Campaign Finance

“Meet the Liberals Who Love Trump” by Ben Wofford for Politico

New York: “State Elections Watchdog Files Lawsuit against ‘LLC Loophole’” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Ethics

“Prosecutors Rebuke Menendez Over Request to Dismiss His Corruption Case” by Alexander Burns for New York Times

“The Net Worth of Presidential Candidates” by Thomas Frohlich, Michael Sauter, and Sam Stebbins (24/7 Wall St.) for USA Today

Missouri: “Missouri Lags behind Neighbors on Ethics Laws” by John Swedien for Springfield News-Leader

New York: “Reform Groups Have High Hopes for Ethics Review Panel” by Karen DeWitt for WXXI

Ohio: “Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman under Ethics Investigation Related to Contracts with Wife’s Employer” by Leila Atassi (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Virginia: “Legislators’ Names Appear in Hacked Ashley Madison Data” by Markus Schmidt and John Ramsey for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Elections

“Maybe This Time Really Is Different” by Norm Ornstein for The Atlantic

National:

Corruption Accusations Paint Troubling Picture of Politics in Philadelphia Region
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jonathan Tamari and Chris Palmer | Published: 8/9/2015

The recent indictments of public officials on corruption charges paint a damning picture of politics in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, one that has dominated front pages with stories of wealthy campaign donors, officials using their posts for their own ends, and the alleged abuse of taxpayer dollars. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, along with two people charged in the George Washington Bridge scandal, have all insisted they have done nothing wrong. Still, the stream of charges adds a dark chapter to two states already widely regarded as among the most corrupt in the county.

How Transparent Is Your State’s Lobbying Disclosure?
Sunlight Foundation – Jonah Hahn | Published: 8/12/2015

A review by the Sunlight Foundation of lobbyist disclosure requirements found many states fail to address the legislative flaws that create loopholes, do not provide citizens with easily accessible information, and lack stringent transparency policies. For example, the foundation said that in many states, trying to locate and view a lobbyist’s registration form is either impossible or logistically complex. In 33 states, lobbyists are not mandated to disclose their expenditures in a comprehensive fashion. The foundation ranked the states on how well each one performed on criteria such as reporting thresholds, document availability, and transparency on expenditures.

Federal:

Donors Descend on Schumer and Others in Debate on Iran
New York Times – Jonathan Weisman and Nicholas Confessore | Published: 8/12/2015

Approaching a vote on the Iran nuclear accord, tens of millions of dollars are flowing into ad campaigns and contributors leveraging access to undecided Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Donors said they did not believe any senator would vote based on threats to give or withhold money, and none admitted to giving such ultimatums. But with super PACs poised to dump tens of millions of dollars into Senate races next year, the passions of big contributors – and their ability to change a candidate’s fortunes – are a keenly felt undercurrent to the debate. Some of the biggest donors to super PACs also have strong opinions about the Iran deal and Israel’s security.

Lawrence Lessig Wants to Run for President – in a Most Unconventional Way
Washington Post – Philip Rucker | Published: 8/11/2015

Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig is launching an exploratory committee for the Democratic presidential nomination focused on his signature issue – reforming the nation’s campaign finance laws. “Jefferson’s truth, that all are created equal, has become Orwell’s meme, that some are more equal than others,” said Lessig. He said campaign finance reform is the first step toward addressing every other major issue in American politics. Lessig envisions a president that will serve with the singular goal of campaign finance reform, and step down once it is achieved to let the vice president serve out the remainder of the term. He hopes to crowd-fund $1 million by Labor Day.

