On Thursday, June 5, Colorado Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert issued an agency decision in response to Citizens United’s petition for declaratory order. Citizens United requested its upcoming documentary be excluded from the definition of reportable electioneering communication by […]
On Thursday, June 5, Colorado Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert issued an agency decision in response to Citizens United’s petition for declaratory order. Citizens United requested its upcoming documentary be excluded from the definition of reportable electioneering communication by classifying it as one of the constitutional exemptions. The secretary of state found the communication does not fall within any exemptions and there is no general press-entity exemption to the definition of electioneering communication.
As Citizens United engages in communication for the primary purpose of influencing elections, it is exactly the type of entity to which reporting requirements apply. To rule otherwise would defeat the purpose of state campaign finance law and disregard the rationale behind full disclosure.
Moreover, the secretary of state found it does not have the authority to create a general press exemption to campaign finance reporting requirements. Although the Federal Election Commission applies such an exemption for Petitioner at the federal level, the secretary of state lacks the authority to import the FEC’s analysis and decision. Therefore, Petitioner’s remedy at the state level lies with courts in the form of litigation, with the legislature in the form of referendum, or with the people in the form of initiative.
June 6, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 6, 2014
National: Betting on a Brand When Politics Is the Family Business New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 5/29/2014 Surveys have shown past experiences with a product or memories of family and friends using it shaped consumers’ buying decisions. […]
National:
Betting on a Brand When Politics Is the Family Business
New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 5/29/2014
Surveys have shown past experiences with a product or memories of family and friends using it shaped consumers’ buying decisions. Democrats’ hopes of holding the U.S. Senate this fall rest significantly on the political equivalent of that “brand capital.” In four states that usually lean Republican, Democrats will be running candidates from families with multigenerational records of political success. If at least two of the four legacy candidates can eke out victories, the Democrats’ chances of holding the Senate will be better than even.
‘Colbert Report’ Taught Viewers More about Super PACs than Cable News
U.S. News & World Report – Tierney Sneed | Published: 6/2/2014
Leading up to the last presidential election, the faux conservative host of ‘The Colbert Report” created a super PAC and a secretive “dark money” group on his show. Viewers who saw those satirical segments were significantly better informed about the role of money in politics than viewers of any other news channels, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Stephen Colbert created Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow with the help of former FEC Chairperson Trevor Potter. “The Colbert Report” was particularly effective because of the detail the show went into, and the narrative arc of its examination that lasted many months throughout the election cycle.
Federal:
Politico – Anna Palmer and Byron Tau | Published: 6/4/2014
After Patton Boggs’ recent merger with Squire Sanders was finalized, so many lawyers and lobbyists fled the firm that moving trucks lined up in front of its K Street headquarters. One Patton Boggs insider estimated 200 attorneys, lobbyists, and staff, through layoffs, buyouts, and departures, will have left the firm by the time everything settles down. At its peak in recent years, the firm had about 500 lawyers and lobbyists.
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 6/1/2014
The lobbying industry, once dominated by a handful of big, powerful personalities, has given way to a broader and more grassroots business that has more voices – and must influence more decision makers – than ever before. The Washington Post highlighted some of the lobby firms that are shaking things up, either by starting anew, transforming their structure to do business differently, or experimenting with new ways to broker change through social media and other outlets.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – After 17 Years at Helm, Executive Director Announces Retirement from Alabama Ethics Commission
Columbus Republic – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 6/4/2014
Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director James Sumner is retiring on October 1, ending more than 17 years as the agency’s top staff member. Sumner made note of his efforts to strengthen the ethics code, which culminated in lawmakers passing legislation that included reducing the amount a lobbyist could spend on entertaining a public official, giving subpoena power to the Ethics Commission, and guaranteeing an annual appropriation to the commission so it would not be subject to legislative whims.
California – Indicted Yee Gets a Quarter-Million Votes for Secretary of State
Los Angeles Times – Phil Willon | Published: 6/4/2014
Charges of corruption and gun-running conspiracy notwithstanding, almost 10 percent California voters thought suspended state Sen. Leland Yee should become secretary of state. He was arrested in March and indicted several days later as part of a sweeping investigation into organized crime. Yee had dropped out of the race, but not before a deadline to remove his name from the ballot had passed.
