May 5, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Fewer lobbyists are passing through the revolving door from K Street to Capitol Hill” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post. “Lobbying industry spending takes a small dip” by Allen Young in the Sacramento Business Journal. “Tech lobbies join […]
Lobbying
“Fewer lobbyists are passing through the revolving door from K Street to Capitol Hill” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.
“Lobbying industry spending takes a small dip” by Allen Young in the Sacramento Business Journal.
“Tech lobbies join forces” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Kansas: “Lobbying in Kansas draws scrutiny from the FBI” by Dave Helling and Brad Cooper in The Kansas City Star.
New Jersey: “New Jersey’s 10 highest-paid lobbyists” in The Star-Ledger.
Campaign Finance
“Chamber of Commerce Spends Millions on Independent Expenditures” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Liberal donors eye new long-term investments in states and new voters to boost Democrats” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
Vermont: “Vermont Calls to Take Money out of Politics” by Steph Machado on myChamplainValley.com.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Alderman Accepts Bitcoin Contributions For State Assembly Run, Runs Into Snag” by Eric Calouro in newsBTC.
Ethics
Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers struggle with ethics measures” by Jordan Shapiro (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Rhode Island: “Sheehan: A Way to Close the Ethics Loophole” by James C. Sheehan in GoLocalProv.
Rhode Island: “Political Scene: R.I. pols got around, from Miami to Moscow” by Katherine Gregg and Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.
West Virginia: “Ethics commission allows public employees to solicit Girl Scout cookie sales in workplace” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
From the State Legislatures
Iowa: “Some sizzle, some fizzle in 2014 legislative session” by William Petroski and Jason Noble in The Des Moines Register.
Government Tech and Social Media
California: “California Lawmaker Crowdsources Constituents to Create a Bill of Their Own” by Melanie Mason in Governing.
May 2, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 2, 2014
National: States Are Now Targets of ‘Citizens United’ Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 5/1/2014 General Majority PAC, created last year by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s chief of staff, Susan McCue, has won legal challenges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania […]
National:
States Are Now Targets of ‘Citizens United’
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 5/1/2014
General Majority PAC, created last year by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s chief of staff, Susan McCue, has won legal challenges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania over the past year to enforce the Supreme Court ruling permitting unlimited corporate and union spending. The successful lawsuits essentially have created the equivalent of super PACs at the state level and are part of a larger transformation of election law in the past few years as the changes at the federal level eventually creep down into state election law.
Federal:
Politico – Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti | Published: 5/1/2014
While presidential inaugurations and party conventions are not what they used to be as fundraisers have struggled with getting corporate donors to act as sponsors, one weekend a year these fears fade away and companies open their checkbooks to join in the fun of the establishment celebrating the establishment: the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Dozens of corporations are sponsoring cocktail receptions and late night soirees, along with an educational event or two, during the weekend of the dinner.
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 4/29/2014
Whether they are managing the lobbying operations of Fortune 200 companies, running their own shops, or building up a roster of big-name clients at mega-firms, women are steadily moving into roles once considered part of Washington’s “old boys club.” While men still outnumber women on K Street by a significant margin, the environment has changed dramatically from just over a decade ago, when a prominent lobbyist felt she could not successfully open a firm without a man’s name on the masthead.
From the States and Municipalities:
Illinois – Ex-Ald. Mell Starts Lobbying Firm with Help of Daughter Patti Blagojevich
Chicago Tribune – Hal Dardick | Published: 4/28/2014
Former Chicago Ald. Dick Mell has started a new lobbying firm with the help of daughter Patti Blagojevich. Mell said the venture is something to keep him busy in retirement and also a way to financially help his daughter. Her husband, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is serving a 14-year sentence in federal prison for corruption. Mell retired before the implementation of a new revolving door policy that as of January 1 bars aldermen from lobbying the city for one year after their last day in office.
Indiana – Ethics Panel: Overhaul needed after Turner actions
The Post-Tribune; Associated Press – | Published: 4/30/2014
A panel of lawmakers said Indiana Rep. Eric Turner did not violate House ethics rules when he fought legislation that would have cost his family’s nursing home business millions of dollars. But the Ethics Committee expressed concerns that Turner’s efforts to defeat a proposed nursing home moratorium did not achieve the “highest spirit of transparency” and vowed to tighten those rules. Documents show Turner had more than $4 million in profits on the line through his ownership stake in the company.
