August 26, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Former Rep. Jo Bonner Doubles Salary Outside Washington” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Prepaid card industry searching for first lobbyist” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Connecticut: “Connecticut Ethics office to audit 10 random lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Norwich Bulletin.
Connecticut: “Lobbying tab for 2012: $51.7 million” by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas in the Connecticut Mirror.
New York: “Private lobbying groups for cities, counties get public pensions in at least 20 states” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Will High Court Widen Flood of Money in Politics?” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.
“20-somethings jump into super PACs” by Andrea Drusch in Politico.
Alaska: “Campaign finance training in Fairbanks” in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Ethics
“FEC Commissioners Battle To Partisan Inaction” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Ohio: “Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Ethics Commission linked by political contributions, records show” by Henry J. Gomez in The Plain Dealer.
Oklahoma: “Panel in charge of clean elections invites comment on ethics laws” in the Enid News and Eagle.
Wyoming: “Group urges Wyoming to toughen anti-corruption laws” by Joan Barron in the Casper Star-Tribune.
Elections
“Fall Filled With Special Elections for House, Senate” by Abby Livingston and Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Redistricting
“Governor quickly signs redistricting bill into law” by Roger Alford (Associated Press) in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
August 15, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Campaign finance
“Uneven Political Contributions by Publicly Traded Companies” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Complaint Filed Over Campaign Directing $1M Donation to Super PAC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Campaign finance watchdogs file complaint against Santorum” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.
From the State Legislatures
From NCSL: “Former President Jimmy Carter Captivates State Legislators” in NCSL’s The Thicket.
“State legislators promise voting rights push” by Bill Barrow (Associated Press) in the Athens Banner-Herald.
Florida: “Fla. legislators vote down special session” by The Associated Press in the Miami Herald.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Twitter Can’t Yet Predict Elections” by Stuart Rothenberg in Roll Call.
and for the contrary view…
“A New Study Says Twitter Can Predict US Elections” by Robinson Meyer in The Atlantic.
Redistricting
Florida: “Former legislative leaders Pruitt, McKay and Thompson weigh into redistricting fight” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
August 14, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lobby shop hires former Obama campaign staffer” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Massachusetts: “Fmr Sen. Brian Lees to join lobbying firm of former rival” by Andy Metzger on WWLP News.
Campaign Finance
“EMILY’S List Raises Almost $10 Million For Women Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Missouri: “Significant campaign donor challenges proposed Mo. ballot measure seeking to cap contributions” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Virginia: “Pro-Cuccinelli PAC gets $500,000 donation from New York hedge fund executive” by Ben Pershing in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Illinois: “Jesse Jackson Jr. to be sentenced in D.C.” by The Associated Press on ABC7 News.
New York: “Ethics panel survey launched” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo real estate donors among Moreland subpoena targets” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Texas: “Biggest Ethics Reforms Died on Governor’s Desk” by Ross Ramsey and Todd Wiseman in the Texas Tribune.
Utah: “House looks to hire investigators for Swallow probe” by Robert Gehrke in The Salt Lake Tribune.
Virginia: “Governor has returned ‘tangible’ gifts, legal team says” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Elections
“E-Voting: It May Be a While” by Ed Smith in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Procurement
“Small Businesses Scrambling More for Federal Contracts” by Charles S. Clark in Government Executive.
Redistricting
Alabama: “Testimony concludes in lawsuit challenging legislative districts” by The Associated Press in The Birmingham News.
Alaska: “State Dem party sues over redistricting map” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
From the State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Dayton: No limits, no special session” by Baird Helgeson in the Star Tribune.
April 17, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“McCain roasts lobbyist at awards dinner” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“OFA files lobbying registration in New York” by Reid J. Epstein in Politico.
Florida: “House advances ethics bill to ban ‘revolving door’ lobbying” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
North Carolina: “Bill would allow legislators to receive gifts from lobbyists” by Claire Bennett in The Daily Tar Heel.
Ottawa, Ontario: “City lobbying registry due for upgrade, weeks behind schedule” by David Reevely in the Ottawa Citizen.
Wisconsin: “Lobby outlays drop in 2011-12” by Bill Lueders in WisconsinWatch.org.
