Campaign Finance

National: “Alleged Payment to Porn Star Was Illegal Donation to Trump Campaign, Watchdog Says” by Josh Gerstein for Politico

New York: “Vance Bans Donations from Lawyers with Pending Cases” by James McKinley Jr. for New York Times

Ethics

National: “Trump Business Ethics Pledges Left Plenty of Room for Profiting” by The Associated Press for Tampa Bay Times

Federal: “Justice Department Says It Will Retry Sen. Robert Menendez Following Mistrial on Bribery Charges” by Devlin Barrett and Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post

California: “Group That First Raised Sexual Harassment Issues in Sacramento Now Has an App to Report Misconduct” by Jazmine Ulloa for Los Angeles Times

Wyoming: “As Reports of Sexual Harassment Spike, Wyoming’s Legislature Looks to Rewrite Policy” by Arno Rosenfeld for Casper Star-Tribune

Legislative Issues

Wisconsin: “Senate Votes to Force Out State Ethics and Elections Leaders” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal

Lobbying

Canada: “Six-Fold Increase in Senate Lobbying Under Trudeau, with Independents Taking Most Meetings” by Marie-Danielle Smith for National Post

Redistricting

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Supreme Court Strikes Down Congressional Map as Unconstitutional, Orders Change Before May Primary” by Jonathan Lai, Liz Navratil, and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer

Campaign Finance

Federal: “Fewer Than 16,000 Donors Accounted for Half the Federal Campaign Contributions in 2016” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post

Missouri: “Greitens Campaign Operation Is Sharing Space with Dark Money Group” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Elections

National: “Government Says It Is Dropping Most Remaining Inaugural Day Rioting Cases” by Keith Alexander for Washington Post

Ethics

National: “In the Crowd at Trump’s Inauguration, Members of Russia’s Elite Anticipated a Thaw Between Moscow and Washington” by Craig Timberg, Rosalind Helderman, Andrew Roth, and Carol Leonnig for Washington Post

Federal: “Congressman Combating Harassment Settled His Own Misconduct Case” by Katie Rogers and Kenneth Vogel for New York Times

Federal: “Supreme Court Opens Door to Sheldon Silver Corruption Retrial” by John Reilly for Newsday

Federal: “Watchdog Petitions Federal Court to Kill New Appointments for Lobbying, Ethics Commissioners” by Marco Vigliotti for Hill Times

Lobbying

Kansas: “Kansas Bill Aims at Anyone Trying to Sway Executive Branch Register ‘Like a Lobbyist’” by Hunter Woodall and Jonathan Shorman for Kansas City Star

Procurement

Georgia: “Former Atlanta City Official Gets 2 Years in Bribery Probe” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for Los Angeles Times

Campaign Finance

National: “FBI Investigating Whether Russian Money Went to NRA to Help Trump” by Peter Stone and Greg Gordon for McClatchy DC

Ethics

Colorado: “Denver Is Challenging Its Own Ethics Board Over ‘All in The Family’ Gift Disclosures” by Ben Markus for Colorado Public Radio

New Jersey: “Phil Murphy Executive Order Tightens Gift Rules for Governor” by Dustin Racioppi for Bergen Record

Lobbying

Federal: “The Mueller Effect: FARA filings soar in shadow of Manafort, Flynn probes” by Julia Ainsley, Andrew Lehren, and Anna Schecter for NBC News

Florida: “Andrew Gillum Opens Up About Cutting Ties with Lobbyist Friend Adam Corey and Mike Miller” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahasse Democrat

Georgia: “Lobbyists Beware: Georgia campaign finance commission levies largest ever fine for lobbying noncompliance in advance of 2018 legislative session” by Staff for Dentons

Wisconsin: “Should a former dairy lobbyist oversee dairy farms for Wisconsin Department of Justice’s environmental protection unit?” by Lee Bergquist for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Redistricting

Federal: “Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks North Carolina Gerrymandering Ruling” by Adam Liptak and Alan Blinder for New York Times

The fastest 2 minutes in government, lobbying and elections news you can use in this weeks video digest.

