December 4, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Ethics Panel Eyes Lawmakers’ Meals” in The Columbian Campaign Finance “New Study Finds Companies’ Campaign Donations Linked to Lower Tax Rates” by Debbie Freeman for Arizona State University “Ethics Panel Seeks Change in Law to Stop Candidates from Paying […]

December 3, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Oakland Council Set to Vote on New Ethics Rules

City Council is preparing to hold a final vote on the Oakland Government Ethics Act after voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the city’s Public Ethics Commission (PEC). Measure CC, a charter amendment, gives the PEC authority to enforce […]

December 3, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Know Before You Go: An ethics overview for Capitol Hill holiday parties” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call Campaign Finance “Supervisors Will Give Controversial FPPC Monitoring Plan another Try” by Norberto Santana, Jr. for Kitsap Sun “Federal Appeals Court […]

December 2, 2014 • Written by Allyson Smith

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Job market cools for former lawmakers” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Photojournalists hire lobbyists to work on drone rules” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Maryland: “With Hogan coming, Annapolis lobbying firms […]

December 1, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Turkey with a side of lobbying” by Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “Celebrity chefs cook up lobbying agenda” by Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “15 places in DC where lobbyists talk turkey” by Megan R. Wilson […]

November 26, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – November 26, 2014

National: Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnitz | Published: 11/24/2014 For the past three years, a group of eight, mostly Republican governors from coastal states has been lobbying […]

National:

Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group
Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnitz | Published: 11/24/2014

For the past three years, a group of eight, mostly Republican governors from coastal states has been lobbying the Obama administration to expand access to the nation’s offshore oil and gas deposits, working through an organization called the Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition. A review public documents obtained by the Center for Public Integrity shows much of the coalition’s work has been carried out by HBW Resources and the Consumer Energy Alliance, a group that has channeled millions of dollars in corporate funding to become a leading advocate at the state level for drilling.

Unions Rethink Strategy after Election Losses
Governing – Alan Greenblatt | Published: 11/21/2014

Some union officials want to rethink the labor movement’s approach to politics in the wake of the midterm elections. Having long tied their fortunes to Democrats, at least some union leaders are thinking about returning to the basics of providing professional services to members and emphasizing issues, rather than candidates. “Unions have to be aggressively pushing for the issues we really believe in,” said Gabe Morgan, a Service Employees International Union director in Pennsylvania, referring to the success of minimum wage increases on several state ballots.

Federal:

Meet the New Super Donors
Campaigns & Elections – Kevin Bogardus | Published: 11/24/2014

Lobbyists and other donors can give to as many candidates and groups as they want with no aggregate cap in place as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s McCutcheon ruling. The Center for Responsive Politics has found this campaign season that roughly 20 K federal lobbyists have exceeded the now vanquished limit with their political donations for the 2014 elections. Yet lobbyists only make up a portion of this new class of super donor. It has found nearly 500 contributors overall who have passed the old limit, donating $83.7 million to candidates and political committees, about $22.5 million over what they could give under the previous cap.

Some in G.O.P. Fear That Their Hard-Liners Will Alienate Latino Voters
New York Times – Jackie Calmes | Published: 11/21/2014

Some Republicans say their party faces a challenge in framing their opposition to President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration in a way that does not antagonize Latinos and other minority groups like Asian-Americans, much as Republicans lost African-Americans’ support in the civil-rights era. Many GOP candidates who won in the midterm elections took stands against “amnesty” for those here illegally with little fear of political penalty because few close contests were in places with significant Latino populations.

Survey Says: Constituents lobby best
The Hill – Vickie Needham | Published: 11/20/2014

The Congressional Management Foundation, in a three-year survey of Capitol Hill staffers, found constituent visits to the Washington office (97 percent) and to the district office (94 percent) have “some” or “a lot” of influence on undecided lawmakers, more than any other strategy. The group is releasing a research-based guide for individuals and groups on how to schedule, conduct, and follow-up on meetings with lawmakers. The report explores issues such as the best time to request a meeting, what to discuss, and what are the preferred locations.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – Bill Walker, Next Governor for Alaska, Traversed Unlikely Path
New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 11/24/2014

