September 23, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “California political watchdog sets sights on major cases” by Christopher Cadelago in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Lobbying group wants a say in auditing process” by Rochelle Koff in Miami Herald’s Naked Politics blog.
Utah: “Las Vegas business leaders broaden approach to DC lobbying” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Supreme Court may strike new blow to campaign funding laws” by David G. Savage in the Los Angeles Times.
Arizona: “Campaign finance law throws twist at candidates” by The Associated Press in KSAZ Fox10 News.
Arkansas: “Ethics panel: Candidate’s corporation can’t provide free office space” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.
Delaware: “Illegal donations to Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign discovered” by Maureen Milford in The News Journal.
Wisconsin: “Political Conduits: Pouring Millions Into Wisconsin Elections” by Tim Morrissey in Public News Service.
Ethics
“Senate confirms Obama’s FEC nominees” by Byron Tau in Politico.
Georgia: “Claims in ex-Ga. Ethics Commission leader’s lawsuit call agency’s independence into question” by The Associated Press in the Seymour Tribune.
Georgia: “LaBerge Gets Raise As Ethics Comm. Cuts Costs” by The Associated Press on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
State Legislatures
Florida: “Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for committee week” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.
September 20, 2013 •
New Municipalities Update – September 20, 2013
In a continuing effort to better serve the needs of its clients, State and Federal Communications, Inc. is expanding coverage of laws and regulations in more municipalities.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of two more municipalities to its website. Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago with a population of 143,684, has been added to the Lobbying Laws, Political Contributions, and Procurement Lobbying publications. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital, becomes the second municipality in the Canadian Compliance publication.
Our clients will find comprehensive, timely, and accurate information that includes: complete calendars of reporting deadlines; critical statutory citations; extensive directories of contact information; summaries of the law; detailed reference charts on goods and services contributions; highlights of every statute; copies of all required forms; and much more.
The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.
September 20, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 20, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Tax Filings Hint at Extent of Koch Brothers’ Reach
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 9/12/2013
Freedom Partners, a nonprofit with ties to Charles and David Koch, provided grants of $236 million to conservative organizations before the 2012 election. The group reflects a shift in the tax strategies the Koch operation deploys to avoid challenge from the IRS which limits how much nonprofit groups can spend to aid or defeat candidates.
Federal:
Former FEC Chairman Donald McGahn Resigns from Panel
Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 9/17/2013
Donald McGahn reigned from the FEC to return to private law practice at Patton Boggs. McGahn, a Republican, clashed frequently with Democrats as he helped push a conservative interpretation of campaign finance laws and persistent skepticism about government oversight of campaigns. His term expired in 2009, but it was not until this year that a replacement was nominated amid a state of gridlock at the agency.
Red Cape Drawing Bids during Jackson Jr. Auction
BusinessWeek – Michael Tarm (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013
Memorabilia once owned by former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) is being auctioned off by the U.S. Marshals after his guilty plea in a corruption case. A dozen items including autographed Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson collectibles and furs formerly belonging to Jackson went up for auction, with the bidding ending September 26. Whatever money is generated will be subtracted from the $750,000 he owes the government.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Commission Challenges Campaign Spending Hikes
Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 9/19/2013
The Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission believes Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Mark Brain erred in concluding state lawmakers are free to reset campaign contribution limits. The commission asked the Court of Appeals to overturn Brain’s ruling that allowed the higher caps to take effect on September 13. The appellate judges agreed to consider the request on October 9.
California – Campaign Finance Bills Fare Poorly in California Legislature
Los Angeles Times – Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason | Published: 9/17/2013
Bills that would have increased the power of the Fair Political Practices Commission, increased fines for violations, and forced greater disclosure of donors, among other measures, all stalled in the California Legislature. It remains to be seen whether new campaign finance rules could be put in place before next year’s June primary or even the November general election.
Florida – After Questions, Gov. Rick Scott Cancels $25,000 Alligator Hunt Fundraiser
Tampa Bay Times – Steve Bousquet | Published: 9/11/2013
Gov. Rick Scott has called off an alligator hunting trip to raise funds for his 2014 re-election campaign. Golfing weekends, concerts, and deep-sea fishing fundraisers are common in Florida politics, but a gator hunt was such an anomaly that it made major news among bloggers and political Web sites.