Colorado – Colorado Mulls Forcing Citizens United to Disclose Donor Identities
Colorado Independent – Tessa Cheek | Published: 6/4/2014
Political-advocacy group Citizens United is asking for its upcoming film on Colorado politics to be exempt from the state’s campaign finance laws. The group plans to release the film shortly before the upcoming November election, containing images of and messages about Colorado politicians, though it will not expressly advocate a position on races. If the group gains status as a news media organization, it will not be required to disclose its donors or file campaign finance information around the launch and promotion of its film.
District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Michael A. Brown Gets More Than 3 Years in Bribery Case
Washington Post – Ann Marimow and Mike DeBonis | Published: 5/29/2014
Former District of Columbia Councilperson Michael Brown was sentenced to more than three years in prison for taking bribes in an undercover FBI sting, a comparatively stiff sentence from a judge who said “we cannot have city government run this way.” In the sting operation, Brown took $55,000 in cash payments, handed to him in rolls and stacks of $100 bills transmitted in coffee mugs and duffel bags. The undercover FBI agent was posing as a businessperson seeking preferential treatment on government contracts.
District of Columbia – Vultures on K Street? Yes, Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Washington Post – Theresa Vargas | Published: 6/2/2014
Tell people two vultures have made a home at the intersection of K and 11th streets in Washington, D.C. and they will likely ask the same question Charlie Dewitt did. “The bird variety?” he wondered. K Street is renowned for office buildings filled with highly paid, powerful lobbyists who, along with others in the city’s political food chain, are often called scavengers – and worse. “We have vultures and turkeys and other kinds of creatures here,” joked Dewitt, a lobbyist who has worked in Washington for 25 years.
Maine – Maine Nixes Cap That Limits How Much Individuals Can Give to Campaigns
Lewiston Sun Journal – Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 6/4/2014
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will not enforce the state’s $25,000 aggregate limit on campaign contributions by individuals, based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. The change means anyone can donate as much as they want across a range of candidates, though caps on how much each campaign can receive from an individual remain in place. “The commission has determined that it will not enforce the … aggregate limit … during 2014 unless and until it receives further guidance from the … Legislature or a court …,” according to the opinion.
New York – Ex-Brooklyn Prosecutor Charles J. Hynes Accused of Misuse of Funds
New York Times – Stephanie Clifford and William Rashbaum | Published: 6/2/2014
A report by New York City’s Department of Investigation accuses former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes of using money seized from drug dealers and criminal defendants to pay for a political consultant. Barry Kamins, the administrative judge for the city’s criminal courts, was also implicated in the case. The report said Kamins violated the judicial code of ethics by advising Hynes on his campaign, offering legal advice, and discussing matters the district attorney’s office was actively prosecuting.
North Carolina – Patrick Cannon Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charge
Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo and Elizabeth Leland | Published: 6/3/2014
Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An FBI sting recorded him accepting more than $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room, and the use of a luxury apartment from undercover agents posing as estate developers who wanted to do business in the city. Cannon was arrested on March 26 and resigned the same day, less than six months after taking office.
South Carolina – SC Lawmakers Agree on Ethics Reform but ‘Most Important Part … Not Getting Done’
The State – Jamie Self | Published: 6/4/2014
A conference committee in the South Carolina Legislature agreed to drop a proposal to establish an independent commission to investigate ethics violations. The compromise reform bill, which is expected to be approved before the legislative session adjourns, raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200. Super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.
Utah – Johnson: Swallow had me launder donations to Lee’s campaign
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 6/4/2014
Indicted businessperson Jeremy Johnson told investigators he helped launder tens of thousands of dollars to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s 2010 campaign at the request of former Utah Attorney General John Swallow, according to an affidavit. Johnson said gave about $50,000 to other people who then donated to Lee’s campaign, circumventing election law that sets maximum individual donations to candidates.
West Virginia – Ethics Commission Fires Executive Director
Charleston Daily Mail – Dave Boucher | Published: 6/5/2014
The West Virginia Ethics Commission fired Executive Director Joan Parker after a lengthy executive session. Commission members gave no reason for their decision. “If you, commissioners, choose to end my employment, I will leave with my head held high knowing that throughout my tenure I have dedicated my efforts to maintaining the integrity of the Ethics Commission and have done everything within my power, even when it was unpopular, to promote compliance with the ethics act,” Parker said before the vote.