Earlier this year, Bill Walker was running for governor of Alaska as an independent candidate with no party, little money, and almost no chance of victory two months before Election Day. Incumbent Gov. Sean Parnell, a Republican in a right-leaning state, was facing two opponents on the ballot – Walker and Democrat Byron Mallott – who would most likely split the state’s moderates and liberals. Mallott concluded neither he nor Walker had any hope of winning alone, but together they might have a chance. Mallott forfeited the Democratic Party nomination for governor and joined forces with Walker on the independent ballot line as the lieutenant governor candidate. Walker won the election by about 6,200 votes out of 285,000 cast, one of the closest gubernatorial elections in state history.

Arizona – Horne Pays $10,000 Settlement in Campaign-Violations Case
Arizona Republic – Julia Shumway | Published: 11/20/2014

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission (CCEC) approved a settlement with Attorney General Tom Horne over allegations he used his office staff to work on his failed re-election campaign. Horne did not admit guilt by agreeing to the settlement, but personally paid a $10,000 fine. CCEC Executive Director Thomas Collins said Horne used more than $300,000 worth of state employee time and rent in his unsuccessful race. That amount was not reported on his campaign finance forms.

Connecticut – Lawmakers Look to Close ‘Kennedy Loophole’
The News-Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/20/2014

When Connecticut lawmakers reconvene for the new legislative session in January, the General Assembly is expected to discuss new limits on how much state parties can contribute to individual candidates. The push comes after Ted Kennedy, Jr. received $207,000 in aid from the Democratic State Central Committee for his victorious state Senate campaign, despite being bound by spending limits as a taxpayer-funded candidate.

District of Columbia – Marion Barry, Washington’s ‘Mayor for Life,’ Even After Prison, Dies at 78
New York Times – David Stout | Published: 11/23/2014

Former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry, who overcame an embarrassing public drug arrest while in office to return as mayor and city council member, died on November 23 at the age of 78. On January 18, 1990, Mayor Barry was arrested in a Washington hotel room while smoking crack cocaine. The arrest, videotaped in an undercover operation, caused a sensation. While his arrest and his public declaration that he had been set up defined Barry for the nation, his role in the city as the pre-eminent political leader and champion of the underclass continued to thrive. The former civil rights activist remained beloved as an advocate of what he called the “last, the least, and the lost” and of the city’s continuing struggle for self-determination.

New York – Text Me the Money: New form of donations coming to city campaign finance program
Gotham Gazette – Kristen Meriwether | Published: 11/24/2014

The New York City Campaign Finance Board is expected to pass new rules that will govern how campaigns accept contributions via text message. A 2013 law allows candidates running for local offices to accept contributions through what is typically a cell-phone-based format. If a text-message donor is a New York City resident, the given funds will be eligible for public matching dollars. The proposed rules will limit text message contributions to $99. There was no objection to the donation limit at a recent hearing, but there was discussion about the rules regarding the timing of texted contributions.

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Investigating Former State Attorney General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 11/21/2014

The Rhode Island secretary of state’s office said it has asked ex-state Attorney General Patrick Lynch for more information about his interactions with his former office in an attempt to determine whether he should have registered as a lobbyist. Lynch has told the Associated Press he was not lobbying and had complied with all laws. The investigation of comes in response to an article in The New York Times that examined the surge in lobbying of state attorneys general across the country, much of it by former officials like Lynch.

Virginia – Va. State Senators Propose No Gifts More Than $100 for Officials
WUSA; Staff – | Published: 11/24/2014

Two Virginia senators have written a bill that would eliminate gifts of more than $100 for officials or employees of state government agencies. The bill would also require review of any intangible gifts, including compensated travel or event ticket, by the Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.

Washington – Washington’s Lobbying Corps Populated By Former Lawmakers, Staffers
KUOW – Austin Jenkins | Published: 11/19/2014

Unlike 32 other states, Washington does not require a waiting period to slow the “revolving door” from state service to lobbying. The New York Times recently reported that former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna was lobbying his former office less than a year after he left his position. There are 960 registered lobbyists and lobbying firms in Washington state; among them are several former government insiders such as lawmakers, agency directors, and key staffers. Rep. Reuven Carlyle announced his intention to introduce legislation in January to require a waiting period.

