November 13, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 13, 2015
National: Only Three States Score Higher Than D+ in State Integrity Investigation; 11 Flunk Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 11/9/2015 A new report found that in state after state, open records statutes are filled with exemptions, and part-time legislators […]
National:
Only Three States Score Higher Than D+ in State Integrity Investigation; 11 Flunk
Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 11/9/2015
A new report found that in state after state, open records statutes are filled with exemptions, and part-time legislators and agency officials engage in conflicts-of-interest and close relationships with lobbyists while regulators struggle to enforce laws. The State Integrity Investigation measured hundreds of variables to compile transparency and accountability grades for all 50 states. The best grade in the nation, which went to Alaska, is just a “C.” Only two others earned better than a “D+”; 11 states received failing grades. Aside from a few exceptions, there has been little progress on these issues since the research was first carried out in 2012.
Federal:
Donald Trump Advertises Rising Value of Free Political Publicity
New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 11/9/2015
Thirty-second television commercials were once signs of a confident, well-financed candidacy for the White House. Now they are seen as a last resort of struggling campaigns that have not mastered the art of attracting the free media coverage that has lifted the political fortunes of insurgent campaigns. Donald Trump’s ability to command media attention and reach voters without depleting his campaign funds is just the latest example of the way his campaign has upended the conventional approach candidates have used to communicate with voters. In addition to having done countless interviews, Trump, who recently hosted “Saturday Night Live,” has been effective in using social media to attack his rivals, and many of his controversial quips on Twitter are rebroadcast by traditional news media outlets.
Even as House Speaker, Paul Ryan Sleeps in His Office
New York Times – Jennifer Steinhauer | Published: 11/10/2015
Like scores of other members of Congress, most of them Republican, Speaker Paul Ryan chooses to bed down in a cot in his office every night the House is in session. He chooses this over the speaker’s official palatial suite in the Capitol, which Ryan has pointed out stinks thanks to smoke from its prior inhabitant, John Boehner. For the lawmakers, the choice is fiscal, practical, and political. Many say they find Washington rental prices too high. Others say it allows them to work longer hours. Still others, like Ryan, say Washington is simply not their home. Some groups and other members have criticized the arrangement as essentially taxpayer-subsidized housing.
G.O.P. Fight Now a Battle over What Defines a Conservative
New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/11/2015
For months, the Republican presidential race has been animated by the party’s anger about the state of the country and an equally undefined hope that a candidate would emerge who could usher in an era of renewal. But the most recent debate and its aftermath marked an abrupt transition from vague promises about making America “great again,” in Donald Trump’s phrase, to a new season of the campaign shaped more by the policy fissures that are dividing Republicans over what exactly to do about the nation’s problems. It exposed a contentious dispute over what it means to be a conservative and offered a preview of the contours of the battle for the Republican nomination.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Conflict Concerns Won’t Keep Ethics Panel Out of Race
San Diego Union-Tribune – David Garrick | Published: 11/10/2015
The San Diego Ethics Commission will continue enforcing local campaign laws in the race to succeed City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, denying a candidate request that the commission recuse itself based on a potential conflict-of-interest. Rafael Castellanos asked for the recusal because one of his opponents in the race, Gil Cabrera, was a commission member from 2005 to 2010 and worked as special counsel for the commission in 2012 and 2013. The agency’s general counsel downplayed the potential conflict, noting only one of the commission’s seven members remains from when Cabrera served and only two members were there when he worked as a special counsel.
California – Follow the Money: Shining a light on political nonprofits
Capitol Weekly – John Howard | Published: 11/11/2015
California’s Political Reform Act has been largely untouchable for more than 40 years, but now it may get a rewrite. The catalyst for change comes from a tangled trail of some $15 million in so-called dark money that flowed via nonprofits into the state’s 2012 elections final stages. Ultimately, the spending resulted in a $1 million fine. The proposed changes would create, for the first time, a constitutional right to regulate political money and force disclosure. It would require the disclosure of the source of donations of $10,000 or more to nonprofits, when the money is used for political purposes, make explicit who is paying for political ads, and it double the “revolving door” waiting period to two years. The proposal outlaws lobbyists’ gifts to elected officials, and cuts the maximum value of a gift from a member of the public, now $460 annually, to $200 a year.