Georgia – Clock Running Out on Free Football Tickets for Politicians
Marietta Daily Journal – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/15/2013
A new law taking effect on January 1 bans lobbyists from giving Georgia officials free college football tickets. Disclosure reports show lobbyists have given politicians almost $1,400 in football tickets and related entertainment since the start of the season in late August. Last year, registered lobbyists shelled out more than $14,000 in tickets and perks at the games.
Indiana – Indiana Utility Regulators, under Pressure, Say They Won’t Take Industry Money to Fund Conference
Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 9/12/2013
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission dropped a plan to seek money from utility trade groups to help pay for a conference of energy regulators from 14 states despite gaining clearance from the state Ethics Commission. Leaders of consumer and environmental groups had objected to the fundraising, saying it presented conflicts-of-interest for the state panel that approves electricity and natural gas rates to ask the utility industry for money.
Missouri – Rep. Penny Hubbard Provided Key Vote for Two Overrides; Son Got Lobbying Jobs
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 9/13/2013
Missouri Rep. Penny Hubbard provided key votes to help override vetoes of bills on which her son had recently been hired as a lobbyist. In one instance, Hubbard had initially voted against a bill limiting lawsuits against the Doe Run Co. But she joined the Republican majority in overriding Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto. One day earlier, her son had gotten a lobbying job with Doe Run.
Montana – Federal Judge Says Montana’s Campaign Disclosure Requirement Is Constitutional
Washington Post – Matt Goras (Associated Press) | Published: 9/17/2013
U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen ruled Montana’s requirement that political committees disclose their campaign spending is constitutional. Christensen wrote the public’s right to know who is financing campaigns outweighs the minimal burden imposed on committees required to report the information.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Capitol Portraits Display Plenty of Conviction
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 9/16/2013
The portraits of past House and Senate leaders lining the Capitol’s hallways include several former Pennsylvania legislators now in prison on a variety of corruption-related charges. Despite the resemblance to a rogues’ gallery in some places, the paintings likely are not going anywhere.
Texas – DeLay Conviction Overturned
Houston Chronicle – Mike Snyder and Patricia Kilday Hart | Published: 9/19/2013
An appeals court threw out the criminal conviction of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, saying there was insufficient evidence for a jury in 2010 to have found him guilty of money laundering and conspiracy for helping illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. Delay was sentenced to three years in prison, but his sentence was on hold while his case made its way through the appellate process.
Virginia – Former Chef Pleads No Contest to Stealing Food from Va. Governor’s Mansion
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Laura Vozzella | Published: 9/19/2013
Todd Schneider, the former chef at the Virginia governor’s mansion, pleaded no contest to reduced charges that he stole food from the first family’s kitchen and was ordered to repay the state $2,300, resolving the dispute that sparked a political and legal crisis for Gov. Robert McDonnell, and entangled state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for governor.
Washington – Public Disclosure Commission Hacked
Tacoma News Tribune – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013
The Washington Public Disclosure Commission’s (PDC) network was breached earlier in September, though officials said no information was compromised. Michael Smith, the PDC’s chief technology officer, said passwords have been changed and the agency has been scanning its sites looking for potential points of vulnerability.
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.
September 17, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
Maryland: “Fresh out of Md. Senate, Garagiola joins law firm with major Annapolis lobbying presence” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Spending on lobbying down in Wisconsin as unions continue to reel from Act 10” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.
Campaign Finance
“$1 million campaign donations: Coming soon?” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“It’s Time To End Our Failed Affair With Campaign Finance Laws” op/ed by Paul Sherman in Forbes.
“PACs spent more at state level than on federal campaigns” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“FEC Disclosure Takes a Hit in Nonelection Years” by Tony Raymond in Politico’s Moneyline.
California: “Campaign finance bills fare poorly in California Legislature” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.
North Carolina: “Dome: GOP candidates received most PAC money in 2011-12” by Lynn Bonner and Rob Christensen in the News & Observer.
Ethics
Louisiana: “Ex-La. lawmaker asks to remain free on bond” by The Associated Press in the Baton Rouge Advocate.
New York: “Oops. Ethics board leader forgot to renew his law license” by Martha Neil in the ABA Journal.
