Campaign Finance

National: “Donations to Nunes Improperly Used to Charter a Private Jet, Says Complaint to FEC” by Kate Irby for McClatchy DC

California: “Ref Rodriguez Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Resigns from L.A. School Board” by Howard Blume and Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times

Colorado: “Colorado Campaign Finance Loophole Allows Dark Money Flyers” by Sandra Fish for Colorado Independent

New York: “Who Needs Small Donors When You Have Friends? Ask Gov. Cuomo.” by Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for WRAL

Elections

Hawaii: “Candidates Say ‘Pay To Play’ Is Unfair For Newspaper Voter’s Guide” by Andrew Perala for Honolulu Civil Beat

Ethics

National: “Russian Billionaire with U.S. Investments Backed Alleged Agent Maria Butina, According to a Person Familiar with Her Senate Testimony” by Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Georgia Leaders Condemn Jason Spencer, Lawmaker Who Used Slurs on Sacha Baron Cohen Show” by Sopan Deb (New York Times) for MSN

Indiana: “Secret Donations to Fuel Hill’s Defense Against Groping Allegations” by Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin for Indianapolis Star Tribune

North Dakota: “Anti-Corruption Measure Headed for North Dakota Ballot” by John Hageman for West Fargo Pioneer

West Virginia: “Ethics Complaints Closed Against W.Va. Supreme Court Justices” by Wendy Holdren for Beckley Register-Herald

After gathering 38,451 signatures, an anti-corruption measure will appear on the November 6 ballot in North Dakota.

If the measure is approved by voters, the ethics commission will be responsible for adopting rules related to elections, lobbying, and for reporting and investigating alleged violations of those rules and related state laws.

Additionally, the measure prohibits gifts from lobbyists, prohibits the delivery of campaign contributions by lobbyists, and creates a revolving door provision banning public officials from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office.

This is the first ballot measure to receive enough signatures to appear in front of voters this November.

Alice Germond was appointed chairwoman of the California Fair Political Practices Commission last month.

Germond and the commissioners are working to boost voter trust in the commission “so that they have faith when they go to the election booth that their vote is not bought and that the playing field is level and that the basic part of democracy is working for them.”

Germond will be the chair until January, when the newly-elected governor will have the option to appoint a new chairperson.

Campaign Finance

National: “Tabloid Company, Aiding Trump Campaign, May Have Crossed Line into Politics” by Jim Rutenberg and Ben Protess (New York Times) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “She’s Mexican-Born and a New U.S. Citizen. But Can She Run for the Georgia House?” by Richard Fausett (New York Times) for WRAL

Ethics

California: “New Head of California Political Watchdog Agency Says It Is Moving on After Period of Tumult” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

Florida: “Secret Tapes Reveal Undercover FBI Agents Trying to Take Down Hallandale Mayor” by Susannah Bryan for South Florida Sun Sentinel

Maryland: “Howard County Studies Loosening Some Ethics Law Reporting Rules” by Kate Magill for Baltimore Sun

Lobbying

National: “Busy Trump, Congress Keep K Street Booming” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Ohio: “Cincinnati Firm Lobbies for Taxpayers – and Companies That Want Their Money” by Dan Horn for Cincinnati Enquirer

Pennsylvania: “PPA Lobbyist Paid $3,000 a Month. For What?” by William Bender for Philadelphia Inquirer

Gov. Bill Walker signed significant legislative ethics reforms into law on July 19.

House Bill 44 prohibits lobbyists from buying meals or alcoholic drinks for legislators, requires legislators to receive prior approval for travel abroad that is paid for by the state, and mandates legislators to disclose conflicts of interest on which they are voting when there is something financial at stake for themselves or immediate family members.

The legislative ethics reform ballot initiative has been taken off the fall ballot because the bill and initiative have been deemed substantially similar.

The bill went into effect immediately.