California – Lobbyist Meetings Missing from San Jose Council Calendars
San Jose Mercury News – Ramona Giwargis | Published: 11/8/2015
Elected officials in San Jose are falling short when it comes to disclosing meetings with lobbyists. A review found the mayor and every city council member had contacts with lobbyists this year that were not disclosed on the officials’ public calendar. Local law requires lobbyists to file quarterly reports on their contacts with elected officials. The San Jose Mercury News said lobbyists reported 105 more such contacts this year than city officials did. Council members defended themselves by saying the undisclosed contacts were human error, they did not realize they were chatting with a lobbyist, or the contacts were unexpected run-ins or email communications the policy does not require them to report. Watchdogs say the discrepancy undermines the goals of transparency and deceives the public.
Florida – Hialeah Mayor Tries to Pay County’s $4K Ethics Fine in Pennies
Miami Herald – Brenda Medina | Published: 11/6/2015
Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez finally decided pay the $4,000 fine the Miami-Dade County ethics commission imposed earlier this year on his business dealings. Hernandez sent the commission a truck stacked with 28 buckets filled with pennies to cover the fine. But his payment was not accepted. Apparently, the commission accepts only checks. “I paid it with American money, of the United States, and I have the right to do that,” said Hernandez.
New Hampshire – G.O.P. Candidates, Lagging, Rely on New Hampshire to Get Close
New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/8/2015
Some Republican candidates are staking their presidential bids on an idea that seems increasingly quaint: that campaigning one on one in this small state can set you on the path to becoming president. It is a notion that is facing a rigorous test this election cycle, as the large Republican field, social media, and televised debates that attract massive audiences have reshaped the race like never before. The outcome in New Hampshire will echo beyond this election and reveal much about how the country chooses presidents, and whether the tradition of direct voting in the first-in-the-nation primary matters anymore. Its possible diminishment is already unsettling residents, who view their role of scrutinizing and winnowing the field of candidates as a solemn duty.
New York – Legislation Introduced to Tighten New York City Campaign Finance Rules
New York Daily News – Erin Durkin | Published: 11/9/2015
A package of bills to tighten New York City’s campaign finance rules was introduced in the city council. One bill would ban candidates from getting matching funds for donations raised by fundraisers who do business with the city. The legislation would also ban all candidates, including those who are not taking matching funds, from accepting contribution from political committees that are not registered with the city. Another bill would restrict contributions from businesses with numerous limited liability companies.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Ethics Officials Crack Down on Lobbyists
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Kari Andren | Published: 11/11/2015
The Pennsylvania Ethics Commission is ramping up enforcement against groups that fail to file mandated quarterly expense reports, and the state House has approved a bill to up the ante for non-compliance by lobbyists and the groups they represent by dramatically increasing penalties for not abiding by disclosure rules. Thirty-one groups were cited for failing to file expense reports this year; fines and penalties total about $90,300. In 2014, the commission issued just 15 citations. The House bill would hike the maximum penalty imposed from $50 per day to a tiered system of $50 for the first 10 days, $100 for each of the next 10 days, and $200 for each late day after 20 days.
Texas – Ethics Commission Recommends Controversial Lobbying Ordinance
Austin Monitor – Jack Craver | Published: 11/12/2015
The Ethics Review Commission recommend to the Austin City Council a resolution aimed at overhauling city lobbying rules. A revised draft crafted by a commission working group incorporated some of the concerns expressed by developers. Stuart Sampley, president of the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects, said the ordinance unfairly targeted development, design, and architectural professionals and misrepresented their day-to-day interactions with city officials as lobbying. The recommendations from the working group urged city staff to explore a number of potential negative effects of stricter lobbying requirements. Backers of the reform hope the measure will be on the agenda for council at its last meeting of the year on December 17.
Washington – Seattle’s Experiment with Campaign Funding
The Atlantic – Russell Berman | Published: 11/9/2015
Starting in 2017, Seattle residents will be able to contribute to local candidates without spending a dime of their own money. Instead, the government will send each registered voter four $25 vouchers that they can give to candidates of their choice. Candidates can opt out, but those who participate will have to abide by strict limits on spending and on receiving private donations. “The promise of vouchers is turning every single voter in the city into a donor,” said Alan Durning, the executive director of the Sightline Institute, a think tank and advocacy group that pushed for the new program. Critics have said the measure’s design will benefit incumbents and entrenched political organizations who do not need any extra boost.