Kansas – Sources: FBI examines lobbying by Brownback
Topeka Capital-Journal – Tim Carpenter | Published: 4/27/2014
The FBI has been investigating influence peddling involving some of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s top advisers. Of concern were behind-the-scenes financial arrangements related to the privatization of the state’s Medicaid program, which handed exclusive contracts to three for-profit insurance companies to provide services. The inquiry focuses on Parallel Strategies, a lobbying firm founded by David Kensinger, the governor’s former chief of staff. Kensinger quit two months before contracts were signed with the three companies, which reportedly hired a lobbyist who works with him.
Louisiana – Limit on Louisiana Lobbyists’ Spending Edges Up to $58 per Occasion, Starting in July
Columbus Republic; Associated Press – | Published: 4/29/2014
Starting in July, the amount that can be spent by a Louisiana lobbyist per person for an occasion is increasing to $58. The limit applies to food, drink, and other refreshments purchased for public employees and elected officials. The amount has been steadily rising since the Legislature implemented a $50 spending cap and then allowed it to increase with the consumer price index.
Ohio – Indian Hill Payday-Lender Lobbyist Avoids Jail Time
Cincinnati Enquirer – Chrissie Thompson | Published: 5/1/2014
Lobbyist John Rabenold must pay $2,000 in fines for failing to report gifts of sports tickets and upscale dinners to Ohio lawmakers. He will spend up to three years on probation. Rabenold must also continue to cooperate with an investigation that could result in charges against lawmakers for accepting the gifts and failing to report them.
Pennsylvania – After the Latest Scandals, Pennsylvania Lawmakers Ponder a Gift Ban and Other Tougher Ethics Laws
Harrisburg Patriot News – Jeff Frantz | Published: 4/28/2014
The Senate State Government Committee heard testimony that Pennsylvania’s ethics laws regarding gifts are among the weakest in the country and must be strengthened. The Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit cash gifts, but Committee Chairperson Lloyd Smucker has advocated a wide ban on gifts and hospitality. John Schaaf, counsel for the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, testified about his state, which called a special session after several lawmakers were charged with corruption by the FBI. Schaaf said Kentucky now has some of the toughest ethics measures in the country.
Texas – Nonprofit Groups Using Law to Anonymously Back Candidates
Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauff | Published: 4/27/2014
Dark money has been injected into a broad mix of state and local elections in Texas. With the state in the midst of a heated gubernatorial race attracting national attention and national donors, the stream of secret campaign cash from outside groups is expected to steadily increase. The Texas Ethics Commission has put up for public comment proposed rulemaking to address anonymous contributions, and some lawmakers, annoyed after being targeted by dark money, are working to revamp 501(c)(4) disclosure legislation vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry last session.
Vermont – Close to Adjournment, House Democrats Throw $500 Lobbyist Fundraiser
Seven Days – Paul Heinz | Published: 5/1/2014
With just days remaining in the legislative session, Vermont lawmakers and lobbyists took a break to attend a political fundraiser at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Over the course of two hours, a reporter from the website Seven Days observed nearly two dozen lobbyists and a dozen Democratic lawmakers, mostly committee chairpersons and members of the House leadership team, entering the Ethan Allen room. “… In our business, you trade on knowledge and you trade on relationships,” said lobbyist Joe Choquette.
Wisconsin – John Doe Probe Raises Issue of Potential Conflicts with Justices
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 4/28/2014
Some are questioning whether four of the state’s seven Supreme Court justices can hear one or more challenges to an ongoing probe into whether Wisconsin Club for Growth illegally coordinated with Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign. The group has spent about $1.8 million to help elect the four justices who make up the conservative bloc controlling the court. Wisconsin’s recusal rules for judges says campaign contributions and independent spending, absent other factors, are not enough to warrant getting out of cases.
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.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
May 1, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Under Contract” in The Hill. “Corporations join the party” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti in Politico. “Political law firm rebrands with new partners” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Missouri: “Petition to Ban Lobbyist Gifts Slow to […]
Lobbying
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“Corporations join the party” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti in Politico.
“Political law firm rebrands with new partners” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Missouri: “Petition to Ban Lobbyist Gifts Slow to Gain Signatures” by KMOX CBS News.