Washington: “Spokane mayor proposes city ethics ‘upgrade’” by Nicholas Deshais in The Spokesman-Review.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Governor pushing special session” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
Elections
Florida: “Fla. Elections Commission Wants Garnishment Power” by Ryan Benk on WFSU News.
New Jersey: “N.J. can continue to use electronic voting machines, court rules” by The Associated Press in the Star-Ledger.
Pennsylvania: “Special election date set for the 78th state House district seat” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
September 16, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Senior Cornyn counsel joins McBee Strategic” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Minnesota: “Lobbyists spend most time, money lobbying mining bill in Wisconsin Legislature” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) in the Star Tribune.
Campaign Finance
“Next big case on campaign contribution limits likely depends on chief justice’s vote” by Debra Cassens Weiss in ABA Journal.
“Bachmann Hires ‘Fixer’ for Campaign Money Troubles” by Emily Pierce and Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Report: Boehner Has Campaign Finance Troubles” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.
Delaware: “Special prosecutor probes Gov. Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign” by Maureen Milford in the News Journal.
Pennsylvania: “U.S. subpoenas records of five Phila. Judges” by Craig R. McCoy, Mark Fazlollah, and Dylan Purcell in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections owed more than $1.4 million in campaign fines” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.
Ethics
Florida: “Ethics panel to review Fla. Gov. finances” by The Associated Press in the South Florida Times.
Pennslvania: “Ethics panel asked to review promotion of AG’s sister” by John Finnerty in the Tribune-Democrat.
Elections
California: “Voting Rights Act leading California cities to dump at-large elections” by Jean Merl in the Los Angeles Times.
September 13, 2013 •
Political Contributions Limits Increase in Arizona
No Aggregate Contribution Limitations
A new law in Arizona raising the limits of political contributions to candidates took effect today. Individuals and noncertified political committees will now be able to give $2,000 to candidates running for legislative and statewide offices who do not participate in the state’s Citizens Clean Elections Act campaign financing system. Contributions made to candidates running for local office may be made in amounts up to $2,500. Contribution limits by committees certified by the secretary of state have also been increased.
Additionally, the new law removes aggregate contribution limitations for individuals and some political committees.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law, which was brought by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and others from the state, is pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.
September 13, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 13, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Firm Asks for Disclaimer Exemption for Mobile Political Advertising
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 9/11/2013
A digital media firm is asking the FEC to exempt mobile ads from the traditional disclosure statements that apply to political ads. Revolution Messaging said most ads produced for the mobile platforms do not have enough pixels to reasonably include more than a dozen words required to identify who paid for the spot. The firm said disclosures would take up more than 40 percent of the available space for a mobile advertisement.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Opponents Go to Court to Stop Higher Campaign Limits
Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 9/11/2013
A judge is considering whether to block a new Arizona law increasing limits on campaign contributions. The Citizens Clean Elections Commission contends the statute violates constitutional restrictions on changing voter-approved laws. Under the law, which takes effect on September 13, the cap on some donations would rise to $4,000.
California – Hansen Agrees to $50,000 Fine, Says He Doesn’t Want His Signatures Used in Anti-Arena Effort
Sacramento Bee – Ryan Lillis | Published: 9/9/2013
Hedge-fund manager Chris Hansen and two political consultants have agreed to pay a $50,000 fine for failing to disclose a campaign contribution to a group seeking to block a new Sacramento sports arena. Hansen was accused of making an anonymous $100,000 donation in June to a signature-gathering effort to require a citywide vote on public subsidies for sports facilities.
California – Three Fined for Covert Lobbying in California
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 9/9/2013
Three partners in a public affairs firm will pay fines for trying to influence state government decisions without registering as lobbyists. The Fair Political Practices Commission accused the employees of California Strategies of crossing “the line which separates policy consultants from lobbyists.” The settlement with Jason Kinney, Rusty Areias, and Winston Hickox requires all three to register as lobbyists and, along with their firm, pay a combined fine of $40,500.
District of Columbia – D.C. Executive Linked to Secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton
Washington Post – Ann Marimow and Philip Rucker | Published: 9/12/2013
Federal prosecutors say marketing executive Troy White received $600,000 in illicit funds to do unsolicited campaign work for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential election. White pleaded guilty for failing to file tax returns reflecting the amount his company was paid. Court documents outlined an elaborate scheme and said White worked with District of Columbia businessperson Jeffrey Thompson to help Clinton during several primaries.