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.
June 5, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Caterpillar hires Ray LaHood as a consultant” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Stephen Colbert exults in Colbert-crowning study” by Erik Wemple in The Washington Post. California: “The Election’s Over, Where Does The Money Go?” by […]
Lobbying
“Caterpillar hires Ray LaHood as a consultant” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Stephen Colbert exults in Colbert-crowning study” by Erik Wemple in The Washington Post.
California: “The Election’s Over, Where Does The Money Go?” by Grant Scott-Goforth in The North Coast Journal.
Missouri: “Kansas City Council panel supports campaign contribution limits” by Lynn Horsley in The Kansas City Star.
Ohio: “Daughter testifies against Benjamin Suarez in campaign finance scheme trial” by Ed Meyer in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Texas: “Texas Ethics Commission fines state Rep. Linda Harper-Brown $5,000 for obscuring campaign loans” by Gromer Jeffersd, Jr. in The Dallas Morning News.
Ethics
South Carolina: “SC lawmakers agree on ethics reform but ‘most important part … not getting done’” by Jamie Self in The State.
West Virginia: “West Virginia Ethics Commission fires executive director, gives no reason for her termination” by Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Elections
Alabama: “Alabama voter turnout lower than 2010” by The Associated Press in the Montgomery Advertiser.
California: “Top-two primary imperils some legislative comebacks as Democrats seek to hold supermajorities” by Don Thompson (Associated Press) in the Daily Journal.
Missouri: “Missouri moving presidential primary to March” by David E. Lieb (Associated Press) in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Virginia: “Glance of candidates in Va. congressional race” by The Associated Press in the Miami Herald.
Redistricting
Florida: “Redistricting trial wraps up with no decision for weeks” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will no longer enforce the yearly aggregate contribution limit applicable to individuals and entities contained in Maine Revised Statutes section 1015(3). In a policy statement issued June 4, 2014, the commission […]
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will no longer enforce the yearly aggregate contribution limit applicable to individuals and entities contained in Maine Revised Statutes section 1015(3). In a policy statement issued June 4, 2014, the commission cited recent U.S. Supreme Court decision McCutcheon v. FEC as authority for its determination.
The commission stated it will no longer enforce the $25,000 aggregate limit “unless and until it receives further guidance from the Maine Legislature or a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The policy statement also noted the commission’s intention to study the issues and perhaps propose legislation during the next state legislative session.
June 4, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “A lifetime ban on lobbying for lawmakers?” by Cristina Marcos in The Hill. Campaign Finance “FEC Summarizes Campaign Activity of the First 12 Months of the 2013-2014 Election Cycle” news release on the Federal […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“A lifetime ban on lobbying for lawmakers?” by Cristina Marcos in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Summarizes Campaign Activity of the First 12 Months of the 2013-2014 Election Cycle” news release on the Federal Election Commission website.
“Reformers: It’ll take scandal to stop PACs” by Joe Battenfeld and Hillary Chabot in the Boston Herald.
Mississippi: “Mississippi Senate: Another race with record money” by The Associated Press on WZVN ABC 7 News.
Ethics
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission director Jim Sumner to retire” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Louisiana: “Senate rejects Jindal ethics board appointee” by The Associated Press on WAFB News.
South Carolina: “SC lawmakers try to find ethics compromise” by Jeffrey Collins (Associated Press) in the Charlotte Observer.
Elections
“Top takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries” by Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Killough and Dana Davidsen on CNN.
Government Tech and Social Media
“How Twitter Could Be Replaced As The Primary Political App” by David Jones in Social News Daily.
June 3, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Exodus grows at Patton Boggs” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Wyden-World Comes to GPhA Government Affairs | Downtown Moves” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call. Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance and Free Speech: Panelists talked about Supreme Court […]
Lobbying
“Exodus grows at Patton Boggs” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Wyden-World Comes to GPhA Government Affairs | Downtown Moves” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.
Campaign Finance
“McConnell, Reid Spar Over Campaign Financing” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz spar over campaign finance amendment” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“McConnell skewers Dem plan as ‘shockingly bad’” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.
