National:

Population Shifts Turning All Politics National

New York Times – Ashley Parker and Jonathan Martin | Published: 6/15/2014

For all the talk about how partisan polarization is overwhelming Washington, there is another overlapping force at play: voters who are not deeply rooted in an area increasingly view politics through a generic national lens. It was newcomers from other parts of the country and even abroad to Virginia and Mississippi, more than any other voters, who most crucially rejected two influential Republican incumbents – House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran – in recent primaries.

Federal:

Justices Say Public Workers Can Testify about Corruption

USA Today – Richard Wolf and Mary Orndorff Troyan | Published: 6/19/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that public employees are protected from retaliation when they testify in court about misconduct they observed on the job. Public employees who are called to testify are protected by the First Amendment just as other citizens are, and should not have to between “the obligation to testify truthfully and the desire to avoid retaliation and keep their jobs,” wrote Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The decision clarified previous rulings in which the court has said public employees have free-speech rights when they are acting as citizens, not when they are testifying to what they learned in their jobs or are required to speak about because of their specific duties.

Obama to Sign Order Barring U.S. Contractors from Job Bias Based on Sexual Orientation

Washington Post – Zachary Goldfarb and Juliet Eilperin | Published: 6/17/2014

President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order barring federal contractors from hiring or firing employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama is not expected to sign the order for weeks, as the White House finalizes details, including possible exemptions for religious nonprofit organizations. Administration officials said the president decided to act unilaterally in the absence of momentum for legislation with broader protections.

Soft Money’s Squishy Political Influence

New York Times – Derek Willis | Published: 6/18/2014

A report by Daniel Tokaji and Renata Strause of Ohio State University surveys the state of campaign finance and finds the relationship between candidates and like-minded independent groups is characterized by subtle cooperation, not outright coordination. For campaigns targeted by super PACs and other outside groups, the feeling is often one of helplessness. “It was like a giant poker game and I wasn’t even sitting at the table,” said a Senate campaign manager quoted in the report.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – School Superintendent Huppenthal Acknowledges Anonymous Blog Posts

Arizona Republic – Cathryn Creno | Published: 6/19/2014

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal said he is the author behind several anonymous blog posts that referred to welfare recipients as “lazy pigs” and Planned Parenthood as the cause of abortions among African-Americans. The comments date back to 2011 and were posted on political blogs. Huppenthal said he wrote them under different pseudonyms so he could have a more open dialogue without his position influencing the debate. Some experts say it is an ethical problem when elected officials do not state their opinions publicly.

Georgia – Ga. Settles with 3 Ex-Ethics Commission Employees

Washington Times – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 6/13/2014

The state has settled whistle-blower complaints by three former Georgia ethics commission employees for a total of $1.8 million. The settlements follow a jury verdict that awarded more than $1 million to a fourth employee, former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman. The state will pay $1 million to the panel’s former deputy, Sherry Streicker, $410,000 to former IT specialist John Hair, and $477,500 to former staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein.

Illinois – Billionaire Ken Griffin Gives Rauner Record-Breaking $2.5 Million

Chicago Sun-Times – Sandra Guy and Art Golab | Published: 6/13/2014

Billionaire hedge-fund founder Ken Griffin’s $2.5 million donation to the campaign of Republican Bruce Rauner has been termed the largest single donation in an Illinois governor’s race in the post-Watergate era. The limit on individual contributions is usually $5,300 in Illinois. But the law allows those caps to be lifted when contributions or loans from a candidate or candidate’s family surpass $250,000. Rauner gave $500,000 to his own campaign in November.

Massachusetts – Bill Would Increase PAC Disclosure

Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 6/18/2014

The Massachusetts Legislature is expected to pass a bill this summer that would increase disclosure requirements for super PACs. The bill would also double the amount of money individuals can give to state candidates from $500 to $1,000 a year, the first change to those limits in 20 years. The disclosure crackdown, also aimed at nonprofit advocacy groups that fund television ads, would go into effect immediately. The new individual donation limits would not take effect until next year.

Ohio – Lawmaker Might Face Charges over Gifts

Columbus Dispatch – Randy Ludlow | Published: 6/14/2014

Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory could face criminal charges for failing to disclose that lobbyist John Rabenold treated him to two meals and a Cincinnati Bengals game. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said Rabenold agreed to work with the FBI and Legislative Inspector General Tony Bledsoe in ongoing investigations into lawmakers who did not report gifts or accepted illegal gifts. The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee is expected to review the case and decide whether to make a referral to O’Brien for potential charges.