Wisconsin – John Doe Froze Conservative Speech, Targets Say
Wisconsin Reporter – M.D. Kittle | Published: 11/23/2014

Targets of Milwaukee County District Attorney’s John Chisholm’s investigation of Wisconsin conservatives say the probe effectively chilled conservative donors and volunteers during the midterm elections. “We spent, but we didn’t spend like we did in the last couple of cycles, and I believe a good part of that was related to the John Doe investigation,’ said one source, whose organization has been targeted in the politically charged inquiry.

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.

November 25, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group” by Nicholas Kusnitz for Center for Public Integrity “Lobbyists Fund Hill Portraits as Lawmakers Target Paintings of Cabinet Members” by Robin Bravender for Environment & Energy Publishing […]

November 24, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Ethics Hawaii: “Hawaii Attorney General to Appeal Financial Disclosure Ruling” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat Indiana: “Indiana Ethics Chief Seeks Changes after Scandals” by The Associated Press for Indianapolis Business Journal Michigan: “State Employees Fired, Disciplined after Accepting […]

November 21, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – November 21, 2014

National: A Citizen’s Guide to Buying Political Access New York Times – Tara Siegel Bernard | Published: 11/18/2014 A recent study provides some confirmation of what many voters have long assumed: campaign donations buy access to politicians. Precisely how much money […]

National:

A Citizen’s Guide to Buying Political Access
New York Times – Tara Siegel Bernard | Published: 11/18/2014

A recent study provides some confirmation of what many voters have long assumed: campaign donations buy access to politicians. Precisely how much money it takes to gain access is up for debate, and it will vary across offices, but even politicians themselves have admitted big donors get special treatment. As long as there is not an exchange of money for favors, the potential influence of large donors has been deemed acceptable by the U.S. Supreme Court, which in recent decisions relaxed rules on financing campaigns. At the state level, research has found money is more influential in some Legislatures than in others, and what is considered a meaningful donation will also differ.

Federal:

How the GOP Used Twitter to Stretch Election Laws
CNN – Chris Moody | Published: 11/15/2014

The National Republican Congressional Committee and a pair of GOP-aligned outside groups, the American Action Network and American Crossroads, used anonymous Twitter accounts to share polling information ahead of the 2014 elections, according CNN. That allowed them to skirt rules banning private sharing of information between outside groups and the national parties, rules that have been increasingly circumvented as campaign finance laws have crumbled in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. There are still rules preventing direct coordination but campaigns and committees often publicly post information, messaging, and video footage in order to let super PACs and other outside groups use the information.

New Senators Tilt G.O.P. Back toward Insiders
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 11/15/2014

When Republicans take over the U.S. Senate in January, the 11 men and women of the party’s freshman class will be, with a lone exception, people whose careers blossomed inside the government bureaucracy. They are a counterintuitive fit with the anti-government, anti-establishment fervor that has energized the GOP of late. And their victories seem hard to reconcile with the strong hostility toward government institutions that dominated the recent midterm elections.

Top Spenders on Capitol Hill Pay Billions, Receive Trillions
Sunlight Foundation – Bill Allison and Sarah Harkins | Published: 11/17/2014

The Sunlight Foundation has devised a new way to gauge how much power corporations wield in Washington, D.C. The foundation took the 200 corporations most active in the capital, analyzed the years 2007 to 2012, and applied several metrics: what the companies got in federal contracts and other federal support, what they spent on lobbying, and how much their executives and PACs gave in campaign contributions. Bill Allison, the foundation’s editorial director, said the top 200 corporations accounted for nearly $6 billion in lobbying and campaign contributions; those same companies benefited from more than $4 trillion in federal contracts and assistance.

From the States and Municipalities:

Idaho – Lawyer-Lobbyists Influence Idaho Law
Idaho Statesman – Audrey Dutton | Published: 11/19/2014

Roy Eiguren, a 62-year-old Boise attorney and lobbyist, remembers a day in 2004 when Idaho lawmakers in a special session started at 8:30 a.m. and had an electric-utilities bill on the governor’s desk by 4 p.m. Eiguren was the primary draftsman on the bill. “… It was, I think, a great example where a lawyer who is a lobbyist can play a very significant role,” said Eiguren. He and other lawyers say they happened into lobbying and have witnessed a transformation in Idaho politics and Capitol culture.