“Cruz: Abolish limits on political cash” by Benjamin Goad in The Hill.
“Ultra-Rich Hijacking American Politics” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Crowd packs San Luis Obispo campaign finance forum” by Nick Wilson in The Tribune.
District of Columbia: “Former D.C. council candidate Kelvin Robinson pleads guilty in campaign finance scheme” by Ann E. Merrimow in The Washington Post.
Ohio: “People close to case: Ohio politicians subpoenaed” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.
South Carolina: “S.C. Ethics Commission won’t punish 2010 candidates for quirk” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Post and Courier.
Texas: “Legal battle to reinstate DeLay conviction grows” by Mike Ward in the Houston Chronicle.
Wisconsin: “Candidates could operate secret committees under John Doe ruling, elections head warns” by Mary Spicuzza in the Wisconsin State Journal.
Ethics
Kentucky: “Northern Kentucky University law professor named to state ethics commission” by Kevin Wheatley in The State Journal.
Louisiana: “Senate rejects Ethics appointee” in The Advocate.
Elections
Alabama: “If challenge succeeds: New map, maybe not new elections” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
June 2, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “The new landscape of lobbying” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post. “Lobbyists group backs disclosure reforms” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Reid, McConnell to Testify at Campaign Finance First Amendment Hearing” by Niels Lesniewski […]
Lobbying
“The new landscape of lobbying” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
“Lobbyists group backs disclosure reforms” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Reid, McConnell to Testify at Campaign Finance First Amendment Hearing” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
“‘Colbert Report’ Taught Viewers More About Super PACs Than Cable News” by Tierney Sneed in U.S. News & World Report.
“Ethics Commission hits anti-gay marriage group with record fine, orders disclosure of donors from ’09 campaign” by Mario Moretto in Bangor Daily News.
Alabama: “Ads don’t violate campaign finance law, Foundation says” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Massachusetts: “Shadowy Super PACs are skirting laws and tilting Massachusetts gubernatorial contest” by Hillary Chabot and Joe Battenfeld in the Boston Herald.
New York: “Without public campaign finance, Senate coalition a ʹfailure,ʹ Cuomo says” by Jon Campbell in The Journal News.
New York: “Cuomo gives campaign financing ultimatum to Senate” by David Klepper (Associated Press) in Newsday.
Ethics
“Former Member of Congress Cashes In on Connections” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Hawaii: “Hawaii Monitor: Legislative Silence Shouldn’t Trump Ethics Oversight” by Ian Lind in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
New Jersey: “Christie staffers get hefty pay increases as other areas face cuts” by Melissa Hayes in The Record.
Rhode Island: “Senate panel to vote on new ethics measure” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.
Rhode Island: “Mattiello ‘receptive’ to new Senate ethics bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Elections
“Red, Blue States Find Some Common Ground on Elections Reform” by Jake Grovum in Stateline.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Can software replace Congress?” in Government Technology.
Oregon: “Portland hackers tackle campaign finance, garbage data to make civic apps” by Malia Spencer in the Portland Business Journal.
June 2, 2014 •
MA Will Continue to Enforce Aggregate Contribution Limits to Political Party Committees
Today, the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) announced it will continue to enforce the $5,000 aggregate limit an individual may contribute to political party committees during a calendar year. In response to U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of […]
Today, the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) announced it will continue to enforce the $5,000 aggregate limit an individual may contribute to political party committees during a calendar year.
In response to U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, in which the Court found aggregate limits on campaign contributions unconstitutional, the OCPF had previously announced it would no longer enforce the state’s aggregate limits for the amount an individual could contribute to candidates. At the time, the OCPF stated it would review the decision more closely before deciding whether the $5,000 aggregate contribution limit to party committees could remain standing.
In affirming that limit today, the OCPF “determined that, because the federal statutory provisions that were analyzed in McCutcheon differ substantially from the law in Massachusetts, this office will continue to enforce the $5,000 aggregate limit.”