Campaign Finance
“States are now targets of ‘Citizens United’” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Why dark money is likely to keep flowing in campaigns, in 1 Senate hearing” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
“Is it unethical for Justice Stevens to write and testify about campaign finance restrictions?” by Eugene Volokh in The Washington Post.
Kansas: “Campaign finance bill still has loophole” by D.E. Smoot in Muskogee Phoenix.
Ethics
Florida: “Broward County mayor faces ethics charges” by Brittany Wallman in the Sun Sentinel.
Maine: “Maine Ethics Commission Fines Casino Backers for Filing Violations” by A.J. Higgins on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
New York: “Federal Prosecutors Subpoena New York Ethics Enforcement Agency” by Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.
Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Senate president reports free trips” by The Associated Press in The San Francisco Chronicle.
State Legislatures
Wisconsin: “Legislature cannot fix voter ID law before November election, leader says” by Dee J. Hall | and Matthew DeFour in the Wisconsin State Journal.
April 29, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Obama’s Unlobbyists | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Elizabeth Warren Slams ‘Armies’ of Lobbyists in Washington [Video]” by Ayobami Olugbemiga in InTheCapitol. “Women take power as lobbyists” by Megan R. […]
Lobbying
“Obama’s Unlobbyists | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Elizabeth Warren Slams ‘Armies’ of Lobbyists in Washington [Video]” by Ayobami Olugbemiga in InTheCapitol.
“Women take power as lobbyists” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Bridging K Street and Kentucky” by Erik Wasson in The Hill.
“Lobbyists raise their glass to mentor” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Roundtable adds top GOP staffer” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Florida: “A Day In The Life Of A Tallahassee Lobbyist” by Gina Jordan on WLRN News.
Illinois: “Ex-Ald. Mell starts lobbying firm with help of daughter Patti Blagojevich” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.
Louisiana: “Limit on La. lobbyist spending edges up to $58” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.
New York: “Group seeks inquiry into whether Melius broke lobbying laws” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.
Campaign Finance
Rhode Island: “3 RI gubernatorial candidates, all Democrats, sign spending-limit pledge” by Edward Fitzpatrick in the Providence Journal.
Minnesota: “Group challenging Minnesota campaign finance law asks judge to suspend contribution cap” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New Mexico: “Gov. rakes in donations while lawmakers meet” by Thomas Cole in the Albuquerque Journal.
New York: “Enterprise asks FEC to supersede NY campaign finance law” by Tom Brune in Newsday.
Ethics
“Rep. Grimm indicted on 20 Counts” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.
“Michael Grimm’s Close Friend Indicted” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Pennsylvania: “Toughen ethics laws, advocates tell Pa. legislators” by Amy Worden in The Inquirer.
Congress
“What Congress will and won’t get done” by Mike Lillis in The Hill.
From the State Legislatures
Michigan: “2 women bankrolling Grand Rapids term-limits campaign” by Matt Vande Bunte in Michigan Live.
New York: “Unfinished business for the NY legislature” by Karen DeWitt ion North Country Public Radio.
Wisconsin: “Turnover among legislators is highest in decades” by By Jason Stein in the Journal Sentinel.
April 28, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “After three-year slump, K Street shows signs of growth” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post. Kansas: “FBI investigating influence peddling by Brownback confidants” by Steve Kraske in The Kansas City Star. Campaign Finance “FEC Provides New Resources for […]
Lobbying
“After three-year slump, K Street shows signs of growth” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
Kansas: “FBI investigating influence peddling by Brownback confidants” by Steve Kraske in The Kansas City Star.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Provides New Resources for 2014 Elections” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“John Paul Stevens to testify on ‘dark money’” by Burgess Everett in Politico.
“McCutcheon Restores Power to Congressional Campaigns | Commentary” by Tim Peckinpaugh and Steve Roberts in Roll Call.
“Michael Grimm expected to be indicted” by John Bresnahan and Jake Sherman in Politico.
Georgia: “Local lawmakers ignore transparency laws” by Catherine Beck on WXIA News.
Ethics
“Ethics panel investigates Steve Stockman” by Lauren French in Politico.
“House Members Needing and Paying for Attorneys” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Florida: “Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief appears before ethics commission” by Carlos Suarez on WPLG News.
Indiana: “Indiana lawmakers struggle with ethics system” by Tom LoBianco in the San Francisco Chronicle.