Campaign Finance

National: How Members of Congress Cultivate Wealthy Donors Through a Little-Known PAC by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post

Arizona: APS Spends Big to Keep Clean-Energy Measure Off Ballot – but What Was Paid for Isn’t Clear by Rachel Leingang for Arizona Republic

Elections

National: New Tactic by Politicians: Set up fake news websites as a campaign gambit by Tim Johnson for McClatchy DC

National: ‘A Difficult Situation’: Republican women run in the Trump era by Rachel Bade for Politico

National: States Slow to Prepare for Hacking Threats by Eric Geller for Politico

Ethics

Alabama: ‘Beach House Sheriff’ Under Federal, State Investigation Over Jail Food Money by Connor Sheets for AL.com

Florida: South Miami’s Mayor Shut Down an Opponent at Meetings. Now he faces an investigation. by Aaron Liebowitz for Miami Herald

New York: New York Is Said to Open Tax Inquiry into Trump Foundation by Vivian Wang (New York Times) for WRAL

Check it out! Elizabeth Bartz is introducing NYCU Video Digest! Get this weeks news including lobbying reforms, state medicaid expansion, and campaign finance reforms in less than 2 & 1/2 minutes!

Federal:

Alleged Russian Agent Ordered to Remain in Custody After Prosecutors Argue She Has Ties to Intel Agency
MSN – Tom Jackman and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 7/18/2018

A Russian national arrested on charges of acting as an illegal foreign agent was in contact with Russian intelligence services, federal prosecutors argued, offering details about what they say was a wide-ranging influence campaign in the U.S. The court filings add to the portrait of Maria Butina, who the Justice Department says worked covertly to establish back-channel lines of communication to the Kremlin and infiltrate American political organizations, including the National Rifle Association, and gather intelligence for a senior Russian official. Prosecutors also alleged she had a personal relationship with an American political operative and offered sex to another person in exchange for a position with a special interest organization.

From the Start, Trump Has Muddied a Clear Message: Putin interfered
MSN – David Sanger and Matthew Rosenberg (New York Times) | Published: 7/18/2018

Before his inauguration, Donald Trump was shown highly classified intelligence indicating Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally ordered cyberattacks to sway the 2016 American election. The evidence included texts and emails from Russian military officers and information gleaned from a top-secret source close to Putin, who had described to the CIA how the Kremlin decided to execute its campaign of hacking and disinformation. Trump sounded grudgingly convinced, according to several people who attended the briefing. But ever since, Trump has tried to cloud the clear findings he received on January 6, 2017, which his own intelligence leaders have unanimously endorsed.

IRS Will No Longer Require Certain Nonprofits to Disclose Large Donors
WRAL – Patricia Cohen, Kenneth Vogel, and Jim Tankersley (New York Times) | Published: 7/17/2018

The U.S. Treasury Department will no longer force some tax-exempt organizations to identify their donors. The new rule will affect labor unions, social clubs, trade organizations, and politically active advocacy groups. The names of donors to these nonprofit groups have not been publicly available, but the organizations were required to disclose the information to the IRS. These groups generally do not operate as charities, however, and their donors do not receive tax deductions in exchange for their contributions. As a result, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the IRS does not need their donor information to police tax laws.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona: Arizona Rep. Paul Mosley Accused of Inappropriate Comments Involving Women, Religion
Arizona Republic – Rachel Leingang and Yvonne Winget Sanchez | Published: 7/16/2018

Arizona Rep. Paul Mosley made inappropriate comments about marital status, working mothers, and religion to several people at the Capitol while they were working, lawmakers and lobbyists said. Mosley, who has come under fire after reports of excessive speeding, has asked whether people are married, why they do not have children, and why working mothers are not, instead, home with their children. The recollections of encounters with Mosley come as the statehouse continues to grapple with a culture that some have deemed sexist and demeaning toward women. And some lawmakers have said they are uncomfortable with Mosley’s aggressive manner in pushing for legislation, some of which could personally benefit him.

Arizona: Mistrial Declared in Bribery Case Involving Arizona Corporation Commission
Arizona Republic – Michael Kiefer and Ryan Randazzo | Published: 7/17/2018

The influence-peddling trial of former Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce ended in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked on charges he accepted bribes from a water company owner in exchange for favorable regulatory decisions. A mistrial also was declared for Pierce’s wife, Sherry, water company owner George Johnson, and lobbyist Jim Norton. Prosecutors alleged Gary Pierce helped pass a rate increase and a beneficial tax policy for Johnson Utilities in exchange for $31,500 paid to his wife. The payments were made under the guise of consulting work and were funneled through the office of Norton’s wife. The indictment also alleged Johnson was going to fund the purchase of real estate worth $350,000 for Gary Pierce. Norton, who lobbied on Johnson’s behalf, was accused of facilitating the bribery scheme.