Wisconsin – Senate GOP Votes to Overhaul Campaign Finance, Revamp Board
Albany Times Union – Todd Richmond (Associated Press) | Published: 11/7/2015
The Wisconsin Senate approved, with changes, a pair of bills altering the state’s campaign finance and election oversight rules. They will now return to the Assembly, which must approve the changes before sending the bills to Gov. Scott Walker. Republicans backing the proposals say they are necessary to bring the state’s statutes in line with court rulings and to protect First Amendment rights to free speech. Democrats argue the bills, along with one limiting the scope of crimes that can be investigated in so-called John Doe probes, would open the door for corruption and expand the influence of money in politics.
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.
November 12, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance Florida: “Dade Medical College’s Ernesto Perez Pleads Guilty in Criminal Cases” by Michael Vasquez and David Ovalle for Miami Herald “Seattle’s Experiment with Campaign Funding” by Russell Berman for The Atlantic Ethics California: “California Gets C-Minus in Government […]
Campaign Finance
Florida: “Dade Medical College’s Ernesto Perez Pleads Guilty in Criminal Cases” by Michael Vasquez and David Ovalle for Miami Herald
“Seattle’s Experiment with Campaign Funding” by Russell Berman for The Atlantic
Ethics
California: “California Gets C-Minus in Government Integrity Survey; 47 States Score D-Plus or Lower” by Thomas Peele for San Jose Mercury News
Michigan: “Integrity Report Ranks Michigan Worst in Nation for Government Transparency, Accountability” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
Missouri “Unlimited Cash, Lavish Meals, Revolving Doors: How Missouri got a D-minus in national ethics report” by Kevin McDermott for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Nevada: “Auditing, lobbying disclosure among trouble spots for Nevada” by Sean Whaley for Las Vegas Review-Journal
New York: “Report: New York has 30th best anti-corruption laws” by Bill Mahoney for Capital New York
Elections
“G.O.P. Candidates, Lagging, Rely on New Hampshire to Get Close” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
“Scott Walker Is a Diminished Figure – Except in the State He Governs” by David Weigel for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Even as House Speaker, Paul Ryan Sleeps in His Office” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
November 10, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying California: “Lobbyist Meetings Missing from San Jose Council Calendars” by Ramona Giwargis for San Jose Mercury News Campaign Finance Indiana: “Legislative War Chests: Purse or puppet strings?” by Marc Chase for Northwest Indiana Times New York: “Backed by Nail […]
Lobbying
California: “Lobbyist Meetings Missing from San Jose Council Calendars” by Ramona Giwargis for San Jose Mercury News
Campaign Finance
Indiana: “Legislative War Chests: Purse or puppet strings?” by Marc Chase for Northwest Indiana Times
New York: “Backed by Nail Salon Owners, a New York Legislator Now Fights Reforms” by Sarah Maslin Nir for New York Times
Ethics
“Only Three States Score Higher Than D+ in State Integrity Investigation; 11 Flunk” by Nicholas Kusnetz for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Survey: Arizona gets a ‘D’ for public access” by Joe Ferguson for Arizona Daily Star
New Jersey: “Advocacy Group’s Ranking of N.J. on Access, Integrity Falls Sharply” by Dustin Racioppi for Bergen Record
Ohio: “Ohio Graded D+ in Report on Integrity” by Jim Siegel for Columbus Dispatch
Wisconsin: “Senate GOP Votes to Overhaul Campaign Finance, Revamp Board” by Todd Richmond (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union
Wyoming: “Wyoming Second to Last in Transparency” by Laura Hancock for Billings Gazette
Elections
“Donald Trump Advertises Rising Value of Free Political Publicity” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
November 9, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Texas: “Appeals Court Backs Ethics Commission over Activist” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune Campaign Finance “Fla. man who landed gyrocopter at Capitol to plead guilty to lesser charge” by Spencer Hsu for Washington Post Florida: “Hialeah Mayor Tries […]
Lobbying
Texas: “Appeals Court Backs Ethics Commission over Activist” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Fla. man who landed gyrocopter at Capitol to plead guilty to lesser charge” by Spencer Hsu for Washington Post
Florida: “Hialeah Mayor Tries to Pay County’s $4K Ethics Fine in Pennies” by Brenda Medina for Miami Herald
New York: “Backed by Single, Untraceable Out-of-State Donor, Reform Party Scores Win” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Ethics
“Annual Sexual-Harassment Training Required in Missouri House” by Associated Press for New York Times
Alabama: “Ethics Commission Letter Raises State Employee Concerns” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Florida: “Marco Rubio Spent Lavishly on a GOP Credit Card, but Some Transactions Are Still Secret” by Alex Leary for Tampa Bay Times
