March 3, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Other States Require Lobbyists to Report Compensation” by Michael Sol Warren for New Mexico In Depth Rhode Island: “Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates […]

March 2, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

South Carolina House Resets Ethics Bill

Gov. Nikki Haley and state House Speaker Jay Lucas are attempting to revive ethics reform after the Senate voted down a bill to overhaul ethics laws. Lucas expects the House to pass and send to the Senate an omnibus ethics […]

March 2, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

WA Ruling Allows Unlimited Pro Bono Legal Advice in Civil Rights Cases

The Pierce County Superior Court invalidated a Washington campaign finance law requiring free legal advice given to a recall campaign to be treated as a reportable campaign contribution. Judge Katherine Stolz reasoned pro bono representation in civil rights cases would […]

March 2, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying Montana: “Senator’s Aide Asked to Leave after Registering as Lobbyist” by Laura Lundquist and Troy Carter for Bozeman Chronicle Campaign Finance Florida: “Fundraising Binge Begins for Lawmakers” by Jeremy Wallace for Sarasota Herald-Tribune Montana: “Senate Panel Advances Major Campaign-Finance […]

February 27, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – February 27, 2015

Federal: Report: Illinois Rep. Schock billed private planes, concerts Tacoma News Tribune – Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) | Published: 2/23/2015 U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to donors for private flights and […]

Federal:

Report: Illinois Rep. Schock billed private planes, concerts
Tacoma News Tribune – Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) | Published: 2/23/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to donors for private flights and spent campaign money on several concerts and festivals. An Associated Press report said Schock spent at least $40,000 of taxpayer money for flights on private planes owned by donors, which could be a violation of House rules, as it is illegal for candidates and lawmakers to use noncommercial aircrafts for official or campaign business. Allegations of improper spending have been trickling out against Schock since a Washington Post reporter in February stumbled upon a redesign of his congressional office. The office was painted and redesigned to resemble the ornate dining room featured on the television show “Downton Abbey.”

The Inside Story Of How Citizens United Has Changed Washington Lawmaking
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal and Ryan Grim | Published: 2/26/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision is reshaping how, how much, and to whom money flows in Washington. How the flood of money released by the ruling has changed elections has been the subject of much discussion, but the decision’s role in allowing that same money to infuse the legislative process has largely gone unreported. According to a review of documents, as well as interviews with lobbyists and policymakers, independent spending has become increasingly intertwined with lobbying and legislation, the precise appearance of corruption campaign finance laws were meant to curb.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search
AL.com – Erin Edgemon | Published: 2/24/2015

The Alabama Ethics Commission selected Tom Albritton as its new director. Albritton replaces Jim Sumner, who retired last October after 17 years at the helm. The commission received 27 applications for the post, and interviewed six of them.

California – California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 2/19/2015

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved new regulations banning political fundraisers in the homes of lobbyists. The panel rejected a proposal to allow fundraisers in lobbyists’ homes as long as the candidate pays for the use of the home. Legislation on the issue was passed after the FPPC imposed a record $133,500 fine last year against lobbyist Kevin Sloat and his firm for violating campaign contribution rules by providing alcohol and cigars at lavish fundraisers held at his home for lawmakers’ campaigns.

District of Columbia – For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 2/21/2015

Ward 8 voters in the District of Columbia will again get to choose the name Marion Barry on April 28, when the only son of the late, legendary former mayor will try to replace his father on the city council. Victory, however, is far from assured for a son who wrestles with some of the same demons as the father: drugs, the law, the wrong kind of media attention. And the reservoir of goodwill, political favors, and campaign support from which the elder Barry drew to overcome his own troubles does not run so deep for his son.

Hawaii – Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Ian Lind | Published: 2/25/2015

At a recent meeting of the Hawaii Ethics Commission, Executive Director Les Kondo briefed commissioners on his plan to revisit and potentially reverse a 2007 policy requiring so-called goodwill lobbying to be disclosed. Kondo said he now believes the specific language of the statute is not broad enough to demand disclosure of social gatherings, whether one-on-one dinners between legislators and lobbyists, or receptions bringing dozens of lawmakers together to drink and dine with special interest groups, where specific legislation is not discussed.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 2/24/2015

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to capture a majority of the vote in his bid for a second term, an embarrassment for the former White House chief of staff who now faces an April 7 runoff against Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia. The result exposed possible vulnerability for an incumbent who has widespread support from business leaders, national name recognition, and millions of dollars in campaign funds.