California: State Supreme Court Removes Measure to Split California into Three States from November Ballot
Los Angeles Times – Maura Dolan | Published: 7/18/2018

The California Supreme Court blocked a proposal to split California into three states from appearing as a ballot measure in November. The proposal, championed by venture capitalist Tim Draper, had gathered at least 600,000 signatures which was enough to earn a spot on the ballot. “We conclude that the potential harm in permitting the measure to remain on the ballot outweighs the potential harm in delaying the proposition to a future election,” the court wrote. The justices also agreed to rule eventually on the measure’s constitutionality, a ruling that is likely to go against the initiative.

Florida: ‘Look Right into My Soul,’ Michael Grieco Said. But He Was Lying, Ethics Board Alleges
Miami Herald – Nicholas Nehamas | Published: 7/18/2018

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust found probable cause to charge Michael Grieco with two counts of violating a county charter provision that prohibits municipal officials from “knowingly furnish[ing] false information on any public matter.” The commission also said Grieco broke a Miami Beach ordinance against soliciting city vendors for campaign funds. The ethics panel claims Grieco, a former Miami Beach commissioner, was lying to the public when he denied involvement in a campaign fundraising operation last year and asked Miami Herald reporters to “look right into [his] soul” for the truth, which is a violation of the charter’s “truth in government” provision.

Maryland: As Governor, Larry Hogan’s Real Estate Business Continues to Thrive – Prompting Questions
Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 7/12/2018

While Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan stepped aside from his firm, Hogan Companies, and turned his assets over to be managed by a trust when he took office, the governor has continued to profit. Hogan released tax returns that show he has made about $2.4 million in corporate earnings while governor. According to a review of financial disclosure forms, his corporate holdings include stakes in commercial real estate deals as well as residential and retail developments around Maryland. As Hogan seeks a second term, this arrangement has drawn criticism from Democrats, and renewed a debate about the lengths to which businesspeople-turned-politicians should wall themselves off from their private enterprises.

Massachusetts: Walsh Vetoes City Lobbying Rules, Calling Proposal ‘Inadequate’
Boston Globe – Milton Valencia | Published: 7/12/2018

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh vetoed an ordinance that would have amended the city’s lobbying law. The mayor said the reforms failed to properly define and regulate lobbying, as well as create a proper enforcement mechanism. He sent back his own versions of both the local ordinance, with revised enforcement provisions, and a home rule petition, with what he called clearer definitions of lobbying. In his veto, Walsh scrapped the council’s attempts to provide exemptions for lawyers representing residents on routine matters before a city board. The mayor called for having anyone who does any lobbying work to register, which has already caused pause among council members.

Montana: Report: Rosendale uses accounting to skirt contribution limits
Helena Independent Record – Holly Michels | Published: 7/12/2018

U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale used excess donations from wealthy Republican donors to pay himself back for personal loans from a previous congressional run, then he turned around and loaned that money right back to his Senate campaign, according to campaign records. That accounting shuffle has given Rosendale a way to fund his campaign against incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester with money given by donors above the individual campaign contribution limits. Campaign finance watchdogs said Thursday that what Rosendale is doing is unusual but legal, and effectively raises contribution limits from $5,400 to $8,000 for some donors.

New York: Architect of Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Project Is Convicted in Bid-Rigging Scheme
WRAL – Benjamin Weiser and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) | Published: 7/12/2018

A federal jury convicted key players on charges related to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “Buffalo Billion” economic redevelopment program. The trial put a spotlight on how lucrative contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars were awarded for redevelopment projects aimed at revitalizing upstate New York. Alain Kaloyeros, the former president of the State University of New York’s Polytechnic Institute, and his co-defendants were accused of working together to rig the open-bidding process for lucrative contracts to make sure they went to LPCiminelli and COR Development. The convictions were the latest in a string of guilty verdicts in federal corruption trials focused on state officials.

