” by The Associated Press for Albany Times Union
New York: “JCOPE: Consultant contact with editorial boards must be disclosed” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
Ohio: “Cleveland City Council President Proposes Increased Caps for Campaign Contributions” by Leila Atassi for Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ethics
Illinois: “Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Official in Red-Light Camera Case” by The Associated Press for ABC News
Missouri: “Lobbyist Gift Ban Advances in Capitol” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York: “2 Offices Won’t Investigate New York Constitutional Amendment on Adirondack Mining” by Susanne Craig for New York Times
Elections
“Ben & Jerry’s Founder Unveils New ‘Bernie’s Yearning’ Ice Cream Flavor” by Nick Gass and Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Legislative Issues
Washington: “Sen. Pam Roach Booted Off Sex-Trafficking Panel for ‘Victim-Blaming,’ Other Insults” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
January 26, 2016 •
Cleveland City Council to Consider Raising Campaign Contribution Limits
Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley wants to raise the limits on political contributions in order to offer challengers a fair fight against incumbent candidates with established war chests. Individual and PAC contributions to mayoral candidates would be capped at […]
Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley wants to raise the limits on political contributions in order to offer challengers a fair fight against incumbent candidates with established war chests. Individual and PAC contributions to mayoral candidates would be capped at $10,000 per calendar year. The current city ordinance permits just $1,000 from individuals and $2,000 from PACs. The proposed legislation would also increase contribution limits for council candidates up to $1,500 from individuals and $3,000 from PACs.
Critics argue the proposal would allow special interests to buy influence at City Hall. Kelley, however, believes $10,000 is not enough money to make a mayor feel beholden to a donor. Considering most Ohio cities have no campaign contribution limits, Kelley suggests a higher limit is still better than no limit at all.
The legislation will be discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 27, and will likely be up for passage the same night.
Photo of Cleveland City Hall by Stu Spivack on Wikimedia Commons.
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