May 30, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 30, 2014
Federal: Harry Reid’s Attacks on Koch Brothers Send GOP Donors into the Shadows Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 5/29/2014 Several prominent pro-Republican advocacy groups say they are benefiting from a burst of cash as some donors, fearful of […]
Federal:
Harry Reid’s Attacks on Koch Brothers Send GOP Donors into the Shadows
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 5/29/2014
Several prominent pro-Republican advocacy groups say they are benefiting from a burst of cash as some donors, fearful of harsh public attacks such as those aimed at the billionaire Koch brothers by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, turn away from political committees required under federal law to reveal their contributors. Reid has escalated his criticisms of the Kochs and their influence within the GOP in recent months, lodging sharply personal attacks against the brothers, often from the Senate floor. “We’ve heard from donors that they don’t want to get ‘Koched,'” said one Republican operative who works with outside groups.
I.R.S. Delays New Rules on Taxation for Activists
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 5/22/2014
The IRS is rewriting new rules intended to clarify how the agency defines political activity and how much nonprofit groups are allowed to spend on it and still keep their tax exempt status. The IRS will delay a public hearing it planned to hold this summer until the controversial regulations are revised. The agency said it made the decision after receiving 150,000 comments about the changes, the biggest public response to any proposed rule in its history. The delay means new rules will not be in place before Election Day.
Patton Boggs Agrees to Merger with Squire Sanders
Washington Post – Catherine Ho and Holly Yeager | Published: 5/23/2014
Patton Boggs, a Washington, D.C. lobbying and legal powerhouse for decades, is merging with a larger firm, Squire Sanders, in a move that saves Patton Boggs from drift or dissolution. The new firm will be named Squire Patton Boggs. The merger is expected to take effect by June 1. The end of Patton Boggs as a standalone firm is a tale of a changing industry, where a firm’s ability to influence a few key powerbrokers is giving way to the need to sway larger groups of lawmakers and the public as a whole.
RNC Files Suit to Raise Unlimited Cash for Elections
San Gabriel Valley News; Associated Press – | Published: 5/22/2014
The Republican National Committee sued for the right to raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures that advocate for a candidate’s election. The suit seeks to eliminate an annual $32,400 per person limit on contributions to the party, making its independent spending similar that of a super PAC. The committee did not challenge limits on contributions made directly to campaigns.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – Arkansas Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Electronic Campaign Contributions
The Times Record; Arkansas News Bureau – | Published: 5/23/2014
The Arkansas Ethics Commission said a national organization that accepts campaign contributions electronically does not have to require Arkansas donors to submit personal information each time they make a donation if the information is already recorded. The commission issued an advisory opinion at the request of ActBlue, a PAC that raises money for Democratic candidates across the country.
California – Chiu Lobbying Legislation Heads to Full Board of Supervisors Next Month
San Francisco Chronicle – Marisa Logos | Published: 5/27/2014
Proposed changes to San Francisco’s lobbying ordinance seek to close loopholes that critics say have allowed some of the city’s most prolific lobbyists to avoid registering. Current law exempts licensed attorneys from registering as lobbyists, even if they are not actually acting as a lawyer. The legislation also changes the definition of a lobbyist, basing it on the number of times a person contacts city officials instead of how much he or she is paid for lobbying activities.
California – Guiding Voters to Candidates with the Right Wallets
Los Angeles Times – Evan Halper | Published: 5/27/2014
Like so many other Silicon Valley startups, a project from two Stanford University professors, www.crowdpac.com, is rooted in an algorithm. This one is fueled by campaign money. The academics view campaign disclosure reports as a treasure trove of data that can be used to connect neophyte politicos with like-minded candidates. Crowdpac’s motto: “It turns out the best guide to what a politician will do is not what comes out of their mouth, but what goes into their wallet.”
Maine – Maine Ethics Panel Imposes Record Fine on National Organization for Marriage
Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 5/28/2014
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices fined the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) more than $50,000 and ordered it to file a report that would reveal the donors behind the group’s 2009 effort to repeal the state’s gay marriage law, a decision that could affect how nonprofit organizations attempt to influence elections. The commission ruled NOM failed to properly register as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports in the referendum that struck down same-sex marriage before it was legalized by voters in 2012.