National:

One Year After Women’s March, More Activism but Less Unity
New York Times – Farah Stockman | Published: 1/15/2018

The Women’s March a year ago aimed to start a movement of women from all walks of life who would continue their activism long after they had gone home. In many ways, that goal has been realized. Thousands of women threw themselves into activism for the first time in their lives, especially in red states where the events provided a rare chance to build a network of like-minded people. But as the movement evolves, differing priorities and tactics have emerged among the women, nearly all of them unpaid and spread across the country. Now, on the eve of the anniversary, a rift is emerging between two groups. The split has raised questions about who can claim the mantle of the Women’s March, and the funding and press attention that goes with it.

Federal:

House Judiciary Advances Foreign Lobby Overhaul
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 1/17/2018

The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would tighten oversight of lobbyists who work for foreign governments or companies. The committee voted to give the Department of Justice additional powers to enforce rules requiring lobbyists to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The bill would also close loopholes in FARA and require the Justice Department to develop a strategy for enforcing the law. Critics have argued that FARA reporting requirements are unclear and contain loopholes that allow American lobbyists to avoid disclosure of their foreign clients.

Trump’s Inauguration Money Is Still Missing One Year After His Administration Took Control of the White House
Newsweek – Linley Sanders | Published: 1/18/2018

Almost one year after President Trump took the oath of office, millions of dollars from his leftover inauguration funds have still not been donated to the charities they were promised to. Trump’s inauguration committee raised a record-breaking $107 million as his administration prepared to assume the White House last year, but very little has been disclosed about where the remaining money was allocated. A watchdog group is questioning why the funds disappeared, and a member of Congress is proposing legislation to keep future administrations from obscuring their own inaugural donations.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Lavish Bash for California Politicians and Lobbyists Gets a #MeToo Makeover
CALmatters.org – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 1/17/2018

For more than a decade, California’s extravagant Back to Session Bash was a place to let loose. Debauchery at the party, insiders joked, ended at least one career annually. But with the Capitol reeling from accusations of sexual harassment and assault that have caused two legislators to resign and a third to take a leave of absence, the mood at the party this month was more subdued. Many wore black, a statement inspired by Hollywood actresses to highlight efforts to stop sexual misconduct.

Delaware – Lobbyists Given a Space of Their Own in Legislative Hall
Wilmington News Journal – Scott Gross | Published: 1/10/2018

Lobbyists have been offered a dedicated room at Delaware’s Legislative Hall on a trial basis. Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride announced that the state’s more than 300 registered lobbyists could use a conference room on the second floor of the statehouse, in an effort to clear out public space. McBride says lobbyists have long “camped out in the hallways, taking up couches and space” designed for citizens’ use. Senate Republicans expressed frustration, with Minority Leader Greg Lavelle questioning the need for a “comfort station” for lobbyists.

Maine – Maine Republican Party Promoting ‘Fake News’ Sites That Target Democrats
Portland Press Herald – Brian MacQuarrie (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/15/2018

Fake news – misleading stories that have mushroomed in the age of social media and that became Internet fodder during the 2016 presidential election – has found a way into Maine politics, Democrats say. Of even more concern to some Democrats: it appeared the GOP was working directly with an anonymous conservative website called the Maine Examiner, which ran a series of negative stories against Democrat Ben Chin in the runoff election for Lewiston mayor.

Minnesota – Minnesota GOP Leader Seeks Cut of Big Donations
Federal News Radio – Kyle Potter (Associated Press) | Published: 1/17/2018

Jennifer Carnahan, the new chairperson of Minnesota’s Republican Party, is seeking a 10 percent commission from large donations to the party. Campaign finance experts said they have never heard of such an arrangement. And it risks upsetting major GOP donors and activists by diverting critical resources from a party that has struggled with debt for much of the last decade, even as it prepares for two U.S. Senate elections, a wide-open race for governor, and four or more competitive congressional elections.

