March 13, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Who says lobbyists can’t win elections?” by Byron Tau in Politico. “Business groups: Don’t go overboard on Russia sanctions” by Doug Palmer, Adam Behsudi, Matthew Korade and Andrew Restuccia in Politico. Kansas: “House panel studies bill adjusting definition of […]
Lobbying
“Who says lobbyists can’t win elections?” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Business groups: Don’t go overboard on Russia sanctions” by Doug Palmer, Adam Behsudi, Matthew Korade and Andrew Restuccia in Politico.
Kansas: “House panel studies bill adjusting definition of lobbyist” by Ryan McCarthy in the Topkea Capital-Journal.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Offers Seminar for Corporations and their PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Corporations Can Expect To Pay More For Conventions” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Michigan: “State fines labor union for campaign finance violations” on WBUP NBC 10.
Ethics
Colorado: “Scott Gessler loses appeal over ethics ruling” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.
Elections
Arizona: “Brewer announces political retirement, won’t seek 3rd term” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Capitol Times.
Texas: “The Big Change in Texas Elections? More Time.” by Jim Malewitz and Shelby Cole in Governing.
March 7, 2014 •
Quebec Premier Calls Election for April 7
Pauline Marois, the premier of Quebec, has called a general election to be held on April 7. Currently, elections in Quebec only take place upon a decree by the premier. Beginning in 2016, elections will have set dates. When […]
Pauline Marois, the premier of Quebec, has called a general election to be held on April 7. Currently, elections in Quebec only take place upon a decree by the premier. Beginning in 2016, elections will have set dates.
When an election is called in Quebec, the legislative assembly dissolves (adjourns) and voters chose an entirely new one. Candidates have 33 days to campaign for the upcoming election.
Since Quebec has a parliamentary system of government, the leader of the party who garners the most assembly seats becomes the premier.
March 5, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: First month of session sees one-month record of $1.9 million for lobbyists” by the Kentucky Ethics Commission in KY Forward. Wisconsin: “Wisconsin senator seeks to allow in-session lobbyist checks” by Patrick […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: First month of session sees one-month record of $1.9 million for lobbyists” by the Kentucky Ethics Commission in KY Forward.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin senator seeks to allow in-session lobbyist checks” by Patrick Marley in the Journal Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Rauner’s $6 million sets record in Illinois governor race” by Rick Pearson in the Chicago Tribune.
Wisconsin: “State Senators introduce campaign finance legislation” by Andrew Hahn in The Daily Cardinal.
Ethics
“Former FEC General Counsel Retruns to Battle” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
California: “Scandals cost California Democrats supermajority in Senate” by Jessica Calefati in the Contra Costa Times.
Elections
“Texas 2014 Primary Election Results” in the Texas Tribune.
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was removed from office February 26 after a jury found him guilty of crimes of dishonesty. Mack is ineligible to hold public office in the future and lost his tax-payer funded pension. City Council President George […]
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was removed from office February 26 after a jury found him guilty of crimes of dishonesty. Mack is ineligible to hold public office in the future and lost his tax-payer funded pension.
City Council President George Muschal was sworn in as acting mayor just hours after a judge ordered Mack’s removal. Although he is willing to serve out Mack’s term, Muschal made it clear he does not intend to run in the regularly scheduled mayoral election on May 13. He plans to spend the next few months working with the state, including Gov. Chris Christie, to facilitate positive change for the city.
After he took office in 2010, Mack’s administration clouded the city in a haze of corruption, cronyism, high crime rates, and financial mismanagement. Mack was convicted February 7 of six counts of bribery, fraud, and extortion; his sentencing is scheduled for May 14 in federal court.
February 27, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Tax plan sends shockwaves down K Street” by Vicki Needham in The Hill. “Movie Industry, In a Switch, Is Courting the GOP” by Brody Mullins and Ben Fritz in The Wall Street Journal. “Former software lobbyist tapped for […]
Lobbying
“Tax plan sends shockwaves down K Street” by Vicki Needham in The Hill.
“Movie Industry, In a Switch, Is Courting the GOP” by Brody Mullins and Ben Fritz in The Wall Street Journal.