Elections
“Off-Year Elections Reveal a 2016 Map with Sharper Borders” by David Weigel for Washington Post
November 5, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “New Generation of Trade Group CEOs Take More Aggressive – and at Times Unorthodox – Approach to Lobbying” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post California: “Tighter Rules for Lobbying Win S.F. Voter Approval” by Kevin Fagan for San Francisco […]
“New Generation of Trade Group CEOs Take More Aggressive – and at Times Unorthodox – Approach to Lobbying” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
California: “Tighter Rules for Lobbying Win S.F. Voter Approval” by Kevin Fagan for San Francisco Chronicle
Rhode Island: “38 Studios: House panel chairwoman wants investigation of deal maker Michael Corso” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
Florida: “Dade Medical College Owner Turns Himself In” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
“Maine Backs Post-Citizens United Campaign Finance Initiative” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
South Dakota: “Council Nixes PAC Contribution Limit” by Joe Sneve for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Washington: “‘Democracy Vouchers’ Win in Seattle; First in Country” by Bob Young for Seattle Times
Ethics
“Mayor de Blasio’s Hired Guns: Private consultants help shape City Hall” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
Elections
“Joseph Ganim, Disgraced Ex-Mayor of Bridgeport, Conn., Wins Back Job” by Kristin Hussey for New York Times
“Matt Bevin, Republican, Wins Governor’s Race in Kentucky” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Alan Blinder for New York Times
“Michigan Lawmakers Ousted Over Affair Lose Bid to Regain House Seats” by Associated Press for New York Times
Redistricting
Ohio: “Voters Approve Issue to Reform Ohio’s Redistricting Process” by Jim Siegel for Columbus Dispatch
November 4, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Bush, Clinton Benefit from Lobbying Gray Area” by Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico Campaign Finance “Small Donors Are Clicking More with Democrats than Republicans” by Eric Lichtblau and Nick Corasaniti for New York Times Ethics New York: “Report: JCOPE should […]
Lobbying
“Bush, Clinton Benefit from Lobbying Gray Area” by Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico
Campaign Finance
“Small Donors Are Clicking More with Democrats than Republicans” by Eric Lichtblau and Nick Corasaniti for New York Times
Ethics
New York: “Report: JCOPE should be smaller, more transparent” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
“How Andrew Cuomo’s Flashy Bid to Clean up Albany Backfired” by Chris Smith for New York Magazine
Elections
“Neuropolitics, Where Campaigns Try to Read Your Mind” by Kevin Randall for New York Times
“Steve Deace and the Power of Conservative Media” by Jackie Calmes for New York Times Magazine
“How the Rising Death Rate among Middle-Aged Whites Helps Explain Our Political Reality” by Janell Ross for Washington Post
California: “Measure Slashing Drug Prices May Go to California Voters Next Fall” by Tracy Seipel for San Jose Mercury News
Legislative Issues
“Paul Ryan Lands at Center of a Rivalry for the Soul of the G.O.P.” by Carl Hulse for New York Times
November 3, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Campaign Finance “Larry Lessig Ends Presidential Campaign, Citing Unfair Debate Rules” by David Weigel for Washington Post Arizona: “Elections Panel Moves to Uncover Political ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star New Jersey: “Analysis: Outside […]
Campaign Finance
“Larry Lessig Ends Presidential Campaign, Citing Unfair Debate Rules” by David Weigel for Washington Post
Arizona: “Elections Panel Moves to Uncover Political ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star
New Jersey: “Analysis: Outside money may flood 2017 election” by Dustin Racioppi for Bergen Record
New Mexico: “Flurry of Campaign Finance Cases after Duran Indictment Renews Call for Ethics Commission” by Justin Horwath for Santa Fe New Mexican
Oregon: “Activists Angle for Oregon Campaign Finance Measures” by Taylor Anderson for Bend Bulletin
Ethics
New York: “In Two Corruption Cases, the Culture of Albany Will Go on Trial” by William Rashbaum and Susanne Craig for New York Times
North Carolina: “McCrory Brokered Meeting on Contract for Friend and Campaign Donor” by Joseph Neff, Craig Jarvis, and Ames Alexander for Raleigh News & Observer
Elections
“How Donald Trump Leverages America’s Fault Lines” by Lynn Vavreck for New York Times
Redistricting
Maryland: “D.C. Law Student Takes Case against Md. Gerrymandering to Supreme Court” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
October 29, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Commission’s Corporate Job Pipeline” by James Panichi for Politico “Top Lobbyists 2015: Associations” by Staff for The Hill “Top Lobbyists 2015: Grassroots” by Staff for The Hill California: “Former SF Police Union President Fined for Illegally Lobbying Last […]