Minnesota – Ritchie Cuts out Immunity Cards for Legislators
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Abby Simons | Published: 5/22/2014
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will no longer distribute “Get Out of Jail Free” cards to Minnesota lawmakers. The decision brings an end to the wallet-sized cards that say lawmakers “in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest” while the Legislature is in session. Historically, the cards were issued to keep adverse interests from arresting lawmakers to prevent them from voting, but have raised concerns among some who fear they literally put legislators above the law, including getting them out of drunken driving or other arrests.
Mississippi – For Tea Party, Senate Race in Mississippi Is the Last Chance to Oust an Incumbent
New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 5/28/2014
Mississippi politics has always had a rough edge under the veneer of Southern gentility, but the race for the U.S. Senate between incumbent Thad Cochran and state Sen. Chris McDaniel has reached another level. The race represents the last chance for tea party activists to topple an incumbent senator, and it appears that little is off limits in the campaign.
New Jersey – A Limit to Pension Investing Oversight as Political Donations from Executives Can Go Unchecked
Bergen Record – Melissa Hayes and John Reitmeyer | Published: 5/27/2014
New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law makes it clear that executives and their employees working on the state’s pension fund investments cannot donate to candidates and political committees. But those venture capital firms and hedge funds often take the state pension dollars and invest them in other companies whose executives do not have to disclose their campaign contributions. The complex nature of those investments, the inability of the law to cover all their financial relationships, and the lack of any public database like the one for state contractors make tracking political connections difficult.
New York – New York Elections Board: $150,000 campaign donation limit on individuals won’t be enforced
The Tribune – Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) | Published: 5/27/2014
The New York Board of Elections ruled the state’s $150,000 annual limit on aggregate campaign donations by individuals will no longer be enforced. The contributions would be restricted only by how much a politician, party, or group can receive under various limits set in election law. For example, a statewide candidate can accept no more than $41,100 from a single donor. The board agreed the $150,000 limit is unenforceable following recent court rulings.
Pennsylvania – How Philly’s Most Powerful Ed Reform Group Broke the Law
Philadelphia City Paper – Daniel Denvir | Published: 5/23/2014
The city ethics board levied a fine of $1,500 against the Philadelphia School Partnership for failing to register as a lobbying principal and not filing required disclosure reports. The partnership, a local nonprofit raising millions of dollars in a bid to improve public, private, and charter schools, said it was initially unaware that the city’s definition of lobbying was broader than those used by the state and federal governments.
Virginia – Ethics Law Addresses Virginia Officials’ Financial Dealings, But Database Is a Tall Order
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 5/26/2014
Under a new law, the public should be able to scrutinize a wide variety of Virginia officeholders’ financial data and gifts they receive with a quick check online. But unanswered questions about how the electronic clearinghouse will be set up could make it harder, not easier, to see the information. Officials are struggling with the difficult and potentially expensive reality of carrying out the law. As a result, they are considering a simpler, less searchable system that would make it more difficult to scrutinize the records.
Virginia – McAuliffe Vetoes Ethics Bill after Amendments Rejected
Richmond Times Dispatch – Olympia Meoli | Published: 5/23/2014
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed identical ethics reform bills limiting certain gifts to him after the General Assembly rejected amendments he proposed to place that limit on lawmakers. The bills aimed to ban the governor from soliciting or accepting gifts worth more than $50 from those seeking grants or no-interest loans from a state economic development fund.
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.
The New York State Board of Elections will no longer enforce the $150,000 yearly aggregate limit on political contributions from individuals. In its May 2014 meeting, the board determined the limit can no longer be enforced in light of recent […]
The New York State Board of Elections will no longer enforce the $150,000 yearly aggregate limit on political contributions from individuals. In its May 2014 meeting, the board determined the limit can no longer be enforced in light of recent federal court decisions.
New York campaign finance law imposes a similar aggregate limit of $5,000 on a corporation’s yearly contributions. The board made no ruling with regard to the corporate limit; however that limit is currently being challenged in federal court.
May 28, 2014 •
Wisconsin GAB Drafts New Lobbyist Contribution Guidelines
The Government Accountability Board (GAB) is seeking comment on new guidelines for lobbyist campaign contributions. Following changes to campaign fundraising rules pursuant to 2013 Wisconsin Act 153, GAB concluded a lobbyist may deliver or convey a campaign contribution on behalf […]
The Government Accountability Board (GAB) is seeking comment on new guidelines for lobbyist campaign contributions. Following changes to campaign fundraising rules pursuant to 2013 Wisconsin Act 153, GAB concluded a lobbyist may deliver or convey a campaign contribution on behalf of a political action committee, conduit, or other person to a candidate for any office at any time.