“Former software lobbyist tapped for trade post” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Patton Boggs begins new merger talks” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“‘Card check’ victors reap little reward” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Buying alpha: Here’s the easiest way to stock gains” by Jeff Cox on CNBC.
Missouri: “Who bought lawmakers’ lunch? Lobbyist splits hairs” by Virginia Young in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
New Mexico: “N.M. lobbyists spent $200K on dinners, golf, skiing” by The Associated Press on KFDA News.
New York: “Mayor Accepted Lobbyist Money, Amid Improper Payments” by Jeff Preval on WGRZ.
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “New campaign finance law sparks debate” by Isabelle Taft in the Yale Daily News.
West Virginia: “Campaign finance bill dies in the House” in the West Virginia Metro News.
Ethics
Alabama: “‘Clean’ ethics legislation passes in Senate” by Kala Kachmar in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Virginia: “House passes ethics bill with ‘turkey dinner amendment’” by Markus Schmidt in the Times Dispatch.
Campaigns, Conventions, and Elections
“And the finalists for the GOP convention are ….” by Rebecca Shabad in The Hill.
“Practitioner’s Toolbox: One Political Startup’s Efforts To Engage Potential Supporters Online” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
Arkansas: “Ark. House committee approves lt. gov. bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
From the State Legislatures
Tennessee: “Bill would give Tennessee Legislature power over attorney general” by Todd South in the Times Free Press.
West Virginia: “Lawmakers push dozens of bills before deadline” by Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
January 23, 2014 •
Georgia Governor Signs Election Bill
Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law a bill moving the state primary to May 20, 2014. House Bill 310 was passed to comply with a federal court order requiring at least 45 days between primary and general elections and […]
Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law a bill moving the state primary to May 20, 2014. House Bill 310 was passed to comply with a federal court order requiring at least 45 days between primary and general elections and subsequent runoffs to give overseas military personnel time to cast absentee ballots for federal candidates.
Primary runoffs will be held on July 22, while the general election remains on November 4.
The new law, effective upon signature, also restores the requirement to file a March 31 campaign finance report, previously removed by House Bill 143.
January 2, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying Follows Political Activity Into Dark Money” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine. “K Street Review: Some Trends In the World of Lobbying For 2013” by Tess Venden Dolder in Streetwise’s InTheCapital. “Influential Boeing lobbyist Coffey dies […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying Follows Political Activity Into Dark Money” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
“K Street Review: Some Trends In the World of Lobbying For 2013” by Tess Venden Dolder in Streetwise’s InTheCapital.
“Influential Boeing lobbyist Coffey dies at 86” by The Associated Press in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Campaign Finance
California: “Former California lawmaker pays state fine, closes committee” in The Sacramento Bee.
Delaware: “Investigation into campaign finance abuse in Delaware may not lead to new laws” by Sean Carlson in WDDE News.
Maine: “Cutler says he wonʹt take PAC money for 2014 race, will run ʹunboughtʹ” by Christopher Cousins in the Bangor Daily News.
Massachusetts: “Coakley moves to fix lingering campaign finance problems” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe.
Michigan: “Critics knock Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for reversal on ʹissue adʹ donor transparency” by Jonathan Oosting in Michigan Live.
Missouri: “Well known political contributor makes large year-end donation” by The Associated Press in KRCG News.
New York: “NYC commissioner of investigation to head Campaign Finance Board” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
North Carolina: “New N.C. campaign finance laws raise limits, soften disclosure” in the News & Record.
Wisconsin: “Campaign finance bill stalls in Senate” by Bob Hague in the Wisconsin Radio Network.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Arkansas Ethics Commission proposes fines, letters of warning and caution to ex-lawmaker” by The Associated Press in The Tribune.
“Arkansas governor asks lieutenant governor to quit over ethics case” by Chuck Bartels (Associated Press) in the Deseret News.
“Lieutenant governor refuses call to resign over ethics flap” in The Columbus Dispatch.
Georgia: “Georgia ethics commission corrects mistake” by Mark Rice in the Ledger-Enquirer.
South Carolina: “State, legislative ethics panels owed money; House committee may pursue fines in court” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Republic.