Florida – Execution Rescheduled to Accommodate Pam Bondi Fundraiser
Tampa Bay Times – Adam Smith | Published: 9/9/2013
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi persuaded Gov. Rick Scott to postpone an execution because it conflicted with her campaign fundraising reception. Shortly before a scheduled execution, the state attorney general typically phones the governor to inform him or her there is no legal basis for delay. After Scott had rescheduled the execution for September 10, the date of Bondi’s “hometown campaign kickoff,” her office asked that it be postponed; the new date is October 1.
Florida – Senate Prez Wants to Start Auditing Lobbying Reports
Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 9/9/2013
Florida Senate President Don Gaetz wants the Legislature to make good on a never-enforced requirement that lobbying firms be subjected to random audits. He said he had asked the Senate’s general counsel to work with the House to determine how to kick-start the audits. Gaetz said the main holdup may be whether the Legislature has budget authority to begin the audits, or whether it would have to wait until the next fiscal year to launch them.
Indiana – Should Indiana Regulators Raise Money from Utility Trade Groups to Pay for Conference?
Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 9/11/2013
The state ethics agency approved a request from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to solicit donations from utility trade groups to fund a conference of regulators from 14 states to be held in Indianapolis. Watchdogs say such a move could give utility groups a chance to curry favor with regulators, who make decisions on whether companies can raise rates or build new plants.
Missouri – Missouri House Speaker’s Side Business Raises Ethical Issues
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 9/6/2013
In addition to his job as a legislator and his position with a law firm, state House Speaker Tim Jones also earns money from the Missouri Freedom Alliance. Jones has offered conflicting explanations of what type of work the group does. First, he said it was legal consulting on basic legislative process. Jones later said it had nothing to do with legislative issues and instead focused on private legal matters.
New Jersey – Christie Vetoes Bill to Move General Election to October
Newark Star Ledger – Matt Friedman | Published: 9/9/2013
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have moved the November 5 general election to the date of the special U.S. Senate election on October 16. Christie also vetoed a bill that would let voters who go to the polls in October to also vote early for the November election, when the governor and all 120 seats in the Legislature are being contested.
New Mexico – Donald Duck, New Mexico Lobbyist
New Mexico Watchdog – Rob Nikolewski | Published: 9/12/2013
New Mexico Watchdog found “Donald Duck” on the list of registered lobbyist in the state. According disclosure reports, Donald spent $200 on dinner for “Senator Mickey Mouse” at The Bull Ring, a popular restaurant in Santa Fe.
New York – Forgive? No, a Night to Forget for Scandal-Tarred Candidates
New York Times – Michael Grynbaum | Published: 9/11/2013
Election Day was sobering for a peculiar brand of politician that emerged in the New York City election season: the scandal-tarred scoundrel seeking a second chance. The results reflected the mood of an electorate whose tolerance for the well-trod path of political repentance may have reached its limits.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Eye Bills to Thwart Corruption
PhillyBurbs.com – Natasha Lindstrom | Published: 9/9/2013
More than three dozen public officials in Pennsylvania have faced corruption charges since 2007. The House State Government Committee held a recent hearing to take testimony on ways the ethics law can be strengthened in hopes of restoring public confidence in state government.
Tennessee – TN Ethics Commission Opts Not to Fine Tom Ingram
The Tennessean – Chas Sisk | Published: 9/12/2013
The Tennessee Ethics Commission voted to dismiss a complaint filed against Gov. Bill Haslam that said he failed to disclose how much he paid Tom Ingram, his former chief campaign strategist, for political advice. The commission also declined to fine Ingram on for failing to disclose a lobbying relationship with a company hoping to win permission to mine on public land.
Washington – Ethics Rules Limit Freebies
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Jim Camden | Published: 9/6/2013
With college football season just starting up, Washington’s Legislative Ethics Board clarified that state lawmakers are not permitted to accept free tickets for themselves and family members. But it is all right for a legislator to attend a game as the guest of the university president and sit in the president’s box.
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.
September 12, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Donald Duck, New Mexico lobbyist” by Rob Nikolewski in the New Mexico Watchdog.
Tennessee: “TN Ethics Commission opts not to fine Tom Ingram” by Chas Sisk in The Tennessean.