Ohio – U.S. Supreme Court Will Allow Constitutional Challenge of Ohio Law That Bars Campaign Lies

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Sabrina Eaton | Published: 6/16/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a challenge to an Ohio law banning lies in political campaigns to move forward. The court ruled two advocacy groups could challenge the state law that makes it a crime to make knowingly or recklessly false statements about political candidates that are intended to help elect or defeat them. Lower courts had dismissed the case, saying the organizations seeking to challenge it had not faced imminent harm sufficient to give them standing to sue. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the court, said the groups “have alleged a credible threat of enforcement” of the law and so were not barred from pursuing their challenge to it.

Pennsylvania – Improvements Seen in Phila. Lobbying Web Site

Philadelphia Inquirer – Alisha Green (Sunlight Foundation) | Published: 6/12/2014

The story of Philadelphia’s lobbying website highlights some of the problems that governments face with sharing this crucial data. Providing the information with enough detail and in a format that is easy to analyze and reuse is something few local jurisdictions have been able to accomplish so far. Philadelphia knew what it needed to do to improve lobbying transparency, but finding a way to implement those changes was the problem, according to an analysis by the Sunlight Foundation.

South Carolina – An Ethical Mess in South Carolina

The Center for Public Integrity – Corey Hutchins | Published: 6/17/2014

An ethics scandal involving the House speaker and difficulty in passing reform legislation are raising concerns about South Carolina’s legislatively dominated government structure, the efficacy of self-policing lawmakers, and the integrity of the state’s institutions. South Carolina earned an ‘F’ from the State Integrity Investigation, which graded states on their transparency, accountability, and risk for corruption. But despite calls for substantive reform from media, public interest groups, and the governor, the status quo remains.

Washington – Election Fallout: Judge says AG’s lawsuit against Grocery Manufacturers can move ahead

The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 6/13/2014

A Thurston County judge rejected efforts by the Grocery Manufacturers Association to squelch a lawsuit in which Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson accuses the trade association of laundering millions of dollars in last fall’s campaign. Ferguson has accused group of setting up a special fund to disguise the source of money spent to defeat Washington’s Initiative 522. But the judge scrap the state’s requirement that political committees collect at least $10 from 10 different registered voters in state before spending in a Washington campaign.

Washington – Legislative Ethics Board Weighs Limit on Free Meals from Lobbyists

The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 6/17/2014

How often is “infrequent” when it comes to state lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists? Washington’s Legislative Ethics Board spent nearly two hours recently taking testimony on the issue and then grappling with the answer. So far, the board has considered several proposals, from as few as three meals annually to as many as 52 per year. It is currently taking comment from the public, lobbyists, and lawmakers before settling on a limit.

Wisconsin – Prosecutors Accuse Scott Walker of Running ‘Criminal Scheme’

Wisconsin State Journal – Mary Spicuzza | Published: 6/19/2014

Newly released documents show prosecutors allege Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was at the center of a nationwide “criminal scheme” to illegally coordinate with outside conservative groups. Prosecutors say Walker, his chief of staff, and others who worked for him were discussing illegal coordination with a number of national organizations and prominent figures, including Republican strategist Karl Rove, to fend off recalls targeting the governor and GOP state senators in 2011 and 2012.
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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“MPAA’s Michael O’Leary steps down – Big 12 hires a lobbying firm” by Byron Tau in Politico.

Missouri: “Lobbyists’ gifts to Missouri lawmakers exceed $500,000” by Angela Mueller in the St. Louis Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

“BitPay, CoinVox Team Up to Allow Politicians to Accept Bitcoin” by Eric Calouro in NewsBTC.

Delaware: “Campaign finance reform bills languish in legislature” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.

Massachusetts: “Bill would increase PAC disclosures” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe.

New York: “Blame Game After Push to Revamp Campaign Financing Ends” by Mike Vilensky in The Wall Street Journal.

North Carolina: “N.C. election laws ‘stuck in pre-computer age’” by Jim Morrill in the Charlotte Observer.

Vermont: “Advocacy group turns sights to money in politics” by Neal P. Goswami in the Rutland Herald.

Ethics

“Prosecutor asks court: Reinstate DeLay convictions” by Juan A. Lozano (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.

“Grand Jury Probes Capitol Knowledge & Stock Trading” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Hawaii: “Ethics Commission Tells Lawmakers How They Should Spend Allowances” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Elections

New York: “This is what happens when a campaign finance scholar runs for governor” by Max Ehrenfreund in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Jon Erpenbach drops appeal in email open records case” in the Journal Sentinel.