Lobbying
“The Commission’s Corporate Job Pipeline” by James Panichi for Politico
“Top Lobbyists 2015: Associations” by Staff for The Hill
“Top Lobbyists 2015: Grassroots” by Staff for The Hill
California: “Former SF Police Union President Fined for Illegally Lobbying Last Year” by Jonah Owen Lamb for San Francisco Examiner
Rhode Island: “R.I. House Panel Opens Investigation into 38 Studios Loan” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Is There a Silver Lining to Citizens United?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
Florida: “Mystery Surrounds Largest Donor to Florida Solar Power Ballot Initiative” by Jeremy Wallace for Miami Herald
Ethics
“Dennis Hastert, Ex-Speaker of House, Pleads Guilty to Banking Violation” by Monica Davey and Mitch Smith for New York Times
New York: “Albany’s Museum of Political Corruption No Longer Just a Funny Idea” by Michael DeMasi for Albany Business Review
Redistricting
“In Swing-State Ohio, Both Parties Want to Limit Their Own Power in Redistricting” by Daniel Vock for Governing
October 28, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Ryan Speakership Could Herald New Style for K Street Lobbyists” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance “Want to Reform Campaign Finance and Reduce Corruption? Here’s How.” by Ray LaRaja and Brian Schaffner for Washington Post “Clinton White […]
Lobbying
“Ryan Speakership Could Herald New Style for K Street Lobbyists” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“Want to Reform Campaign Finance and Reduce Corruption? Here’s How.” by Ray LaRaja and Brian Schaffner for Washington Post
“Clinton White House Sleepover Guests Still Writing Checks” by Liz Essley Whyte for Center for Public Integrity
“FEC Overhauls Website to Make It Easier to Track Campaign Money” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Cruz’s Quiet Fundraising Strength: A network of wealthy donors” by Katie Zezima and Matea Gold for Washington Post
“State: Malloy campaign case threatens integrity of elections” by Dave Collins (Associated Press) for WTNH
Washington: “Seattle Initiative Puts Spotlight on Campaign Financing” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Elections
“Lawrence Lessig’s Presidential Bid Endures in Relative Obscurity” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times
October 27, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “DNC Courts Lobbyist Cash with Promise of VIP Access at Convention” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Illinois: “Spending by Lobbyists Up This Year; Diana Rauner-Led Organization Tops List of Spenders” by Doug Finke for State Journal Register New […]
Lobbying
“DNC Courts Lobbyist Cash with Promise of VIP Access at Convention” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Illinois: “Spending by Lobbyists Up This Year; Diana Rauner-Led Organization Tops List of Spenders” by Doug Finke for State Journal Register
New York: “JCOPE Issues Fines to Housing Activists, Others on Filing Violations” by Rick Karlin for Albany Times Union
Texas: “Opposition to Lobbying Resolution Organizes” by Elizabeth Pagano for Austin Monitor
Campaign Finance
“‘Fire Paul Ryan’? Rebel PACs Hit Republicans, and It Pays” by Eric Lipton and Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
Ethics
“DOJ: No criminal charges in IRS Tea Party probe” by Kevin Johnson and Gregory Korte for USA Today
Colorado: “New Working Group Could Slow Denver Ethics Code Changes” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
North Carolina: “NC Ethics Panel Gets Extra Funding to Chip at Backlog” by Gary Robertson (Associated Press) for Ashville Citizen-Times
Elections
“Jeb Bush Shakes Up His Struggling Campaign with Major Spending Cuts” by Philip Rucker for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Kansas: “Kansas Legislation Is Most Anonymous in Nation” by Celia Llopis-Jepsen for Topeka Capital-Journal
October 23, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 23, 2015
Federal: Even with Rising Debt and Sinking Polls, Candidates Find Dropping Out Is Hard to Do Los Angeles Times – Noah Bierman | Published: 10/19/2015 Over time, several presidential hopefuls with dwindling bank accounts and bottom-scraping poll numbers may be recapping […]
Federal:
Even with Rising Debt and Sinking Polls, Candidates Find Dropping Out Is Hard to Do
Los Angeles Times – Noah Bierman | Published: 10/19/2015
Over time, several presidential hopefuls with dwindling bank accounts and bottom-scraping poll numbers may be recapping the experience of Scott Walker and Rick Perry, the first candidates to quit the race. They will have to weigh the risks to their reputations, finances, and political futures of staying in the race versus getting out. History shows candidates are likely to push against the odds for as long as they can resist sober political facts. Some may prolong time in the campaign to advance a single issue, enhance a career in television, or set themselves up for a job in the next administration. They may time their withdrawal to raise the leverage of their endorsement or preserve their standing at home.