Kansas – Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents
Kansas City Star – Brad Cooper | Published: 2/24/2015

Conservatives’ virtually unchallenged control of the Kansas Capitol opens the way for new policies that could undercut the influence of their traditional opposition for years to come. Those efforts figure to weaken the lobbying efforts by cities, hamstring the power of teachers unions, limit how academics can speak out on public controversies, and mold a more conservative judiciary. “The reason why conservatives gained control of the House, the Senate and the governor’s office is because the people wanted us to,” said state Rep. Scott Schwab. But aggressive action on several fronts has triggered criticism – some of it coming from fellow Republicans – the conservative majority might strip away basic fairness from the state’s political dynamics, especially with bills seen as targeting professors and the media.

Louisiana – Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources
New Orleans Advocate – Marsha Shuler | Published: 2/22/2015

The Louisiana Board of Ethics said groups funding political ads do not have to disclose those expenditures unless they advocate voting for or against a particular candidate. They also would not have to disclose the source of the money received for a particular ad based on the advisory opinion. The board’s opinion aligns with recent court rulings but did not sit well with some members who favor disclosure of the outside election spending and its source.

Massachusetts – Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions
MassLive.com – Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) | Published: 2/23/2015

A conservative group sued the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance on behalf of two local businesses, arguing the commonwealth has banned companies from making political donations while allowing unions to contribute up to $15,000. The lawsuit by the Goldwater Institute says “businesses and unions are functionally equivalent organizations,” and alleges violations of free speech and equal protection under the U.S. and state constitutions.

Nevada – As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/17/2015

Many elected officials have professional relationships that extend outside the Legislature, creating a web that reveals the close-knit nature of Nevada politics. Those who submitted disclosures have not been accused of any conflict-of-interest. But critics maintain the relationships speak of a system where cronyism is common.

New York – Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress
New York Times – Alexander Burns | Published: 2/24/2015

Daniel Donovan, the Staten Island district attorney, handled the investigation into the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, an inquiry that touched off demonstrations across New York City and beyond when a grand jury declined to deliver an indictment. Now Donovan is considered the likely successor to former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a fellow Republican who vacated his seat in January after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion. But while Grimm came to be defined by his acknowledged criminal actions, Donovan has come to be identified by the Garner grand jury’s inaction.

North Carolina – Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules
Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo | Published: 2/23/2015

The Charlotte City Council adopted a new ethics policy in response to the Patrick Cannon corruption scandal last year that put the former mayor in federal prison. It forbids elected officials from accepting gifts or meals. Exceptions include tickets to events where the city has a business reason for being represented. Officials could also accept food and drink at such events. Nominal gifts under $50, mementos related to civil events, and gifts from friends and family are also exceptions under the ordinance. The policy does not address lobbying disclosure, which some council members had called for.

Utah – Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 2/20/2015

Utah Sen. Curt Bramble is seeking to repeal the requirement that lobbyists wear special badges. The problem, he says, is while it covers contract lobbyists or advocates working for particular companies, there are many who fall into a gray area, such as citizen activists, nonprofit entities, government employees, and others who are not required to wear the badges. With the lack of clarity, Bramble said, it makes sense to repeal the requirement, which lobbyists had complained about in the first place.

Virginia – Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/20/2015

Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a bribery scheme that ended her husband’s political career. Ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison. A jury found the McDonnells guilty of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessperson Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company’s nutritional supplements. Maureen McDonnell is likely the first modern-day spouse of a governor convicted on felony charges arising from her occupancy in an executive mansion.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

February 26, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Lawsuit Challenges MA Law Banning Corporate Contributions

On February 24, a lawsuit was filed in Suffolk County Superior Court challenging Massachusetts laws allowing unions to make political contributions while barring corporations from doing the same. The lawsuit is being brought by the Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation […]

February 26, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying Hawaii: “Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat Campaign Finance Utah: “Bill Setting Campaign Contribution Limits Passes Committee” by Lisa Riley Roche for Deseret News West Virginia: “Bill to Remove […]

February 25, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Idaho House Seeks to Close Loophole in PAC Reporting

A bill, introduced this month, seeks to create greater transparency in campaign finance reporting for PACs. House Bill 112 eliminates a gap in PAC reporting following the seven-day pre-election report and election day, requiring disclosure of contributions of $1,000 or […]

February 25, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying Missouri: “House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Lobbyist-Paid Travel outside Missouri” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune Campaign Finance Maine: “Bill Requires Nonprofits to Disclose Donors When Contributing to Maine Political Campaigns” by Scott Thistle for The Sun […]

February 24, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Georgia Commission Reschedules New Rules Meeting

The Campaign Finance Commission has cancelled and rescheduled a meeting to consider amending rules regarding lobbying and campaign finance. The February 25 meeting has been rescheduled for the week of March 22, 2015. The commission drafted the proposed amendments with […]

February 24, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying Utah: “Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune Vermont: “Lobbyists Split on Plan to Change Advertising Disclosure Laws” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Rutland Herald Campaign Finance Arizona: “Arizona Senate […]

February 23, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Lincoln, Nebraska Mayor Accepts Contributions from City Contractors