Missouri – Lobbyist Gift Restriction Launched from Missouri House to Senate
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Jack Suntrup | Published: 1/17/2018

The Missouri House passed a bill that restricts lobbyist gifts to lawmakers. It now goes to the Senate, which has defeated such legislation in the past. House Bill 1303 would ban lobbyist expenditures on individuals save for customary gifts such as flowers. It would also exempt events in which every member of the Legislature is invited.

Montana – Montana Secretary of State Sends Email Criticizing Mainstream Media to 130,000 People
Helena Independent Record – Holly Michels | Published: 1/17/2018

An email sent to thousands of Montanans by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton stirred up discussion over how state resources were used to disseminate the message. The email, sent to 130,000 business owners and subscribers through an e-blast system using state funds and resources, has a subject line that reads “Be Careful What Gets Your Attention” and says there “is one huge problem with mainstream media in America.” Stapleton said the email was not in response to any specific news coverage or event, either nationally or in Montana.

New Mexico – Lobbyist Transparency Takes a Nosedive
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress and Melorie Bagey | Published: 1/13/2018

What money buys in Santa Fe is a pressing question these days in New Mexico, where in the past three years, a former secretary of state has pleaded guilty to embezzlement and a former state senator has been convicted of bribery. Over the last seven or eight years, due to public pressure following an earlier series of scandals, the New Mexico Legislature seemed to be opening the doors slightly on how decisions are made. So, it was a bit of a surprise when during the 2016 legislative session state lawmakers reduced the amount of money spent by lobbyists and their employers that has to be publicly disclosed.

South Carolina – South Carolina Lawmakers Overseeing Regulators Were Also Wined and Dined by Utility Companies
Charleston Post and Courier – Andrew Brown | Published: 1/13/2018

Years before South Carolina was saddled with two failed nuclear reactors, utility companies hosted “appreciation dinners” for the lawmakers who pick the state’s seven utility regulators.  The social affairs were held at top-end restaurants in cities across the country, with the state’s largest utilities lavishing some of the Legislature’s most influential lawmakers. All of these lawmakers were on the Public Utilities Review Committee. That little-known panel selects and oversees the commissioners who decide how much residents pay for water, gas, and electricity.

Tennessee – Tennessee Legislature’s New Home Is Less ‘Middle School,’ More ‘Corporate’
Chattanooga Times Free Press – Andy Sher | Published: 1/15/2018

In December, Tennessee lawmakers left their home in the Legislative Plaza complex to take up residence in the Cordell Hull State Building, newly renovated at a cost of $126 million. Legislative Plaza, and adjoining space in the War Memorial Building, was where lawmakers had offices and where committees did much of their work, shaping legislation that later was passed in the actual House and Senate chambers, located in the Capitol. But for all of its faults, including leaks from water fountains on the park-like plaza above, the old Legislative Plaza had more of an intimate feel, according to some lawmakers, staffers, and lobbyists.

Wisconsin – As Senate Vote Nears, State Ethics Chief Blasts Former Government Accountability Board as Partisan, Inconsistent
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 1/18/2018

Brian Bell, the administrator of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, said he left the Government Accountability Board in 2015 because it enforced the law unevenly and one of its top attorneys, Democrat Shane Falk, “displayed open partisanship.” The denunciation comes as the state Senate is poised to vote on the confirmations of Bell and the state Elections Administrator, Mike Haas. Watchdogs signaled they may go to court over whether legislators can forcibly remove the administrators.

Wisconsin – State Report: Nearly 15 percent of Wisconsin lobbyists lobbied without authorization
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 1/10/2018

A Wisconsin Ethics Commission audit has determined that more than 14 percent of the state’s lobbyists may be engaging in unauthorized lobbying. The commission released its report without naming any of the potential violators. It planned to contact the 78 lobbyists identified for an explanation. Attorney Mike Wittenwyler who represents lobbyists told the commission before the report was released that the problems may be due to paperwork and process, not ill intent. The report also found that of the 691 registered interest groups that employ lobbyists, 74 appeared to have engaged in unauthorized lobbying.