State Legislatures

South Carolina: “SC House OKs $12,000 pay raise for lawmakers, overriding Gov. Haley’s veto” by Cassie Cope in The State.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Florida: “Dade Medical College owner charged with improper lobbying” by Mike Vasquez in the Miami Herald.

Mississippi: “Washington Lobbyists Pour Money Into Mississippi Senate Race To Fend Off Tea Party” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.

Campaign Finance

“Soft Money’s Squishy Political Influence” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.

“Campaign-Finance Reform Has to Be Cross-Partisan” by Lawrence Lessig in The Atlantic.

Vermont: “Canvassers to target money in politics” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.

Ethics

Arizona: “Clean elections director seeks full probe of Arizona AG Tom Horne over election law complaint” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Georgia: “Advocates want ethics chief out” by Erica Techo in The Augusta Chronicle.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Democratic Strategist Chris Talbot Explains the Do’s and Don’ts of Digital Campaigns” by Tess VandenDolder in InTheCapitol.

“FBI discovers Twitter-speak, starts a dictionary” by Ian Sherr in C|Net.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

California: “Senate approves campaign fundraising blackout during budget negotiations and end of session” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

Ethics

“Watchdog urges bribery probe of congressman” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

New Mexico: “NM governor’s ex-aide pleads guilty to hacking charges” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Ohio: “Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory Named In Ethics Probe” by The Associated Press on WBNS TV News.

Rhode Island: “House panel passes revised ethics bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Elections

“Supreme Court: Groups Can Sue over Campaign Lies” by Julie Rovner in Governing.

Ohio Reps. Nick Celebrezze and Ronald Gerberry announced plans last week to introduce legislation creating a campaign contribution blackout for the attorney general’s office. New legislation would prohibit contributions to the attorney general and to any party-endorsed candidates for the office while the office is reviewing bids on contract work.

Celebrezze believes a blackout period will help eliminate the appearance of impropriety. Attorney General Mike DeWine, however, claims enforcement of the blackout periods makes the process inherently more political. Moreover, he said contributions have not influenced his decision to award contract work.

Lobbying

“Which federal agencies do lobbyists target most?” by Elizabeth Shell in PBS Newshour.

“Unemployment Extension Cause Has Invisible Lobby | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Former Rep. Dan Lungren returns to lobbying” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Canada: “Number of federal lobbyists up 24 per cent” by Jason Fekete in The Star Phoenix.

Florida: “Lobbyists, lawyers jostle for pot business” by Dara Kam in The News Herald.

Kentucky: “Lobbyist hosts RPK fundraiser with top GOP senators” by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal.

Oklahoma: “Wind energy felt at the state Capitol” by Kurtis Killman in the Tulsa World.

Pennsylvania: “Improvements seen in Phila. lobbying Web site” by Alisha Green (Sunlight Foundation) in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Campaign Finance

“What if your cell phone buzzed every time someone gave your congressman a ton of money?” by Emily Badger in The Washington Post.

“What America Can Learn From Norway’s Success in Regulating Campaign Finance” by Emmett Rensin in PolicyMic.

Ethics

Georgia: “Georgia settles with 3 former ethics commission employees for more than $1.8 million” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Ohio: “Lawmaker might face charges over gifts” by Randy Ludlow in The Columbus Dispatch.

Rhode Island: “Issues to watch at end of General Assembly session” by Erika Niedowski (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate OKs bill for Ethics Commission jurisdiction over state lawmakers” by Mike McKinney in the Providence Journal.

West Virginia: “Ethics Commission to hire interim director” by Phil Kabler in The Charleston Gazette.

Congress

“What Happens in the Senate When No One’s Looking? A Lot” by Humberto Sanchez in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

California: “California Legislature passes $156.4-billion 2014-15 budget” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.

Minnesota: “Minnesota legislators swap Capitol careers for lucrative county paychecks” by Patrick Condon in the Star Tribune.

New York: “Albany lawmakers leaving unfinished business” by Michael Randall in Times Herald-Record.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Pols have a #fakefollower problem” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

The ethics commission has agreed to settle three retaliation claims for over $1.8 million. The claims are each related to an investigation of Gov. Nathan Deal involving 2010 campaign and personal finance reports.

Under the terms, the commission’s former deputy, Sherry Streicker, will receive $1 million, former IT specialist John Hair will receive $410,000, and former staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein will receive $477,500. The settlements follow an April jury verdict awarding $700,000 plus fees to the commission’s former executive secretary, Stacey Kalberman, who argued her pay was slashed and her deputy’s position eliminated as they were preparing subpoenas in the Deal case.