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “Bill boosts public campaign funds” by Sarah Zoellick in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Massachusetts: “DeLeo, Murray break Mass. campaign spending tally” by The Associated Press in the Boston Globe.
Ethics
“Congressional Travel Costs Questioned” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political Moneyline.
New York: Prosecutors: “Liu Aides Didn’t Count On Getting Caught In Campaign Finance Scheme” by The Associated Press in CBS New York.
South Carolina: “SC House panel revives ethics reform effort” by Adam Beam in The State.
Election Law
New York: “Tougher state elections rules” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo Adds Election Law Office to Anticorruption Proposals” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
From the State Legislatures
Nevada: “Senate OKs resolution seeking annual legislative sessions” by Sean Whaley in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Bill would make N.C. redistricting nonpartisan” by Travis Fain in the News & Record.
April 15, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Former Rep. Connie Mack joins lobby firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Washington: “66 Wash. lobbyists get warning letters for lack of transparency” by Austin Jenkins on KPLU.org.
Campaign Finance
“Proposal could drag political funding into the light” by Michael Kirkland in the United Press International.
“Influence of big-money ‘SuperPACs’ not so clear” by Aaron Delatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
“Members of Congress Fill War Chests for Next Campaign” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
California: “Universities Join Effort to Overturn Citizens United Decision” by Anjuli Sastry on ABC News.
Florida: “Lawmakers raking in contributions even as they debate campaign law changes” by Jim Saunders in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Maryland: “Massive Campaign Finance Revamping Awaits Gov. O’Malley’s Pen” by The Associated Press on WNEW.
Missouri: “Ethics rules changes considered for KC leaders, employees” by Mike Hendricks in the Kansas City Star.
Missouri: “Time running short for Mo. campaign finance issues” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
New York: “Public financing of campaigns could be a key issue in Albany” by Tom Wrobleski in the Staten Island Advance.
New York: “Senator Carlucci Unveils New Campaign Finance Reform Proposal” by Michael Riconda in the Rockland County Times.
Texas: “$27 Million Republican Political Donor Dies” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Vermont: “Vt. Senate passes campaign finance law” by The Associated Press in the Boston Globe.
Ethics
Connecticut: “Donovan Campaign Manager Pleads Guilty” by Dave Altimari in the Hartford Courant.
Pennsylvania: “Latest Pa. scandal has some eyeing pay-to-play law” by Marc Levy in the Beaver County Times.
Texas: “Ethics commission up for review at Legislature” by Chris Tomlinson (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.
Texas: “Exotic Trips, Luxury Gifts Are Perks of Elective Office” by Emily Ramshaw in the Texas Tribune.
Texas: “A Slim Chance for Lawmakers to Self-Regulate” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.
From the State Legislatures
Nevada: “It’s roundup time for Nevada legislators, bills” by Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Ohio: “Former Rep. Charlie Wilson of Ohio dies at 70 after suffering stroke” by Jonathan Easley in The Hill.
Elections
“Alaska Legislature passes elections bill” by Joshua Berlinger (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.
Social Media and Government Technology
“Top Phoenix lobbyists sound off on the impact of social media” by Dale Brown in the Phoenix Business Journal.
“TechPresident Podcast: ‘Open Government’” by Nick Judd on TechPresident.
April 15, 2013 •
Mississippi Governor Reschedules Special Election
Changed to avoid voter confusion
The special election for House District 95 has been rescheduled from May 14, 2013 to May 28, 2013.
A runoff election will be held June 18, 2013, if needed.
The election date was changed because the original runoff date coincided with municipal elections, and election officials were concerned it could lead to voter confusion.
April 10, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Campaign Finance
“DOJ, IRS tight-lipped on campaign finance probes” by Tarini Parti and Byron Tau in Politico.
Arizona: “Ariz. proposal would flood money into politics” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Daily Sun.
Ethics
Arkansas: “House approves proposed amendment on ethics, term limits, salaries” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News Bureau.
New York: “Cuomo Offers Plan to Fight Corruption After Arrests” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
New York: “Albany Riveted by Double Life of an Assemblyman and Informer” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
Virginia: “New documents raise more questions about financing of McDonnell’s daughter’s wedding” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.