New York: Guilty, Again: Dean Skelos, former Senate leader, is convicted of corruption in retrial
WRAL – Vivian Wang (New York Times) | Published: 7/17/2018

Former New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his influence to get his son jobs and payments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Skelos and his son, Adam, were convicted on eight counts of corruption. Dean Skelos was accused of using his influence to steer hundreds of thousands of dollars to his son through payments and low-show jobs from AbTech Industries and another company. The elder Skelos later leaned on Nassau County officials to award AbTech a $12 million contract. Dean and Adam Skelos were convicted in 2015, but those verdicts were overturned after the U.S. Supreme Court limited the definition of public corruption. Prosecutors were allowed to retry the pair under the narrowed definition.

North Carolina: Top State Leaders Fined for Illegal Campaign Contributions from Drug Company
Raleigh News and Observer – Colin Campbell | Published: 7/13/2018

Thirty-seven candidates in North Carolina were fined for accepting illegal campaign contributions from Pfizer’s PAC. The donations totaled $53,500 and were dated during the legislative session, when PACs are prohibited from giving to state office holders or candidates seeking those offices. Most of the illegal Pfizer contributions occurred in June 2016 and October 2017, when the Legislature held a special session. Each campaign must forfeit the amount of the donation, and Pfizer must pay a $53,500 fine. House Speaker Tim Moore’s treasurer wrote in a letter to the state elections board that the campaign was unaware the Pfizer checks were dated during the session because they were received after it ended.

Virginia: New Virginia Business Aims to Be Kickstarter for Political Influence
The Virginian-Pilot – Katherine Hafner | Published: 7/12/2018

A startup aims to be a sort of Kickstarter for political influence. Crowdlobby, the brainchild of University of Richmond law school graduates, recently raised $35,000 and plans to launch within the next few months. Citizens will be able to log on and contribute to an issue they care about. It has to be a specific legislative fix, not an overarching topic like education reform. Once a minimum is reached – $50,000 at the state level, $200,000 in Washington, D.C. – Crowdlobby hires a lobbyist on the donors’ behalf. Heidi Drauschak got the idea after working at a prominent Richmond lobbying firm. “I was incredibly impressed with the tool that lobbying was … but because of the price tag, the average person never considers it as an option,” Drauschak said.

Wisconsin: Questions Raised About Payment Made by Lawyer to Randy Bryce’s Ex-Girlfriend
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Mary Spicuzza | Published: 7/16/2018

Congressional candidate Randy Bryce owed money to his ex-girlfriend for more than a decade. That debt, which totaled about $4,200 by late last year, has since been paid. What is unclear is exactly who paid it. Bryce’s former girlfriend said last November that she was surprised when she received the check for $4,245.73. But it turns out the check was not from Bryce – it came from the law firm Halling & Cayo. The donation limit for congressional candidates is $2,700 per election, and candidates are prohibited from using campaign funds for personal use. Corporations are prohibited from making contributions to federal candidates.

Campaign Finance

National: “The Biggest Spender of Political Ads on Facebook? President Trump” by Sheera Frenkel (New York Times) for CNBC

Idaho: “Lawmakers Work on Campaign Finance Reform Proposals, Want More Disclosure” by Betsy Russell for Idaho Press

North Carolina: “Report Ties NRA Money to Tillis Campaign Consultants Via Third Group” by Travis Fain for WRAL

Elections

California: “State Supreme Court Removes Measure to Split California into Three States from November Ballot” by Maura Dolan for Los Angeles Times

Ethics

National: “Commerce Secretary Ross to Sell All Stocks After Ethics Office Warning” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com

Arizona: “Mistrial Declared in Bribery Case Involving Arizona Corporation Commission” by Michael Kiefer and Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

Arizona: “Arizona Rep. Paul Mosley Accused of Inappropriate Comments Involving Women, Religion” by Rachel Leingang and Yvonne Winget Sanchez for Arizona Republic

California: “Supervisor Leticia Perez Criminally Charged in Connection with Conflict of Interest with the Marijuana Industry” by Jason Kotowski for Baskersfield Californian

Florida: “‘Look Right into My Soul,’ Michael Grieco Said. But He Was Lying, Ethics Board Alleges” by Nicholas Nehamas for Miami Herald