How Time Ran Out on Joe Biden’s Presidential Dream
Washington Post – Dan Balz and Paul Kane | Published: 10/21/2015
Vice President Joe Biden said he will not be a candidate for president. The announcement closes the door on one of the biggest potential challenges to Hillary Clinton’s second attempt at capturing the Democratic nomination. As the 2016 campaign took shape, Biden played coy about his intentions, never signaling clearly an interest in running but never saying he would not. With the Iowa caucuses on the horizon, Biden acknowledged the result of his protracted deliberations, saying a “window” had closed on “mounting a realistic campaign.”
‘Outsider’ Presidential Candidates Prove Competitive in Fund-Raising
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Eric Lichtblau | Published: 10/15/2015
In both the Republican and Democratic primaries, upstart presidential candidates shunned by their parties’ major donors are now financially competitive with – and, in some cases, vastly outraising – opponents who have spent months or years courting the big-name donors and fundraisers who have traditionally dominated the money race. The steady fundraising of outsider candidates, who have tapped into a network of smaller donors, suggests a financial paradigm shift in both parties, but particularly on the right, where candidates beloved by the Republicans’ socially conservative base have sometimes struggled to muster the financial resources to sustain a long-term campaign for the nomination.
‘Supermajority’ of House Freedom Caucus to Back Paul Ryan’s Speaker Bid
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis and Robert Costa | Published: 10/21/2015
A strong majority of anti-establishment conservatives in the Freedom Caucus voted to support U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan for House speaker, assuring he will have the votes to secure the post and averting a leadership crisis for Republicans. Ryan indicated he was prepared to seize the gavel and try to bring unity to his party, which has been riven over how House leaders exert authority over members. That fight had become so bitter that it forced the resignation of Speaker John Boehner and derailed the candidacy of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to replace him.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Public Disservice: Few punished in Arizona discrimination cases
Arizona Republic – Rob O’Dell and Craig Harris | Published: 10/15/2015
The Arizona Republic uncovered dozens of cases of sexual, racial, and age discrimination claims by state workers. More than half the employees said they were penalized by retaliation, the investigation found, while those accused of discrimination went virtually unpunished. More than one-third were actually promoted after their alleged actions, and more than 40 percent received pay raises following the settlements. Taxpayers shelled out more than $6 million from 2009 to 2014 to settle discrimination, harassment, or other workplace claims by 57 public employees from state agencies, universities, and courts.
Arkansas – Ex-Arkansas Senate Head Got $120K from Group
Arkansas Business – Claudia Lauer (Associated Press) | Published: 10/21/2015
The Arkansas Faith and Freedom Coalition paid Michael Lamoureux’s law firm $120,000 for “consulting” services in 2013, when Lamoureux was the Arkansas Senate president pro tempore. He left the Senate in 2014 to become chief of staff for Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The coalition’s website says it favors such things as “legislation that strengthens families … protects the dignity of life and marriage,” and lowers taxes on small businesses and families. It was unclear what type of consulting work Lamoureux’s former law firm did for the coalition. The Senate’s rules of conduct in 2013 explicitly prohibited senators from discussing or voting on issues that “will specifically relate to a business which employs the senator or in which he or she receives compensation as an attorney or consultant.”
California – ‘Behested Payments’ Let Private Groups Curry Favor with Politicians – New Law Will Limit Disclosure
KQED – Marisa Lagos | Published: 10/16/2015
Once they are in office, elected officials in California can use their clout to help raise cash for pet projects outside of state government. Gov. Jerry Brown has directed the bulk of his $30 million in behested payments to charter schools in Oakland. The amount they can raise for these private groups is unlimited, but officials must report when the donations top $5,000 from a single source in one year. In all, politicians have directed more than $120 million to private groups since regulators started requiring disclosure in 1997. Critics say the payments may go to good causes, but are simply another way for special interest groups – including corporations with business before state government – to curry favor.