State Legislatures
Colorado: “5 Things To Know in the Colorado Legislature” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
April 25, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 25, 2014
National: General Dynamics to No Longer Contribute to Political Organizations Washington Business Journal – Jill Aitoro | Published: 4/22/2014 General Dynamics announced it will no longer make contributions to political organizations or nonprofit groups that in turn give to campaigns. […]
National:
General Dynamics to No Longer Contribute to Political Organizations
Washington Business Journal – Jill Aitoro | Published: 4/22/2014
General Dynamics announced it will no longer make contributions to political organizations or nonprofit groups that in turn give to campaigns. The decision comes in response to a shareholder proposal that requests that the company’s board of directors authorize an annual report disclosing lobbying policy and procedures, and membership in and payments to tax-exempt organizations that write and endorse model legislation.
Political Attack Ads, Often Negative, Try Instead to Accentuate the Positive
New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 4/17/2014
Some of the best-known super PACs and outside political groups are making an effort to cast the candidates they support in an appealing way instead of solely attacking opponents. Already this year, 16 percent of Americans for Prosperity’s spots have been positive; in 2012, the group did not run a single one. The shift is the product of several factors, such as the renewed hope that positive commercials can break through the advertising clutter and the increasing prevalence of stock footage made public by campaigns that makes producing positive ads easier.
Federal:
Following Sebelius Phone Call, Foundation Donated $13M to Obamacare Outreach Group, Report Says
Washington Post – Jason Millman | Published: 4/21/2014
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius last year approached five organizations seeking money or technical help for Enroll America, a nonprofit working to increase participation in the federal health law, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office. Republicans had criticized Sebelius for making a funding request to outside groups, while the Obama administration defended the action, contending Congress refused to provide enough funding for Affordable Care Act outreach.
Justice Stevens Suggests Solution for ‘Giant Step in the Wrong Direction’
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 4/21/2014
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens said the court had made a disastrous wrong turn in its recent string of campaign finance rulings. In an interview with The New York Times, Stevens talked about what he called a telling flaw in the opening sentence of the ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, and filled in some new details about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to the Citizens United decision.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Ethics Panel Wants More Public Funding Available to Candidates
Los Angeles Times – Soumya Karlamangla | Published: 4/17/2014
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended the city’s public campaign finance program increase the matching funds available to candidates. The commission also announced it would no longer enforce aggregate contribution limits on individuals giving to city and school board candidates as a result of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. City caps on what donors can give to individual candidates will remain in effect. Those range from $700 to $1,300 per election, depending on the office.
Connecticut – DGA Challenges Connecticut’s Campaign Finance Restrictions
Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 4/23/2014
The Democratic Governors’ Association sued the state of Connecticut, saying its laws on political spending are unconstitutionally broad and limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The lawsuit said the state unfairly treats independent money spent on ads and other political messages by the national group as contributions to particular candidates, and thus subject to campaign finance limits.
Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers Take Trips to Israel, California, New Orleans – On the Lobbyists’ Dime
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott | Published: 4/21/2014
Industry and special interest groups spent more than $200,000 in the last three years on trips for Missouri lawmakers, according to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Records show the travel-related spending in many cases included airline tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and convention fees. While lobbyist spending is legal in Missouri, critics say the practice can create conflicts-of-interest when legislators vote on important issues. Defenders of lobbyist spending say paying for trips that provide lawmakers with valuable information is not the same as plying legislators with perks.
New York – Judge Strikes Down NY Limits on Donations to ‘Super PACs’
Reuters – Joseph Ax | Published: 4/24/2014
U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty struck down New York’s limits on donations to independent PACs as unconstitutional. The judge said the statutes could not survive First Amendment scrutiny in light of recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have lessened restrictions on political donors. Under Crotty’s ruling, super PACs can now raise unlimited funds, though committees that coordinate with parties or candidates are still subject to limits.
North Carolina – Feds Eye Ex-Mayor Cannon’s Campaign in Charlotte Corruption Probe
Charlotte Observer – Fred Clasen-Kelly and Ames Alexander | Published: 4/12/2014
As the FBI builds its public corruption case against former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, investigators are taking a close look at campaign finance records he filed with the Mecklenburg County elections board. But a Charlotte Observer review of Cannon’s campaign records since 1999 found reports with misleading, inaccurate, and missing information that makes it difficult to tell where he got much of his money.