New York: “State Resources Went to Cuomo Campaign Effort, Records Show” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission to Put All State, Municipal Officials’ Financial Disclosures Online” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

National: “I.R.S. Will No Longer Force Kochs and Other Groups to Disclose Donors” by Jim Tankersley and Patricia Cohen (New York Times) for WRAL

Connecticut: “Connecticut Democrats Lose Their Gubernatorial Rainmaker” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror

Iowa: “Iowa Ethics Board Says Candidates Can’t Use Campaign Funds for Child Care” by Katarina Sostaric for Iowa Public Radio

North Carolina: “Top State Leaders Fined for Illegal Campaign Contributions from Drug Company” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News and Observer

Wisconsin: “Questions Raised About Payment Made by Lawyer to Randy Bryce’s Ex-Girlfriend” by Mary Spicuzza for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ethics

New York: “Ex-New York Senator and Son Convicted of Extortion, Bribery” by Tom Hayes for Associated Press

West Virginia: “Employee Lists Concerns About Justices” by Lacie Pierson for Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Lobbying

Canada: “Lobbying Commissioner Rejects Complaints Against Firearms Panel Member” by Jim Bronskill (Canadian Press) for Times Colonist

Virginia: “Watchdog Group Says McGuireWoods Utilized Weak Va. Law by Hiring Former Speaker” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Campaign Finance

Montana: “Report: Rosendale uses accounting to skirt contribution limits” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record

Elections

National: “4,500 Tech Workers, 1 Mission: Get Democrats elected” by Kevin Roose and Sheera Frenkel (New York Times) for CNBC

Ethics

National: “In Trump’s U.K. Visit, Some See ‘Infomercial’ for Money-Losing Golf Resort” by Katie Rogers for New York Times

National: “Maria Butina, Russian Gun Rights Advocate, Charged in U.S. with Acting as Russian Federation Agent” by Tom Jackman and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for MSN

Arizona: “Video: Arizona lawmaker caught speeding says he drives as fast as 140 mph, claims immunity” by Rachel Leingang and Kimberly Rapanut for Arizona Republic

Maryland: “As Governor, Larry Hogan’s Real Estate Business Continues to Thrive – Prompting Questions” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers Go Public with Their Finances in Effort to Boost State Integrity” by Kristian Hernandez for Center for Public Integrity

New York: “Ex-New York Pension Director Gets 21 Months for Pay-to-Play” by Chris Dolmetsch and Bob Van Voris for Bloomberg.com

Campaign Finance

National: “Investment Firm EnCap to Pay $500,000 to Settle Pay-to-Play Claims” by Liz Hampton for Reuters

National: “Exclusive: Secret money funds more than 40% of outside congressional ads” by Frereka Schouten for USA Today

Elections

National: “Mueller Indicts 12 Russians for DNC Hacking Days Before Trump-Putin Summit” by Darren Samuelsohn, Cory Bennet, and Josh Gerstein for Politico

Ethics

National: “The Quest to Get a Pardon in the Trump Era: ‘It’s who you know’” by Campbell Robertson (New York Times) for MSN

Alabama: “Ivey Takes Small Step on Sheriff Jail Food Funds but Can’t End the Practice on Her Own” by Connor Sheets for AL.com

New Jersey: “How Ex-Horizon Exec Kept Ties to Company” by Brent Johnson and Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star Ledger

New York: “Architect of Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Project Is Convicted in Bid-Rigging Scheme” by Benjamin Weiser and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) for WRAL

Lobbying

Massachusetts: “Walsh Vetoes City Lobbying Rules, Calling Proposal ‘Inadequate’” by Milton Valencia for Boston Globe

Missouri: “KC Council Members Slam Gift Ethics Plan as Jason Kander Drops Casual Campaign Video” by Bill Turque for Kansas City Star

Virginia: “New Virginia Business Aims to Be Kickstarter for Political Influence” by Katherine Hafner for The Virginian-Pilot

State and Federal Communications intern Kayliegh Crumb is bringing you the news this week in News You Can Use Video Digest!