Campaign Finance
“Donors flooded state level PACs with big checks” by Anupama Narayanswamy on the Sunlight Foundation Reporting Group.
“D.C. executive linked to secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton” by Ann E. Marimow and Philip Rucker in The Washington Post.
New Hampshire: “NH House panel reviews push poll, voter registration, campaign finance bills” by John DiStaso in the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Ethics
“Ethics drops 1 case, won’t fully review 3 others” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Alaska: “Panel: Ex-Alaska legislator violated ethics rules” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.
Minnesota: “Campaign agency weighs in on Dayton’s political use of the state plane” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
State Legislatures
“More Lawmakers are Getting Pink Slips from Voters” by Jacob Gershman in The Wall Street Journal.
Louisiana: “Louisiana business group releases 2013 legislative score card” by Lauren McGaughy in the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers start overriding vetoes” in the Kansas City Star.
Government Tech and Social Media
New Jersey: “State websites offline again” by Salvador Rizzo in The Star-Ledger.
September 11, 2013 •
Independent Expenditure Reform Legislation Introduced in NYC
Legislation would close “loophole” in state law
Several members of city council announced the introduction of legislation to reform independent expenditures made in the city. The legislation would close a “loophole” in state campaign finance law allowing limited liability companies to give at the individual aggregate contribution limit of $150,000 instead of the corporate aggregate limit of $5,000. Such a change would only apply to city elections.
The legislation would also require the disclosure of the top donors to independent expenditure communications.
Finally, the legislation would force any independent expenditure communication to inform voters the communication was not subject to the city’s campaign finance laws.
Photo of the New York City Hall by Momos on Wikipedia.
September 11, 2013 •
New Municipalities Update – September 11, 2013
In a continuing effort to better serve the needs of its clients, State and Federal Communications, Inc. is expanding coverage of laws and regulations in more municipalities.
The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.
We recently added seven municipalities for which our clients will find comprehensive, timely, and accurate information that includes: complete calendars of reporting deadlines; critical statutory citations; extensive directories of contact information; summaries of each state law; detailed reference charts on goods and services contributions; highlights of every statute; copies of all required forms; and much more.
The new municipalities are:
Surrey, BC
Lancaster, CA
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Pinellas County, FL
DuPage County, IL
Hilliard, OH
York County, PA
Sioux Falls, SD
September 11, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lawmakers allege lobbyist intervention during hearing” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Tennessee: “Ethics Commission stalemates on whether to penalize Tom Ingram” by Tom Humphrey in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
A press release from the National Press Club: “Campaign Finance Experts Potter and Wertheimer to Discuss New Supreme Court Case Focusing on Donation Limits to Candidates” in the Rock Hill Herald.
Ethics
Delaware: “Developer pleads guilty to illegal contributions” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) in the Connecticut Post.
Virginia: “Cuccinelli donates $18,000 value of Star chief’s gifts” by Laura Vozzella in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Lawmakers approve first audit of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board” by The Associated Press in the Star Tribune.
State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Special sessions: How often and how long?” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Redistricting
“Time to tackle 2020” by Markos Moulitsas in The Hill.
Texas: “Court: Texas can use exiting election maps in 2014” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
Wisconsin: “Bipartisan group pushing for redistricting reform” by The Associated Press in WAOW News.
September 10, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyist league says mission will remain the same” by Byron Tau in Politico.
California: “FPPC fines Kinney, Areias and Hickox for covert lobbying” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
Massachusetts: “Top ten lobby shops each netted more than $600K in first half of 2013” by Andy Metzger in the Patriot Ledger.
Campaign Finance
West Virginia: “State: Mingo County PAC didn’t violate law” by The Associated Press in the Charleston Gazette.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Arkansas Ethics Commission says in letter it’s investigating lt. gov. over campaign reports” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Minnesota: “Minn. campaign regulators elect new chairwoman” by The Associated Press in WQOW News.
New York: “NY effort to reveal pols’ law clients has backing” by The Associated Press in The Wall Street Journal.
Pennslvania: “State House panel considers strengthening the state ethics law” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
Pennsylvania: “State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe calls for investigation into whether Attorney General Kathleen Kane violated the state ethics law” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
State Legislatures
Hawaii: “Hawaiian governor calls for special session to legalize gay marriage” by Tim Gaynor in Reuters.
