June 25, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Hawaii: “Former Lobbyist Who Wined and Dined Council Members Now Vice Chair of Key Panel” by Keoki Kerr for Hawaii News Now Nebraska: “Common Cause Complaint against Former Senator Dismissed” by Joanne Young for Lincoln Journal Star Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
Hawaii: “Former Lobbyist Who Wined and Dined Council Members Now Vice Chair of Key Panel” by Keoki Kerr for Hawaii News Now
Nebraska: “Common Cause Complaint against Former Senator Dismissed” by Joanne Young for Lincoln Journal Star
Campaign Finance
“This Chart Seemingly Proves How Wrong I Am about Money in Politics” by Chris Cillizza for Washington Post
“Cannabis Industry Flexes Its New Political Muscle” by Conrad Wilson for Oregon Public Broadcasting
Ethics
“Calls to Drop Confederate Emblems Spread Nationwide” by Campbell Robertson, Monica Davey, and Julie Bosman for New York Times
California: “Lawmakers’ Calendars List Meetings with Undercover Agents” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) for San Diego Union Tribune
Kentucky: “Kentucky Legislature Resolves Sexual Harassment Lawsuit” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Lexington Herald-Leader
Elections
“Bobby Jindal Announces Entry into 2016 Presidential Race” by David Fahrenthold and James Hohmann for Washington Post
“Democratic Super PAC to Take on Koch Brothers” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times
June 24, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: A final test for R.I. General Assembly on lobbying law” by Edward Fitzpatrick for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “Can Unlimited Contributions to Political Parties Really Reduce Polarization?” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post “Will Doug […]
Lobbying
Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: A final test for R.I. General Assembly on lobbying law” by Edward Fitzpatrick for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Can Unlimited Contributions to Political Parties Really Reduce Polarization?” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post
“Will Doug Hughes Do Hard Time for Embarrassing Congress?” by Hannah Hess for Roll Call
Ethics
“Council of Conservative Citizens Promotes White Primacy, and G.O.P. Ties” by Michael Wines and Lizette Alvarez for New York Times
“House Ethics Panel Extends Review of Azerbaijan Trip, Slams Leaks” by Rachel Roubein for National Review
Kentucky: “Former Pike Lawmaker Had Mine Inspector in ‘His Back Pocket,’ Prosecutor Says as Bribery Trial Begins” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Oregon: “Kate Brown Gets Her Wish: Last of her ethics reforms win approval” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “Philly Elections Chief Clark Agrees to Pay $4G Ethics Fine” by Chris Hepp for Philadelphia Inquirer
Virginia: “Marsh Returns Money from Golf Outing” by Jim Nolan for Richmond Times-Dispatch
June 23, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists: Easy target, easy touch” by Tarini Parti for Politico Florida: “How Some of Florida’s Top Lobbyists Produce Blockbuster Budget Results” by Peter Schorsch for SaintPetersBlog Idaho: “Lobbying at the Capitol: Should Idaho state employees have to register under […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists: Easy target, easy touch” by Tarini Parti for Politico
Florida: “How Some of Florida’s Top Lobbyists Produce Blockbuster Budget Results” by Peter Schorsch for SaintPetersBlog
Idaho: “Lobbying at the Capitol: Should Idaho state employees have to register under the law?” by Bill Dentzer for Idaho Statesman
New Mexico: “Transparency-Pushing Nonprofit Discloses Donors” by Heath Haussamen for NMPolitics
Campaign Finance
“Don Young Raises Money in Puerto Rico, Then Holds Hearing” by Anna Palmer, John Bresnahan, and Jake Sherman for Politico
Utah: “Feds: Jeremy Johnson skirted campaign finance laws in contributions to Shurtleff, Lee, Reid” by Ben Lockhart for Deseret News
Ethics
Missouri: “Police Report Reveals Past Diehl Affair with Nixon Staffer” by Virginia Young for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Ohio: “Former Traffic Camera Exec Admits to Bribing Officials in Columbus, Cincinnati” by Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
South Carolina: “Nikki Haley, South Carolina Governor, Calls for Removal of Confederate Battle Flag” by Frances Robles, Richard Fausset, and Michael Barbaro for New York Times