Mayor Chris Beutler’s campaign fundraising tactics have come under scrutinty by watchdog groups decrying pay-to-play politics. During the 2013 construction of the Pinnacle Bank Arena, a $186 million project, the mayor accepted contributions from individuals and companies with city contracts, […]

February 23, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org Campaign Finance “Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most […]

February 20, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – February 20, 2015

National: States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White | Published: 2/17/2015 State legislators in Maine, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have introduced bills that demand a majority of shareholders approve corporate […]

National:

States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White | Published: 2/17/2015

State legislators in Maine, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have introduced bills that demand a majority of shareholders approve corporate donations to political committees or candidates. The sponsor of the Maryland bill said he has heard from about a dozen lawmakers from different states who are interested in the idea. Supporters see the legislation as a way to limit the influence of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, which ruled corporations had a right to spend unlimited amounts of money calling for the election or defeat of candidates. The ruling affected laws in about half the states. Companies with deep pockets are now seen as major players in elections at all levels.

This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations
Vox – Andrew Prokop | Published: 2/17/2015

Adam Bonica, the Stanford University political scientist and co-founder of the website Crowdpac, argues fundraising data allows for a better quantitative comparison among presidential candidates than past votes or positions do. That is because there are over 100 million records of political donations over several decades, contributions from people who, presumably, have their own views on issues and give mostly to candidates who share those beliefs.

Federal:

Clinton Foundation’s Global Network Overlaps with Family’s Political Base
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Tom Hamburger, and Steven Rich | Published: 2/18/2015

The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation has raised close to $2 billion since its inception in 2001. The total includes $262 million that was raised in 2013, the year Hillary Clinton stepped down as secretary of state and began to devote her energies to the foundation and to a likely second run for president. The financial success of the foundation, which funds charitable work around the world, underscores the highly unusual nature of another Clinton candidacy. The organization has given donors entree, outside the traditional political arena, to a possible president. Foreign donors and countries that are likely to have interests before a potential Clinton administration, and yet are ineligible to give to U.S. political campaigns, have affirmed their support for the family’s work through the charitable giving.

Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold | Published: 2/15/2015

Tyler Harber, the former campaign manager for congressional candidate Chris Perkins, pleaded guilty to illegally coordinating spending between the campaign and a super PAC, in a case that officials described as the first-ever such federal prosecution. Super PACs can take donations of unlimited size, but they are not allowed to coordinate with the campaigns of federal candidates. Harber persuaded a donor who had given the legal maximum $2,500 contribution to Perkins’ official account to give $300,000 to the National Republican Victory Fund, a super PAC Harber helped run. Harber then got the super PAC to spend $325,000 on advertising against Perkins’ opponent. That amounted to illegal coordination, according to the plea agreement. Some of the money also found its way back to Harber.

From the States and Municipalities:

Georgia – With Growing National Support for His Cause, Atlanta’s Former Fire Chief Sues the City over His Dismissal
Washington Post – Abby Ohlheiser | Published: 2/18/2015

The former Atlanta fire chief who was fired after self-publishing a book that described homosexuality as a perversion has sued the city and Mayor Kasim Reed. Kelvin Cochran has said he was fired because he expressed his religious beliefs in the book, which he said he did not write in his capacity as fire chief. The mayor has said he fired Cochran because he lacked judgment and management skills. Reed has also contended the former chief violated the city’s code of conduct because he published the book without permission and distributed the literature to city employees who did not want to read it. Cochran said he was given permission to publish the book by Nina Hickson, Atlanta’s ethics officer.

Maine – Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws
The Forecaster – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 2/18/2015

On January 22 and 23, Time Warner, the leading cable television provider in the state, invited a select group of Maine House and Senate members to a “Winter Policy Conference” at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. The conference included meals and rooms. A major topic was the growing movement by communities to build high-speed broadband networks themselves, bypassing the service offered by companies like Time Warner. As of February 17, neither Time Warner nor legislative officials would release more than a handful of the names of those who were at the event, and there are few, if any, legal disclosure requirements to do so.

Michigan – Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014
MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 2/18/2015

A new report says lobbyists spent a near record total of about $37 million in 2014 trying to influence legislation in Michigan. That is just short of the record spending reported for 2012. Rich Robinson, who heads the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, said the state’s lax disclosure laws do not shed much light on the nature of efforts to lobby lawmakers. Michigan lags behind other states when it comes to lobbying disclosure, according to Robinson, who said the federal government might provide a better model. Lobbyists who meet with U.S. House members are expected to list the issues or bills they discussed, for instance.