California
New California Rules Meant to Deter Coordination in Campaigns
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 10/15/2015
Regulations approved by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) effectively shifts the burden of proof in cases of suspected coordination in campaigns from the government to the candidate or outside spending committee. It puts them on notice if former aides or immediate family members go to work for an outside spending group involved in a candidate’s race, for instance, or a candidate raises money for an outside organization. It also would restrict the sharing of candidate-produced video and data. FPPC Chairperson Jodi Remke said the new rules address the growth in outside spending groups since voters approved contribution limits in 2000. Though donations directly to candidates are limited, the independent expenditure committees are allowed to raise as much as they want, as long as there is no coordination between them and the candidates who benefit.
Connecticut – Political Campaigns Rake in Cash despite Ban
The Day – Ken Dixon (Hearst Connecticut Media) | Published: 10/19/2015
Connecticut law prohibits those who do business with the state from contributing to the campaigns of politicians who could award or influence state contracts. But that has not stopped the flow of money from state contractors. An investigation into the Democratic State Central Committee’s federal account, which has no restrictions on who can contribute, shows it is filled with money from those on Connecticut’s banned contractor list. Watchdogs say the use of the federal account is simply a backdoor system of “pay-to-play.”
Missouri – A Few Hold the Political Purse Strings in Missouri
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/20/2015
More than 25 percent of all large campaign contributions in Missouri, defined by state law as any donation greater than $5,000, over the last five years were made by only 10 individuals and groups. Rex Sinquefield, a retired financier, has given $22.1 million since 2011 in large contributions. That is three times as much as the second largest donor. The cost of campaigning in Missouri has risen dramatically since the Legislature voted to abolish contribution limits in 2008. Republicans are benefiting the most, but Democrats are not shy about taking their share of five- and six-figure checks from donors.
New Mexico – Duran Proposes New Rules for Campaign Finance
Albuquerque Journal – Deborah Baker | Published: 10/17/2015
New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran is moving ahead with new rules governing campaign finance, even as she faces criminal charges for allegedly misusing her own campaign money. The advocacy group ProgressNow New Mexico said that Duran removing herself from the process is the only way voters will be confident the rules changes “are being made honestly and with the best intentions.” Some of the proposed rules were prompted by an elections bill passed in this year’s legislative session. Other rules have been in the works at Duran’s office for a couple of years in an effort to clarify existing law and get New Mexico in sync with federal court decisions.
Pennsylvania – Ethics Missteps Don’t Deter Pennsylvania Ex-LCB Officials
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Kari Andren | Published: 10/21/2015
Four former Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials who violated state ethics laws by accepting gifts from vendors now make regular appearances at the agency as employees and lobbyists for the industry they once regulated. State officials and lawmakers who leave government are required by law to wait a year before conducting business with former colleagues. Terry Madonna, a professor at Franklin & Marshall College, said the waiting period does not go far enough to curb the appearance that the former officials bring unfair influence gained in the public sector to their private work. “You and I know that doesn’t change the culture, doesn’t change relationships,” Madonna said.
Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh City Council Passes New Campaign-Finance Rules
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Robert Zullo | Published: 10/20/2015
The Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval to a series of campaign finance reforms. The bill makes the city’s contribution limits conform to the FEC standards, which are $2,700 for individuals and $5,000 for political committees per election. For the purposes of the limits, primaries and general elections are considered separate elections. The ordinance also bans “stacking” contributions, when candidates accept donations for the primary and general elections at the same time.
Wisconsin – Assembly Approves Splitting GAB into Elections and Ethics Agencies
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley and Jason Stein | Published: 10/21/2015
Two controversial bills that would alter Wisconsin’s elections landscape faced an uncertain future in the Senate, even as Assembly Republicans put them on a fast track to passage. The Assembly for a bill to replace the Government Accountability Board with two separate boards with partisan appointees, as opposed to the current board, a panel of former judges. The other bill that would give state campaign finance law its most substantial overhaul in decades passed unanimously after Assembly Democrats recused themselves from voting. The campaign finance legislation would double contribution limits, allow corporations and unions to give money to political parties and key campaign committees, and permit candidates to work closely with advocacy groups that do not have to disclose where they get their money.