New Challenge Filed to Party ‘Soft-Money’ Limits
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 8/4/2015

James Bopp renewed his attack on federal campaign finance law by filing suit on behalf of the Louisiana Republican Party that challenges restrictions on soft money contributions to political parties. BCRA bans soft money donations to national parties and restricts its use in federal elections by state and local parties. The limits are among the last BCRA provisions left intact following a series of court challenges to other campaign finance regulations. Last November, the Republican National Committee refused to provide an explanation when a similar case was abruptly dropped. But the move came shortly after the GOP won electoral victories that gave them majority control of both the House and Senate, and appeared to reflect a strategic shift away from such court challenges by at least some in the party.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Federal Court Upholds Alabama PAC-to-PAC Transfer Ban Law
Legal Newsline – Shaun Zinck | Published: 8/6/2015

A federal court upheld the constitutionality of Alabama’s law that bans transferring money from one PAC to another. The court found the state has a sufficiently important issue in preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption and the ban supports this interest, and the law was narrowly drawn so as to protect the state’s interest without being in violation of the First Amendment.

Florida – Trump, Gimenez Let Off Easy after Breaking Lobbying Law, Critics Say
FloridaBulldog.org – Francisco Alvarado | Published: 8/10/2015

Michael Muraswski is the advocate for the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, whose role is to prosecute people who break the county’s conflict-of-interest and ethics laws. Critics accuse Muraswski of giving a free pass to rich, powerful, and politically connected individuals who break the rules, including Donald Trump and county Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

Illinois – Illinois’ Corrupt Women
WUIS – Maureen Foertsch McKinney | Published: 8/1/2015

The term “Old Boys Network” is shorthand for the culture that breeds political corruption. A new study from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute contends the term is gender-inaccurate. “Unsupervised, Ensnared, Relational, and Private: A Topology of Illinois’ Corrupt Women” takes a look at the women of the state who have been convicted for abusing their office. It challenges the notion that “female public officials have a deterrent effect on corruption” and examines the methods and motivations most common among female officials who have been convicted.

Michigan – Recordings: State rep asked aide to hide relationship
MLive.com – Chad Livengood | Published: 8/7/2015

Michigan Rep. Todd Courser distributed a fake e-mail that suggested he had sex with a male prostitute so he could hide his relationship with another state representative. Both lawmakers are Christian conservatives who frequently refer to their faith. Courser, a married father of four, said in an audio recording that the e-mail was intended to create a “complete smear campaign” of false claims so a public revelation about his relationship with state Rep. Cindy Gamrat would seem “mild by comparison.” The Detroit News interviews suggested the representatives used their taxpayer-funded offices to maintain and cover up their relationship.

Missouri – MEC Dismisses Complaint against Redmon
Missouri Times – Travis Zimpfer | Published: 8/11/2015

The Missouri Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against state Rep. Craig Redmon over allegations he allowed lobbyist gifts for others to be reported as his. The commission said it found no inaccuracies in lobbyist expenditures for the past three years.  The agency said it also did not find any expenditures that should have been reported to other public officials. Redmon at first was paraphrased by The Kirksville Daily Express and later told The Associated Press that he sometimes has told people to put under his name expenses that actually were made for others. He has since denied any such action. Redmon says he misspoke and was not paying attention to questions.

Montana – Campaign Finance Rules Released, Upcoming Public Hearings
Helena Independent Record – Alexander Deedy | Published: 8/6/2015

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl is putting his proposed campaign finance regulations out for public comment. A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held in Helena on September 2 and 3. Comments may also be submitted to the commissioner’s office. Motl has said the rules would allow corporate groups to spend money in campaigns, but they must say how much they are spending, where the money came from, and what it is being spent on. Motl must approve the final regulations before October 1.

Oklahoma – Democratic Party Sues Oklahoma Ethics Commission
The Oklahoman – Rick Green | Published: 8/11/2015

Oklahoma Democratic Party is suing the state Ethics Commission over new agency rules that prohibit any fundraising or distribution of election materials on state-owned property. Party officials argued the new rules are an improper restraint on free speech. The party had to call off a fund-raising activity planned for Oklahoma City Community College on July 25 after the commission “informally indicated an intention to enforce its rules,” the lawsuit said.