Ohio – Lobbyists Could Spend More on Ohio Lawmakers under Proposed Legislation Billed as Ethics Reform
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) | Published: 4/23/2014
New legislation, if enacted, would make the most significant changes to Ohio’s ethics rules in two decades. Lobbyists would get to spend twice as much on lawmakers and disclose fewer expenses under the proposed bill. The measure, which Republican sponsors say they intend to introduce in May, also includes increased transparency and accountability measures, such as requiring random audits of public officials’ financial disclosure forms and posting all such forms online.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Legislative Sting’s First Suspects Were Caught, Not Targeted, Supporters of the Aborted Probe Say
Harrisburg Patriot-News – Charles Thomspon | Published: 4/16/2014
A legislative sting operation quashed by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was much broader than originally described, and the undercover informant who recorded many conversations reached out to a racially diverse group of Democratic and Republican state lawmakers, lobbyists, and city officials, according to sources. Kane has argued that one reason she decided not to pursue the investigation was that there was an appearance of racially-based targeting of potential suspects.
Tennessee – Candidate is Treasurer of PAC Raising Money for Him
The Tennessean – Michael Cass | Published: 4/20/2014
Donors invited to a recent fundraiser for state House candidate Troy Brewer were told they could avoid disclosure on campaign finance reports by writing their checks to Leaders of Tennessee, a PAC Brewer serves as treasurer. Giving to a specific candidate through a PAC to mask the source of the funds is illegal, subject to a fine of up to $10,000. “You can’t use an intermediary to get around disclosure,” said Drew Rawlins, executive director of the state Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance.
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.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
April 24, 2014 •
Broward County Commissioners Seek Changes in Ethics Law
County commissioners are pushing for a rewrite of the county ethics code only four years after the strict code was adopted. Commissioners complain Broward’s ethics code is too strict, setting up officials for violations and penalties for something as small […]
County commissioners are pushing for a rewrite of the county ethics code only four years after the strict code was adopted. Commissioners complain Broward’s ethics code is too strict, setting up officials for violations and penalties for something as small as accepting a bottle of water at an event. Commissioners discussed limiting gifts to $10 and excluding nonalcoholic beverages from the ban.
The April 22 meeting was the first step towards rewriting the code, and potential changes could be enacted by the County Commission later this year, though some changes may require voter approval.
April 23, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbing World” in The Hill. “Cellphone industry picks new lobby chief” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Ronald Reagan ‘First Flack’ lobbyist Bob Gray dies” in the Washington Business Journal. Campaign Finance “FEC Considers Allowing Bitcoin Donations to […]
Lobbying
“Lobbing World” in The Hill.
“Cellphone industry picks new lobby chief” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Ronald Reagan ‘First Flack’ lobbyist Bob Gray dies” in the Washington Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Considers Allowing Bitcoin Donations to Political Campaigns” by Dustin Volz and Alex Brown in National Journal.
“George Will: Colbert ‘Incorrigibly Wrong’ on Campaign Finance, But ‘Very Bright’” by Josh Feldman on Mediaite.
California: “Senate committee approves bills to clean up political fundraising” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.
Virginia: “Elections board moves campaign finance deadline from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.” by Markus Schmidt in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Ethics
“Ethics Office: Unnamed House Member Under Investigation” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.
New Jersey: “N.J. ethics panel to investigate top Christie appointee to Port Authority” by Pil Gregory in Newsworks.
New Jersey: “Legal fees surpass Christie’s available campaign cash” by Maddie Hanna in The Inquirer.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Buying Facebook Ads Could be a Bad Call for Agencies” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
Oregon: “State ethics panel wants to redefine who’s a journalist in Oregon” by Harry Esteve in The Oregonian.
April 23, 2014 •
California Senators Take Time for Ethics
State senators are receiving a refresher in ethics and bills to require tougher ethics rules are advancing following a series of legal cases involving Democratic lawmakers. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg canceled committee hearings Wednesday, April 23 and ordered […]
State senators are receiving a refresher in ethics and bills to require tougher ethics rules are advancing following a series of legal cases involving Democratic lawmakers.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg canceled committee hearings Wednesday, April 23 and ordered senators and their top aides to devote the day to ethics training.