June 22, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Arkansas: “Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Lobbyist Gifts” by John Lyon for Arkansas News Campaign Finance “White Supremacist Leader Was a Political Donor” by Nick Gass for Politico Kansas: “No Charges Filed after Federal Probe into Election Loans to […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Lobbyist Gifts” by John Lyon for Arkansas News
Campaign Finance
“White Supremacist Leader Was a Political Donor” by Nick Gass for Politico
Kansas: “No Charges Filed after Federal Probe into Election Loans to Brownback’s Campaign” by Peter Hancock for Lawrence Journal World
Massachusetts: “Invitation to Political Fundraiser Might Skirt Ethics Laws” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
North Carolina: “NC Sen. Hartsell’s Campaign Finance Case Referred to Prosecutors” by Lynn Bonner for Raleigh News & Observer
Ethics
New York: “In Corruption Cases, Speculation Undermines Justice” by Richard Lipsky for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Oregon Impeachment Resolution Expected to Die in Senate” by Dennis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
Tennessee: “State Rep. Joe Armstrong Indicted” by Richard Locker for Memphis Commercial Appeal
Texas: “Abbott Vetoes Spousal Loophole” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Washington: “Rachel Dolezal Told to Quit 2nd Post” by Kirk Johnson for New York Times
June 19, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 19, 2015
Federal: Jeb Bush Announces Presidential Bid: ‘We will take command of our future once again’ Washington Post – Ed O’Keefe | Published: 6/15/2015 Jeb Bush announced he is running for president, promising to remove Washington as an obstacle to effective government […]
Federal:
Jeb Bush Announces Presidential Bid: ‘We will take command of our future once again’
Washington Post – Ed O’Keefe | Published: 6/15/2015
Jeb Bush announced he is running for president, promising to remove Washington as an obstacle to effective government and economic prosperity. Bush is declaring his White House ambitions nearly 27 years after his father was elected president, molding a political dynasty that would propel one son into a governor’s office and another into the White House. But Bush will enter a presidential contest that is unlike any faced by his father, who won the office in 1988, or his brother, who claimed it in 2000.
Neil Young Message to Donald Trump: Stop rockin’
Christian Science Monitor – Jessica Mendoza | Published: 6/17/2015
Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy to the sound of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” but Trump did not have permission to use the song, said Elliot Roberts, Young’s manager. The incident makes the real estate developer the latest candidate to butt heads with a musician about song copyright in a campaign. A spokesperson said Trump, a fan of Young’s music despite their differing views, used the song legally through a licensing deal with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. But even when a campaign does get copyright permission, artists can still object to the use of their music under other laws that protect their brand or image, or ban implications of endorsement.
Republican Operative Sentenced to 2 Years in Landmark Election Case
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold | Published: 6/12/2015
A Republican political operative was sentenced to two years in prison after becoming the first person convicted of illegally coordinating campaign donations between a super PAC and a congressional campaign. Tyler Harber said he knew what he was doing was wrong, but he did it anyway because of his desire to win elections and his belief that the law banning such coordination is routinely ignored. “This shows [the U.S. Justice Department is] willing to venture into areas of criminal enforcement in the 2016 election, beyond what they had done previously,” said Kenneth Gross, a former associate general counsel at the FEC.
Russ Feingold’s PAC Funded Fees, Salaries for Former Staffers, Himself
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel – Daniel Bice | Published: 6/15/2015
Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, co-author of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, founded a PAC that has given only five percent of its funds to candidates and political parties. Instead, nearly half of the $7.1 million that Progressives United PAC has spent since 2011 has gone to raising more money for itself. The data also show the group has paid another sizable portion of money on salaries or consulting fees for Feingold, his top aide, and former staffers. Feingold is taking on U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson in 2016 to try to win back his old seat.