Pennsylvania – Montco DA Charges Attorney General Kane
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy, Angela Couloumbis, and Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 8/6/2015

The Montgomery County district attorney filed criminal charges against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane in a convoluted tale of political maneuvering and retribution that threatens the career of an official who was seen until recently as one of her state’s rising stars. Kane has been accused of illegally giving grand jury documents to a newspaper in order to embarrass a critic, and then trying to cover up her actions with false testimony to a different grand jury. Kane has admitted to leaking material, but insisted it was not covered by grand jury secrecy requirements.

Rhode Island – Secretary of State Seeks Overhaul of RI Lobbying Statutes
The Associated Press – Jennifer McDermott | Published: 8/12/2015

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said she has questioned whether there are people and organizations lobbying in Rhode Island without registering to do so, either because they are ignoring the law or do not know about it. Because she does not have power to investigate, Gorbea now sends educational letters to people she thinks may be lobbying based on media reports. “Without proper legal investigative processes, you’re left with trying to be fairly broad in terms of outreach,” said Gorbea. She has suggested a new lobbying statute to provide a framework for investigations and hearings, and to grant her subpoena power. Lawmakers did not pass the bill during the 2015 session.

Texas – Texas Watchdog Group Calls another Political Titan to Account
New York Times – Manny Fernandez | Published: 8/6/2015

State Attorney General Ken Paxton, former Gov. Rick Perry, and ex-U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay are all Texas officials who have been indicted while in office over the past decade. They also have one other thing in common: the complaints leading to their indictments were initiated by Texans for Public Justice, the low-budget, nonprofit watchdog group that Craig McDonald runs out of a basement office in Austin. Critics dispute McDonald’s claim that Texans for Public Justice is nonpartisan, saying it has used the courts to serve as a political attack machine against Republicans.

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.

Lobbying

“Bennet, Franken Introduce Lobbying Reform Bill – CWA Goes after Planned Parenthood Consultant – New Dems Break Fundraising Record” by Tarini Parti for Politico

Ohio: “Redflex-Funded Groups Helped Columbus Lobby for Cameras” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch

Campaign Finance

“IRS Mismanaged Tea Party Groups, Senate Report Finds” by Bernie Becker for The Hill

Minnesota: “Mark Dayton Drew Big Inaugural Checks after Election” by Brian Bakst (Associated Press) for St. Paul Pioneer Press

Ethics

Georgia: “Investigator: Corruption in DeKalb County ‘stunning’” by Dave Williams for Atlanta Business Chronicle

Indiana: “Pence Cancels BMV Contract, Asks for Ethics Investigation” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Must Turn Over Emails to Judge for Review, Release” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “Montco DA Charges Attorney General Kane” by Craig McCoy, Angela Couloumbis, and Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

West Virginia: “Law Restricts WV Elected Officials’ Self-Promotion Using Taxpayer Money” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called for federal elections to take place on October 19, 2015.

Calling for an election during the summer is an unusual move in Canadian politics, creating the longest campaign period since 1874. Some view it as a move to ensure Harper’s Conservative Party stays in power as it will likely be the only party to have raised enough money to spend the maximum amount allowed by law.

The Conservative Party has been in power since 2006, winning two elections thereafter and gaining a majority in the House of Commons in 2011.

Gov. Scott Walker has set a special election date for the 99^th Assembly District seat. Rep. Chris Kapenga vacated the seat after his election to the state Senate in July.

The special election will be held September 29. If a primary is required, it will be held September 1.

The city of Montgomery, Alabama, in cooperation with the Secretary of State’s office, will pilot a live electronic balloting system for overseas military and civilian voters in the upcoming municipal election on August 25, 2015.

The electronic voting system will allow citizens of Montgomery living overseas an opportunity to vote in the municipal election.

This pilot project is a test of the electronic balloting system being developed throughout the state of Alabama for military and civilian voters who are out of the country during an election.