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.

Campaign Finance

National: “Trump’s Inauguration Money Is Still Missing One Year After His Administration Took Control of the White House” by Linley Sanders for Newsweek

Minnesota: “Minnesota GOP Leader Seeks Cut of Big Donations” by Kyle Potter (Associated Press) for Federal News Radio

Ethics

National: “Trump Gives Out ‘Fake News Awards’ to CNN, N.Y. Times, Wash Post” by Jason Schwartz for Politico

National: “He Leaked a Photo of Rick Perry Hugging a Coal Executive. Then He Lost His Job.” by Ben Protess for New York Times

California: “Lavish Bash for California Politicians and Lobbyists Gets a #MeToo Makeover” by Laurel Rosenhall for CALmatters.org

Idaho: “Idaho Legislative Panel Rejects Lawmaker Disclosure Proposal” by Rebecca Boone (Associated Press) for Twin Falls Trimes-News

Illinois: “‘Independent’ Watchdog’s Secret Funder: Conservative small-government group” by Mick Dumke and Dan Mihalopoulos (Chicago Sun-Times) for ProPublica Illinois

Montana: “Montana Secretary of State Sends Email Criticizing Mainstream Media to 130,000 People” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record

Wisconsin: “As Senate Vote Nears, State Ethics Chief Blasts Former Government Accountability Board as Partisan, Inconsistent” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal

Lobbying

Federal: “House Judiciary Advances Foreign Lobby Overhaul” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Campaign Finance

Virginia: “Senate Committee Kills Bill to Ban Campaign Donations from Public-Service Corporations” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Elections

National: “A Case for Math, Not ‘Gobbledygook,’ in Judging Partisan Voting Maps” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Michigan: “County Board Chair Uses Unlicensed Security at Public Meetings” by Malachi Barrett for MLive.com

Ethics

National: “Bannon Agrees to Cooperate with Mueller Inquiry” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times

New York: “Cuomo to Give New York’s Ethics Watchdog More Money to Probe Sexual Harassment Claims” by Madina Toure for The Observer

New York: “NY Corruption Trial of Ex-Cuomo Aide, Cor Execs: A preview from A to Ziti” by the Staff for Syracuse Post-Standard

Lobbying

Federal: “House Panel to Consider Stronger Foreign Lobbying Rules” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Mississippi: “Lobbyist Who Asked Harrison County Supervisor for Oral Sex Resigns from Gulfport, Airport” by Anita Lee for The Sun Herald

Missouri: “Lobbyist Gift Restriction Launched from Missouri House to Senate” by Jack Suntrup for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Elections

“Sharper State Divide in Congress Seen as ‘New Civil War’” by Carl Hulse for New York Times

“Bannon Is Subpoenaed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Maine: “Maine Republican Party Promoting ‘Fake News’ Sites That Target Democrats” by Brian MacQuarrie (Boston Globe) for Portland Press Herald

Ethics

“One Year After Women’s March, More Activism but Less Unity” by Farah Stockman for New York Times

Florida: “‘He Unbuttoned My Jacket and He Felt Me Up.’ Lobbyist Details Senator’s Harassment.” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald

New Mexico: “Lawmakers OK Updated Sexual Harassment Policy” by Andrew Oxford (Santa Fe New Mexican) for NMPolitics.net

Legislative Issues

Alaska: “Gridlock in Juneau? Not If Alaska Legislators and Lobbyists Can’t Get Their Cars There” by Nathaniel Herz for Anchorage Daily News

Lobbying

Hawaii: “Mayor’s Lobbyist Will Not Need to Register with the State” by Nancy Cook-Lauer for Hawaii Tribune Herald

Elections

“The Next GOP Panic: Governors races” by Gabriel Debenedetti and Daniel Strauss for Politico