From the States and Municipalities:
Illinois – $2M Rauner Donor’s Company Does Business with State, Has Exceeded $50K Limit Past 4 Years
State Journal-Register – Bernard Schoenburg | Published: 6/13/2015
Richard Uihlein, chief executive officer of Uline, a packaging supply company, gave $2 million to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign fund in December. Uihlein’s wife, Elizabeth, is president of the firm, and she donated $25,000 to Rauner in October. The company has done more than $50,000 in business with the state in each of the last four years, which means the contributions may have violated state campaign finance law.
Kentucky – John Schaaf to Head Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Connecticut Post; Associated Press – | Published: 6/16/2015
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission named current general counsel John Schaaf as its new executive director effective August 1. Schaaf has worked as the commission’s lawyer since 2004, following 16 years as general counsel of the Legislative Research Commission. He helped craft legislation in 1992 that paved the way for ethics reform in the state.
Massachusetts – Lobbyists Were Quick to Donate to Both Baker, Coakley
WCVB; Associated Press – | Published: 6/13/2015
Lobbyists hedged their bets during the 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race, often giving to both Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley. The strategy of contributing to multiple candidates in the same race is not new, according to Pam Wilmot, executive director of Massachusetts Common Cause. “Lobbyists give because they want access – that means access to whoever is elected and the best way to ensure that is to give to both candidates,” Wilmot said.
New York – Education Reforms Spur N.Y. Lobbying ‘Arms Race’
USA Today – Jon Campbell (Gannett Newspapers) | Published: 6/14/2015
Various education interests have spent at least $124 million trying to influence New York lawmakers, officials, and the general public at the state and local level since the start of 2006, including a record of at least $16 million last year. That is in addition to $45.3 million in lobbying expenses reported by the New York State United Teachers union and its New York City affiliate over the past nine years. They are tallied as labor organizations, not education groups, by the state’s lobbying regulator. Add in political spending and the numbers are starker: Education interests and teachers unions have spent $285.5 million on lobbying, campaign contributions, and independent political expenditures over the past decade.
Pennsylvania – Fifth Former LCB Official Accused of Violating State Ethics Laws
Pittsbugh Tribune-Review – Kari Andren | Published: 6/12/2015
A former state Liquor Control Board (LCB) executive was fined for illegally accepting gifts. The Pennsylvania Ethics Commission ordered Timothy Fringer to pay $7,200. The commission said Fringer, the board’s former chief of product management and pricing, accepted gifts from vendors such as meals, golf outings, and tickets to sporting events. Fringer told investigators he was instructed to accept the gifts by Jim Short, the LCB’s former marketing director, and as long as no one complained, “it’s like it never happened.” Short and three other officials in 2014 were fined for a variety of violations stemming from gifts they received from vendors.
Pennsylvania – Some Critical That Officials Caught in Sting Keep State Pensions
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 6/13/2015
By pleading guilty to violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law, four defendants in a Pennsylvania corruption case are now disgraced. The two legislators in office at the time of their plea had to resign immediately, as required by the state constitution. But former Philadelphia Traffic Court President Judge Thomasine Tynes and the former lawmakers – Michelle Brownlee, Harold James, and Ronald Waters – did not get hit with prison time or have to forfeit their annual government pensions, estimated at $54,000 to $85,000. To critics, the deals seem unduly lenient, especially the failure to go after their taxpayer-financed retirement checks.
Utah – Ex-A.G. Mark Shurtleff Defers Evidence Hearing; Prosecutors Amend Charges
Deseret News – Dennis Romboy | Published: 6/15/2015
Prosecutors amended charges against former Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, dropping three bribery counts his lawyer insists were the foundation of allegations that the state’s former top lawyer had operated a “pay-to-play” scheme while in office. Prosecutors say Shurtleff accepted money and gifts like beach vacations and the use of luxury homes and boats while he was attorney general. Seven charges remain against Shurtleff, including accepting improper gifts, obstruction of justice, and a count alleging he tried to bribe a victim to derail an investigation. It appears that prosecutors are tailoring the charges to the evidence, not necessarily scaling back the case, said former prosecutor Kent Morgan. The charge of accepting improper gifts is generally simpler to prove at trial than bribery.