The ethics proposals approved by a committee include a ban on fundraising during the end of legislative sessions, a reduction in the value of gifts officials may accept, and a prohibition on such items as spa treatments and golf games.
Photo of the California Senate chamber courtesy of David Monniaux on Wikimedia Commons.
April 22, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “K Street bounces back” by Megan R. Wilson and Peter Schroeder in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Justice Stevens Suggests Solution for ‘Giant Step in the Wrong Direction’” by Adam Liptak in The New York Times. “The Bullet Democracy Dodged” […]
Lobbying
“K Street bounces back” by Megan R. Wilson and Peter Schroeder in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Justice Stevens Suggests Solution for ‘Giant Step in the Wrong Direction’” by Adam Liptak in The New York Times.
“The Bullet Democracy Dodged” by Ciara Torres-Spelliscy in the Brennan Center for Justice blog.
“Candidate-specific PACs emerge as a way to propel friends to office” by Julie Bykowicz (Bloomberg News) in the Chicago Tribune.
Alaska: “Local firms threatened with big fines for failing to report campaign contributions” by Nathaniel Herz in the Anchorage Daily News.
Michigan: “Who’s paying for all those political ads? Outside groups outspending top Michigan candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in Michigan Live.
North Carolina: “Mecklenburg County to tighten campaign finance audits” by Ames Alexander in The Charlotte Observer.
Ethics
New Jersey: “Christie campaign has spent more than $300K on bridge scandal legal fees” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Social Advocacy & Politics: Riding the Wave, or Social Media Transforms the Newsroom” by Alan Rosenblatt in Social Media Today.
April 22, 2014 •
Carroll County, Maryland to Consider New Ethics Ordinance
The Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a new county ethics ordinance requiring additional disclosures from county candidates, elected officials, and certain county employees. In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation mandating local governments to adopt ethics laws at […]
The Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a new county ethics ordinance requiring additional disclosures from county candidates, elected officials, and certain county employees. In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation mandating local governments to adopt ethics laws at least as stringent as the state’s laws.
The Maryland State Ethics Commission approved the county’s proposed ordinance during its Feb. 27 meeting.
County Attorney Tim Burke will review the ordinance with commissioners in mid-May. It is then the responsibility of the commissioners to submit the ordinance for public review and to vote on whether to adopt it.
April 21, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Chamber of Commerce Spends $19 Million on Lobbying in Q1” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. Arizona: “The Top 5 Phoenix-area lobbying firms for 2014” by Dale Brown in the Phoenix Business Journal. Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers take trips to […]
Lobbying
“Chamber of Commerce Spends $19 Million on Lobbying in Q1” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Arizona: “The Top 5 Phoenix-area lobbying firms for 2014” by Dale Brown in the Phoenix Business Journal.
Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers take trips to Israel, California, New Orleans — on the lobbyists’ dime” by Kevin McDermott in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Missouri: “Lobbyists spent $200,000 on trips for Missouri lawmakers” by The Associated Press in The Kansas City Star.
Campaign Finance
“Krauthammer: Campaign finance conundrum is unsolvable” opinion piece by Charles Krauthammer in Newsday.
California: “California lawmakers face divisive bills, special session” by Fenit Nirappil (Associated Press) in The Sun.
California: “Ethics panel wants more public funding available to candidates” by Soumya Karlamangla in the Los Angeles Times.
California: “Donnelly faces state campaign-finance investigation” by Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times.
Michigan: “Big dollar Michigan congressional races” by Charles Crumm in the Daily Tribune.
Minnesota: “Campaign finance lawsuits in Minnesota and other states take aim at contribution limits” by David Henry in MinnPost.
New Mexico: “Campaign finance reports misplaced in state database” by Sterling Fluharty in the Albuquerque Journal.
New York: “Legislators to tackle host of issues after spring break” by Joseph Spector in The Journal News.
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: Online campaign finance reporting system still facing problems” by Phil Kabler in Charleston Gazette.
Ethics
California: “In political scandal, good government advocates see opening for ethics, campaign finance changes” by David Siders in The Fresno Bee.
California: “Leland Yee case: Disgraced California state senator’s legislative efforts fueled cash for campaigns” by Aaron Kinney and Jessica Calefati in the San Jose Mercury News.
Indiana: “Indiana Lawmaker’s Ethics Hearing Scheduled for This Week” by The Associated Press and Rick Howlett in WFPL News.