Maine – Maine Ethics Commission Wants More Money to Shed Light on Campaign Spending, Lobbying
Lewiston Sun Journal – Mario Moretto (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 11/19/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices is looking for additional funding to increase transparency on the financing of campaigns and lobbying. The request would divert all of the revenue from lobbyist registration fees to the commission. The agency currently receives half of all lobbying fees, and the other half goes to the state’s General Fund. “… The commission staff would like to propose that our agency receive the entire fee and use the increased revenue for [information technology] expenses to better disclose lobbying and campaign finance information to the public,” said Executive Director Jonathan Wayne.

Massachusetts – Baker Limits Corporate, Lobbyist Gifts to Inauguration Committee
Boston Globe – David Scharfenberg | Published: 11/19/2014

Massachusetts Gov.-elect Charles Baker set a $25,000 limit on corporate contributions and a $250 cap on lobbyist gifts to his inauguration committee. Donations to inaugural committees are closely watched. Gov. Deval Patrick collected donations of up to $50,000 in the run up to his first inauguration in 2007, a five-day $1 million celebration. Boston Mayor Martin Walsh solicited gifts of up to $25,000 before his swearing-in.

Michigan – Which Lobbyists Interact with Your Lawmakers?
Lansing State Journal – Justin Hinkley | Published: 11/15/2014

Critics say two decades of term limits have drained institutional knowledge from the Michigan Legislature. In response, lobbyists in Lansing have launched a series of forums to train their peers on best practices for the industry as watchdogs call for more transparency. A movement also is afoot to change term limits in the state, though that is not specifically related to lobbying. “People aren’t always up to speed on the rules, the unwritten ones and the written ones, and because of that, there’s the potential for sloppiness,” said Rob Fowler, chief executive officer of the Small Business Association of Michigan.”

Mississippi – Federal Panel Upholds Mississippi Campaign Finance Law
Biloxi Sun Herald; Associated Press – | Published: 11/14/2014

A federal appeals panel upheld the constitutionality of a Mississippi campaign finance law that requires reporting by people or groups that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. The three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a 2013 decision by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock, who found the $200 reporting threshold too burdensome for smaller groups. The appeals panel said Mississippi’s reporting requirements are similar to those of other states.

Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Puts Limit on Contributions
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 11/19/2014

To repair his reputation, Missouri Attorney Chris Koster has announced self-imposed guidelines on what campaign donations he will accept as he runs his office while also running for governor in 2016. He has been hurt by reports that his office may have given preferential treatment to campaign donors and lobbyists. Under Koster’s new policy, he will no longer accept donations from individuals or companies that are the subject of an ongoing investigation or one that has been resolved in the prior three months, nor will he accept contributions from any lobbyists, attorneys, or law firms who represent them. He also announced he would no longer take gifts of any value from registered lobbyists.

Rhode Island – Patrick Lynch Lobbied Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office for Years but Never Registered
The Daily Journal – Michelle Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 11/17/2014

Since his tenure as Rhode Island’s attorney general ended, Patrick Lynch has lobbied his former office several times, but he has never registered with the state as a lobbyist. Lynch denies his communications constitute lobbying. But in emails sent by him and his assistant, Lynch pushed for actions on topics including online gambling and concerns about business practices by Google. Under state law, lobbying is defined as seeking to promote, oppose, or influence decisions or actions by the executive branch, including decisions by the attorney general’s office. Lobbyists are required to register annually with the secretary of state’s office and file twice-yearly reports.

Virginia – McAuliffe’s Ethics Panel Recommends Changes on Gift, Disclosure, Conflict Rules
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Jim Nolan | Published: 11/14/2014

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s government integrity commission agreed to preliminary recommendations that would limit the value of gifts lawmakers could receive but would also weaken disclosure rules. The commission proposed a ban on gifts exceeding $250, with the exception of trips cleared in advance by an independent board with the authority to investigate malfeasance and impose fines. Although lawmakers currently have to disclose gifts worth more than $50, under the commission’s proposal, that threshold would increase to $100. The commission must deliver its full recommendations to McAuliffe by December 1.