The draft changes to GAB guidelines 1249 and 1250 are available here. Comments should be sent to Division Administrator Jonathan Becker at jonathan.becker@wi.gov or (608) 267-0647 by June 2, 2014.
May 28, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Big Business’ Summer Agenda | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “States and Localities Are Losing Their Influence in Washington” by J. B. Wogan in Governing. Campaign Finance “Campaigns Ignore State […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Big Business’ Summer Agenda | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“States and Localities Are Losing Their Influence in Washington” by J. B. Wogan in Governing.
Campaign Finance
“Campaigns Ignore State Law at Their Peril | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Roll Call.
California: “L.A. County requires electronic filings of campaign finance reports” by Abby Sewell in the Los Angeles Times.
Massachusetts: “Campaign finance bill is now law” by Douglas Moser in the Eagle-Tribune.
Wisconsin: “Judge who stopped Wisconsin campaign finance probe tied to Koch-funded junkets” by Chris Young in The Center for Public Integrity.
Ethics
North Carolina: “North Carolina elections board hiring longtime FBI agent to work on investigation team” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
South Carolina: “SC Senate votes against House ethics plan” by The Associated Press in The State.
Elections
“Oldest lawmaker kicked out” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.
“An Update on the 2014 State Legislators to Watch” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.
“A Guide to the 36 Governors’ Races” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.
Texas: “Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contests” by Brandi Grissom in The Texas Tribune.
The Ethics Commission has issued an opinion for organizations accepting campaign contributions electronically. Advisory Opinion 2014-EC-002 permits organizations to accept electronic donations without requiring the donor to submit personal information if the information is already recorded. The commission issued the […]
The Ethics Commission has issued an opinion for organizations accepting campaign contributions electronically. Advisory Opinion 2014-EC-002 permits organizations to accept electronic donations without requiring the donor to submit personal information if the information is already recorded.
The commission issued the opinion at the request of ActBlue, a political action committee for Democratic candidates across the country. The ActBlue website requires personal information of the donor to be submitted, but not resubmitted for subsequent contributions.
The committee asked if this practice complied with a statutory requirement for electronic records to include the donor’s name, address, place of business, employer, and occupation “at the time of making the contribution.” The commission concluded even if some of the required donor information was provided prior to a contribution, the record would comply with the statute.
May 27, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Patton Boggs, Squire Sanders to merge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Bitcoin gets a lobbyist” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Illinois: “Retired congressman cashes in as transit lobbyist, consultant” by Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo in […]
Lobbying
“Patton Boggs, Squire Sanders to merge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Bitcoin gets a lobbyist” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Illinois: “Retired congressman cashes in as transit lobbyist, consultant” by Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Campaign Finance
“GOP Sues to End Fundraising Limits on Political Parties” by Brody Mullins in The Wall Street Journal.
“Shrinking Line Separates Campaign Donations From Bribes” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.
Arkansas: “Arkansas Ethics Panel Issues Opinion On Electronic Campaign Contributions” in the Times Record.
New Jersey: “Special interest money in Newark election fuels debate over campaign finance reform” by Ted Sherman in The Star-Ledger.
New York: “NY won’t enforce $150G contribution limit on individual donors” by Michael Gormley in Newsday.
New York: “Poll finds New Yorkers support campaign finance” by The Associated Press in The Wall Street Journal.
Virginia: “McAuliffe vetoes bill that would ban donations from companies seeking economic grants” by Jenna Portnoy in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Will Wisconsin follow FEC’s lead on bitcoin approval?” by Steven Elbow in The Capital Times.
Ethics
New York: “NY lawmaker’s campaign manager quits” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania has one of nation’s most lax ethics laws for politicians” by Karen Shuey in Lancaster Online.
Rhode Island: “Candidates for governor discuss R.I.’s reputation for secrecy, cronyism / Video” by C. Eugene Emery, Jr. in the Providence Journal.
South Carolina: “SC ethics reform likely will not include independent oversight of legislators” by Andrew Shain in The State.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