Kansas: “Investigator wants tougher legislative ethics laws” by John O’Connor in The Wichita Eagle.
Kentucky: “Lawmaker Calls For Ethics Committee Reform If Special Session is Called” by Jonathan Meador in WKU News.
Pennsylvania: “Ethical questions in trips revealed in corruption sting” by Mark Fazlollah in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
April 18, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 18, 2014
National: G.O.P. Campaign Outreach Tool: Gun sweepstakes New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 4/17/2014 Online gun sweepstakes are one of the fastest growing and most useful tools for campaign outreach in the 2014 Republican primaries. Across the country, […]
National:
G.O.P. Campaign Outreach Tool: Gun sweepstakes
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 4/17/2014
Online gun sweepstakes are one of the fastest growing and most useful tools for campaign outreach in the 2014 Republican primaries. Across the country, from a race for sheriff in California to the U.S. Senate primary in South Carolina, candidates are using high-powered pistols and rifles as a lure to build up their donor lists and expand their base of support. But as a lot of candidates have learned, giving a gun away is not easy.
Federal:
For Hillary Clinton and Boeing, a Beneficial Relationship
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman | Published: 4/13/2014
The State Department under former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bypassed ethics guidelines to take a $2 million donation from Boeing, just a month after Clinton helped the company secure a multi-billion dollar contract with Russia. Clinton was attempting to resuscitate the dismal fundraising for the privately-sponsored U.S. pavilion planned for the 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai. State Department officials had told planners to skip soliciting some firms with major business ties to the government, including Boeing, to avoid the appearance of a conflict-of-interest.
McCutcheon Lawyer Brings New Campaign Finance Case
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 4/16/2014
Dan Backer, the attorney who won a landmark ruling when the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the overall limit on how much any donor can give to federal campaigns each election cycle, has filed a lawsuit looking to strike some of the restrictions still on the books. The latest lawsuit seeks to open the door for more money to flow from a PAC to a candidate or party committee. The suit objects to federal restrictions on transfers out of PACs based on the amount of time they have been registered.
From the States and Municipalities:
Connecticut – Rowland Indicted In Two Alleged Campaign Finance Schemes
Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahoney and Jon Lender | Published: 4/10/2014
Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned 10 years ago in a corruption scandal that sent him to prison, was indicted recently on charges he tried to hide his role in two congressional campaigns, one of them involving a sham contract written to conceal $35,000 he was paid for political advice to candidate Lisa Wilson-Foley. Rowland is also accused of pitching a similar phony consulting deal to Mark Greenberg during his unsuccessful 2010 race for Congress.
Florida – Builders, Lobbyists among Big Donors to Mayor’s Ball
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Andy Reid | Published: 4/12/2014
Donation records show lobbyists, developers, and others potentially vying to do business with local government were some of the biggest donors at the Palm Beach County Mayor’s Ball fundraiser. Many local elected officials, led by Palm Beach County Mayor Priscilla Taylor, were the main attraction at the fundraiser to help the homeless. It also tested new ethics rules which seek to limit opportunities for attendees at such events to curry favor with elected officials by contributing to a cause they support.
Kansas – Brownback Vetoes Bill Raising Spending Threshold for Lobbyist Registry
Topeka Capital-Journal; Staff – | Published: 4/11/2014
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed Senate Bill 99, which would have raised the expenditure threshold triggering the requirement to register as a lobbyist from $100 to $500. A news release from the governor’s office said the bill was vetoed in the interest of promoting continued transparency in government.
Kentucky – Kentucky Rep. Jim Gooch Threw Women’s Underwear on a Dinner Table, Statehouse Staffers Allege
WFPL – Jonathan Meador | Published: 4/14/2014
Two legislative staff members who filed sexual harassment charges against former Kentucky Rep. John Arnold said they were also subjected to crude behavior by state Rep. Jim Gooch at the Southern Legislative Conference. Cassaundra Cooper and Yolanda Costner said Gooch approached a group they were sitting with, pulled a pair of panties out of his pocket, and tossed them on the table. Gooch said his actions were harmless and the two women are retaliating against him.
Maryland – State Won’t Enforce $10,000 Limit on Campaign Contributions
Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 4/10/2014
Maryland election officials said they would not enforce the state’s $10,000 limit on aggregate campaign contributions during a four-year election cycle in the wake of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The State Board of Elections announced that no person may donate more than $4,000 to any individual campaign, but may give that amount to an unlimited number of candidates.