Wisconsin – Lawmakers Approve Bill Ending John Doe Probes of Political Crimes
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley and Jason Stein | Published: 10/20/2015
The Wisconsin General Assembly passed legislation that prohibits prosecutors from using secret inquiries known as John Doe investigations to probe allegations of political crimes such as campaign finance violations or misconduct in public office, a method used twice by prosecutors to investigate Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and his aides. Republicans supporting the legislation said it would provide a more transparent process of investigating and prosecuting political wrongdoing, while Democrats said the bills shield politicians from scrutiny and opens the door to corruption.
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.
October 22, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “K Street Eyes Late-Year Rebound” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Divided D.C. Council Takes Aim at Mayor Bowser’s Super PAC” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post Missouri: “Ten Missouri Megadonors Drive Largest Political Contributions” by Jason […]
Lobbying
“K Street Eyes Late-Year Rebound” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Divided D.C. Council Takes Aim at Mayor Bowser’s Super PAC” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Missouri: “Ten Missouri Megadonors Drive Largest Political Contributions” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Ethics
California: “Does Orange County Need an Ethics Commission? Voters to Decide in June” by Meghann Cuniff for Orange County Register
“Report Traces Jeb Bush’s Ties to Companies That Had Business with Florida” by Matt Flegenheimer and Steve Eder for New York Times
Wisconsin “Lawmakers Approve Bill Ending John Doe Probes of Political Crimes” by Patrick Marley and Jason Stein for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Elections
“Biden’s Decision Boosts Clinton and Sets Up a Two-Way Race With Sanders” by Paul Kane and Karen Tumulty for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Paul Ryan Tells House Republicans He’s Willing to Run, If Conditions Are Met” by Mike DeBonis and Robert Costa for Washington Post
October 21, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “The Strength of Citizen Government: Local grassroots advocacy” by Jeffrey Berry for Nonprofit Quarterly Ohio: “Columbus Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Extortion” by Csaba Sukosd for WTTE Campaign Finance “Meet Jeb Bush’s Top White House Fundraisers” by Fredreka Schouten and […]
Lobbying
“The Strength of Citizen Government: Local grassroots advocacy” by Jeffrey Berry for Nonprofit Quarterly
Ohio: “Columbus Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Extortion” by Csaba Sukosd for WTTE
Campaign Finance
“Meet Jeb Bush’s Top White House Fundraisers” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars for USA Today
Connecticut: “Political Campaigns Rake in Cash despite Ban” by Ken Dixon (Hearst Connecticut Media) for The Day
New Jersey: “Among Christie Donors, a Slew of State Contractors” by Andrew Seidman and Maddie Hanna for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Pittsburgh City Council Passes New Campaign-Finance Rules” by Robert Zullo for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ethics
“Hidden Cash Financed Lawmakers’ Turkey Trips” by Hannah Hess for Roll Call
Elections
“This Chart Shows Why Republicans Are in a Much Stronger Position Than You Think” by Chris Cillizza for Washington Post
“Webb Exits the Democratic Presidential Primary” by Jose DelReal and David Weigel for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Missouri: “New Missouri House Speaker Hopes to Restore Legislature’s Tarnished Image” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
October 20, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Missouri: “On the Trail: Lawmakers struggle to close General Assembly’s ‘revolving door’” by Jason Rosenbaum for KRCU New York: “Education, Real Estate Tax Breaks Drove $131 Million Lobbying Spending” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union Campaign Finance “The […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “On the Trail: Lawmakers struggle to close General Assembly’s ‘revolving door’” by Jason Rosenbaum for KRCU
New York: “Education, Real Estate Tax Breaks Drove $131 Million Lobbying Spending” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“The Inside Story of Trump Campaign’s Connections to a Big-Money Super PAC” by Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger, and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
New Mexico: “Duran Proposes New Rules for Campaign Finance” by Deborah Baker for Albuquerque Journal
Ethics
California: “‘Behested Payments’ Let Private Groups Curry Favor with Politicians – New Law Will Limit Disclosure” by Marisa Lagos for KQED
Virginia: “State Ethics Commission Recommends $15,000 Pay Raise for General Assembly Members” by Graham Moomaw for Roanoke Times
Elections
“Even with Rising Debt and Sinking Polls, Candidates Find Dropping Out Is Hard to Do” by Noah Bierman for Los Angeles Times
“The Women in the Van” by Hadas Gold for Politico
Legislative Issues
“The Obsession of the House Freedom Caucus” by Jake Sherman for Politico
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.