West Virginia – Ethics Commission Hires Stepto as Director
Charleston Gazette – Phil Kabler | Published: 11/13/2014

The interim executive director of the West Virginia Ethics Commission has been given the job permanently. Rebecca Stepto was chosen from among 15 applicants. Stepto became interim executive director after the commission fired Joan Parker without explanation.

Wisconsin – Did Senators’ Sendoff Violate Wisconsin Lobbying Law?
Wisconsin Reporter – M.D. Kittle | Published: 11/19/2014

The farewell reception for retiring Wisconsin Sens. Tim Cullen, Bob Jauch, and Dale Schultz was attended by a slew of prominent politicians, along with many lobbyists. The fact that the lobbyists paid the $10 entry fee appears to be a violation of state law. The statute says “no candidate for an elective state office, elective state official, agency official, or legislative employee of the state may solicit or accept anything of pecuniary value from a lobbyist or principal.” There are exceptions to the rules, but they do not appear to apply in this case.

Wyoming – Lawmakers Punt on Campaign Disclosure Bill
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle – Trevor Brown | Published: 11/15/2014

A legislative panel has tabled a proposed bill that would tighten Wyoming’s campaign contribution laws. The proposal sought to force groups who attack or support candidates to disclose their donors. The current law says independent expenditures need to be reported to the state if it “expressly” advocates for the election or defeat of a candidate. The proposed bill said these groups would need to disclose their donors if they “directly or indirectly” advocated for the election or defeat of a candidate. But this caused worries by some that this definition would be overly broad.

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.

November 20, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “K Street Files: Democratic Lobbyists Still Have Value” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call “Gov. Brown Holds a Private Reception with Campaign Donors” by Chris Megerian for Los Angeles Times “Lawyer-Lobbyists Influence Idaho Law” by Audrey Dutton for Idaho […]

November 19, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Top Spenders on Capitol Hill Pay Billions, Receive Trillions” by Bill Allison and Sarah Harkins for Sunlight Foundation “Gift Ban Legislation to Get Second Chance as Wolf Pushes Own Ethics Reform” by Andrew Staub for Pennsylvania Independent Campaign Finance […]

November 17, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Pennsylvania Governor-Elect Wolf Bans Gifts to Transition Team

Gov.-elect Tom Wolf, fresh off of a victorious first campaign for public office, is already taking steps to ensure the ethical conduct of his administration. Wolf is requiring members of his transition team to sign a code of conduct including […]

November 17, 2014 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Report: Energy contractor and former lawmaker lobbied officials for no-bid contract worth $2.4 billion per year” by Josh Hicks for Washington Post Arizona: “Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily […]

November 14, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – November 14, 2014

National: Democrats Create an ALEC-Killer Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/9/2014 Liberal activists at the annual winter meeting of the Democracy Alliance will ask top donors to support a plan to reverse the Democratic decline in state governments. […]

National:

Democrats Create an ALEC-Killer

Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/9/2014

Liberal activists at the annual winter meeting of the Democracy Alliance will ask top donors to support a plan to reverse the Democratic decline in state governments. The goal of the State Innovation Exchange – SiX for short – is to compete with a well-financed network of conservative groups, including the American Legislative Exchange Council, that for years have dominated state policy battles, advancing pro-business, anti-regulation bills. SiX ultimately plans to raise as much as $10 million a year to boost progressive state lawmakers and their causes while also using tactics like opposition research and video tracking to derail Republicans and their initiatives.

Federal:

Mitch McConnell’s Triumph Strikes Worry in the Hearts of Campaign Finance Reformers

Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 11/8/2014

The U.S. Senate will likely be led next year by Mitch McConnell, the primary antagonist to campaign finance reformers. Over three decades, he has made it a top priority to disrupt and degrade campaign finance regulations. Believing that limits on campaign funds are a direct impediment to the First Amendment right of free speech, he has opposed past reform efforts. With McConnell’s ascendance and with Republicans increasingly unified in opposition to campaign finance reform, its advocates expect an assault on the few areas where they had hoped to enact new rules in the post-Citizens United world.

