Lobbying

“Bennet, Franken Introduce Lobbying Reform Bill – CWA Goes after Planned Parenthood Consultant – New Dems Break Fundraising Record” by Tarini Parti for Politico

Ohio: “Redflex-Funded Groups Helped Columbus Lobby for Cameras” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch

Campaign Finance

“IRS Mismanaged Tea Party Groups, Senate Report Finds” by Bernie Becker for The Hill

Minnesota: “Mark Dayton Drew Big Inaugural Checks after Election” by Brian Bakst (Associated Press) for St. Paul Pioneer Press

Ethics

Georgia: “Investigator: Corruption in DeKalb County ‘stunning’” by Dave Williams for Atlanta Business Chronicle

Indiana: “Pence Cancels BMV Contract, Asks for Ethics Investigation” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Must Turn Over Emails to Judge for Review, Release” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “Montco DA Charges Attorney General Kane” by Craig McCoy, Angela Couloumbis, and Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

West Virginia: “Law Restricts WV Elected Officials’ Self-Promotion Using Taxpayer Money” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette

On July 29, City Council passed ordinance O2015-4685, amending the city ethics code.

The amendment requires the Office of the Legislative Inspector General (OLIG) to deliver all evidence collected during an investigation to the Board of Ethics before the board decides if city ethics rules have been violated. This would include the names and addresses of complainants and confidential testimony.

As the board will provide collected evidence to the accused, there is concern the change will have a chilling effect on potential whistleblowers, leave witnesses open to possible retaliation, and weaken the OLIG’s ability to enforce the ethics ordinance.

National:

A Dream Undone
New York Times – Jim Rutenberg | Published: 7/29/2015

August 6 is the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act. It eliminated literacy tests and other Jim Crow tactics, and in a key provision called Section 5 required seven states with histories of black disenfranchisement to submit any future change in statewide voting law for approval by federal authorities. In 2008, for the first time, black turnout was nearly equal to white turnout, and Barack Obama was elected the nation’s first black president. Since then, however, the legal trend has abruptly reversed. The rollback of the law was the result of a little-known part of the civil rights story. It involves a largely Republican countermovement of ideologues and partisan operatives who methodically set out to undercut or dismantle its most important requirements.

Facebook Expands in Politics, and Campaigns Find Much to Like
New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 7/29/2015

While it is no surprise that campaigns are devoting a greater share of their budget and energy on digital initiatives, Facebook, already a major player in past cycles, has been working to expand its digital dominance in the political realm. Facebook, which has 189 million monthly users in the U.S., has pitched its tools and services to every presidential campaign in the 2016 race, not to mention down-ballot races, to showcase new features as candidates seek to reach and recruit new supporters and potential donors. Some estimate that 2016 will usher in roughly $1 billion in online political advertising, and Facebook says it is on track to increase its revenue from previous cycles.

Federal:

Billionaire Donors Bypass K Street
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 7/29/2015

The most politically generous billionaires invest almost unlimited personal resources in supporting federal candidates and super PACs. But the hedge funds and other companies that fuel their bank accounts put up a relatively small amount of cash toward disclosed federal lobbying, according to a Roll Call survey of the top 25 donors. Some of the firms founded or owned by the biggest donors leave no paper trail revealing any history of lobbying work. But even when they do not list a roster of pricey hired help from K Street, these top donors and their companies still exert influence.

D.N.C. Lifts Ban on Convention Fundraising
New York Times – Maggie Haberman | Published: 7/23/2015

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) lifted its ban on contributions from PACs and lobbyists for its convention fundraising and for the accounts it shares with presidential campaigns. Both limitations were put in place by Barack Obama, who was seeking to change the influence of money in Washington. The DNC will continue its policy of not accepting donations from PACs and lobbyists for its general fundraising operations. Allowing such contributions to the joint fundraising committee was something that Hillary Clinton’s campaign encouraged, and Congress last year eliminated public funding for the national conventions.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Ethics Panel Reaffirms Past Ruling on Ticket Sales to Legislators
Arkansas News – John Lyon (Arkansas News Bureau) | Published: 7/24/2015

Regardless of whether the preferential treatment comes from the University of Arkansas itself or from the Razorback Foundation, lawmakers cannot get access to Razorback tickets unless they pay the same fees as everyone else, the state Ethics Commission ruled. University officials had argued the school and its athletic booster club are separate entities and restrictions on gifts from lobbyists do not apply to the foundation. The commission disagreed.

Missouri – McCaskill Calls for Advocacy Group to Give Missouri Capital Interns ‘Someone to Talk to’
KCUR – Jo Mannies | Published: 7/29/2015

State Sen. Paul LeVota resigned recently after being accused of sexually harassing an intern, but U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill contends the real issue is that little has changed. She was an intern at the Missouri Capitol 41 years ago. “I am bitterly disappointed that the climate has not changed significantly since 1974,” McCaskill said, recalling her own experiences with off-color jokes and unsolicited sexual comments. And she remembers the self-doubt of what she should do. That is why McCaskill is suggesting that a special advocacy organization be set up to simply give interns a non-threatening source to talk to, where they could get constructive information about how to file a formal complaint and even hire a lawyer.

Missouri – Missouri’s ‘Wild West’ Campaign-Finance Rules Are Making Candidates Look Terrible
National Journal – Karyn Bruggeman | Published: 7/23/2015

A handful of states have no limits on who can donate to candidates or how much, but Missouri is the only one with the combination of no limits on campaign donations or lobbyist gifts, and no laws on the books to prevent elected officials from immediately becoming lobbyists after leaving office. For candidates looking to raise money, the laissez-faire approach is a boon. But when it comes time to explain to voters where that cash came from and what it was for, candidates are often left without good answers. That has been particularly true of the start of the state’s 2016 governor’s race.

Nebraska – Number of Groups Hiring Nebraska Lobbyists Reaches New High
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Grant Schulte (Associated Press) | Published: 7/28/2015

Common Cause Nebraska said the number of groups hiring lobbyists rose to a record 527 this year, from 506 in 2014. The groups spent nearly $14.1 million last year to influence lawmakers, most of which went to lobbyists. The report calls for more specific disclosure requirements, including a breakdown of lobbyist expenses per elected official and creating a separate reporting category for food and beverages. Nebraska should prohibit lobbyists from bundling campaign contributions and ban all in-session fundraisers.

Nevada – Nevada Lobbyists Spend Record Amount on Legislators
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Sandra Chereb | Published: 7/24/2015

Lobbyists in Nevada spent $153,079 to entertain and influence state lawmakers during this year’s legislative session. The record amount is up nearly 26 percent over the $121,594 reported by lobbyists two years ago. Lobbyists are required to report how much they spend on gifts, group events, and entertainment provided to lawmakers for each month of the session. The entertainment category includes cost of meals and beverages when a lobbyist picks up the tab. The cost of group events – receptions, luncheons, dinners, or other events where every legislator is invited – totaled $149,777. Individual entertainment expenses were $2,176.

Ohio – City Council Officials Got Box Seats at Ohio State Game
Columbus Dispatch – Lucas Sullivan | Published: 7/26/2015

Days after John Raphael abstained from voting on a food-and-beverage contract for the Greater Columbus Convention Center because of a conflict-of-interest, he escorted four Columbus City Council members to the Big Ten Conference Championship football game. Raphael said he removed himself from the convention authority’s food-vendor selection process because he represented Centerplate, the company that was then bidding for and now holds the contract, as a statewide lobbyist. Raphael and his relationships with elected officials have come under scrutiny after he was implicated in the bribery scheme involving Redflex, the company that had the contract for red-light cameras in Columbus.

Oregon – Ethics Reforms after Kitzhaber: Going slow means getting it right, Oregon lawmakers argue
Portland Oregonian – Denis Theriault | Published: 7/29/2015

The day before Gov. John Kitzhaber quit amid influence-peddling allegations, Republicans in the Oregon Legislature seized on the scandal to introduce sweeping ethics reforms. They wanted to set strict rules for the governor’s partner, allow lawmakers to impeach statewide officials, and increase access to public records, among other changes. But when lawmakers adjourned in July, none of those ideas had advanced. Only three milder bills drafted by Gov. Kate Brown became law. Some Republicans say Democratic leaders played politics to keep the state’s minority party from scoring points. But other officials, including Brown, say they are intentionally taking it slow, especially in the absence of criminal charges spelling out whether Kitzhaber and former first lady Cylvia Hayes broke any laws.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Congressman Fattah Indicted on Corruption Charges from 2007 Mayor’s Race
Washington Post – Paul Kane and Mike DeBonis | Published: 7/29/2015

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and four associates were indicted on racketeering conspiracy charges, accused of misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer, charity, and campaign funds. Fattah is accused of misusing money from his unsuccessful 2007 bid for mayor of Philadelphia. Prosecutors allege Fattah used federal grants and donations to his educational foundation to pay back part of a campaign supporter’s $1 million loan and helped arrange a $15 million federal grant for a nonexistent nonprofit in lieu of a $130,000 payment to a political consultant after his failed mayoral run.

Texas – Appeals Court Rejects One Count in Perry Indictment
Texas Tribune – Patrick Svitek | Published: 7/24/2015

A state appeals court dropped one of the two felony charges that former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is facing. He was indicted last summer on criminal charges of abuse of power and coercion of a public servant. The case surrounds an episode during which Perry was accused of trying to use his powers as governor to make an elected official step down after being charged with drunken driving. The court dismissed the coercion of a public servant charge against Perry on the grounds that it violates his right to free speech under the First Amendment. He still faces the abuse of official capacity charge, which carries a prison sentence of five to 99 years.

Virginia – Clinton Donors Also Pumped Millions into McAuliffe’s Coffers
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 7/29/2015

More than 175 contributors to the Clinton Foundation and to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign have dug deep into their wallets for Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, often giving prolifically despite little or no connection to the state. Of the $60 million that McAuliffe has raised for his two gubernatorial bids, inauguration, PAC, and the Virginia Democratic Party, nearly $18 million has come from contributors to the Clinton Foundation or to Hillary Clinton’s current campaign. The substantial overlap highlights how intimately McAuliffe’s political universe is intertwined with that of Bill and Hillary Clinton, for whom McAuliffe has been a fundraiser and close friend.

Wisconsin – Emails Show Contact between GAB Head and IRS Mostly Personal in Nature
Wisconsin Radio Network – Andrew Beckett | Published: 7/27/2015

An opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal raised the possibility of a coordinated effort by Wisconsin Government Accountability Board Director Kevin Kennedy and former IRS Director of Exempt Organizations Lois Lerner to target conservative political groups for investigation. Wisconsin officials have now released 138 pages of emails between Kennedy and Lerner. Most of the messages discuss dinner and travel plans, or updates about family. A handful of include IRS policy updates or repost articles about campaign finance debates. Lerner also included Kennedy on several lengthy email forwards featuring humorous photo collections about friendship and other jokes.

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

“Billionaire Donors Bypass K Street” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Nebraska: “Number of Groups Hiring Nebraska Lobbyists Reaches New High” by Grant Schulte (Associated Press) for Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Campaign Finance

New Jersey: “Super PACs Start Dominating Local Races in N.J.” by Matt Friedman for Politico

Ethics

Missouri: “McCaskill Calls for Advocacy Group to Give Missouri Capital Interns ‘Someone to Talk to’” by Jo Mannies for KCUR

New York: “Despite Unprecedented Scandal, Calls for Special Ethics Session Fall on Deaf Ears” by David Howard King for Gotham Gazette

Oregon: “Ethics Reforms after Kitzhaber: Going slow means getting it right, Oregon lawmakers argue” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Congressman Fattah Indicted on Corruption Charges from 2007 Mayor’s Race” by Paul Kane and Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

Elections

“Facebook Expands in Politics, and Campaigns Find Much to Like” by Ashley Parker for New York Times

“A Dream Undone” by Jim Rutenberg for New York Times

A voter initiative is being developed in Orange County, California, to create a county ethics commission. The commission would enforce campaign finance limits for countywide offices as well as public ethics, including gifts and conflicts of interest.

The commission would also have a hotline where citizens could provide tips regarding ethics issues and would have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents.

If the initiative qualifies, it would appear on the November 2016 ballot. A version of the proposed initiative is available here.

A Missouri state senator accused of sexually harassing an intern has resigned.

Sen. Paul LeVota denies he made any unwanted advances, but wants to spare his family and the Senate the “process of dealing with the veracity of false allegations and character assassination against me.”

A Senate investigation was conducted, but the report drew no conclusions. However, a report by the University of Central Missouri, where the intern was a student, concluded there was evidence supporting the allegations.

LeVota’s resignation is effective August 23.

Photo of Sen. Paul LeVota courtesy of the Missouri Senate website.

Lobbying

Colorado: “Colorado Senator Says He Has No Records on His Lobbyist-Written Elderly Care Bill” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog

Campaign Finance

“D.N.C. Lifts Ban on Convention Fundraising” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections Drops Fines in 208 Cases” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal

Ethics

“Criminal Inquiry Is Sought in Clinton Email Account” by Michael Schmidt and Matt Apuzzo for New York Times

“Drug Companies Pushed From Far and Wide to Explain High Prices” by Andrew Pollack for New York Times

District of Columbia: “New Details Emerge about Metro Contract That Raised Ethical Questions” by Lori Aratani for Washington Post

Hawaii: “Hawaii’s Student Travel Still Up in the Air as Free Trips Debated” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

New Jersey: “N.J. Lawmaker Plans Bill Curbing Governors Use of Public Funds for Out-of-State Trip Expenses” by Melissa Hayes for Bergen Record

Texas: “Appeals Court Rejects One Count in Perry Indictment” by Patrick Svitek for Texas Tribune

Federal:

‘Influencers’ Poll Gives Grades to Lobby Groups
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 7/22/2015

The consulting firm APCO Worldwide interviewed 301 people from the public and private sectors, including lobbyists and top aides on Capitol Hill, to find out which trade groups are the most effective at influencing decision-makers. Of the 50 associations evaluated by participants, PhRMA came out on top of seven of the 15 categories – including lobbying, coalition building, social media, having a unified voice, and possessing the ability to work within the legislative, executive, and regulatory arenas. Overall, the financial services industry ranked number one out of the eight sectors listed as part of the survey. “Having a unified voice as an industry and having a positive perception in the media are now considered more important to a trade association’s effectiveness than lobbying or member mobilization,” said Bill Dalbec of APCO.

Rick Perry Finance Chairman Does Super PAC Two-Step
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine | Published: 7/22/2015

Rick Perry’s presidential campaign raised $1.14 million between the former Texas governor’s announcement on June 4 and the end of that month, about one-tenth of what Jeb Bush reported raising in about half that time. But the underwhelming fundraising total is not threatening Kelcy Warren’s job as Perry’s presidential campaign chairperson. Warren is helping the candidate in a major way and is navigating a legal minefield to do it. The billionaire gave $6 million to a coalition of super PACs that are supporting Perry’s bid. Warren’s contribution illustrates how closely some presidential campaigns and advisers are working with the theoretically independent groups that exist to promote their candidate of choice.

Seeing Crowd, G.O.P. Donors Holding Back
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Sarah Cohen | Published: 7/18/2015

Only about a fifth of the 1,000 or so fundraisers and their spouses who rallied around Mitt Romney in 2012 have given money to any of the 2016 Republican presidential candidates. Those who remain uncommitted – hundreds of volunteer bundlers who could collect contributions from their friends and business associates – represent a huge pool of untapped campaign cash, potentially hundreds of millions of dollars that could remake the primary campaign. Some of the bundlers and donors said they had held back, in part, because the field was the strongest they had seen in years, with several viable contenders representing the party’s different generational and ideological segments.

Who Advises Candidate Trump? (Hint: His Name Is Donald)
New York Times – Maggie Haberman and Michael Barbaro | Published: 7/20/2015

At a candidate forum in Iowa, Donald Trump said U.S. Sen. John McCain “is not a war hero” because he was captured. It was an improvised fit of pique, denounced by his rivals, which exposed the biggest vulnerability of Trump’s campaign for president: it is built entirely around the instincts and grievances of its unpredictable candidate, and does not rely on a conventional political operation that protects presidential hopefuls from themselves. Even as Trump insisted no one was troubled by his comments, his small group of aides emailed one another about how to respond to the growing criticism. If nothing else, the incident reaffirmed that Trump is running a presidential campaign on his own unique terms.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Cleaning Up Politics or ‘Vindictive’ Nosy Neighbor? Shirley Grindle Is Making Last Stand as a Watchdog
Orange County Register – Martin Wisckol | Published: 7/19/2015

There are plenty of people who wish 80-year-old Shirley Grindle, Orange County’s best-known government watchdog, would just go away. “The community would be better off if Shirley Grindle focused her attention on 53 cats,” said Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. But Grindle is gearing up for one final battle, a 2016 ballot measure establishing an ethics commission that would keep officials looking over their shoulders long after she is gone.

California – Lobbyist Fee Set to Increase
San Diego Union-Tribune – David Garrick | Published: 7/17/2015

The annual lobbyist registration fee in San Diego would climb from $40 to $150 under a proposal approved by a city council committee. Annual registration fees paid by clients who hire lobbyists would double, from $15 to $30. City Clerk Elizabeth Maland said the increase is warranted based on the time and effort her office spends tracking and analyzing the work of lobbyists, which includes traditional lobbying, campaign activity, and fundraising efforts. The hike, which would take effect in January, still must be approved by the full council, probably in September.

Delaware – Delaware Wins Appeal, Can Enforce Law on Election Ads
Reuters – Jonathan Stempel | Published: 7/16/2015

A Delaware law requiring advocacy groups to disclose the donors behind political advertisements was deemed constitutional by a panel of three judges of the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Delaware Strong Families contended that forcing it to comply with the law would improperly damage the organization’s right to free speech. The act requires third-party groups and individuals to disclose their donors if they publish advertisements or other communications that refer to a candidate in an upcoming election. Previously, only groups that directly advocated for or against a candidate were required to disclose their donors.

Illinois – Court Overturns Some Blagojevich Senate-Seat Convictions
ABC News – Michael Tarm (Associated Press) | Published: 7/21/2015

An appeals court overturned four of Rod Blagojevich’s corruption convictions, a ruling that may not result in less prison time for the former Illinois governor. He was convicted in 2011 on 18 counts, including trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat of President Barack Obama, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Judges with the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned four of those convictions, saying Blagojevich’s attempt to appoint Valerie Jarrett to the Senate seat in exchange for a position on Obama’s cabinet was “a common exercise in logrolling.” The judges said trading one official act for another is unlike trading official acts for a private benefit and cannot be considered bribery or extortion.

Kansas – Brownback Campaign Sought Cash from Westar Official amid Ongoing Rate Case
Topeka Capital-Journal – Jonathan Shorman | Published: 7/20/2015

Documents show a campaign operative for Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback contacted Mark Schreiber, a government affairs vice president at Westar Energy, seeking help retiring debt left over from the governor’s re-election campaign last year. The contact with Schreiber took place amid the company’s request to the Kansas Corporation Commission for hike rates to pay for environmental upgrades, repairs at the company’s nuclear plant, and efforts to reduce storm-related outages.

Missouri – Missouri Capitol Intern Says She Declined Sexual Advances
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Alex Stuckey | Published: 7/23/2015

A Missouri Senate report details an intern’s claims that state Sen. Paul LeVota harassed her, asked her explicitly for sex, and retaliated when she refused. LeVota denied the account and said he never acted inappropriately with her or other interns. The investigation came after two University of Central Missouri students abruptly left an internship with LeVota partway through the last legislative session, which ended in May. That same day, former House Speaker John Diehl resigned after admitting to exchanging sexually suggestive text messages with a Capitol intern.

New York – Dean Skelos and His Son Face New Bribery Charges
New York Times – Susanne Craig | Published: 7/21/2015

Former New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, were arrested in May on charges the Republican lawmaker performed legislative favors for companies with business before the state in an attempt to enrich his son. A superseding indictment adds two new charges of extortion and solicitation of bribes related to Adam Skelos’ employment by a medical malpractice insurance company, allegedly at the request of his father. The new indictment says Adam Skelos allegedly threatened to “smash in” the head of a supervisor who failed to grasp that he was a no-show employee.

New York – New York Ethics Panel Chief Taking State Tax Job
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 7/21/2015

New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics Executive Director Letizia Tagliafierro is resigning to take a new job as deputy commissioner at the state Department of Taxation and Finance, where she will lead the criminal investigations division. The ethics commission, scheduled to meet August 4, are expected to mount a national search for a new executive director. The change comes as the commission prepares to take on expanded duties as a result of the ethics changes included in this spring’s state budget agreement. Under the new rules, groups spending over $5,000 lobbying municipalities with populations of more than 5,000 must register that activity; the cutoff had been populations of 50,000 or more.

New York – Thomas Libous, New York State Senator, Is Convicted of Lying to F.B.I.
New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 7/22/2015

Thomas Libous, deputy majority leader of the New York Senate, was convicted of lying to federal agents, becoming the latest lawmaker to lose his seat amid a criminal investigation. The conviction triggers his automatic expulsion from the Legislature, where he has served since 1989. He was charged last year with lying to FBI agents who came to his Albany office to ask about his alleged efforts to get his son a job at a politically connected law firm. The trial offered a glimpse of the close dealings between legislators and the lobbyists seeking to influence them.

Vermont – Shumlin Backs Independent Ethics Commission
VTDigger.org – Erin Mansfield | Published: 7/23/2015

Amid conflict-of-interest allegations among Vermont public officials, Gov. Peter Shumlin said he supports the creation of a state ethics commission. Secretary of State Jim Condos is already drafting legislation that would create an independent panel to oversee the executive and legislative branches. “This is not about any individual person; this was always a bigger picture item about how we could improve the trust that Vermonters deserve to have about their government,” said Condos.

Washington – Seattle’s Richest, Whitest Areas Dominate Campaign Giving, Say Reform
Seattle Times – Daniel Beekman | Published: 7/21/2015

The Sightline Institute mapped contributions to candidates for mayor, city council, and city attorney in Seattle for the 2013 election and found a small number of donors from certain neighborhoods dominate the giving. Roughly half the money came from 1,683 donors, or 0.3 percent of the city’s adults. The institute is supporting Honest Elections Seattle, an initiative that that will be on the November ballot. It would lower the contribution limit, ban donations to candidates from entities with city contracts of $250,000 or more and from people spending at least $5,000 to lobby the city. The measure would also establish a public campaign finance system for Seattle.

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.

Executive Director of New York’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics Letizia Tagliafierro is resigning, effective July 31, 2015.

Tagliafierro has served as the executive director since October of 2013. She is moving to the state Department of Taxation and Finance where she will be a deputy commissioner, leading the criminal investigations division.

The next meeting of the JCOPE is scheduled for August 4 and the commissioners are expected to begin a national search for a replacement for Tagliafierro.

Lobbying

“Jeb Bush Promises to Curb Lobbying and Cut Size of Government” by Michael Barbaro for New York Times

Campaign Finance

“Seeing Crowd, G.O.P. Donors Holding Back” by Nicholas Confessore and Sarah Cohen for New York Times

Alabama: “Alabama Lawmakers Again Try to Tighten Campaign Finance Law” by Mike Cason for AL.com

Delaware: “Delaware Wins Appeal, Can Enforce Law on Election Ads” by Jonathan Stempel for Reuters

Ethics

California: “Cleaning Up Politics or ‘Vindictive’ Nosy Neighbor? Shirley Grindle Is Making Last Stand as a Watchdog” by Martin Wisckol for Orange County Register

Ohio: “Red-Light-Camera Lobbyist Removed Himself from Committee Due to Conflict” by Mark Ferenchick for Columbus Dispatch

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Turnpike Employees Continue to Get Free Ride on Toll Road” by Melissa Daniels for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Vermont: “State Contracts Needed by Scott’s Company May Impact ’16 Race” by Neal Goswami for The Times-Argus

Wisconsin: “Walker Calls for Dismantling of State Elections Board” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

Elections

“Who Advises Candidate Trump? (Hint: His Name Is Donald)” by Maggie Haberman and Michael Barbaro for New York Times

Lobbying

California: “Lobbyist Fee Set to Increase” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune

Colorado: “How Effective are Lobbyists in Colorado at Passing, Killing Legislation?” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog

Campaign Finance

“Presidential Campaign Donors Hedge Bets” by Carrie Levine, Michael Beckel, Ben Wieder, and Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

“Small Donor Myth Debunked” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico

North Carolina: “Gov.’s Legal Counsel Knew of Board Member Interest Conflict” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer

Utah: “Sign Company’s PAC Buys Billboards for Biskupski; Becker Camp Protests” by Christopher Smart for Salt Lake Tribune

Ethics

California: “Director Concerned over Ethics Pick” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union-Tribune

Pennsylvania: “FBI Looking at Same Contractors in Reading and Allentown” by Matt Assad, Scott Kraus, Paul Muschick, and Emily Opilo for Allentown Morning Call

Federal:

A Year after Rocky Merger, Patton Boggs Aims to Re-Establish K Street Dominance
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 7/13/2015

For decades, the name Patton Boggs was synonymous with K Street lobbying shops. But in 2014, the once dominant firm was acquired by Squire Sanders. Now, after a year of challenges – including the death of the firm’s renowned leader, Thomas Boggs, Jr., who helped define the modern-day lobbying industry – Patton Boggs is looking to re-establish itself with new leadership. That rebuilding is being led by Senate veterans Trent Lott and John Breaux.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Director Concerned over Ethics Pick
San Diego Union-Tribune – Greg Moran | Published: 7/15/2015

Attorney Robert Ottilie was nominated for a seat on the San Diego Ethics Commission. In response, longtime commission Executive Director Stacey Fulhorst said she would resign her post if Ottilie is selected, adding that staff members and possibly other commissioners would also leave. She said Ottilie, who has represented city council members and campaign committees in front of the commission, is a “uniquely disruptive individual” whose presence on the panel would undercut its mission of enforcing campaign finance and ethics rules.

Colorado – Colorado Lobbying Income Likely to Set a Record This Year
Colorado Watchdog – Arthur Kane | Published: 7/15/2015

Lobbyists in Colorado are likely to make as much as $40 million in 2015, which would be a new record. Lobbyists have gone from making about $5.5 million in 1995 to nearly eight times as much with some years showing double-digit increases over the previous year, show disclosure filings. Colorado State University political science professor John Straayer said the state used to have individual lobbyists, but recently they have formed into organized corporations that provide lobbying, political fundraising, public relations, and other services. “They’re full-service operations,” said Straayer.

Colorado – The Colorado Soap Opera That Could Be a Major 2016 Headache for the GOP
Washington Post – Ben Terris | Published: 7/15/2015

In Colorado, allegations of an extramarital affair involving state Republican Party Chairperson Steve House have elevated a seemingly mundane political power struggle into a statewide soap opera that has left the GOP in disarray, a situation that could have national implications as one of the most unpredictable swing states prepares for the 2016 presidential race. If House, who denied the affair allegations, has been bruised, so too has state Attorney General Julie Coffman. The wife of U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), she had been widely viewed as a likely contender for governor in 2018. Now commentators across Colorado are wondering aloud if the attorney general committed blackmail.

Georgia – Gift Rules for State Employees Mostly Ignored, Observers Say
Savannah Morning News – Walter Jones (Morris News Service) | Published: 7/11/2015

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order the day he was sworn into office prohibiting state employees or their families from accepting anything of value worth more than $25 from lobbyists or vendors. Existing state law requires anyone doing business with city, county, or state government that spends more than $250 in a year on gifts to file an annual report. Of the thousands of companies providing services to government agencies, only about two-dozen filed a gift report for 2014 activity. Some say the information reported by the few companies that do file raises questions about the exploitation of the law.

Louisiana – Ethics Report on New Orleans: Lots of progress since Katrina, but long way to go
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Richard Rainey | Published: 7/9/2015

Recovery from Hurricane spurred New Orleans to establish the Office of Inspector General, the Office of the Independent Police Monitor, and the Ethics Review Board, each watchdogs focused on rooting out corruption, wasteful spending, and generally bad behavior among the city’s elected officials and public employees. New Orleans voters approved their creation in 1995, but it took disaster in 2005 to spark some follow-through. But for one longtime ethics reform champion, that spark has not ignited enough improvement. David Marcello, executive director of the Public Law Center at Tulane University, praised the work of the inspector general and the police monitor, but came down hard on the ethics board in a new report.

New York – Bipartisan Group Sues to Close New York’s Corporate Donation Loophole
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 7/14/2015

A coalition of good-government advocates and state lawmakers has filed a lawsuit challenging New York’s so-called LLC loophole, which allows political donors to flout contribution limits by opening multiple limited liability companies. The lawsuit challenges the state Board of Elections deadlock in April when it was petitioned to reconsider how LLCs are viewed by the board, which counts each LLC as an individual. That allows each LLC to give up to $60,800 to a statewide candidate per election cycle. Critics contend the loophole allows donors, like real estate developers, to use multiple LLCs to make huge contributions to candidates.

North Carolina – Elections Board Finds No Violations in Sweepstakes Campaign Donations
Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 7/15/2015

An investigation into more than $270,000 in questionable donations to the campaigns of top North Carolina officials from Chase Burns, an Internet sweepstakes magnate, has found no violations of state campaign finance law. Burns and his wife were among the top donors to North Carolina candidates in 2012, as the industry was lobbying lawmakers to overturn the state’s ban on the games. A watchdog group filed a complaint alleging Burns violated state laws against using corporate money for donations. Members of the elections board expressed frustration with ambiguities in North Carolina’s campaign finance laws.

North Carolina – NC Election Board Member’s Firm Worked for Target of Probe
WRAL – Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) | Published: 7/10/2015

Paul Foley, a member of the North Carolina Board of Elections, demanded regular updates about an investigation into donations to the campaigns of Gov. Pat McCrory and dozens of other elected officials. Foley failed to disclose that his law firm had represented the target of the investigation, sweepstakes executive Chase Burns. Despite a law that demands officials remove themselves from proceedings if they have a financial relationship with a participant, Foley did not step aside for nearly a year-and-a-half, until State Elections Director Kim Strach learned of nearly $1.3 million in prior payments from Burns’ company to Foley’s law firm.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lobbying Disclosures Lag Behind Other States
Oklahoma Watchdog – Arthur Kane | Published: 7/9/2015

Important information about lobbying activity is not required in Oklahoma when most other states have adopted rules or laws mandating the disclosures. Unlike most states, Oklahoma does not require lobbyists to disclose what legislation they are supporting or opposing. The rules also do not require lobbyists to report how much they received from the organizations and businesses that hired them, a practice required by at least 14 other states.

Pennsylvania – Ex-Mayor of Pennsylvania’s Capital Charged with Corruption
Albany Times Union – Marc Levy and Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 7/15/2015

Former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed, who ended his 28-year tenure in 2010 with the city near financial ruin, was arrested and faces 499 criminal counts for theft, bribery, evidence tampering, and other charges. Reed and unnamed associates issued municipal bonds for legitimate purposes but allegedly used some of the proceeds to buy a bizarre list of artifacts for what Reed claimed was a plan to open a museum. The purchases included a life-size sarcophagus, a suit of armor, a “vampire hunter’s set,” and a $14,900 playbill from Ford’s Theatre on the night of the Lincoln assassination. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane said investigators are looking into allegations of misconduct by others, and she expects more charges to be filed.

Virginia – Plastic Tumblers, a Night at Dad’s House Top Gifts in Post-McDonnell Richmond
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 7/13/2015

After Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was convicted on corruption charges, political gift-giving in the state has become such a modest and open affair that Matthew Ogburn would not spend the night in his boyhood bedroom without erring on the side of caution by making a public disclosure. Ogburn is a legislative assistant to a state senator and the son of David Ogburn, Jr., a Verizon lobbyist who lives in the Richmond suburbs. Lobbyists do not have to disclose gifts they make to their dependent children, but since Matthew Ogburn is 24 and living on his own, his father reports every time he comes for a visit.

Washington – Taxpayer Financed Campaign Proposal, with ‘Democracy Vouchers,’ Wins a Place Seattle’s Fall Ballot
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Joel Connelly | Published: 7/13/2015

An initiative that qualified for the ballot would impose a property tax levy that would pay for publicly financed elections in Seattle. Initiative 122 would ban contributions from corporations with medium-sized and large city contracts, as well as corporations that spend money lobbying the city. It would also lower the donation limit for city races, and boost fines and penalties for election law violations.

Wisconsin – Vos: Time to ‘double down’ on GAB reform in wake of reported IRS links
Wisconsin Watchdog – M.D. Kittle | Published: 7/10/2015

Key legislative Republicans renewed their call to reform the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) after The Wall Street Journal reported the agency and the IRS may have shared information about the state’s so-called John Doe investigation, the secret probe that targeted dozens of conservative groups and the campaign of Gov. Scott Walker. The newspaper ran an editorial noting GAB Director Kevin Kennedy has had a professional relationship for 20 years with Lois Lerner, the former IRS official who was involved in reviewing the tax exempt status of conservative political organizations. Kennedy knows Lerner from their involvement over the years with the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Ends John Doe Probe into Scott Walker’s Campaign
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 7/16/2015

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a criminal investigation into coordination between conservative groups and Gov. Scott Walker’s 2012 campaign cannot continue. The decision ends the specter of an inquiry as Walker pursues the Republican nomination for president. The investigation began after the governor survived a recall election brought by voters who opposed limits he made to collective bargaining rights and union power. The probe looked at whether Walker’s advisers directed interactions with at least a dozen outside conservative groups, and whether that violated disclosure rules and donation limits.

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

“A Year after Rocky Merger, Patton Boggs Aims to Re-Establish K Street Dominance” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post

Colorado: “Spend, Don’t Tell: Special interests influence lawmakers, but remain tight lipped” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog

Campaign Finance

Illinois: “Some Republicans Not Cashing Checks from Rauner” by Kurt Erickson and Joshua Maddox for Bloomington Pantagraph

Nebraska: “As Cost of Running for State Office Increases, Some Say It’s Time for a Fresh look at Campaign Spending” by Paul Hammel for Omaha World-Herald

Ethics

Georgia: “Gift Rules for State Employees Mostly Ignored, Observers Say” by Walter Jones (Morris News Service) for Savannah Morning News

New York: “Trial to Begin for Thomas Libous, New York Senator Whose Son Was Convicted” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “FBI Raid on Reading City Hall Is Second in a Week” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

Wisconsin: “Vos: Time to ‘double down’ on GAB reform in wake of reported IRS links” by M.D. Kittle for Wisconsin Watchdog

Elections

“One of the Last In, Scott Walker Enters 2016 Presidential Race near the Top of the GOP Field” by Jenna Johnson for Washington Post

Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 64, the biennial budget, on June 30. In addition to making $71 billion in appropriations, the bill modifies existing ethics and campaign finance laws. The bill authorizes the creation of a “Teacher of the Year” designation and allows a recipient of the award to receive gifts or privileges as part of the recognition program. In addition, the bill allows a person or entity to make contributions to the program without violating ethics laws.

House Bill 64 also permits nonprofit corporations designated as tax-exempt business organizations (i.e., 501(c)(6) organizations) to transfer portions of dues payments from its unincorporated member businesses to the organization’s political action committee (PAC). Prior to House Bill 64, campaign finance law banned a corporation from using its own funds, even those raised by dues, to aid any PAC, including its own.