Minnesota: “Minnesota legislators OK disaster relief; tax talks delayed” by Jim Ragsdale and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Oregon: “Education groups to Kitzhaber: Special session would help stabilize Oregon school funding” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
September 9, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“‘Big bucks’ lobbying hurts American political system” by Jim Nowlan in the News-Gazette.
“Lobbying the Media Pivotal to Legislative Issues” by Dara Kam in Sunshine State News.
“The State of Lobbying in a Gridlocked Congress” on Bloomberg TV.
New York: “Bill de Blasio fails to go public about all meetings with lobbyists” by Mara Gay in the New York Daily News.
Campaign Finance
“Legislators in at least 23 states are trying to do something about dark money” by Niraj Chokshi in the Washington Post.
“Unions dramatically increase super PAC donations” by Michael Beckel on NBC News.
“Many overhyped super PACs are super in name only” by Tarini Parti in Politico.
“In Senate bid, Markey benefited by contributions and spending by PACs, outside interest groups” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Arkansas: “Arkansas Is Next Battleground For Citizens United Constitutional Amendment” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
Colorado: “Colorado Recall Drives Reveal Influence Of ‘Dark Money’ On Local Politics” by Frederick Reese in Mint Press News.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Lt. Governor Mark Darr could face state ethics violations” by Elicia Dover in KATV News.
Massachusetts: “Former ethics officials seeking change that would assist Wolf” by Matt Murphy in the Hanover Mariner.
Missouri: “Missouri House speaker’s side business raises ethical issues” by Jason Hancock in The Kansas City Star.
Washington: “Ethics refs say free college football for lawmakers is legal” by Jordan Schrader in The Olympian.
Legislative News
“What (Not) to Expect from Congress This Session” by Peter Harkness in Governing.
“From Barbeques to Pink Running Shoes: States’ Special Sessions” by Pamela M. Prah in Stateline.
California: “Lawmakers to weigh about 400 bills in session’s last week” by Patrick McGreevy and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.
Minnesota: “Minnesota lawmakers return to St. Paul today” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Missouri: “Guns, taxes on the agenda as Missouri lawmakers return to Capitol” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Common Cause teams with techies to help voters” by The Associated Press in the Albany Times Union.
September 6, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 6, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Battle over Dark Money Takes Many Forms on State Level
Sunlight Foundation – Peter Olsen-Phillips | Published: 9/5/2013
A Sunlight Foundation survey found dozens of laws that passed or are pending in state Legislatures addressing the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United ruling. The foundation said while few bills have made it into law so far, the legislation that has been introduced suggests widespread interest in improving transparency at the state level.
Federal:
Feds Could Allow Bitcoin Campaign Donations
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 9/4/2013
The FEC may determine rules governing donations made in Bitcoins and how they apply to campaigns. Lawyers for Conservative Action Fund PAC asked the agency decide if candidates and outside groups are allowed to accept the digital currency, in addition to U.S. dollars. Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous, encrypted digital transactions, has come under fire from regulators who worry about the lack of oversight and the currency’s potential use in crime.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska – Alaska Town Roots for Feline Mayor Attacked by Dog
Houston Chronicle – Rachel D’Oro (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013
The honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska is in bad shape after being attacked by a dog. Stubbs the cat made it to the mayor’s office through a write-in campaign. He has held the honorary position for more than 15 years. His election earned him enough press to catapult the town at the base of Mount McKinley into a tourist destination.
California – California Republicans Thrive at the Local Level
Los Angeles Times – Mark Barabak | Published: 9/3/2013
Over the last two decades, California has become a Democratic fortress, beyond the GOP’s reach in presidential campaigns and all but hopeless in statewide contests. At the local level, the picture is quite different. Despite the Democrats’ sizable statewide registration advantage, Republicans hold close to half the 2,500 mayoral and city council seats in California.
California – New Rules Give Daily Updates on Money in Mayor’s Race
San Diego Union Tribune – Craig Gustafson | Published: 9/4/2013
New rules in San Diego require any campaign contribution of $1,000 or more be disclosed within 24 hours during the 90-day period before an election. That is an expansion from the earlier state law that mandated such disclosures in the final 16 days of a race. The change will be in effect for the November 19 special election for mayor.