Virginia: “McEachin calls for closing Virginia gift loophole” by Laura Vozella in The Washington Post.
Elections
Illinois: “Ex-Ill. lawmaker elected to succeed Jackson Jr.” by The Associated Press in the Quad City Times.
From the State Legislatures
Missouri: “Term limit change suggested for Missouri lawmakers” by Virginia Young in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Washington: “The next question: Special session?” by Lucas Wiseman in The Columbian.
April 9, 2013 •
Chicago Voters to Choose Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Replacement
Former Chicago Bear also running for Romeoville mayor
Voters in the Chicago area are heading to the polls this morning to choose a new representative to the United States Congress, as well as other local offices. Voters on the south side of the city must pick a successor to former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. Jackson resigned from Congress earlier this year for personal reasons and has since pleaded guilty to illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses.
The Democratic nominee, Robin Kelly, is the favorite in the heavily Democratic district. Kelly is a former state lawmaker who hails from Matteson, a village in the south suburbs.
Her opponent is the Republican nominee, Paul McKinley. McKinley, who served almost 20 years in prison for armed robbery, burglary, and aggravated battery, is running on a promise to stop the Chicago political machine and put ex-offenders back to work to help turn their lives around.
In another high profile race, former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael will take on incumbent John Noak for Romeoville mayor. Romeoville is about 30 miles southwest of Chicago and has a population of almost 40,000.
Towns throughout the area will also be deciding whether to allow video poker machines and whether to approve multiple bond requests. Polls close at 7 p.m. local time and the weather looks promising for a good turnout.
March 20, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
Georgia: “Ga. Senate expected to unveil lobbying rules” by The Associated Press in WSAV TV.
Indiana: “Purdue moving to trim its federal lobbying costs” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Ethics
Arizona: “Campaign-finance case against Horne recommended for dismissal” by Lindsey Collom and Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic.
Georgia: “Ethics reform at critical juncture” Chris Joyner and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
New Jersey: “N.J. Politics Roundup: House committee investigates Andrews over spending” by Brent Johnson in the Star-Ledger.
Rhode Island: “R.I. ethics panel mulls statute of limitations on complaint filings” by Karen Lee Ziner in the Providence Journal.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio House panel OKs elections bill” by Michelle Everhart in the Columbus Dispatch.
Procurement
Iowa: “Iowa businesses would get preference on state contracts under bill approved by Iowa Senate” by William Petroski in the Des Moines Register.
From the State Legislatures
“State Legislative Leaders Gather in Washington” by Jon Kuhl in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Term Limits
Texas: “Senate votes to let voters decide on term limits for statewide officeholders” by Mike Ward in the Austin American-Statesman.
February 19, 2013 •
May Elections May Move in El Paso
Voters to Decide
This May El Paso, Texas voters will decide whether to move city elections to November or let them remain in the spring.
The City Council voted on February 14, 2013, to allow the voters to amend the city’s charter and choose the timing of future municipal elections. The council did not make any recommendation as to its preference.
If approved, the first November election would be held in 2018, according to the El Paso Times.
January 28, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“D.C. Circuit Upholds Conviction of Former Abramoff Lobbying Associate” by Tom Ruger in the Blog of the Legal Times.
Arizona: “Inquiry of Fiesta Bowl lobbyist drags on” by Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic.
Georgia: “Lobbyist gifts decline amid citizen outcry” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Hawaii: “Hawaii legislators push reforming ethics rules for lobbyists and public officials” by Anita Hofschneider (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Kentucky: “Some notes on 2012 lobbying spending” by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal.
New Mexico: “Lobbyists haven’t reported all event expenses” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
North Carolina: “N.C. budget chairs change seats, start lobbying careers” by Rob Christensen in the Charlotte Observer.
Washington: “Spin Control: Lobbying season kicks off in Olympia” by Jim Camden in the Spokesman Review.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Campaign finance violations targeted” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez in the Arizona Republic.
Montana: “Montana bill seeks cash to fight ‘dark money‘” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in the Great Falls Tribune.