West Virginia: “Beckley mayor leaving office after ethics probe” by Jennifer Smith in the West Virginia Metro News.
In the Legislatures
“The Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch in 2014” by Chris Kardish, J.B. Wogan, Mike Maciag, Liz Farmer, and Ryan Holeywell in Governing.
“12 State Legislators to Watch in 2014” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.
Elections
“GOP Crafts New Rules To Shorten 2016 Primary Season” by S.V. Dáte on NPR.
Alaska: “Handful of new Alaska laws take effect in new year” by Becky Bohrer in the Anchorage Daily News.
Massachusetts: “Dates set for 2 Mass. House elections” by The Associated Press in The Boston Herald.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Congress wishes Twitter a happy New Year” by Tal Kopan in Politico.
“The Top 5 Government Tech Stories of 2013” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
“Coming in 2014: Facebook Across Government” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
December 19, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Top 10 lobbying victories of 2013” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Rhoden: Let’s ban lawmaker lobbying” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader. Massachusetts: “Feds indict ex-CFO of firm tied to disgraced lobbyist” by Eric Convey in the […]
Lobbying
“Top 10 lobbying victories of 2013” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Rhoden: Let’s ban lawmaker lobbying” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Massachusetts: “Feds indict ex-CFO of firm tied to disgraced lobbyist” by Eric Convey in the Boston Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Committee looks for way to put teeth in Alabama campaign finance law” by Kim Chandler in The Birmingham News.
Alabama: “New fines for campaign finance violations can’t be enforced by secretary of state” by Kim Chandler in The Birmingham News.
Arkansas: “Ex-legislator admits filing inaccurate campaign finance reports” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.
Arkansas: “Ethics Commission hears report on possible mishandling of funds by Darr” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.
Illinois: “Campaign accounts fund luxuries for some lawmakers” by Kim Geiger in the Chicago Tribune.
New Mexico: “New Mexico campaign spending limits overturned” by Susan Montoya Bryan (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.
Wisconsin: “Campaign finance bill eases restrictions on Wisconsin lobbyists and wealthy contributors” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.
Ethics
Georgia: “Ethics agency could debate ceding control to outside group” by Greg Bluestein and Shannon McCaffrey in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Elections
California: “State Legislature To Consider Doing Away With Special Elections” by Claire Trageser in KPBS.
State Legislative Issues
Iowa: “Lawmakers gearing up for 2014 work” by Rod Boshart in the Quad-City Times.
Redistricting
Florida: “Legislators destroyed documents during redistricting” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Best of the Web & Digital Government Achievement Awards 2013 – Winners Announced” by Janet Grenslitt in Government Technology.
November 6, 2013 •
Sorting Out the Election Results
Here are articles from major news sources analyzing the election outcomes: “5 things we learned from Election Night 2013” by Peter Hamby, Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Killough, and Dan Merica in CNN Politics. “Election Day 2013: What happened, and what it […]
Here are articles from major news sources analyzing the election outcomes:
“5 things we learned from Election Night 2013” by Peter Hamby, Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Killough, and Dan Merica in CNN Politics.
“Election Day 2013: What happened, and what it all means” by Alia E. Dastagir in USA Today.
“2013 Election: State and Local Race Results” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.
“Now the Midterm Campaign Begins — With Both Sides on Offense” by David Hawkings in Roll Call.
“Markos Moulitsas: House in play in 2014” by Markos Moulitsas in The Hill.
Connecticut: “How Much Do State Politics Matter In Local Elections?” by Christine Stuart in CTNewsJunkie.com.
New Jersey: “Democrats retain control of New Jersey legislature” by Michael Linhorst (Associated Press) in The Record.
New Jersey: “Chris Christie Coasts to 2nd Term as Governor of New Jersey” by Kate Zernike and Jonathan Martin in The New York Times.
New York: “Democrat Bill de Blasio elected mayor of New York” by Jonathan Lemire (Associated Press) in the Times Union.
Ohio: “Lawmakers looking at tougher ballot-access thresholds for minor political parties” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Virginia: “Terry McAuliffe, Democrat, Is Elected Governor of Virginia in Tight Race” by Trip Gabriel in The New York Times.
