Lawmakers adjourned sine die without passing the ethics reform bill on Thursday, June 19, 2014.

House Bill 3945 was blocked from a vote by Sen. Lee Bright and Sen. Tom Davis. On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell formally resigned to become president of the College of Charleston.

Senators then selected Sen. Yancey McGill to be the new lieutenant governor and Sen. Hugh Leatherman to be the new President Pro Tem.

Photo of the South Carolina State House by Florencebballer on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Florida: “Dade Medical College owner charged with improper lobbying” by Mike Vasquez in the Miami Herald.

Mississippi: “Washington Lobbyists Pour Money Into Mississippi Senate Race To Fend Off Tea Party” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.

Campaign Finance

“Soft Money’s Squishy Political Influence” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.

“Campaign-Finance Reform Has to Be Cross-Partisan” by Lawrence Lessig in The Atlantic.

Vermont: “Canvassers to target money in politics” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.

Ethics

Arizona: “Clean elections director seeks full probe of Arizona AG Tom Horne over election law complaint” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Georgia: “Advocates want ethics chief out” by Erica Techo in The Augusta Chronicle.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Democratic Strategist Chris Talbot Explains the Do’s and Don’ts of Digital Campaigns” by Tess VandenDolder in InTheCapitol.

“FBI discovers Twitter-speak, starts a dictionary” by Ian Sherr in C|Net.

Section 42.52.420 of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials to accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions. In recent months, “infrequent occasions” has come under scrutiny after a widely-read report showed the state’s 50 most active lobbyists treated legislators to meals totaling more than $65,000 over a four-month period.

After the Legislature failed to pass any pertinent legislation before its adjournment on March 13, 2014, the Legislative Ethics Board took up the issue. The board held a meeting on June 17, 2014, to review proposals received from the public related to how to define infrequent occasions.

All of the proposals considered by the board would require legislators to file a report upon receiving a free meal. Stricter proposals set the dollar amount threshold for reporting the meal at $5 and the amount of free meals per year at three to five. Others set the threshold at $25 and allow 52 free meals per year. One especially ambitious proposal would require a reduction in a legislator’s per diem allowance for every free meal he or she accepts.

The board will continue to take public comment on the issue and will reconvene on August 19, 2014, to further consider public proposals.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

California: “Senate approves campaign fundraising blackout during budget negotiations and end of session” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

Ethics

“Watchdog urges bribery probe of congressman” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

New Mexico: “NM governor’s ex-aide pleads guilty to hacking charges” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Ohio: “Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory Named In Ethics Probe” by The Associated Press on WBNS TV News.

Rhode Island: “House panel passes revised ethics bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Elections

“Supreme Court: Groups Can Sue over Campaign Lies” by Julie Rovner in Governing.

Lobbying

“Which federal agencies do lobbyists target most?” by Elizabeth Shell in PBS Newshour.

“Unemployment Extension Cause Has Invisible Lobby | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Former Rep. Dan Lungren returns to lobbying” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Canada: “Number of federal lobbyists up 24 per cent” by Jason Fekete in The Star Phoenix.

Florida: “Lobbyists, lawyers jostle for pot business” by Dara Kam in The News Herald.

Kentucky: “Lobbyist hosts RPK fundraiser with top GOP senators” by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal.

Oklahoma: “Wind energy felt at the state Capitol” by Kurtis Killman in the Tulsa World.

Pennsylvania: “Improvements seen in Phila. lobbying Web site” by Alisha Green (Sunlight Foundation) in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Campaign Finance

“What if your cell phone buzzed every time someone gave your congressman a ton of money?” by Emily Badger in The Washington Post.

“What America Can Learn From Norway’s Success in Regulating Campaign Finance” by Emmett Rensin in PolicyMic.

Ethics

Georgia: “Georgia settles with 3 former ethics commission employees for more than $1.8 million” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Ohio: “Lawmaker might face charges over gifts” by Randy Ludlow in The Columbus Dispatch.

Rhode Island: “Issues to watch at end of General Assembly session” by Erika Niedowski (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate OKs bill for Ethics Commission jurisdiction over state lawmakers” by Mike McKinney in the Providence Journal.