Lobbying

Colorado: “Colorado Senator Says He Has No Records on His Lobbyist-Written Elderly Care Bill” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog

Campaign Finance

“D.N.C. Lifts Ban on Convention Fundraising” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections Drops Fines in 208 Cases” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal

Ethics

“Criminal Inquiry Is Sought in Clinton Email Account” by Michael Schmidt and Matt Apuzzo for New York Times

“Drug Companies Pushed From Far and Wide to Explain High Prices” by Andrew Pollack for New York Times

District of Columbia: “New Details Emerge about Metro Contract That Raised Ethical Questions” by Lori Aratani for Washington Post

Hawaii: “Hawaii’s Student Travel Still Up in the Air as Free Trips Debated” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

New Jersey: “N.J. Lawmaker Plans Bill Curbing Governors Use of Public Funds for Out-of-State Trip Expenses” by Melissa Hayes for Bergen Record

Texas: “Appeals Court Rejects One Count in Perry Indictment” by Patrick Svitek for Texas Tribune

Lobbying

“K Street Bouncing Back in 2015” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Washington: “PDC’s Lobbyist Filings to Get Upgrade” by the Editorial Board for The Olympian

Campaign Finance

“The Only Realistic Way to Fix Campaign Finance” by Lawrence Lessig for New York Times

“Dems Urge Obama to Veto Bill over Campaign Finance Restrictions” by Cristina Marcos for The Hill

Kansas: “Brownback Campaign Sought Cash from Westar Official amid Ongoing Rate Case” by Jonathan Shorman for Topeka Capital-Journal

Pennsylvania: “Teachers’ Union Gets Schooled for Violating Campaign Law” by Mensah Dean for Philadelphia Daily News

Ethics

Hawaii: “Will Honolulu Ethics Commission Take the Gag Off its Director?” by Anita Hofschneider for Honolulu Civil Beat

Illinois: “Court Overturns Some Blagojevich Senate-Seat Convictions” by The Associated Press for New York Times

Elections

“Ohio Gov. Kasich Joins GOP Race with Message of Conservatism, Compassion” by Dan Balz for Washington Post

Lobbying

“Jeb Bush Promises to Curb Lobbying and Cut Size of Government” by Michael Barbaro for New York Times

Campaign Finance

“Seeing Crowd, G.O.P. Donors Holding Back” by Nicholas Confessore and Sarah Cohen for New York Times

Alabama: “Alabama Lawmakers Again Try to Tighten Campaign Finance Law” by Mike Cason for AL.com

Delaware: “Delaware Wins Appeal, Can Enforce Law on Election Ads” by Jonathan Stempel for Reuters

Ethics

California: “Cleaning Up Politics or ‘Vindictive’ Nosy Neighbor? Shirley Grindle Is Making Last Stand as a Watchdog” by Martin Wisckol for Orange County Register

Ohio: “Red-Light-Camera Lobbyist Removed Himself from Committee Due to Conflict” by Mark Ferenchick for Columbus Dispatch

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Turnpike Employees Continue to Get Free Ride on Toll Road” by Melissa Daniels for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Vermont: “State Contracts Needed by Scott’s Company May Impact ’16 Race” by Neal Goswami for The Times-Argus

Wisconsin: “Walker Calls for Dismantling of State Elections Board” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

Elections

“Who Advises Candidate Trump? (Hint: His Name Is Donald)” by Maggie Haberman and Michael Barbaro for New York Times

A special election for the Massachusetts 2nd Plymouth and Bristol Senatorial District has been called to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Thomas Kennedy. The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin announced the special primary election will be held on October 6, 2015. The general election will follow on November 3, 2015.

On July 14, 2015, the Anchorage Assembly voted 7-3 to move the regular 2017 city elections from November back to April. Last year the city Assembly voted to change city elections from April to November in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.

Members of the Assembly who supported the reversal based their votes on a number of issues ranging from logistics to preventing local candidate campaigns from being overshadowed by state and federal campaigns.

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

Premier Stephen McNeil has announced by-elections will take place on July 14, 2015.

The by-elections will fill vacancies in the House of Assembly for the electoral districts of Dartmouth South, Cape Breton Centre, and Sydney-Whitney Pier.

The Cape Breton Centre and Sydney-Whitney Pier seats are open due to retirements while the Dartmouth South is vacant due to the death of Allan Rowe in March.

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