November 5, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee. Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte […]
Lobbying
“Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
California: “Assemblyman Alejo to return $21,092 in excess campaign contributions” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Ethics
“Hacking Attempts on Federal Election Commisison Website” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
California: “Ex-Senate leader Dean Florez faces fines for misusing campaign funds” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Florida: “Suspend ethics commission, state audit committee tells Palm Beach County” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.
Massachusetts: “Massachusetts: State Ethics Commission conflict plan could have ‘huge effect on towns’” by Andy Metzger in The Republican.
Elections
“Roll Call’s 10 Most Vulnerable House Members Revealed” by Shira T. Center and Emily Cahn and Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
Alabama: “Alabama Special Election Is Proxy Battle for National GOP” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Mississippi: “3 special elections for House seats Tuesday” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.
South Carolina: “Dozens of cities are holding elections in SC” by The Associated Press in GoUpstate.com.
Redistricting
Alaska: “Redistricting board withdraws request for delay” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
November 4, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post. “Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian […]
Lobbying
“Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
“Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Florida: “As lawmakers consider audits, documents show how lawmakers-turned-lobbyists help tip the scales for large lobbying firms” by Matt Dixon in The Florida Time-Union.
Texas: “Candidates to lead Texas accept meals, gifts, more from lobbyists” by Christy Hoppe in The Dallas Morning News.
Campaign Finance
California: “Disgorgement Fight Could Shape Dark Money’s Future in CA” by Ben Adler in Capital Public Radio.
California: “California probe of campaign donations sheds light on ‘dark money’” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.
Washington: “Washington elections draw big out-of-state donations” by Brian M. Rosenthal in The Spokesman-Review.
Ethics
California: “Gifts and elected officials” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.
New York: “JCOPE leader ballot splits commission 9-5” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.
South Carolina: “State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions” by Jeff Wilkinson in The State.
Elections
“Federal Election Commission Lists 2014 Election Dates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Iowa: “Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races” by John Eligon in The New York Times.
New York: “N.Y. to run voter hotline on Election Day” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.
October 17, 2013 •
Two Kentucky Special Elections for December 10
House District 7 and Senate District 13
Governor Steve Beshear has called two special elections for December 10, 2013. The elections will be in the 7th House District and the 13th Senate District.
The 7th District vacancy occurred after Rep. John Arnold resigned his seat in September following sexual harassment allegations from three Legislative Research Commission employees. The Legislative Ethics Commission recently determined there was probable cause Rep. Arnold violated the code of ethics and will hold a full hearing on the sexual harassment complaints on December 12.
The 13th Senate District vacancy occurred following Sen. Kathy Stein’s circuit judge appointment.
October 2, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Shutdown can’t stop lobbyists from their appointed rounds” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“What’s a Hill Résumé Worth on K Street? Maybe Not $500K” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Nevada: “Former Nev. lobbyist sentenced to 2 years in prison” by Martha Bellisle in USA Today.
Campaign Finance
“Wealthy Donors’ Influence May Rise After Next Supreme Court Campaign Finance Case” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
“Donation limits help keep politics honest” opinion piece by Meredith McGehee on CNN News.
Mississippi: “Judge blocks part of Miss. campaign finance law, calls it unconstitutional” by Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) in the Clarion Ledger.
Ethics
“Ethical limits on federal employees would continue in shutdown” by Eric Yoder in The Washington Post.
“As shutdown commences, federal open government databases go dark or dormant” by Stephen Stirling in The Star-Ledger.
“Government shutdown shrinks FEC to just four employees” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Elections
“Election Laws Challenged in Only State to Act Since Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act” by Wendy Underhill in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Alabama: “Special election scheduled to fill Rep. Barry Mask’s legislative seat” by The Associated Press on Al.com.
Nevada: “More Nevadans register nonpartisan in September than other two parties combined” by The Associated Press in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Government Shutdown
“GOV Unplugged: Your Guide to What’s Shut Down During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Feds Warm Up To LinkedIn” by Mark Amtower in Information Week.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Oregon Legislature: Vote count still tight in special session” by Hannah Hoffman and Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
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.
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