Ethics
South Dakota: “Sunshine laws draw support, resistance” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Government Tech and Social Media
“6 Ways to Optimize Gov-to-Citizen Communication” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.
Legislative Issues
Arizona: “Arizona’s new Legislature not demographically representative of population” by Mary Jo Pitzl in the Arizona Republic.
December 28, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Let’s finish out the week – and the year – with the latest articles on government ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, and more:
Ethics
“House Ethics Ends Countrywide Loan Probe” by Amanda Becker in Roll Call.
“House Ethics closes Countrywide probe without taking action” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.
“House Ethics Amends Private Travel Rules” by Amanda Becker in Roll Call.
Louisiana: “Louisiana Board of Ethics to challenge Baton Rouge Mayor in appeals court” by Quincy Hodges in the New Orleans Times Picayune.
Campaign Finance
“Our states vouch for transparent campaign financing” opinion piece by U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Lisa Murkowski in the Washington Post.
“Lisa Murkowski crosses aisle to reign in Super PACs” by Jill Burke in the Alaska Dispatch.
South Carolina: “South Carolina campaign funding will face scrutiny” by Stephen Largen in the Post and Courier.
Lobbying
“Former lobbyist, state legislator John Quimby dies at 77” by Torey Van Oot in the Sacramento Bee.
Maryland: “Gambling companies doubled down on lobbying Md. lawmakers over past year” by John Wagner in the Washington Post.
Elections
“Ed Markey to run for Kerry’s Senate seat” by Rachel Weiner in the Washington Post.
“Should Kansas switch dates for elections?” by The Associated Press in the Kansas City Star.
Legislative Issues
Michigan: “Michigan lawmakers get perks beyond salaries” by Kristen M. Daum in Lansing State Journal.
November 6, 2012 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Don’t miss the articles you need to keep up with the latest news about lobbying, campaign finance, and elections:
Campaign Finance
“Outside Spending Defines Elections” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
California: “California’s 11th-hour, $11 million campaign finance uproar” by Alexander Burns in Politico.
California: “California watchdog only half-way to bottom of Arizona donation” by Peter Henderson (Reuters) in the Chicago Tribune.
Maine: “Ethics Commission Rules a Republican Candidate Violated State Election Law” by The Associated Press in WABI News.
Lobbying
“2 firms unite in Capitol lobbying” by Mary Jo Pitzl in the Arizona Republic.
Ethics
“Campaigns use secretive ethics process as weapon against opponents” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
Campaigns and Elections
“One Final Preview of the Election” by Meagan Dorsch in NCSL’s The Thicket.
“5 Unforgettable Social Media Election Moments” by Juliet Barbara in Forbes.
“How to cut through social media noise on Election Night” by Jenna Sakwa on CBS News.
November 5, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Start-ups aim for a more democratic lobbying system” by Jeffrey MacMillan in the Washington Post.
“More banks raise efforts on lobbying” by Carter Dougherty (Bloomberg) in NorthJersey.com.
Campaign Finance
“Former lawmakers sit on piles of cash” by Molly K. Hooper in The Hill.
Arizona: “Updated: Arizona group ordered to turn over campaign donation records” by The Associated Press in the East Valley Tribune.
Arkansas: “State senator’s campaign money went to girlfriend, records show” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.
California: “Fight over campaign donation audit goes to California top court” by Tim Gaynor in Reuters.
Michigan: “Campaign spending in Michigan hits $175M” by Chad Livengood in the Detroit News.
Nevada: “Dollars in the Desert: Nevada State Senate Contest Rakes in Big Money” by Ben Wieder in Stateline.
Oklahoma: “Super PACs altering Oklahoma’s political landscape” by Randy Krehbiel and Curtis Killman in the Tulsa World.
Washington: “Big names and big money define Washington state election” by The Associated Press in The Oregonian.
Ethics
“2 top Texas judges on ballot fighting ethics fines” by Jim Vertuno in the Austin American-Statesman.
Campaigns and Elections
“New Jersey to allow voting by e-mail and fax” by Ginger Gibson in Politico.
“In Legislative Elections, Majorities and Supermajorities at Stake” by Josh Goodman in Stateline.
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