Ethics

“Trump’s ‘Fake News Awards’ Could Violate Ethics Rules” by Jason Schwartz for Politico

“How a Congressional Harassment Claim Led to a Secret $220,000 Payment” by Kimberly Kindy and Michelle Yee Hee Lee for Washington Post

Maryland: “As Calls Grow for Oaks to Resign, Senate President Refers case to Ethics Committee” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun

Wisconsin: “Amid John Doe Fallout, Heads of Wisconsin Ethics and Elections Commissions Fight for Their Jobs” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Canada: “Independent Senators Seek Investigation of Beyak’s Ethics, Use of Public Funds” by The Canadian Press for Times Colonist

Legislative Issues

“To Grease Wheels of Congress, Trump Suggests Bringing Back Pork” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times

Tennessee: “Tennessee Legislature’s New Home Is Less ‘Middle School,’ More ‘Corporate’” by Andy Sher for Chattanooga Times Free Press

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Lobbyist Transparency Takes a Nosedive” by Marjorie Childress and Melorie Bagey for New Mexico In Depth

Lobbying

Delaware: “Lobbyists Given a Space of Their Own in Legislative Hall” by Scott Gross for Wilmington News Journal

South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmakers Overseeing Regulators Were Also Wined and Dined by Utility Companies” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier

Wisconsin: “State Report: Nearly 15 percent of Wisconsin lobbyists lobbied without authorization” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal

Ethics

“Schiff Lays Out Republican Efforts to Block Access in Russia Probe” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post

Alaska: “Legislators Who Skip Training Could Face Ethics Complaint” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for The Sun Herald

Missouri: “Greitens Faces Criminal Investigation Over Allegations Stemming from His Affair” by Jack Suntrup and Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

New York: “Investigate an Accused Ally? New York Senate’s Republican Leader Says No” by Jesse McKinley and Vivian Wang for New York Times

Canada: “New Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion Promises to Be ‘Fearless’” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail

Taking your through a PACKED week in government, ethics, elections and legislative sessions news.

National:

These Are the Only Two States That Don’t Require Lawmakers to Disclose Finances
Center for Public Integrity – Kristian Hernandez | Published: 1/8/2018

Despite ongoing efforts to bring about reform, Michigan and Idaho are the last remaining holdouts among states that do not require lawmakers to disclose anything about their personal finances. While watchdogs say this sort of personal financial disclosure is a crucial tool for holding lawmakers accountable to the public, the prospects for change in Boise and Lansing are uncertain at best.

Federal:

Lobbyists Have a New Secret Weapon
Bloomberg.com – Alexandra Stratton | Published: 1/10/2018

While the face of lobbying is often a government relations executive trekking the halls of Capitol Hill armed with talking points, attending luncheons, and writing op-eds, the hidden side of the business entails hours of research and grunt work. And despite the billions of dollars that corporations pour into lobbying efforts each year, the work has remained relatively low-tech. Part of the problem is knowing how to sift through reams of information. Alex Wirth co-founded Quorum Analytics in his Harvard dorm room. The idea was to give lobbyists the tools to automate some of the more rote, labor-intensive parts of their work. Wirth claims Quorum has built the world’s most comprehensive database of legislative information.

Obstruction Inquiry Shows Trump’s Struggle to Keep Grip on Russia Investigation
MSN – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2018

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is aware of an unsuccessful attempt by President Trump to lobby Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to recuse himself from the Justice Department’s Russia inquiry. The New York Times reported Trump had ordered White House Counsel Don McGahn to stop Sessions from recusing himself from oversight of the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The reported attempt to have a political ally maintain control of an investigation into his associates would add to a list of possible examples of Trump seeking to influence the Justice Department, and opening himself up to potential obstruction of justice claims.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – A Sexist Culture Endures at Arizona Capitol, Insiders Say
Arizona Republic – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dustin Gardiner | Published: 1/7/2018

The Arizona Republic interviewed more than 40 women and men – including lobbyists, lawmakers, and policy advisers – about their experiences working at the Arizona Legislature. The interviews elicited anger, tears, or dispassionate frustration with what has long been the status quo. From those interviews, a portrait emerged of a coarse, male-dominated and often sexist culture that permeates the workdays and the social gatherings that define a legislative session. The stories they told, independently of each other, showed an often unhealthy workplace – one where women and men are conditioned to try to capitalize on the physical appearances of women to advance a cause.