Federal:

Atypical Lobbying Shop Targets Lawmakers from Poorest Districts
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 7/10/2018

A new lobbying shop, United By Interest, is so far a commercial flop, if judged solely by the number of clients it has attracted: zero. But the lobbyists behind the effort, all of whom have their own separate K Street businesses, have managed to move an infrastructure bill with support of lawmakers from the Freedom Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus. In a time when gridlock dominates Congress, these lobbyists say they are searching for a model that can produce greater flow between left and right, and legislation that will pass. In their research about what might motivate members of Congress from the extremes of both parties, they stumbled on a common theme: the poorest congressional districts. Their idea is to push together the fringes by aligning them on economic development projects back home.

Ex-Lawmakers See Tough Job Market with Trade Groups
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 7/11/2018

Retiring lawmakers could find it harder than ever to find a job at trade groups next year. Headhunters who specialize in finding candidates for high-level K Street jobs said industry groups are no longer clamoring for the cachet of hiring a former elected official. Instead, they say hiring trends have changed and high-powered groups are looking for people with management skills, policy knowledge, and industry smarts. Snagging a marquee name years ago may have been the ideal choice for some groups, but headhunters say political gridlock in Washington and the expanded work of trade associations has ushered in the need for candidates with a larger skill set.

Giuliani Works for Foreign Clients While Serving as Trump’s Attorney
Chicago Tribune – Josh Dawsey, Tom Hamburger, and Ashley Parker (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2018

Rudy Giuliani is reportedly still working on behalf of foreign clients at his security firm Giuliani Partners after joining President Trump’s legal team, which raises conflict-of-interest concerns and could violate federal ethics laws. Lobbying experts said Giuliani’s work at the firm more than likely requires registration under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. His decision to continue representing foreign entities also departs from standard practice for presidential attorneys, who in the past have generally sought to sever any ties that could create conflicts with their client in the White House. Giuliani told the Post that he never discusses his clients with the president and has turned away potential clients, including a Russian business.

Showdown on a Trump Subpoena Could Overshadow Brett Kavanaugh’s Confirmation
WRAL – Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 7/10/2018

President Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, has expressed strong support for executive power and gun rights, and hostility to administrative agencies. Those are conventional positions among conservative lawyers and judges. But there is one stance that sets Kavanaugh apart, and it could not be timelier: his deep skepticism of the wisdom of forcing a sitting president to answer questions in criminal cases. Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Trump and his associates, raised the prospect of subpoenaing the president during a meeting with one of his lawyers. If Mueller goes down that road, the dispute could quickly reach the Supreme Court. And if Kavanaugh is on the court by then, it could thrust him into the middle of an issue he has been wrestling with for most of his professional life.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado: Denver Council Approves Ethics Exemption After Debate Over City-Provided Air Travel, Freebies
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 7/9/2018

The Denver City Council adopted new rules that will allow council members and the mayor to continue receiving gifts from other city employees. The council approved an amendment that exempts city officials and departments from being considered “donors” of gifts under restrictions in the ethics code. It also requires city officials to file new semi-annual public reports listing items received from city government that are worth more than $50. Council members acted after the Board of Ethics issued an advisory opinion that questioned the providing of gifts by agencies or departments when they are seeking contract approvals or other favorable decisions.

Florida: Mayors Push to Strengthen Lobbying Laws in Broward
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Meryl Kornfield | Published: 7/9/2018

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Coconut Creek Mayor Josh Rydell want to strengthen their cities’ lobbying rules, saying Broward County’s ethics laws do not go far enough. By changing the laws in 2016, the county left it up to cities to craft penalties for any lobbyist who fails to submit logs of their exchanges with elected officials. Under the county’s ethics laws, it used to be up to the government officials to log their calls, meetings, and emails. But after April 2016, the responsibility of documenting those meetings shifted to lobbyists. County officials say no lobbyists have been investigated for failing to log meetings.

Indiana: Attorney General Curtis Hill Under Investigation Following Calls by Top Indiana Republicans
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Ryan Martin | Published: 7/5/2018

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leaders called for state Attorney General Curtis Hill to resign amid what they say are credible claims that Hill drunkenly groped four women, including a lawmaker, at an Indianapolis bar. They also called for an investigation by Inspector General Lori Torres, which Torres would occur. Hill has denied the groping allegations and said he had no plans to step down. Criminal investigations into statewide office holders are not unprecedented for the inspector general’s office.