Colorado – In Colorado Recall Law, Victory for Incumbents Means Cash Refunds
Denver Post – Kurtis Lee | Published: 9/3/2013
If Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron win their recall elections, Colorado law provides that incumbents can collect up to 10 cents per vote. Morse and Giron, who face recalls for their support of gun laws passed this year by the Legislature, would have 60-days after the date of the recall election to file a request with the state.
Florida – Top Florida Senate Aide Gets $400,000 as Moonlighting Political Consultant
Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 8/31/2013
For three years, Chris Clark took a leave of absence from his job as a legislative staff member when the session ended and went to work as Florida Senate President Don Gaetz’s campaign manager, and earned more than $400,000. The lucrative arrangement underscores the financial ties special interests have with the Legislature as staff often cycle in and out of government and the private sector, developing relationships with the lobbyists who have a financial stake in influencing them.
Kentucky – Ex-Hoops Star Reaches Plea Deal, Could Get 2 Years
Kansas City Star – Roger Alford (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013
Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer entered into agreements with federal and state prosecutors, as well as the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, that would resolve all charges against him. He will plead guilty to two counts and receive a sentence in the range of 21 to 27 months. Farmer had faced a five-count federal indictment for misusing state resources. He also faced a 42-count charge brought by the commission.
Massachusetts – Former Mass. LG Fined for Campaign Violations
Boston Globe – Bob Salsberg (Associated Press) | Published: 8/29/2013
Timothy Murray agreed to pay $80,000 to settle charges he collected illegal campaign contributions raised by two public officials, capping a controversy that derailed the former Massachusetts lieutenant governor’s political career. Murray collected tens of thousands of dollars in donations solicited by former Chelsea Housing Authority Executive Director Michael McLaughlin, who was indicted for several campaign finance violations, including unlawful solicitation by a public employee.
New Jersey – Birdsall Services Group Ordered to Pay $1 Million after Pleading Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions
Bergen Record – Abbott Koloff | Published: 8/31/2013
Birdsall Services Group was ordered to $1 million in criminal penalties for making illegal campaign contributions that violated New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law. The engineering firm is prohibited from working on government contracts in New Jersey for 10 years. Birdsall ceased operating after it declared bankruptcy earlier this year and sold its assets to a California company.
New Mexico – Judge Strikes Down City Ban on Corporate Gifts
Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 9/5/2013
U.S. District Court Judge M. Christine Armijo ruled Albuquerque’s ban on corporate campaign contributions is unconstitutional. Armijo did not explicitly address a companion prohibition that covers donations from city contractors. Her earlier decisions, however, restricted the scope of that ban.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Seeks Clearer Rules
Enid News & Eagle – Dale Denwalt | Published: 8/30/2013
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Director Lee Slater said a rewrite of the rules governing lobbying and campaign finance is on schedule. Slater said the first set of draft rules, dealing primarily with administrative matters, will be posted soon. Additional draft guidelines will be posted around the first of October and the first of November. The commission expects to vote on a final draft in January. Those rules will become effective 90 days after adoption unless they are rejected by the Legislature.
South Carolina – Leadership Positions Pay Off in Legislature
The State – Jamie Self | Published: 9/1/2013
Climbing the leadership ladder in the South Carolina General Assembly pays fundraising dividends for powerful lawmakers, according to campaign finance reports. A review by The State found contributions increased substantially for six members elevated to powerful leadership roles in the committees that oversee state spending and laws, and the Legislature’s political caucuses.
Texas – Eluding Big Ethics Fines
San Antonio Express-News – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 9/1/2013
The Texas Ethics Commission, when challenged in court, rarely walks away with the fine it originally levied. Experts point to the appeals process, which the commission and some lawmakers argue undermines the agency’s enforcement muscle. Since 1992, the commission has been challenged four times in court and forced to settle for reduced penalties in three cases.
Virginia – Study Highlights Check-Splitting in Va. Gift Reporting
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 8/28/2013
Lobbyists who entertain state officials in Virginia often report each meal as a gift provided by multiple clients. Spreading entertainment costs across multiple clients also understates the value of gifts provided to legislators, who base their disclosure reports on gift summaries that lobbyists provide at the end of the year. Although the practice is not necessarily intended to dodge reporting requirements, it is drawing more scrutiny.
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.
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.