Illinois – Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract
Chicago Tribune – Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg | Published: 1/4/2018

A top staffer for the Illinois Lottery failed to disclose her relationships and contact with lobbyists for a firm that was bidding for a contract to manage the lottery, a state investigation found. The lack of disclosure led the state’s top contract officer to suspend the contract with the British lottery firm Camelot, potentially worth at least $2 billion. Illinois reinstated the contract recently after an investigation by an outside law firm determined the lapses were not significant enough to affect the fairness of the bidding process.

Iowa – A Lobbyist Got Married in the Iowa House, and a Portrait of Donald Trump Was Removed Before the Ceremony
Des Moines Register – Jason Noble | Published: 1/4/2018

The marriage ceremony of a prominent statehouse lobbyist in the Iowa House chamber last year has ruffled feathers at the Capitol. The ceremony was not approved in advance by House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, and photographs later revealed a portrait of President Trump that hangs behind the chamber dais had been removed while the vows were exchanged. “We’ve had a conversation about what’s appropriate for the chamber and what is not, and that falls into the what-is-not category,” Upmeyer said.

Kansas – Awkward: Brownback said he was leaving as Kansas governor. He hasn’t
New York Times – Julie Bosman | Published: 1/8/2018

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback appointment as the Trump administration’s as ambassador at large for international religious freedom was announced in July. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer was widely expected to succeed Brownback and kick off the 2018 legislative session. But as lawmakers began meeting in the Capitol for the start of the session, Brownback was still the governor. And there is no certainty about when he might actually depart this stage. Some Kansans said it was not entirely clear who was truly in charge of the state, and for how long.

Kentucky – Kentucky House Speaker Lashes Out in Resignation Speech after Sexual Harassment Settlement
Washington Post – Derek Hawkins | Published: 1/9/2018

In an emotional speech, Rep. Jeff Hoover resigned as Kentucky House speaker following weeks of turmoil over a sexual harassment scandal. Hoover had promised to step down in November after it was reported he had secretly settled a sexual harassment claim with a woman on his staff. In remarks lasting more than 20 minutes, Hoover portrayed himself as the victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy to oust him from power, accusing the governor and fellow lawmakers of lying about his actions. With his wife watching from the balcony, he acknowledged trading inappropriate texts with the staffer, but denied any misconduct, saying while the messages were ill-advised, they were consensual.

Maryland – Feds: Indicted Baltimore state senator confessed to taking cash payments
Baltimore Sun – Justin Fenton | Published: 1/5/2018

Federal prosecutors revealed in new court documents that indicted Maryland Sen. Nathaniel Oaks confessed to taking cash payments in exchange for official business before cooperating with the FBI and upending another bribery investigation. While the U.S. attorney’s office says Oaks confessed both to taking cash payments and to interfering with an investigation, he has pleaded not guilty and has a trial scheduled for April, right after the legislative session concludes.

Missouri – Greitens Admits Affair but Denies Related Blackmail Allegation
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott, Jack Suntrup, and Celest Bott | Published: 1/11/2018

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens admitted he had an extramarital affair in 2015, when he was considering a run for governor. But he denied allegations he tried to blackmail the woman into silence. A report on a St. Louis television station featured an interview with the ex-husband of Greitens’ mistress, who had secretly recorded his then-wife confessing the affair to him before they divorced. A lawyer for the governor denied the sensational allegations that Greitens threatened to distribute naked photos he took of the woman if she ever disclosed the affair.