Kentucky: Andy Beshear’s ‘Tainted’ Donations May Be More Than What’s in His Fund
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 7/11/2018

When Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear’s top deputy was arrested for using kickbacks and bribes for political contributions, Beshear vowed to donate all the tainted money from his 2015 campaign account to charity. That was two years ago and the money is still there. But now Beshear is running for governor, bringing more scrutiny to his campaign. He has cooperated with authorities, and federal officials have said he had no knowledge of the scheme. Beshear again vowed to donate any tainted contributions to Common Cause, a government watchdog group, but only after the Registry of Election Finance completes an audit of his 2015 account.

Missouri: KC Mayoral Candidate Proposes Limiting Gifts to $5: Ethical move or political ploy?
Kansas City Star – Bill Turque | Published: 7/9/2018

A proposed ordinance sponsored by Kansas City Councilperson Scott Taylor would cut the maximum permissible value of gifts from $1,000 to five dollars. It would also restrict city-funded council travel and extend from one to two years the period ex-officials must stay away from city government before lobbying or working as a contractor. The measure was drafted to mirror portions of “Clean Missouri,” the November ballot issue aimed at reforming state government. Taylor’s council colleagues dismiss the idea that their vote can be bought for a meal or a ticket. They describe the ordinance as election-season pandering.

New York: Cuomo Campaign Amends ‘All-You-Can-Drink’ Fundraiser Invite
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 7/9/2018

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign amended the language of a fundraiser invitation that initially offered an “all-you-can-drink happy hour” – a pitch that appears to violate state law. The invitation to the fundraiser now touts “happy hour drinks.” State Alcohol Beverage Control law prohibits “selling, serving, delivering or offering to patrons an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price.”

Oklahoma: Rule Change Conceals Statewide Candidates’ Personal Finances
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 7/6/2018

Unlike the federal government and nearly three dozen states, Oklahoma does not require candidates to reveal even the most basic details of their finances before Election Day. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission, citing privacy concerns and the burden of added paperwork, stopped requiring candidates to file a financial disclosure statement before the 2016 elections. State ethics rules now require only elected officials to file those statements months after taking office and then annually. The form contains less information than what is required for disclosure by the federal government and many other states.

Virginia: Dominion Claims Lobbying Costs Soared to Fight ‘Fake News’
The News-Leader – Alan Sunderman (Associated Press) | Published: 7/11/2018

Dominion Energy’s tenfold increase in spending to influence Virginia politicians was prompted by the spread of “fake news and propaganda perpetuated by anti-energy groups,” a company spokesperson said. Disclosure forms show the state’s biggest electric utility and most politically powerful company spent more than $1 million on lobbyists, entertainment, meals, and communications from May 2017 to the end of April 2018. Most of the increase in reported spending was due to a boost in communications spending, which the company said totaled nearly $700,000.

West Virginia: Justice Ketchum Steps Away from the Supreme Court
West Virginia MetroNews – Brad McElhinny | Published: 7/11/2018

Menis Ketchum, one of two justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals under fire for spending practices, resigned less than 24 hours before House members consider articles of impeachment against one or more justices. Ketchum, along with Justice Allen Loughry, were singled out by a legislative audit for possibly violating the Ethics Act by using vehicles owned by the court for their personal use. The report specifically criticizes Ketchum for using the court’s vehicles for golf outings. When brought to his attention, he reimbursed the state and amended his tax forms. Ketchum also received criticism for the cost of office renovations and for taking a $2,500 grandfather clock owned by the court.

Wisconsin: Wisconsin Treasurer Candidate Says He Was Fired from Banking Job After Mounting Campaign
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Molly Beck and Max Bayer | Published: 7/9/2018

Travis Hartwig, who is running for state treasurer in Wisconsin, said he was fired from his job as a mutual fund administrator at U.S. Bank because he would not drop out of the race. Hartwig’s campaign was considered by bank officials to be a conflict-of-interest because the bank does work with state agencies and it is currently seeking a $10 million contract with Wisconsin. According to emails, the bank determined “there is substantial risk to [U.S. Bank] if you are allowed to continue in your campaign … while employed at [the bank].”