Murray-Obertein, who arrived after the departures of Kalberman and Streicker, testified she was under pressure to get the Deal case resolved. Hair claimed LaBerge ordered him to alter, hide, and destroy documents related to the Deal investigation.

The commission has denied any wrongdoing and Deal has said he was not involved in any of the commission’s decisions or actions.

National:

What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On

Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014

According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on highways and construction. The study found those projects and police programs provide the most opportunities for lawmakers to enrich themselves, and are positively correlated with state levels of corruption. Meanwhile, highly corrupt states also spend relatively less on health, education, and welfare, categories that were less susceptible to graft and bribery, found the report.

Federal:

Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books with Citizens United Ruling

National Journal – Shane Goldmacher | Published: 6/8/2014

Sources said a bipartisan coalition of FEC commissioners is finally moving to update its regulations in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling after years of stalemate. The proposed rules under consideration by commissioners are narrow in scope, mostly seeking to strip unconstitutional provisions from the books; the revisions would not include the stricter disclosure requirements that some Democrats have sought, said people involved in the matter. But the very fact the FEC is undertaking the effort at all is a significant development for an agency that has become synonymous with Washington gridlock and dysfunction.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Calif. Senate Adopts New Ethics Standards, Rejects Others

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/9/2014

The California Senate passed new rules that will create an ethics ombudsman, update the chamber’s code of conduct, and ban senators from collecting campaign checks during the last four weeks of the legislative session. But the Senate also shot down a bill that sought a broader campaign fundraising ban, and passed a watered-down ethics bill striking out an attempt to limit the value of travel that officials may take at the expense of interest groups who lobby them.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Denies Citizens United’s Press Pass

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 6/5/2014

A request by conservative political group Citizens United to be treated as a media organization under Colorado election law was denied. The secretary of state’s office ruled an upcoming documentary featuring state politicians “is an electioneering communication” and does not fall under any of the exemptions to state laws requiring political groups to disclose financial donors when running ads that mention candidates within 60 days of an election.

Connecticut – Judge Rules for State’s Campaign Finance Law

Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahony | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal judge dismissed part of a Democratic Governors’ Association (DGA) lawsuit and denied the group’s bid for a preliminary injunction against Connecticut’s campaign finance laws that it said limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The DGA maintained that under laws adopted in 2013, the state unfairly treats independent money spent on ads and other political messages by the national group as contributions to particular candidates, and thus subject to donation limits.

Idaho – Ethics Proposal Would Stop Lobbyists from Lying to Lawmakers

Utah Policy – Brian Schott | Published: 6/10/2014

Idaho law prohibits lobbyists from intentionally giving false information to officials. The punishment is up to $100 fine and a one-year suspension of their lobbying license. But the law is basically unenforceable because it is nearly impossible to prove whether a lobbyist provided false information on purpose. State Sen. Daniel Thatcher wants to put more teeth into the statute.

Illinois – State Rep. Derrick Smith Found Guilty in Bribery Trial

Chicago Sun-Times – Kim Jansson | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal jury found Rep. Derrick Smith guilty of taking a $7,000 bribe to support a state grant for a day-care center. He was charged following an FBI undercover investigation that caught him talking about the payoff on tape. Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in 2012 after he was charged with taking the bribe. He won his seat back the same year, but lost the Democratic primary in March.

Maryland – City Chides Developer for Listing Campaign Contributions as Project Cost

Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 6/11/2014

Baltimore officials approved a deal to sell a pier for the development of a luxury hotel after reprimanding a developer for trying to include campaign contributions to local politicians as part of the project’s costs. Recreation Pier Developers listed donations to city Councilperson James Kraft and state Del. Peter Hammen as part of the more than $3 million it has spent on the project. “The developers believe campaign contributions buys access and helps build a relationship …,” said Maryland Common Cause Director Jennifer Bevan-Dangel.

Maryland – Hershey v. Hershey: Chocolate company sues state senator over campaign signs

Baltimore Sun – Ian Duncan | Published: 6/9/2014

In a federal lawsuit, the Hershey Company asked a judge to stop Maryland Sen. Stephen Hershey, Jr. from using campaign materials that it believes are too similar to its own logo and packaging. The senator’s name, in block capital letters over a brown Maryland flag, looks strikingly similar to the wrapper of a certain confection, the chocolate maker says, an impermissible use of what it calls its “trade dress.”