Mississippi – Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Emily Le Coz | Published: 2/15/2015

Mississippi Rep. Gene Alday told The Jackson Clarion-Ledger he was against increased funding for education, in particular funding to improve literacy. During his explanation, Alday said he comes “from a town where all the blacks are getting food stamps and what I call ‘welfare crazy checks.’ They don’t work.” He also told the newspaper about a time he visited an emergency room. “I liked to died. I laid in there for hours because they (black people) were in there being treated for gunshots,” Alday was quoted as saying. He did not deny the comments attributed to him. However, Alday said he was not a racist.

Nevada – Citing Error, High Court Reverses Campaign Finance Ruling
Reno Gazette-Journal – Riley Snider and Michelle Rindels (Associated Press) | Published: 2/16/2015

The Nevada Supreme Court reversed itself and ruled in favor of conservative activist group Citizen Outreach, which was accused of violating campaign finance law by publishing flyers attacking former Assemblyperson John Oceguera without disclosing donors or expenses. The majority opinion found state law requiring campaign disclosures only applies to communications containing so-called magic words or key political terms like “vote for” or “elect.” The court had issued a ruling with the opposite conclusion. Court officials blamed that on a clerical error and rescinded it.

North Carolina – Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure
Charlotte Observer – Steve Harrison | Published: 2/10/2015

Charlotte is the nation’s largest city with no registration requirement for lobbyists. In the wake of the scandal that sent former Mayor Patrick Cannon to prison on corruption charges, a city council committee has approved changes that would tighten its ethics policy. But council members focused on defining what gifts are appropriate for them to accept. They also proposed adding more requirements on financial disclosure forms. There was little talk about adding any transparency requirements for lobbyists.

North Carolina – NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable
Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 2/13/2015

Sex between lobbyists and state officials covered by North Carolina’s ethics law do not constitute a “reportable expenditure” or “things of value,” according to a ruling the State Ethics Commission published just before Valentine’s Day. The advisory opinion, issued at the request of the secretary of state’s Lobbying Compliance Division, added that such relationships would be unlikely to trigger the state’s “goodwill lobbying” registration requirements. In 2012, the commission investigated two lobbyists who had intimate relationships with top aides to then-House Speaker Thom Tillis. His chief of staff resigned and his policy adviser was asked to resign. A key focus of that investigation, which did not result in any public penalties, was whether the lobbyists provided things of value to the public officials.

Oregon – Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit
New York Times – Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson | Published: 2/15/2015

Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned from office, completing the sudden unraveling of his political career. Just one month after becoming the first Oregon governor to start a fourth term, Kitzhaber became the first to resign because of alleged misconduct, as he and his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, continue to be investigated for misusing their influence for personal gain. Kitzhaber is facing inquiries into whether Hayes benefited financially from her personal relationship with him, and whether she properly disclosed all the consulting fees she had been paid. Federal prosecutors have begun a sweeping investigation, subpoenaing six years of records related to contracts awarded to Hayes or her company. The state attorney general has also started a criminal probe.

Texas – Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 2/16/2015

State Sen. Kirk Watson introduced three bills that would shine more light on lawmakers being entertained by lobbyists. Senate Bill 585 would lower the reporting threshold for lobbyist expenditures to $50. Senate Bill 586 would guarantee disclosure even if multiple lobbyists banded together to get around the new $50 limit. If more than $50 is spent on a state official, all the lobbyists who paid for it would have to provide detailed reporting as if they each had spent the higher amount. Senate Bill 587 would ensure the reports are made available on the Internet.

Utah – Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 2/17/2015

In 2013, special interests sponsored 32 lunches for Utah lawmakers during the session’s 33 working days. This year, the number scheduled has dropped to 14. The difference can be attributed to the Legislature changing its pay structure to eliminate what had been a financial incentive to accept free meals. But while free lunches are waning, receptions are on the upswing. They are cheaper for sponsors than full-blown meals and also take less time for lawmakers, who can stop by for a few minutes instead of investing an hour or more to sit, eat, and listen. The events annually rekindle a debate about whether they give wealthy interests better access to lawmakers, and perhaps more influence.

Virginia – In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/17/2015

Ethics reforms approved by Virginia lawmakers have fewer teeth than what some, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, had pressed for after his predecessor’s conviction on public corruption charges. Both the House and Senate agreed with McAuliffe and imposed a $100 annual cap on gifts, with notable exceptions. Only McAuliffe wants to create an ethics council with subpoena and audit powers. The Senate would authorize random inspections of financial disclosures, but the House called for neither idea. Both chambers will consider the other’s bill in the next two weeks.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

South Carolina House Resets Ethics Bill

WA Ruling Allows Unlimited Pro Bono Legal Advice in Civil Rights Cases

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – February 27, 2015

Lawsuit Challenges MA Law Banning Corporate Contributions

Thursday News Roundup

Idaho House Seeks to Close Loophole in PAC Reporting

Wednesday Government Relations News

Georgia Commission Reschedules New Rules Meeting

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lincoln, Nebraska Mayor Accepts Contributions from City Contractors

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – February 20, 2015

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