New Jersey – Former Watchdogs Accuse Christie of Interfering with State Ethics Agency
Newark Star Ledger – Salvador Rizzo | Published: 4/13/2014
Three former New Jersey Ethics Commission officials are accusing Gov. Chris Christie’s office of unprecedented interference with an agency set up to be free of political influence. They say Christie pushed the commissioners to replace the executive director at a time when she was investigating a member of his own staff, thus crossing a line no other governor had before. The Christie administration called the charges without merit and denied any interference with the commission.
New Mexico – Controversial Audio Leaked of Governor and Her Staff
KRQE – Gabrielle Burkhart | Published: 4/16/2014
Leaked audio recordings reveal New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez used profanity and offensive names to describe political opponents during her 2010 campaign. The tapes were part of an unflattering profile of Martinez by Mother Jones magazine. Martinez’s re-election campaign sent an email supporters noting she had referred to her general election opponent, then-Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, “using the B-word four years ago in a private conversation with close advisers.”
New York – U.S. Attorney Criticizes Cuomo’s Closing of Panel
New York Times – William Rashbaum and Susanne Craig | Published: 4/9/2014
Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, took control of confidential records of the commission probing public corruption that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shut down following a budget deal with the Legislature. Bharara’s move on the Moreland Commission files was motivated by his interest in the unfinished probes, unexplored leads, and abrupt close to business of the panel that Cuomo or his aides reportedly interfered with through back channels.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association is Focus of Ethics Query
The Oklahoman – Nolan Clay | Published: 4/13/2014
The state Ethics Commission voted to investigate the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) for alleged violations of lobbying disclosure rules. Commissioners acted after The Oklahoman reported the association has provided free football and basketball playoff tickets to legislators for years. Records show the OSSAA has not reported those gifts to the Ethics Commission as required by law.
Texas – With Eyes on 2016, Perry Is Mired in the Past
New York Times – Manny Fernandez | Published: 4/16/2014
A judge seated a grand jury to look into the threat that Texas Gov. Rick Perry carried out to veto funding for the Public Integrity Unit under Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg. Perry last year said he would veto money for the unit, which prosecutes wrongdoing by public officials, unless Lehmberg resigned in the wake of a drunken-driving arrest. Texans for Public Justice filed a complaint with prosecutors over the threat, contending Perry abused his power.
Washington – Ethics Board Hears Call to End Free Meals for Lawmakers
The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 4/15/2014
Washington lawmakers can accept free meals on an “infrequent’ basis during the course of doing their jobs. But the law it does not say what is infrequent. The Legislative Ethics Board held a public hearing to get comments on a proposal to clarify the statue. In addition, a staff proposal going before the Public Disclosure Commission would raise the threshold for itemizing spending on lawmakers from $25 for an event to $50.
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April 17, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “One Democratic congressman escalates the fight over ALEC” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post. Campaign Finance “After a Supreme Court Victory, a New Challenge to Campaign-Finance Limits” by Karen Weise in Bloomberg Businessweek. “A Decade of McCain-Feingold” by […]
Lobbying
“One Democratic congressman escalates the fight over ALEC” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“After a Supreme Court Victory, a New Challenge to Campaign-Finance Limits” by Karen Weise in Bloomberg Businessweek.
“A Decade of McCain-Feingold” by Neil Reiff & Don McGahn in Campaigns & Elections Magazine.
“Radel returns donations after resignation” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
Alabama: “Campaign finance reporting stays same” by Mary Sell in the Times Daily.
Georgia: “Unlimited cash for campaigns? GOP Senate candidates are split” by Daniel Malloy, Jim Galloway and Greg Bluestein in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Rhode Island: “Rhode Island board seeks repeal of campaign finance limits following US Supreme Court ruling” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
Florida: “Ethics bills languishing in Florida Legislature” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
State Legislatures
Arizona: “Lawmakers hard at it on last days of session” by Howard Fischer in The Sierra Vista Herald.
California: “Jerry Brown calls legislative special session to debate reserve plan” by Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times.
Missouri: “Missouri legislature passes $620 million tax cut, Nixon signals possible veto” by JasonHancock in The Kansas City Star.
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Senate break rankles House members” by Randy Ellis in The Oklahoman.
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