North Carolina – NC Congressional Districts Struck Down as Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymanders
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 1/9/2018

A three-judge federal panel struck down North Carolina’s congressional map as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander, giving the state Legislature until January 24 to adopt a new map and potentially throwing this year’s elections into chaos. The panel said if the General Assembly fails to enact a new map, a special master will be appointed to draw the districts. The judges ruled the remedial map violated the equal protection clause when GOP legislative leaders drew the maps with an explicit conservative bias in an effort to favor Republican candidates.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Rebukes Cylvia Hayes for ‘Blatant Disregard of Ethics Laws
Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 1/5/2018

Former First Lady Cylvia Hayes committed 22 ethics violations stemming from the misuse of her public position for financial gain, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission decided. Each violation could carry a maximum fine of $5,000. The commission also could require Hayes to forfeit up to twice the amount she earned from contracts received because of her access to top government officials. While the findings of this inquiry focused on Hayes, commissioners said they should also be considered in the ongoing case against former Gov. John Kitzhaber since the violations often involved his actions. The commission rejected a proposed settlement with Kitzhaber because they wanted a more detailed investigation and the proposed fine of $1,000 was too small.

Washington – Spokane City Council Overrides Condon Veto of Campaign Finance Reporting Law
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Kip Hill | Published: 1/8/2018

The Spokane City Council overrode Mayor David Condon’s veto of a campaign finance ordinance. The new law requires political committees spending on behalf of candidates to reveal their top five donors. The measure also halves the amount any person or entity can give a political candidate in Spokane compared to the rest of the state. Councilperson Mike Fagan took issue with what he said were elements of the law that disadvantaged conservative politicians, chief among them the prohibition for firms that do business with the city for greater than $50,000 to give to local candidates, while public bargaining units may continue to give freely though they must disclose those donations on contracts.

Wisconsin – State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 1/5/2018

The Wisconsin Ethics Commission is finalizing an audit of whether lobbyists and principals violated disclosure requirements, the findings of which may be released at its next public meeting. Commission staff began the audit after noticing a trend of lobbyists and lobbying groups that had not complied with registration or authorization requirements. Commission Administrator Brian Bell said types of potential violations examined in the audit generally fall into two groups: lobbyists and principals that inadvertently failed to follow requirements, and those who may have engaged in so-called shadow lobbying, in which someone knowingly lobbies public officials without registering.

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

“Lobbyists Have a New Secret Weapon” by Alexandra Stratton for Bloomberg.com

Campaign Finance

“FEC’s New Facebook Ruling Requires Ad Sharing Info Yet Gives Reformers Little to Like” by Margaret Sessa-Hawkins for MapLight.org

California: “Big Donors Can Dominate City Election Spending – Whether or Not There Are Contribution Limits” by Thy Vo for Voice of OC

District of Columbia: “D.C. Council Unanimously Votes to Create Public Campaign Finance Program” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post

Ethics

“Football Team’s Stay at Doral Resort Could Bolster Lawsuit Targeting Trump” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

Florida: “South Florida State Senators Acknowledge Extramarital Affair” by Dan Sweeny for South Florida Sentinel

Idaho: “Idaho Lawmakers Undergo Anti-Sexual Harassment Training” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review

New York: “Brooklyn Assemblywoman Indicted on Fraud Charges” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Canada: “Morneau Cleared by Ethics Watchdog on Two Complaints” by Tonda MacCharles for Toronto Star

Redistricting

North Carolina: “NC Congressional Districts Struck Down as Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymanders” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer

New Hampshire lobbyists received a letter from the General Court last week confirming they are covered by the Legislature’s sexual harassment policies and procedures and should report any harassment they experience.

According to the letter, the State House is not only a workplace for legislative staff, Senators, and Representatives, but also for lobbyists and there is a duty to protect all individuals working there.

The letter follows a story by New Hampshire Public Radio about routine sexual harassment and casual sexism at the State House.

State House staff and lobbyists can report harassment by following procedures established by the Legislative Ethics Committee.