Nevada – In Nevada, Nobody Wins (Sort-Of)

Politico – Steven Shepard | Published: 6/11/2014

More Democratic primary voters cast ballots for “None of these candidates” than for any actual candidates for governor in Nevada, a testament to a weak field looking to challenge popular Gov. Brian Sandoval and a unique state election law that allows voters the none-of-the-above option. “None” led the way with 30 percent of the vote. Finishing second was former state economic development director Robert Goodman, who won 25 percent of the vote.

North Carolina – N.C. Investigating Donations by Sweepstakes Industry

The Virginian-Pilot – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 6/11/2014

The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal probe into campaign contributions from the video sweepstakes industry to some of North Carolina’s top elected officials. The Associated Press reported last year that donations from gaming software magnate Chase Burns, who was pushing for legalization of his industry in North Carolina, may have violated state laws prohibiting corporate money from “directly or indirectly” funding political campaigns.

Pennsylvania – A Bad Bet: GOP Governors Assn. crossed state law with donation

Philadelphia Daily News – Chris Brennan | Published: 6/11/2014

The Republican Governors Association transferred nearly $1 million to its Pennsylvania PAC – the largest donor to Gov. Tom Corbett’s re-election bid – from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a blunder that appears to breach the state’s gaming act. State law bars casino owners and executives from giving to candidates, political parties, or committees. Adelson chairs the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns a casino in Bethlehem.

South Carolina – South Carolina Senate Postpones Vote on Ethics Compromise after House Grudgingly Passes

Columbus Republic – Andrew Coffman Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 6/5/2014

The South Carolina General Assembly was on the cusp of passing its first attempt at ethics reform in 20 years when Sen. Lee Bright filibustered a vote on the bill. The House had passed the legislation but the Senate chose to wait until June 17 to consider the measure. The reform bill raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200, and super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.

Virginia – Cantor Loss Throws Congress into Disarray

Washington Post – Paul Kane | Published: 6/10/2014

In one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was soundly defeated by a tea party-backed economics professor who had hammered him for being insufficiently conservative. The result delivered a major jolt to the Republican Party as Cantor had widely been considered the top candidate to succeed Speaker John Boehner, and it has the potential to change both the debate in Washington on immigration and, possibly, the midterm elections.

Virginia – GOP Has Claimed Control of Va. Senate, Forced Democrats to Cave over Medicaid Impasse

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella and Michael Laris | Published: 6/9/2014

The resignation of a Democratic senator in Virginia that flipped control of the chamber to Republicans set off charges of an unseemly deal and threatened Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s chances of expanding Medicaid under the president’s health care law. State Sen. Phillip Puckett’s sudden decision to step down from his seat may tip a stalemate in favor of Republicans opposed to expanding Medicaid to 400,000 poor and disabled residents. Democrats accused Republicans of masterminding Puckett’s resignation by promising him a plum job and speeding the appointment of his daughter to a state judgeship.

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Lobby groups hunker down for storm” by Bernie Becker and Benjamin Goad in The Hill.

“Cantor’s K Street value: Off the charts” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Tech firm looks to bring bitcoins to campaigns” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

“Got bitcoins to spend? Here are some options” by Laura Lorenzetti in Fortune.

Alaska: “Campaign-Finance Challenge in Alaska Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.

Florida: “Campaign Cash Offers Picture of Legislative Races” by Jim Saunders in the Sunshine State News.

Ethics

Illinois: “Jurors Have Some Trouble Convicting Illinois Legislator of Bribery” by Jason Meisner in Governing.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate delays vote on ethics bill to consider possible changes” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

State Legislatures

Michigan: “Michigan petition drive for part-time Legislature falls short but organizers look to 2016” by Jonathan Oosting on Michigan Live.

New York: “Cuomo ‘not overly optimistic’ about end of legislative session” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.

Virginia: “Lawmakers return to pass budget” by Michael Marts in The Roanoke Times.

Washington: “Slew of state laws take effect” by Lauren Dake in The Columbian.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Sallie Mae spin-off registers to lobby” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Amplifyd: Crowd-Sourced Lobbying Launches Website” by Annie Spiegelman in The Huffington Post.

“Politico: Wall Street Loses an Ally With Cantor’s Defeat” by Drew MacKenzie in Newsmax.

