March 13, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – March 13, 2015

Federal: Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015 Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of […]

Federal:

Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015

Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of state, saying she had turned over to the Obama administration all correspondence about government business but had erased records of communications about private matters, like yoga routines and her daughter’s wedding. In a news conference about her exclusive use of a private email account while secretary, Clinton sought to squelch the furor about those communications. She acknowledged it would have been wiser to use a government email for official business, but said she had “fully complied with every rule” and was going “above and beyond” what was required of her in asking the State Department to make public much of her email correspondence. Clinton said she had only convenience in mind in choosing to use just a personal email account.

K Street Aims for Global Expansion
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/12/2015

After dropping the word “lobbyist” from its name in 2013, the Association for Government Relations Professionals (AGRP) has added hundreds of new members as the group looks to boost its clout and extend its reach, both geographically and in terms of the professionals it represents. Leading the makeover of the organization formerly known as the American League of Lobbyists is Jim Hickey, who was elected as AGRP’s president in December. Hickey wants to break out of Washington and establish an industrywide database that would connect government affairs professionals at the state, federal, and international levels. If a corporation or grassroots firm, for example, needs to find an advocate with a certain policy expertise within a specific state capital, Hickey wants to be able to provide that resource.

Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus
Politico – Lauren French | Published: 3/10/2015

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on “Meet the Press” that he has never sent a single email in his life. Graham’s complete aversion to email might be an extreme case even in the technologically antiquated Senate, where lawmakers still file their campaign finance reports on paper, but he certainly has plenty of company in the Luddite Caucus. The email habits of lawmakers are suddenly in the spotlight after it was reported that Hillary Clinton used a personal email account as her official correspondence while serving as secretary of state and stored the emails on a private server in her home.

Menendez Is to Face Corruption Charges, U.S. Official Says
New York Times – Kate Zernike and Matt Apuzzo | Published: 3/6/2015

The Justice Department is likely to file criminal charges against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly accepting gifts and lavish vacations in exchange for political favors for a longtime friend and political benefactor. Menendez has been the subject of an investigation for two years centering on his relationship with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a South Florida ophthalmologist. According to court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed, prosecutors have been examining whether Menendez improperly tried to persuade Medicare officials in recent years to change reimbursement policies in a way that would make millions of dollars for Melgen, one of the country’s biggest recipients of Medicare funds.

Pope Weighs in on Campaign Finance, but Will He Go Before the FEC?
Washington Post – Al Kamen and Colby Itkowitz | Published: 3/11/2015

Pope Francis warned that campaign donations lead elected officials to act against the interests of the people. “In the financing of electoral campaigns, many interests get into the mix, and then they send you the bill,” said .Francis. He also called for transparency in fundraising for political campaigns. His comments caught the attention of Ellen Weintraub of the FEC, who mentioned it before the panel’s most recent meeting. They joked that maybe the pope would like to testify at an FEC hearing when he visits Washington this fall. “I am happy for anyone to recognize campaign finance; this might be even better than Stephen Colbert,” said Weintraub.

From the States and Municipalities:

Idaho – Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward
Idaho Statesman – Bill Dentzer | Published: 3/5/2015

The head of Idaho’s pro-business lobby has been placed on temporary leave after sending a profanity-laden email criticizing a state senator and suggesting the group introduce retaliation legislation. The board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry made the decision regarding President Alex LaBeau. “The president of the organization said some very inappropriate things about impacting the process over here just to spite a specific senator, which is completely and absolutely inappropriate,” said Sen. John Tippets.

Indiana – Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Mark Alesia | Published: 3/5/2015

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma revealed he has done legal work for the Indy Eleven soccer team for the past two years. But he did not publicly disclose that work until after the House voted in favor of the $82 million stadium funding proposal for the team, and even then, he did so only after being pressed by reporters to comment on the measure. House Ethics Committee Chairperson Greg Steuerwald said he has done legal work for Keystone Construction Corp., which is owned by Ersal Ozdemir, who also owns Indy Eleven. The revelations come as Bosma and Steuerwald lead a push for ethics reforms in the wake of several high-profile scandals involving state officials.

Kentucky – Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 3/10/2015

Anthony Wilhoit is stepping down as executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, a post he has held since November 1997. Wilhoit, who will turn 80 this year, said “it’s time for new blood” for the agency that enforces ethics laws and regulates conduct by legislators, lobbyists, and employers of lobbyists. He will remain on the job until the commission finds a replacement. It is taking applications for the job until April 1.

New Jersey – N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor
Newark Star-Ledger – NJ Advance Media | Published: 3/5/2015

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), which oversees the state’s 984 registered lobbyists, is proposing to increase the fee they have to pay to register each year from $425 to $575. The fee for lobbyists has not been increased since 2004. The proposed amendment was published in the latest New Jersey Register. The 60-day comment period now begins, and ELEC will hold a public hearing on May 19.