Washington – Lawmakers’ Watchdog Asks for Money
Tacoma News Tribune – Jerry Cornfield | Published: 6/15/2015
The interim executive director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has been asking lawmakers for more money in the next state budget to help deal with a backlog of enforcement cases. Under the Senate budget proposal, the job of general counsel would be eliminated and a portion of the savings used to hire a contract lawyer. Also, the Senate approach would axe one position handling requests from the public and another one dealing with the agency’s website and campaign finance database. “This work is important; it is part of that entire ecosystem of good government,” said Fred Kiga, who took over at PDC on June 1.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
June 18, 2015 •
Vermont Governor Approves Changes to Lobbyist Disclosure Requirements
Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed Senate Bill 93, changing lobbyist reporting requirements. Reports must now be filed for each month the legislature is in session with an additional report in September. The new law also requires identification of lobbyists contributing […]
Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed Senate Bill 93, changing lobbyist reporting requirements. Reports must now be filed for each month the legislature is in session with an additional report in September.
The new law also requires identification of lobbyists contributing to advertisements meant to influence legislation and a report must be filed within 48 hours if such advertisement cost $1,000 or more. Furthermore, a legislator’s candidate committee and a legislative leadership committee may no longer solicit or accept a contribution while the legislature is in session.
These provision are effective July 1, 2015.
June 18, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill “Lobbyist bundlers pledge allegiance to Team Bush” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill “Coalitions of the willing are latest lobbying trend” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post Minnesota: “Reports offer peek at […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill
“Lobbyist bundlers pledge allegiance to Team Bush” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill
“Coalitions of the willing are latest lobbying trend” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post
Minnesota: “Reports offer peek at state Capitol lobbying in 2015 session” by Brian Bakst and Kyle Potter (Associated Press) in The Washington Times
Campaign Finance
“Presidential candidates defy campaign finance limits through well-funded outside groups” by Julie Bykowicz (Associated Press) in Newser
Kentucky: “Florida group challenging Kentucky law that bans corporations from making political contributions” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader
New Mexico: “New Mexico AG wants more ‘transparency’ in campaign finance” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times
Ethics
“Charlie Dent got clearance for trip with donor to Nantucket” by Jake Sherman, Anna Palmer, and John Bresnahan in Politico
Florida: “Donald Trump cleared in Miami-Dade ethics probe” by Douglas Hanks in the Miami Herald
North Carolina: “Elections board points prosecutors to NC senator’s potential misspending of campaign money” by Emery P. Dalesio (Associated Press) in The Republic
June 16, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists Were Quick to Donate to Both Baker, Coakley” by The Associated Press for WCVB “Lobbyists Spend $5.8 Million at 2015 Montana Legislature” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Montana Standard “Education Reforms Spur N.Y. Lobbying ‘Arms Race’” by Jon […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Were Quick to Donate to Both Baker, Coakley” by The Associated Press for WCVB
“Lobbyists Spend $5.8 Million at 2015 Montana Legislature” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Montana Standard
“Education Reforms Spur N.Y. Lobbying ‘Arms Race’” by Jon Campbell (Gannett Newspapers) for USA Today
Campaign Finance
“Republican Operative Sentenced to 2 Years in Landmark Election Case” by Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold for Washington Post
“This Web Site Allows Political Donors to Give Money Based on How Lawmakers Vote. Just Don’t Call It Bribery.” by Steven Overly for Washington Post
“$2M Rauner Donor’s Company Does Business with State, Has Exceeded $50K Limit Past 4 Years” by Bernard Schoenburg for State Journal-Register
“Christie’s PAC Picks Up His NBA Finals Ticket” by Maddie Hanna for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers Changes to Financial Disclosure Rule” by Barbara Hoberock for Tulsa World