North Carolina: “Senate honors longtime lawmaker, lobbyist Alley” by Tara Jeffries in WRAL.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance Hearings Showcase Extremes | Rules of the Game” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“A Reporter Crashes the Super PAC Party” by Walter Shapiro in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

“Bitcoin bulks up lobbying power” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Connecticut: “Democratic governors lose challenge to Connecticut campaign finance law” by Nate Raymond in Reuters.

Kansas: “Panel looking into ethics of Facebook post seeking contributions to Schodorf campaign” by Brian Lowry in The Wichita Eagle.

North Carolina: “Legislators call for constitutional convention” in The Times-News.

Ohio: “Former executive testifies in campaign finance trial of northeast Ohio businessman” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Elections

“5 takeaways from Eric Cantor shocker” by James Hohmann in Politico.

The Senate has passed resolutions to tighten ethics laws by creating a new position of ethics ombudsman, installing protections for whistleblowers, and banning the raising of campaign funds during August, the last month of the legislative year. A bill to extend the fundraising blackout period to the Assembly fell four votes short of the two-thirds needed for approval.

The Senate also approved an amended bill to regulate travel gifts and the use of campaign funds. Senate Bill 831 initially would have barred acceptance of gifts of travel worth more than $8,000, but was amended to only require nonprofit groups paying for legislators’ travel to disclose donor information.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Koch brothers add to K Street force” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Washington Redskins Improve Defense With K Street Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Fremont nonprofit group fined $25,000 for laundering contributions in 2008 mayoral race” by Chris De Benedetti in the San Jose Mercury News.

Maine: “Ethics commission fines LePage for missing campaign finance deadlines” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.

Maine: “Political donors in Maine’s gubernatorial race most often work for [blank]” by Darren Fishell in the Bangor Daily News.

Ohio: “Suarez relatives testify about campaign donations” by Ed Meyer in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Ethics

California: “Senate approves tighter gift bans, ethics rules” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) in The Modesto Bee.

Washington: “Ethics board looks at lawmakers’ free food” by Brad Shannon in The News Tribune.

Washington: “Moving state primary election left 1992 ethics reform behind” by Peter Callaghan in the Union-Bulletin.

Elections

Nevada: “It’s been a slow primary season, but there’s still much at stake” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

North Dakota: “Few statewide issues, races to be decided” by Nick Smith in the Bismarck Tribune.

South Carolina: “Voters Guide: Famous names dot GOP primary for SC lieutenant governor” by Andrew Shain in The State.

State Legislatures

Maine: “Democrats balk at LePage’s renewed push for special legislative session” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.

Lobbying

“Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“ALEC Goes Local” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Illinois: “Andy Shaw: Lobbying by ex-U.S. rep doesn’t violate law, just our trust” by Andy Shaw in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Campaign Finance

“Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books With Citizens United Ruling” by Shane Golmacher in National Journal.

“McAllister says he expected contribution for vote” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

“Donor Admits Giving $150K to Straw Donors for U.S. Senate Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Rep. Rob Andrews Gets Off Scot Free” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Alaska: “Outside Money Floods Alaska in Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.

Alaska: “Big spenders buy up Alaska air time” by Matt Buxton in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Massachusetts: “Outside money pours into gov’s race” by Christian M. Wade in The Salem News.

Mississippi: “At $40 per vote, Mississippi race reflects no-limits politics” by Hembree Brandon in the Farm Press Blog.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Drafts Guide for Legislative Allowances” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: For some, ‘de novo’ makes ethics bill a no-go” by Edward Fitzpatrick in the Providence Journal.

Elections

“6 cities bid for Democratic National Convention in 2016” by James Hohmann in Politico.

From the State Legislatures

Colorado: “Governor’s office drafts bill on drilling issue that could trigger special legislative session” by Megan Schrader in The Gazette.

New York: “As NY Legislative Session Winds Down, Minimum Wage, Medical Marijuana Among Unresolved Issues” by The Associated Press in CBS New York.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Local lawyers develop an app that makes it easier to lobby a cause” by Steve Tarter in the Journal Star.

“#Whoa: CIA Launches Twitter, Facebook Accounts” by Frank Konkel in Nextgov.

Lawmakers are reconsidering a new law placing caps on political action committee (PAC) spending in state elections. A majority of the Joint Corporations, Appropriations, and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee voted to order its nonpartisan staff to draft a bill repealing a section of state law before it becomes effective on January 1, 2015.

If not repealed, the law will cap direct or indirect PAC contributions at $7,500 to any statewide candidate and $3,000 to any other candidate. Currently there is no limit for PAC contributions.

In a separate measure, the committee ordered a draft bill to repeal the state’s aggregate contribution limits, which conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission.