October 17, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – October 17, 2014

Federal: Campaign Finance Forty Years Later New York Times; Staff – | Published: 10/13/2014 Forty years after Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act, many of the provisions have been struck down as unconstitutional and U.S. Supreme Court rulings have […]

Federal:

Campaign Finance Forty Years Later

New York Times; Staff – | Published: 10/13/2014

Forty years after Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act, many of the provisions have been struck down as unconstitutional and U.S. Supreme Court rulings have paved the way for outside groups to raise and spend more money. The New York Times, in its “Room for Debate” feature, asked seven experts on the issue to give their opinions on the state of campaign finance reform today.

FEC Votes Suggest Gridlock Is Easing

Politico – Byron Tau and Kyle Cheney | Published: 10/9/2014

After some five years of ties and gridlock, the FEC approved several measures as part of a compromise brokered between its two newest members: Republican Chairperson Lee Goodman and Democratic Vice Chairperson Ann Ravel. Goodman and Ravel were both appointed at the same time by President Barack Obama in 2013, and they have forged a bipartisan alliance to help the commission function better. The FEC has long been a bastion of gridlock, and the recent votes have no practical impact on campaign finance laws. But the FEC’s action suggests further movement is possible on what has been seen as a hopelessly dysfunctional panel.

Secret Money Fueling a Flood of Political Ads

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 10/10/2014

Fifty-five percent of broadcast advertising in the midterm elections has been paid for by groups that do not fully disclose their donors, compared with 45 percent from super PACs, which are required to file regular financial disclosures, according to an analysis by The New York Times. The preponderance of secretly funded advertising defies one of the assumptions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allowed outside groups to raise and spend more money, so long as they did not coordinate with candidates and parties. In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy envisioned campaigns in which unlimited independent spending by unions and corporations would be paired with robust real-time disclosure.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Kevin de León Becomes State Senate Leader in $50,000 Event

Los Angeles Times – Seema Metha and Patrick McGreevy | Published: 10/15/2014

Kevin de Leon was sworn in as the first Latino to head the California Senate in more than a century with an expensive soiree. The event at Walt Disney Concert Hall with an estimated price tag of $50,000 resembled a presidential inaugural more than the low-key affairs at the Capitol held by past Senate leaders. The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation, which receives donations from special interests seeking influence in the Legislature, picked up the tab for the event. Some suggested it was an inappropriate extravagance at a time when the state Senate is struggling to shake off the taint of corruption scandals and regain public trust.

Colorado – Citizens United Can Make Movie without Disclosing Donors, Court Says

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 10/14/2014

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Citizens United can air a movie it has produced about Colorado politics without identifying its donors. Citizens United sued after Secretary of State Scott Gessler said the movie fell under Colorado’s campaign finance laws. A federal judge agreed the movie was electioneering that required disclosure. But Citizens United argued the film deserved the same free-speech protections as traditional media. The appeals court said while the movie is exempt from disclosure, the secretary of state’s office could require it for ads if the ads name a candidate and make a case for support or defeat.

Georgia – Once Again, a Carter Aims to Govern in Georgia

New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 10/15/2014

The most famous name in Georgia gubernatorial race belongs to state Sen. Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter. But rather than a referendum on the Carter legacy, the contest remains focused to a large extent on the record of incumbent Nathan Deal. One hurdle for Deal, said Merle Black, a political science professor at Emory University, is the possibility that conservative voters, soured by continuing ethics controversies tied to Deal’s 2010 campaign, may see him as “a candidate that they cannot get really excited about,” and sit out the election.

Illinois – Campaign Contribution Limits Off in Chicago Mayor’s Race

Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 10/14/2014

William Kelly gave $100,000 of his own money to his Chicago mayoral campaign. In doing so, he has also lifted the cap for campaign donations in the race. State law mandates that the $5,300 individual campaign contribution limit be lifted in a municipal race in one of two instances: a candidate donates at $100,000 or more to their campaign fund or an outside organization puts that much into a race to support or attack a candidate in the race.

Kentucky – Top Lobbyists Make More than Governor – a LOT More

Louisville Courier Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 10/16/2014

Through the first eight months of 2014, Kentucky’s top lobbyists have made more money in fees than Steve Beshear will make in salary all year as governor. Lobbyist Bob Babbage, for example, has been paid $562,433 through August 31. Beshear is paid an annual salary of $138,012.

Missouri – Ethics Complaint Filed over Lobbyist Gifts to Missouri Lawmakers

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/15/2014

A complaint was filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission over a $3,000 dinner held at a Dallas steakhouse in August for five state legislators during the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual convention. While five lobbyists reported the gifts to the commission as going to the individual lawmakers who attended, seven other lobbyists reported the gifts to “the entire General Assembly.” Missouri law states that a gift can be reported to a group – such as a committee, legislative chamber, or the entire Legislature – if all of the members of that group are “invited in writing.”

North Carolina – Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon Sentenced to 44 Months in Federal Prison

Charlotte Observer – Mark Washburn, Michael Gordon, Ames Alexander, and Rick Rothacker | Published: 10/14/2014

Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon was sentenced to 44 months in prison after admitting to using his public positions in North Carolina’s largest city for personal financial gain, including taking at least $50,000 in bribes. A nearly four-year investigation resulted in his arrest and resignation in March. Prosecutors said Cannon accepted bribes from a strip club owner and two undercover federal agents posing as investors in exchange for helping them navigate city government and zoning issues through his elected positions. Prosecutors said he took cash, paid travel to Las Vegas, and use of a luxury apartment from the undercover agents.

Oregon – Oregon’s Embattled First Lady Faces Ethics Probe over Business Activity

Washington Post – Jose DelReal | Published: 10/14/2014

After admitting to a sham marriage to help an immigrant remain in the U.S., Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancée said she lived on a property in 1997 that was intended to be used for a marijuana growing operation. Cylvia Hayes issued a statement saying the plan “never materialized” on the remote property. She is also under fire for earning money as a consultant from organizations seeking to influence state policy. Kitzhaber asked the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for a formal opinion on whether Hayes is subject to state ethics laws and, if so, whether she has broken them in the consulting matter. It is not clear how much damage the reports about Hayes could do to Kitzhaber’s re-election campaign.

Pennsylvania – Phila. Ethics Board Tightens Campaign-Finance Rules

Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 10/15/2014

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics approved a series of amendments to the city’s campaign finance law, the most significant aimed at tightening restrictions on what constitutes a third party’s support of a candidate. The board approved an amendment to address the reuse of campaign materials produced by a candidate, but then picked up and distributed by an individual or PAC independent of the candidate. Under the new rule, such reuse would be considered an in-kind campaign contribution and would fall under the city’s donation limits.

Texas – An Ad with a Wheelchair Shakes up the Texas Governor’s Race

New York Times – David Montgomery | Published: 10/13/2014

Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis defended her campaign television ad that highlights opponent Greg Abbott’s use of a wheelchair, denying it exploits his disability while attacking his record. The 30-second ad begins with a shot of an empty wheelchair. It criticizes Abbot, the state’s attorney general, for receiving millions from a 1984 lawsuit after a falling tree injured his spine, then working to limit the legal rights of other victims. The spot has provoked a nationwide debate over its tone and the boundaries of political attack ads.

Washington – Ethics Panel Votes to Limit Number of Free Meals Lawmakers Can Accept from Lobbyists

Columbus Republic – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 10/14/2014

Beginning January 1, Washington lawmakers could accept as many as a dozen free meals from lobbyists each year under a new rule adopted by the Legislative Ethics Board. The rule also defines a meal as a sit-down meal such as breakfast or lunch, even if the meal is served at a private residence. Receptions hosted by lobbyists would not count as a meal. The board planned to meet again before the end of the year to consider draft legislation to change the current law that only requires meals worth $50 or more to be reported to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Wisconsin – Federal Judge Orders State to Stop Enforcing Anti-‘Coordination’ Law

WiscNews.com – Dee Hall | Published: 10/14/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa blocked enforcement of a Wisconsin election law that is at the center of an investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s 2012 recall campaign and more than two dozen conservative organizations. The ruling allows candidates to coordinate and work closely with independent groups that do not explicitly tell people how to vote. State prosecutors cited the coordination law in launching a so-called John Doe investigation into Walker’s campaign. A federal appeals court overturned a ruling from Randa in May that stopped the probe, but also said the issue needs to be resolved in state courts.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

October 16, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Aereo registers lobbyist as it seeks new classification” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill. Arizona: “Arizona attorney general candidate faces lobbying complaint” by Phil Villarreal on KGUN ABC News. New Jersey: “N.J. lawmakers considering restricting lobbyists working for state” […]

October 15, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Will All the GOP Lobbyists Please Stand Up?” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. Alabama: “Powerful Alabama teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert dies” by The Associated Press in The News Courier. Campaign Finance “Goldwater would […]

October 15, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

WA Ethics Board Limits Free Meals for Legislators

The Washington Legislative Ethics Board held a board meeting on October 14, 2014 to finalize rules defining “infrequent occasions” in the context of free meals accepted by state legislators. Section 42.52.150(5) of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials […]

October 14, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying UK: “Charities must record when employees use Twitter to campaign, Electoral Commission says” by Emily Corfe in Civil Society. Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance 40 Years Later” in The New York Times’ Room for Debate. “Koch donors uncloaked” by Kenneth […]

October 13, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Congressman presses Holder for review of think tank funding” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Burger King hires former members of Congress to work on inversion deal” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Pennsylvania: “Threatened with Pa. […]

October 10, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Effective Dates Looming for New Oklahoma Ethics Rules

Oklahoma’s Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules will go into effect at staggered intervals between December 2014 and February 2015. The new rules will affect the majority of lobbying and campaign finance laws. Provisions pertaining to lobbyist registration are effective December 1. […]

October 10, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – October 10, 2014

National: Wave of Ethics Complaints Hits Top Races National Journal – Sarah Mimms | Published: 10/8/2014 With Election Day approaching, the closest races in the country have become magnets for ethics complaints. Watchdog groups and political parties have filed dozens of […]

National:

Wave of Ethics Complaints Hits Top Races

National Journal – Sarah Mimms | Published: 10/8/2014

With Election Day approaching, the closest races in the country have become magnets for ethics complaints. Watchdog groups and political parties have filed dozens of complaints against Republicans and Democrats in tough contests, questioning fundraising tactics and accusing campaigns of improper coordination, among other allegations, just as voters begin to tune in to the election-year fight. Regardless of their merits, the likelihood that any of these ethics complaints will be acted on before Election Day is slim. But for many of these groups, the result of a complaint is not nearly as important as filing the complaint itself.

Who is Donating to Political Campaigns Now? Big Pot.

Raleigh News & Observer – Kristen Wyatt (Associated Press) | Published: 10/6/2014

The U.S. marijuana industry is making campaign contributions to support cannabis-friendly candidates and ballot questions that could bring legal pot to more states. Medical marijuana businesses have been giving to candidates since the late 1990s. With the arrival of recreational pot in Colorado and Washington, the industry and its political influence are expanding rapidly. Marijuana measures will be on the November ballot in Oregon, Florida, Alaska, and Washington, D.C, so many donations are being funneled into those campaigns and the candidates who support them.

Federal:

A Campaign Dollar’s Power Is More Valuable to a Challenger

New York Times – Lynn Vavreck | Published: 10/7/2014

Political scientists have found the relationship between campaign spending and election results is problematic. The difficulty stems from a general pattern in U.S. House and Senate elections. In congressional elections from 1992 to 2012, challengers who spent more money won more often than those who spent less. The opposite was true for incumbents, but correlation does not always imply causation. The question is not just whether spending affects election outcomes, but how spending might affect different kinds of candidates differently.

FEC Votes to Relax Campaign Finance Rules

The Hill – Benjamin Goad | Published: 10/9/2014

The FEC moved to formally relax campaign finance restrictions in response to a pair of U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The commission agreed on language that will amend its rules to conform to the Citizens United ruling, which struck down restrictions that previously barred corporations and unions from spending money from their general treasury funds to support or oppose candidates. The agency also approved of a second set of regulations in the form of an interim final rule responding to the ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC. The decision eliminated aggregate contribution limits for individual donors in a single election cycle.

Nationals are Champs for Fundraisers

Politico – Byron Tau and Kevin Robillard | Published: 10/3/2014

Candidates, parties, and PACs have spent at least $245,000 on Washington Nationals tickets, gear, and seats during this election cycle. Most of that money went to hosting fundraising events at Nationals Park or buying tickets for donors, constituents, and lobbyists. Even more political cash goes to the Major League Baseball team in the form of corporate skybox rentals that often used to host members of Congress for fundraising events, money that is not always identified in campaign finance reports. The Nationals are in a league of their own when it comes to collecting political dollars; according to CQ Moneyline, the other seven teams in this year’s playoffs barely merit a mention as venues to collect political money or host wealthy donors.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – As Energy Boom Ends, a Political Identity Crisis in Alaska

New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 10/8/2014

Economic anxiety in Alaska is roiling an already sharp-edged political season, focused on one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races in the country: an endangered Democratic incumbent, Mark Begich, against Republican challenger, Dan Sullivan, a former state attorney general and natural resources commissioner. Alaska might appear politically conservative, and measured by election results, especially on the presidential level, it is. But many Alaskans say ideology is in fact a shallow measure of the political climate, and hard-nosed practicality – what does Alaska need from Washington and who is best at getting it – can often hold as much sway.

Colorado – Republicans Win Super PAC Lawsuit

Law Week Colorado – Hannah Garcia | Published: 10/2/2014

A District Court judge sided with the Colorado Republican Party in its efforts to establish its own Super PAC, while a local watchdog group is decrying the ruling as an erasure of state law surrounding political contributions. The GOP argued it was entitled to form the PAC because independent expenditures made by any person is permissible under the state constitution, and those expenditures are not subject to contribution limits and are permissible as long as there is no coordination with the party. Colorado Ethics Watch argued the committee is controlled and coordinates with the Republican Party, and because of that, is subject to the same contribution limits as political parties.

Illinois – When Interests Overlap for Durbin, Lobbyist Wife

Insurance News Net – Katherine Skiba and Kim Geiger (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/5/2014

A Chicago Tribune investigation found instances in which Loretta Durbin’s lobbying clients have received federal funding promoted by her husband, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, raising questions about whether the power couple have done enough to avoid inherent conflicts-of-interest as they go about their jobs. Sen. Durbin acknowledged occasional “overlap” in which his wife’s clients received his help, but both insisted she limited her lobbying to Illinois and never sought federal funds. The couple said once the decision had been made not to lobby the federal government, Sen. Durbin was not consulted when she considered new clients.

Missouri – Gifts to Missouri Lawmakers Are Not Always Easy to Track

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/6/2014

Seven lobbyists, representing businesses ranging from Hallmark to Peabody Energy, paid the lion’s share of the $3,000 cost of an evening for Missouri lawmakers at an expensive Dallas steakhouse this summer and reported the gifts as going to “the entire General Assembly.” The dinner was part of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual convention. Critics of Missouri’s ethics laws have long complained that reporting gifts to groups instead of individuals violates the spirit of the disclosure requirements by making it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to tell who is getting gifts from whom.

Nevada – Judicial Candidate Resigns from Nevada Ethics Commission

Reno Gazette-Journal – Emerson Marcus | Published: 10/6/2014

The executive director of the Nevada Commission on Ethics has resigned amid a complaint that she used her office to advance her campaign to become a Washoe County Family Court judge. Caren Cafferata-Jenkins stepped down on October 9. Former commission investigator Michael Lawrence filed a complaint against her in June, saying she turned the commission office “into her own personal Kinko’s” for her campaign. Cafferata-Jenkins has denied the allegations and said Lawrence is bitter after losing his job in April. She said she is resigning because the complaint is bringing negative attention on the commission.

New Jersey – N.J. Lawmaker Tries to Limit New Bills … by Introducing a New Bill

Newark Star Ledger – Matt Friedman | Published: 10/6/2014

New Jersey Assemblyperson Anthony Bucco, who has looked on as his colleagues have introduced thousands of bills, sometimes on seemingly frivolous subjects and usually with little chance of passage, says he has had enough. And to come up with a solution, Bucco introduced a bill. Bucco, proposed legislation that would limit state senators to being the top prime sponsor on just 25 bills or resolutions per two-year session, and keep Assembly members to just 15 bills. At the end of the term, each bill would have to include an estimate by the Office of Legislative Services of how much it cost to draft it, process it, and consider it.

Pennsylvania – Fattah Nonprofits Paid Millions to Ex-Staffers

Philadelphia Daily News – William Bender | Published: 10/7/2014

Between 2001 and 2012, nonprofits founded or supported by U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah have paid out at least $5.8 million to his associates, including political operatives, ex-staffers, and their relatives, according to The Philadelphia Daily News. Three people who had ties to the organizations were later convicted of federal crimes. For the past seven years, criminal investigators have been looking at Fattah and the cottage industry of mostly taxpayer-funded nonprofits run by his political allies.

Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh’s Campaign Finance Law Called Flawed

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Chris Potter | Published: 10/5/2014

One of the key enforcement mechanisms of Pittsburgh’s campaign finance ordinance is defunct; other provisions are contradictory. In an apparent oversight, the law omits mayoral and city controller races from the definition of races it covers. “The law is completely meaningless; this is what you tend to get when you approach public policy from the position of public relations,” said city Controller Michael Lamb. Across the state, efforts to rein in political spending appear to have met with more success.

South Carolina – State and Federal Investigation Focuses on Political Action Committee Money, State Contracts

Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden | Published: 10/8/2014

Investigators from the State Law Enforcement Division and federal agencies have launched a broad inquiry into the actions of several members of the South Carolina House, focused at least in part on some members of the Ways and Means Committee. Sources in a position to know about the investigation said the probe revolves around allegations that lawmakers sold their votes, funneled money from the state budget into their own pockets, and misused money from a PAC.

Virginia – McAuliffe Aide Suggested Job for Senator’s Daughter If He Remained in His Seat

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 10/2/2014

Virginia Sen. Phillip Puckett abrupt exit from the Legislature, which flipped control of the chamber to the GOP and thwarted Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s goal of expanding health coverage, came amid accusations that Republicans had enticed him to leave with job offers for himself and his daughter, triggering an ongoing federal investigation. Now, a voice-mail message suggests Puckett fielded a similar overture from Paul Reagan, McAuliffe’s chief of staff, if he stayed in the Senate.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

October 9, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Leaner lobbying” by Tory Newmyer and Scott DeCarlo in Fortune. “These 3 Corporations Have Spent the Most on Lobbying Since Obama Took Office” by Tess VendenDolder in InTheCapital. Missouri: “Lobbyists give different stories to Missouri Ethics Commission” by The […]

October 8, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. Oregon: “Former advisers for Sen. Ron Wyden launch new lobbying firm” by Matthew Kish in the Portland Business Journal. “K Street Rundown: Chamber of Commerce Courts NASCAR, GPG Loses Big Clients and Iraq Wants […]

October 7, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Lobbyists try to save Roberts” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill. “Facebook lobbyist chief promoted to global policy head” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Rogue donors not ready for Hillary?” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico. […]

October 6, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “The lobbying economy is twice as big as we think” by Andrew Prokop in Vox. “Senate aide who helped save Export-Import Bank lands job at agency” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Citizens United: The political […]

October 3, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – October 3, 2014

National: Mostly Black Cities, Mostly White City Halls New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/28/2014 Disparities between the percentage of black residents and the number of black elected officials are facts of life in scores of American cities, particularly […]

National:

Mostly Black Cities, Mostly White City Halls

New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/28/2014

Disparities between the percentage of black residents and the number of black elected officials are facts of life in scores of American cities, particularly in the South. The unrest that followed the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri has emphasized how much local elections can matter, and prompted a push there for increased black voter participation. The disparities result from many factors, but Ferguson has become a vivid example of the way a history of political disengagement and underrepresentation can finally turn toxic.

Federal:

Court Reviews Contractor Political Donations

BusinessWeek – Pete Yost (Associated Press) | Published: 9/30/2014

In a dispute over a ban on political contributions by individual federal contractors, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit grappled with reconciling the restrictions and their purpose of preventing corruption with the First Amendment and the various ways contractors could get around the ban. There is no such prohibition for corporate federal contractors that set up political committees or individuals who serve as corporate officers. The challengers filing the lawsuit say the different treatment violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution because similarly situated groups of people are not subject to the ban.

Left Embraces Boycott Politics

The Hill – Julian Hattem | Published: 10/2/2014

From gun control to climate change to same-sex marriage, a number of Fortune 500 companies are succumbing to pressure campaigns and boycotts and are falling in line with liberal positions on issues that Democrats have been unable to move through Congress. The Internet has made corporations a more alluring target to Web-fluent activists trying to change the country’s culture. It has also made companies more responsive. Conservative activists have mounted pressure efforts of their own, but their campaigns are often reacting, staged in support of businesses that are under fire from the left.

U.S. Judge Dismisses Republican Challenge to SEC Pay-to-Play Rule

Reuters – Sarah Lynch and Jonathan Stempel | Published: 9/30/2014

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission won dismissal of a lawsuit by state Republican parties in New York and Tennessee claiming its limits on some investment firm campaign contributions violate free-speech rights. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell said her court lacks jurisdiction over the matter and ordered her clerk to close the case. The SEC’s rule bars an investment firm from managing a state’s assets for two years if the company, or certain of its executives, make more than a nominal campaign donation to a state official with power over state contracts with investment advisers.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Jerry Brown Vetoes California Political Ethics Bills

Fresno Bee – David Siders (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/1/2014

California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed key bills that were passed in response to a series of scandals at the Capitol, saying they would further complicate gift and campaign rules without sufficient benefit to the public. Senate Bill 1443 would have reduced to $200 the value of gifts an official can receive from a single source each year, and banned all gifts from lobbyists. Senate Bill 1442 would have required campaign committees to file finance reports four times a year, doubling the current requirement of twice a year. One measure Brown signed was Senate Bill 1441, which bans campaign fundraisers at lobbyists’ homes.

Florida – U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Former Hillsborough Judicial Candidate’s Fundraising Issue

Tampa Bay Times – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 10/2/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court will take up a Florida case that focuses on whether judicial candidates should be allowed to personally solicit campaign contributions. The Florida Supreme Court this year upheld a ban on such solicitations, reiterating an earlier position that the prohibition helps in “preserving the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining the public’s confidence in an impartial judiciary.” But attorneys for a former Hillsborough County judicial candidate, Lanell Williams-Yulee, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue, contending the ban violates First Amendment rights.