“Fifth Former LCB Official Accused of Violating State Ethics Laws” by Kari Andren for Pittsbugh Tribune-Review
“Ethics Commissioners: Lawmakers went backward in 2015” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
“Lawmakers’ Watchdog Asks for Money” by Jerry Cornfield for Tacoma News Tribune
Elections
“Jeb Bush Announces Presidential Bid: ‘We will take command of our future once again’” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
June 15, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Robert Reich: Lobbyists are snuffing our democracy, one legal bribe at a time” by Robert Reich for Salon Campaign Finance “Corporations Open Up About Political Spending” by Eduardo Porter for New York Times “Legislation Puts More Enforcement in Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Robert Reich: Lobbyists are snuffing our democracy, one legal bribe at a time” by Robert Reich for Salon
Campaign Finance
“Corporations Open Up About Political Spending” by Eduardo Porter for New York Times
“Legislation Puts More Enforcement in Campaign Finance Reporting Laws” by Mary Snell for Decatur Daily
California: “Ethics Troubles Could Mount for Ex-Candidate Who Missed Fine Payment” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Hawaii: “Contractor Campaign Contributions Raise Concerns of Corruption” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Ethics
California: “FPPC Names New Enforcement Chief, General Counsel” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee
Massachusetts: “Gambling Panel Chairman Facing Ethics Investigation” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
New York: “Court Orders Disgraced Lopez to Pay $330,000 Fine” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
Pennsylvania: “Elections Chief Sues to Stop Ethics Probe” by Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer
Rhode Island: “Ex-RI House Speaker Fox Gets 3 Years in Prison” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Elections
“In 2008, Clinton Couldn’t Buy Iowans’ Love. So She Bought Them Snow Shovels” by David Fahrenthold for Washington Post
June 11, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Rhode Island: “RI’s Biggest Spending Special Interest Groups at the Statehouse” by Stephen Beale for GoLocalProv.com Campaign Finance “The IRS Chief’s Mistake about ‘Dark Money’” by Miriam Galston for Washington Post Ethics Florida: “Ethics Panel: Carroll misreported income” by […]
Lobbying
Rhode Island: “RI’s Biggest Spending Special Interest Groups at the Statehouse” by Stephen Beale for GoLocalProv.com
Campaign Finance
“The IRS Chief’s Mistake about ‘Dark Money’” by Miriam Galston for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Ethics Panel: Carroll misreported income” by Brandon Larrabee (News Service of Florida) for Tallahassee Democrat
Florida: “Ex-Congressman’s Top Aide to plead Guilty to Breaking Election Law” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald
Hawaii: “Ethics Director Survives Political Challenge” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat
Elections
“Eyeing 2016, G.O.P Embraces Digital Strategies, but Doubts Persist” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
“How Jeb Bush’s Campaign Ran off Course before It Even Began” by Ed O’Keefe and Robert Costa for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Sen. Johnny Isakson Discloses He Has Parkinson’s Disease” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
Maine: “Closed Door: Legislators conducting public business in private despite state’s open meeting law” by John Christie (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for Pine Tree Watchdog
June 10, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Did Obama’s Pick to Head Navy Break Lobbying Law?” by Austin Wright and Philip Ewing for Politico Louisiana: “What Good Do Lobbyist Reporting Laws Do without Enforcement” by the Editorial Board for New Orleans Times-Picayune Pennsylvania: “Bill to Ban […]
Lobbying
“Did Obama’s Pick to Head Navy Break Lobbying Law?” by Austin Wright and Philip Ewing for Politico
Louisiana: “What Good Do Lobbyist Reporting Laws Do without Enforcement” by the Editorial Board for New Orleans Times-Picayune
Pennsylvania: “Bill to Ban Contingent-Fee Lobbying Advances” by Staff for Chadds Ford Live
Campaign Finance
“How Democratic or Republican Is Your Job? This Tool Tells You.” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
“Shaun McCutcheon Blew Up Campaign-Finance Law and Became a GOP Hero. Then He Set His Sights on Paris Hilton.” by Luke Mullins for Washingtonian Magazine
Alaska: “Alaska Campaign Finance Watchdog Drops Charlo Greene Investigation” by Suzanna Caldwell for Alaska Dispatch News