Outside Groups with Deep Pockets Lift G.O.P.

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 11/5/2014

The midterm election was not only a major victory for the Republican Party, but a pivotal moment for the super PACs and political nonprofit groups that helped the party defeat Democrats across the country. Over the last year and a half, the conservative outside groups retooled and revamped, using lessons in how to exploit voter data, opposition research, and advertising learned from their less moneyed but more effective Democratic counterparts during 2012. As federal courts opened new avenues of influence for the wealthy and lenient enforcement effectively neutered what few legal and regulatory restraints remained on big-money politics, they took advantage of every available tool.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort

Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 11/13/2014

Arizona Gov.-elect Doug Ducey is asking for private contributions to fund his transition team. That is in addition to the donors he will be looking to tap to pay for the ceremonial parts of his inauguration. Spokesperson Daniel Scarpinato said Ducey has placed a $15,000 limit on money from any one source, at least for the transition fund. Scarpinato said there will be no limits on how much anyone can give to the separate fund to pay for the formal inaugural and any parties that might be planned for afterward.

California – California Legislators Flying to Maui to Meet with Special Interests

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 11/12/2014

Two dozen California lawmakers will travel to Hawaii for conferences subsidized and attended by interests that lobby the Legislature, such as oil companies, public employee unions, drug and tobacco firms, and others. Conference organizers said the events, on the island of Maui, provide a relaxed setting in which elected officials and issue experts can discuss solutions to some of the state’s most vexing problems. Watchdogs say it is wrong for corporate executives to pick up the tab so they can meet with lawmakers out of public view just before the next legislative session begins. Sarah Swanbeck of Common Cause said the timing of this year’s event is especially poor because several state senators were hit with criminal charges this year, two of them involving allegations of corruption.

California – Prison Guard Union Failed to Report $24,603 in Gifts to Lawmakers

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 11/11/2014

The state prison officers’ union agreed to a $5,500 fine for failing to disclose gifts it gave to California lawmakers from 2009 to 2011 and a corresponding failure to give gift notifications to the recipients. The gifts include lodging, meals, wine, and spa bags for legislators at the annual Governor’s Cup Foundation golf tournament in Pebble Beach. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association said the failure to report $24,603 in gifts was inadvertent.

California – Sacramento Political Consultant Richie Ross Agrees to Pay Lobbying Fines

Sacramento Bee – Laural Rosenhall | Published: 11/10/2014

Lobbyist Richie Ross agreed to pay $5,000 in fines to the Fair Political Practices Commission for not collecting campaign consulting fees from two lawmakers, thus improperly putting them under the personal obligation to a lobbyist. Ross, who agreed to write off the debt owed by the legislators, is one of a few individuals who serve in dual roles as lobbyist and campaign consultant in California. While state law allows a person to hold both positions, Ross ran into trouble because of his practice of carrying debt for successful candidates who agreed to pay him a “win bonus.”

Connecticut – Election Highlights Flaws In Campaign Finance System

CTNewsJunkie.com – Christine Stuart and Hugh McQuaid | Published: 11/10/2014

On one hand, 2014 was a banner year for Connecticut’s public campaign finance system. Both candidates for governor, all the candidates for constitutional office, and more than 80 percent of the candidates for General Assembly seats participated. On the other hand, outside groups spent $15.9 million on the governor’s race, outpacing the $13 million the two candidates received from the clean election program. The public financing program has been on the books since 2005, but the midterm election was the first test of the law as it was reshaped by the state Legislature last year.

Florida – Link Shows How Lobby Firm Cultivates Influence

New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 11/9/2014

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi invited Lori Kalani, a lobbyist and lawyer from Dickstein Shapiro, to stay at Bondi’s Tampa home while Kalani recovered from surgery. Dickstein Shapiro, a Washington, D.C.-based firm that specializes in building personal relationships with state attorneys general to help corporate clients avoid becoming targets of investigation, paid for Bondi’s travel to a resort island in Michigan in 2013. The Florida Commission on Ethics is reviewing a complaint asking it to investigate whether Dickstein Shapiro violated state law by not registering as a lobbying firm.