Pennsylvania – 3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy | Published: 3/10/2015

Two state lawmakers from Philadelphia and an ex-legislator have been charged with pocketing cash in an influence-peddling case taken up by District Attorney Seth Williams after being dropped by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee, and former Rep. Harold James, who last served in 2012, face conspiracy, bribery, and other counts. The arrests raised to six the number charged in the case. They are all accused of improperly accepting cash or gifts from informant Tyrone Ali, a lobbyist working undercover for prosecutors. Kane rejected the case in 2013, saying it was flawed by witness credibility problems, entrapment issues, and allegations of racial targeting.

Rhode Island – New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) | Published: 3/5/2015

A task force formed by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea working to clarify and strengthen Rhode Island’s lobbying laws met for the first time recently. Gorbea said the executive and legislative lobbying statutes are unnecessarily complicated. Her transition committee recommended raising registration fees for lobbyists and increasing fines for those who do not register. Although the Department of State oversees lobbyists, it cannot independently oversee and enforce the laws and charge offenders, said Gorbea. The secretary of state is not granted subpoena powers for administrative hearings, and the penalties for breaking the lobbying laws are minimal. “Stronger laws discourage bad behavior and penalize those who willfully break the law, and renew people’s faith and trust in government,” said Gorbea.

Virginia – McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella | Published: 3/9/2015

A group of 44 former state attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting ex-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. The brief argues the charges filed against McDonnell set dangerous precedents surrounding corruption law. In particular, the attorneys general argued the case federalized what should be state public corruption charges and sought to criminalize what they believe should be considered innocuous behavior. A jury determined McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, used the governor’s office to help businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. promote his dietary supplement company in exchange for $177,000 in loans, personal gifts, and luxury goods. McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to a year and a day.

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

March 12, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica Campaign Finance “Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times West […]

March 11, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Inside the Powerful Lobby Fighting for Your Right to Eat Pizza” by Andrew Martin for Bloomberg News “Why Congress Relies on Lobbyists Instead of Thinking for Itself” by Lee Drutman and Steven Teles for The Atlantic Campaign Finance California: […]

March 9, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

New Mexico House Passes Lobbying Bill

The House unanimously passed a bill requiring lobbyists to disclose more information, but in a different form than the introduced version. House Bill 155 requires lobbyists to disclose the issues they are advocating and doubles registration fees to $50. Originally, […]

March 9, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying California: “California Lawmakers Took Less Free Travel in 2014” by Jeremy White and Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee Florida: “In South Florida, the Business of Government Looks More and More Like the Business of Politics” by Patricia Mazzei for […]

March 6, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – March 6, 2015

National: Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015 Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, […]

National:

Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs
KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015

Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, raising a conflict-of-interest questions. A review of records and interviews by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
New York Times – Michael Schmidt | Published: 3/2/2015

Hillary Clinton used a private e-mail account for her official government business when she was secretary of state. She did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was not clear why Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, created the private account. But the practice appears to bolster long-standing criticism that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have not been transparent.

Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz | Published: 2/28/2015

A rare conviction of a Virginia campaign operative is part of a broader focus by the U.S. Justice Department on cases in which candidates may be violating a federal ban on sharing strategic information with well-funded independent allies. The department’s move comes as complaints have stalled before the FEC, which has not moved ahead with any coordination investigations since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 triggered a proliferation of big-money groups. The newly aggressive stance by the Justice Department is certain to have wide reverberations at a time when candidates are taking more leeway than ever in their relationships with independent allies. Many potential 2016 candidates are working hand-in-glove with super PACs set up to support them.

Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison
Washington Post – Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz | Published: 3/3/2015

David Petraeus reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to avoid an embarrassing trial over whether he provided classified information to a mistress when he was the director of the CIA. Petraeus will plead guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He also acknowledged he misled FBI investigators. Federal prosecutors will not seek prison time for the retired four-star general but instead will ask a judge to impose a probationary period of two years. Prosecutors had pushed for charges after FBI agents discovered Petraeus’s former mistress, Paula Broadwell, was in possession of sensitive documents while writing a book about him. The affair forced his resignation as CIA director in 2012.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors
AL.com – John Archibald | Published: 2/27/2015

Prosecutors released emails involving indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard that show he was having financial problems and was hitting up high-placed lobbyists and friends for assistance. The court filing is the first glimpse of the evidence against Hubbard, who will go to trial on ethics charges in October. The emails depict Hubbard as stressed after losing his job. He asks former Gov. Bob Riley and others for help in finding a job or investors in his company. An executive at a company paid by the Alabama Republican Party complained in an email they were being “forced” to use Hubbard’s company for campaign printing work. Prosecutors say Hubbard used his political position for financial benefit. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said the filings were designed to mislead the public.

Arizona – Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a voter-approved plan that stripped Arizona lawmakers of their role in drawing congressional districts in a bid to remove partisan politics from the process. The court’s conservatives asked questions during the argument that indicated there could be a majority willing to find the ballot initiative violated the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that state Legislatures set congressional district boundaries. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Should the justices reject Arizona’s commission, at least one other, in California, is also likely to be in peril.

California – Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who want to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage, and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, in part, because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation, and employer.

California – Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big
Los Angeles Times – Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser | Published: 3/3/2015

The Mayor’s Fund has received numerous contributions from companies with a stake in Los Angeles City Hall decisions and from charitable foundations. Modeled on similar nonprofits in New York and other cities, the fund provides a financial boost for civic programs that might otherwise fall victim to city belt-tightening. But the nonprofit, which took in about $5.2 million between its formation in June and last month, can also offer a discreet destination for special-interest money that is not subject to campaign finance restrictions. City law caps contributions by individuals or businesses at $1,300 per election for mayoral candidates. By contrast, the average donation to the Mayor’s Fund has been $111,000.

Illinois – As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 3/2/2015

The super PAC Chicago Forward recently made an independent expenditure of $110,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s campaign fund for “political communications.” That means there will be no campaign fundraising limits for the April 7 mayoral run-off between Emmanuel and city Councilperson Jesus Garcia. Under state law, once a candidate in a local race receives a donation to his or her campaign of at least $100,000 within a year of the election, all contribution limits for all candidates in the race are lifted.

Iowa – The Real Iowa Kingmaker
Politico – Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 3/3/2015

Bruce Rastetter, an agribusiness mogul, has long worked behind the scenes to help bankroll conservatives candidates across the country. Now he is about to host a dozen potential Republican presidential hopefuls at the first Iowa Agriculture Summit. It is an event designed to promote farm policy in a state where pigs outnumber voters by 10-to-one, but it is also a bold display of the political power Rastetter has amassed, and a reminder to candidates that his endorsement would be a big get ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Rastetter’s moves over the past decade look like a “how to” guide for becoming a political power player.

Massachusetts – Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/2/2015

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg raised $93,000 for her inauguration and transition costs, over two-thirds of which came in large donations from special interests that deal directly with her office. The practice of inaugural committees collecting large contributions, including from corporations, is not illegal in Massachusetts. Incoming governors, in particular, have routinely tapped special interests to finance their transitions and inaugurations. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, said the system, which also has no requirements for detailing expenses, heightens the potential for conflicts-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney | Published: 3/3/2015

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return following an investigation that included a federal raid on his statehouse office and home. Fox acknowledged he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairperson of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges taking $108,000 from his campaign account for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, his American Express bill, and purchases at Tiffany’s and Warwick Animal Hospital. Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.

Rhode Island – Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 2/28/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s transition committee recommended raising the registration fees for lobbyists and increasing the fines for failing to register. Its report suggests legislation is needed to “modernize the state’s antiquated lobbying laws.” The committee also recommended updates to the state’s lobbying tracker system, described as “unnecessarily complicated.” Lobbyists currently must register separately in the General Assembly and executive branch, but the group recommended consolidating the reporting requirements.

Utah – Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 3/3/2015

An attempt to set limits on campaign contribution failed in Utah. House Bill 60 would have capped donations at $20,000 for statewide offices such as governor, $10,000 for legislative races, and $40,000 for PACs or parties. House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson said limits would just increase the amount of unregulated “dark money” spent by third parties in campaigns. Utah is one of just four states without limits on political donations.

Virginia – Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/28/2015

Virginia lawmakers adjourned after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials. The ethics-reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state, but it also adds a long list of exceptions. It creates an ethics council but gives it no power to investigate or issue fines and penalties. Negotiations went down to the wire on the ethics changes, which lawmakers have said was one of their top priorities for the session. The new measures were their second effort at tightening the rules after the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell that stemmed from his acceptance of gifts, loans, and trips.

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

March 5, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying West Virginia: “‘Cookie Lobbyist’ Tries Sweet-Tooth Approach to Sway W.Va. Legislators” by Douglas Imbrogno for Charleston Gazette Campaign Finance “How Campaign Finance Law Makes Senators Early Lame Ducks” by David Karol for Washington Post “Awash in Cash, Bush Asks […]

March 4, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Campaign Finance California: “Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case” by Bob Egelko for San Francisco Chronicle Illinois: “As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune Minnesota: “Minnesota GOP […]

March 3, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Recommendations Made to Change RI Lobbying Laws

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea’s transition committee has issued recommendations “to improve the public’s perception of their government.” In the committee’s report, they endorse the creation of a lobbying task force to “guide efforts to strengthen, simplify […]

March 3, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

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

March 2, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

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

February 27, 2015 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – February 27, 2015

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

Federal:

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 26, 2015 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

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

January 6, 2015 • Written by Allyson Smith

Jurisdictions Added to Our Website

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. In […]

News You Can Use Digest – March 13, 2015

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New Mexico House Passes Lobbying Bill

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Recommendations Made to Change RI Lobbying Laws

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

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News You Can Use Digest – February 27, 2015

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Celebrating 30 years in business!