California: “Ethics Panel Orders S.F. Supervisor to Pay $181,000 Fine” by John Wildermuth for San Francisco Chronicle
California: “Azano Says Finance Law Unconstitutional” by Kristina Davis for San Diego Union Tribune
Ethics
“Hastert Allegations Cast New Light on His Speakership” by Todd Purdum for Politico
“Dennis Hastert Pleads Not Guilty in Chicago Court” by Monica Davey for New York Times
New York: “Schneiderman’s Evolution on Ethics” by David King for Gotham Gazette
Elections
“Pollsters Fret Looming Robocall Restrictions” by Mario Trujillo for The Hill
June 9, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying California: “Businesses with Stake in California Politics Utilize Capitol Grounds” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee Campaign Finance “Two FEC Officials Implore Agency to Curb 2016 Election Abuse” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today “Why So Many Women Are […]
Lobbying
California: “Businesses with Stake in California Politics Utilize Capitol Grounds” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee
Campaign Finance
“Two FEC Officials Implore Agency to Curb 2016 Election Abuse” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Why So Many Women Are Raising Money for Hillary Clinton” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Delaware: “Bill Would Increase Campaign Donation Limits” by Jonathan Starkey for Wilmington News Journal
Massachusetts: “Baker, State GOP’s Use of Federal Funds Questioned” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
New York: “Carl Heastie’s Campaign Spending Blurs Line between Political and Personal” by Russ Buettner for New York Times
Ethics
“Dennis Hastert Rushed to Make Money as Payouts Grew” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New Jersey: “Ex-Official Says Chris Christie Broke Grand Jury Law” by Kate Zernike for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Fourth Defendant in Sting Case Pleads Guilty” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy for Philadelphia Inquirer
Legislative Issues
“Divided Legislatures Produce Gridlock, Not Compromise” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing
Indiana: “House Lawmakers Move to Shield Communications from Public” by The Associated Press for Indianapolis Business Journal
June 8, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies” by Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity Illinois: “Rauner Tells Agency Heads to Give Lobbyists the Boot” by Rich Miller for Reboot Illinois Campaign Finance “Kevin […]
Lobbying
“Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies” by Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity
Illinois: “Rauner Tells Agency Heads to Give Lobbyists the Boot” by Rich Miller for Reboot Illinois
Campaign Finance
“Kevin McCarthy’s Flair for Fundraising Fuels His Swift Rise to Power in House” by Noah Bierman and Evan Halper for Los Angeles Times
Arizona: “Secretary of State to Fight Clean Elections over Fine” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “Ex-L.A. Council Candidate Fined for Fraudulent Bid for Matching Funds” by Jean Merl for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
California: “Industry Sues Former Mayor, Alleging ‘Extensive Public Corruption’” by Frank Shyong for Los Angeles Times
New York: “A Political Survivor under Investigation” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Ethics Reform: House OKs bill declaring governor’s partner a public official” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
Texas: “Abbott Wants Lawmakers Willing to ‘Fight for Ethics’” by Dave Montgomery for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Virginia: “Lawmakers Need a Raise, Governor’s Ethics Panel Says” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Washington Times
Elections
“O’Malley Attacks Big Banks, Political Dynasties in Launching Uphill 2016 Bid” by John Wagner for Washington Post
“Rick Perry, Shrugging Off 2012, Announces He Will Run Again for President” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
“Lincoln Chafee to Run for President” by David Jackson for USA Today
June 5, 2015 •
The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act. According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling […]
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act.
According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling of large contributions, and amends the lobbying registration process to require a lobbyist to register if he or she makes two or more lobbying contacts for a client over a two-year period regardless of whether the lobbyist spends more than 20 percent of his or her time serving the particular client.
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.