Georgia – Audit Reveals Systemic Problems at Ethics Commission

Gainesville Times – Joshua Silavent | Published: 11/6/2014

A review of the operations of the Georgia ethics commission by state auditors found inconsistent treatment of complaints, lack of formal procedures that results in unequal application of the law, and questionable expenditures. The report lists management problems, such as underqualified staff, poor documentation, and inadequate data controls. The commission requested the review in hopes of ending a string of scandals stemming from agency operations, according to Chairperson Hillary Stringfellow. There have been four executive secretaries heading the commission staff since 2006 and a 46 percent employee turnover rate in the last two years.

Louisiana – Feds Investigating Arson Attack on Political Operative’s Uptown Home

New Orleans Times-Picayune – Ken Daley | Published: 11/8/2014

The home and two cars of a campaign finance director for a pro-solar energy candidate running for the Louisiana Public Service Commission were firebombed on November 6. No one was injured in the explosions, and authorities have yet to establish a direct link between the apparent attacks and the campaign’s efforts to promote solar energy. The finance director targeted, Mario Zervigon, is a well-known political operative in the state. Zervignon worked for Forest Bradley-Wright, who is campaigning on a program that allows solar-panel users to continue to sell their excess electricity to utility companies. He is facing incumbent Eric Skrmetta in the December 6 run-off election.

Louisiana – Louisiana Politicians Spent Lavishly on Meals, Golfing, Gifts, Other Perks in 2013

New Orleans Times-Picayune – Lee Zurdik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2014

Records show Louisiana politicians spent millions of dollars in 2013 on meals, golf rounds and club dues; gifts to unnamed recipients; tickets to Louisiana State University and New Orleans Saints football games; and other events. State law prohibits using campaign money for personal expenses, according to the Board of Ethics, but allows expenses “related to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position.” Lawmakers last year failed to clearly define what that means, despite calls by watchdogs and the ethics board for stricter rules.

Mississippi – Christopher Epps, Former Chief of Prisons in Mississippi, Is Arraigned

New York Times – Timothy Williams | Published: 11/6/2014

Mississippi’s former prisons chief pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he accepted cash and mortgage payments in exchange for awarding prison contracts to companies tied to a local businessperson. Christopher Epps, who resigned as commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections on November 5, was indicted on charges he and co-defendant Cecil McCrory were involved in a kickback scheme that started in 2007 and continued for seven years.

Nevada – With a $10,000 Cap on Political Contributions, How Did Caesars Give Gov. Brian Sandoval $215,000?

Las Vegas Sun – Conor Shine | Published: 11/12/2014

In more than a dozen cases, one company or person used multiple companies to donate to a single candidate in excess of Nevada’s standard limit, according to a Las Vegas Sun analysis. The practice stems from the way the law is written. Political contributions are capped at $10,000 per donor, whether it is an individual or a business. But for businesses that operate subsidiaries, each subsidiary or affiliate is eligible to make a $10,000 contribution, even if they are all controlled by the same person or group of people. The result is a gap in the law that allows mostly large companies in Nevada’s gaming, mining, and taxi industries to direct tens of thousands of dollars to their preferred candidates.

Pennsylvania – Sending Signals: Gov.-elect Tom Wolf bans gifts, limits no-bid legal work

Philadelphia Inquirer – Tom Fitzgerald and Amy Worden | Published: 11/12/2014

A code of conduct for Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Wolf’s transition team foreshadows something he plans to impose on his first day on office: a gift ban on his appointees and executive branch employees. Wolf plans to sign an executive order to prohibit gifts, even though state law allows officials to accept gifts worth up to $250 without reporting them, or gifts worth more than that amount if disclosed. Wolf also said he would curb the practice of giving no-bid contracts to private law firms when he takes office.

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.

Thursday News Roundup

Oakland Council Set to Vote on New Ethics Rules

Wednesday Government Relations News

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – November 26, 2014

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – November 21, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

Pennsylvania Governor-Elect Wolf Bans Gifts to Transition Team

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – November 14, 2014

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