Hawaii – Cachola Fined a Record $50,000 for City Ethics Violations

Hawaii Reporter – Malia Zimmerman | Published: 9/27/2014

The Honolulu Ethics Commission fined state Rep. Romy Cachola, a former member of the city council, $50,000 for multiple alleged violations of city ethics laws, including accepting expensive meals and golf outings from lobbyists. The penalty is the largest civil fine ever approved by the commission, which said it was influenced by persistent violations occurring monthly during several years, as well as Cachola’s repeated disregard of a 2003 directive ordering him to not accept gifts from lobbyists in excess of $200.

Missouri – Ferguson Demands High Fees to Turn over City Files

Philadelphia Inquirer – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 9/29/2014

The city of Ferguson has demanded high fees to produce copies of records related to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown that, under Missouri law, it could give away free if it determined the material was in the public’s interest to see. Instead, in some cases, the city has demanded high fees with little explanation or cost breakdown. It billed The Associated Press $135 an hour – for nearly a day’s work – merely to retrieve a handful of email accounts since the shooting. Price-gouging for government files is one way that local, state, and federal agencies have responded to requests for potentially embarrassing information they may not want released.

New York – Lobbyist Ethics Training Is Up and Running

Albany Times Union – Rick Karlin | Published: 9/27/2014

Lobbyists in New York are now able to take an online ethics training course that was mandated in a 2011 law. Registered lobbyists are supposed to complete the course by the end of December. While there is not a clear-cut penalty for failing to do so, the Joint Committee on Public Ethics said it will monitor compliance.

Ohio – Panel Refers Rep. Mallory for Ethics Prosecution

Columbus Dispatch – Jim Siegel | Published: 10/1/2014

The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Commission recommended state Rep. Dale Mallory face charges for accepting Cincinnati Bengals tickets from lobbyists and failing to disclose the gifts. The commission found Mallory wrongfully accepted a $77 ticket in 2009 and nearly $284 worth of tickets in 2013. Two lobbyists have already pleaded guilty to not reporting that they gave Mallory the tickets. John Rabenold was fined $2,000 for not disclosing gifts to state lawmakers, including a ticket he gave Mallory for a Bengals game in December 2009. George Glover was fined $500 after he did not disclose or keep receipts for a 2013 Bengals ticket he gave to Mallory.

Pennsylvania – Allegheny Authority Bends Limits on Free Tickets for Pro Sporting Events

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Aaron Aupperlee | Published: 9/29/2014

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Tribune said the municipal authority that oversees public sports and entertainment venues in Allegheny County routinely violates its policy to limit the number of free tickets it gives to public officials, and it often does not record who uses its seats or luxury suites at games. “People call and they need them for goodwill; I’ll get them and give them to them,” state Sen. Wayne Fontana, board chairperson of the Sports & Exhibition Authority.

Texas – DeLay’s Decade-Long Legal Fight Comes to an End

Houston Chronicle – Lauren McGaughy | Published: 10/1/2014

Texas’ highest criminal court upheld a lower court’s ruling overturning former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s 2010 conviction for money laundering. DeLay had been found guilty of channeling $190,000 in corporate political donations to Republicans running for the Texas Legislature in 2002 as part of a push to redraw congressional district lines in the state. Texas election law prohibits corporate campaign contributions to state candidates. The Court of Criminal Appeals ruled DeLay was not guilty because Travis County prosecutors could not prove he believed the corporate funds he was funneling to state candidates were “criminal proceeds.”

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

October 2, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “House Energy Committee counsel leaves to lobby” by Timothy Cama in The Hill. “Russian investment fund hires K Street help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Left embraces boycott politics” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Campaign Finance […]

News You Can Use Digest – October 17, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

WA Ethics Board Limits Free Meals for Legislators

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

Effective Dates Looming for New Oklahoma Ethics Rules

News You Can Use Digest – October 10, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – October 3, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Popular Categories

Sort by Month

Sort By State

Popular Categories

Sort by Month

Sort By State

Celebrating 30 years in business!