West Virginia: “Ethics Commission to hire interim director” by Phil Kabler in The Charleston Gazette.

Congress

“What Happens in the Senate When No One’s Looking? A Lot” by Humberto Sanchez in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

California: “California Legislature passes $156.4-billion 2014-15 budget” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.

Minnesota: “Minnesota legislators swap Capitol careers for lucrative county paychecks” by Patrick Condon in the Star Tribune.

New York: “Albany lawmakers leaving unfinished business” by Michael Randall in Times Herald-Record.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Pols have a #fakefollower problem” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

National:

What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On

Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014

According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on highways and construction. The study found those projects and police programs provide the most opportunities for lawmakers to enrich themselves, and are positively correlated with state levels of corruption. Meanwhile, highly corrupt states also spend relatively less on health, education, and welfare, categories that were less susceptible to graft and bribery, found the report.

Federal:

Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books with Citizens United Ruling

National Journal – Shane Goldmacher | Published: 6/8/2014

Sources said a bipartisan coalition of FEC commissioners is finally moving to update its regulations in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling after years of stalemate. The proposed rules under consideration by commissioners are narrow in scope, mostly seeking to strip unconstitutional provisions from the books; the revisions would not include the stricter disclosure requirements that some Democrats have sought, said people involved in the matter. But the very fact the FEC is undertaking the effort at all is a significant development for an agency that has become synonymous with Washington gridlock and dysfunction.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Calif. Senate Adopts New Ethics Standards, Rejects Others

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/9/2014

The California Senate passed new rules that will create an ethics ombudsman, update the chamber’s code of conduct, and ban senators from collecting campaign checks during the last four weeks of the legislative session. But the Senate also shot down a bill that sought a broader campaign fundraising ban, and passed a watered-down ethics bill striking out an attempt to limit the value of travel that officials may take at the expense of interest groups who lobby them.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Denies Citizens United’s Press Pass

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 6/5/2014

A request by conservative political group Citizens United to be treated as a media organization under Colorado election law was denied. The secretary of state’s office ruled an upcoming documentary featuring state politicians “is an electioneering communication” and does not fall under any of the exemptions to state laws requiring political groups to disclose financial donors when running ads that mention candidates within 60 days of an election.

Connecticut – Judge Rules for State’s Campaign Finance Law

Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahony | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal judge dismissed part of a Democratic Governors’ Association (DGA) lawsuit and denied the group’s bid for a preliminary injunction against Connecticut’s campaign finance laws that it said limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The DGA maintained that under laws adopted in 2013, 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 donation limits.

Idaho – Ethics Proposal Would Stop Lobbyists from Lying to Lawmakers

Utah Policy – Brian Schott | Published: 6/10/2014

Idaho law prohibits lobbyists from intentionally giving false information to officials. The punishment is up to $100 fine and a one-year suspension of their lobbying license. But the law is basically unenforceable because it is nearly impossible to prove whether a lobbyist provided false information on purpose. State Sen. Daniel Thatcher wants to put more teeth into the statute.

Illinois – State Rep. Derrick Smith Found Guilty in Bribery Trial

Chicago Sun-Times – Kim Jansson | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal jury found Rep. Derrick Smith guilty of taking a $7,000 bribe to support a state grant for a day-care center. He was charged following an FBI undercover investigation that caught him talking about the payoff on tape. Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in 2012 after he was charged with taking the bribe. He won his seat back the same year, but lost the Democratic primary in March.

Maryland – City Chides Developer for Listing Campaign Contributions as Project Cost

Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 6/11/2014

Baltimore officials approved a deal to sell a pier for the development of a luxury hotel after reprimanding a developer for trying to include campaign contributions to local politicians as part of the project’s costs. Recreation Pier Developers listed donations to city Councilperson James Kraft and state Del. Peter Hammen as part of the more than $3 million it has spent on the project. “The developers believe campaign contributions buys access and helps build a relationship …,” said Maryland Common Cause Director Jennifer Bevan-Dangel.

Maryland – Hershey v. Hershey: Chocolate company sues state senator over campaign signs

Baltimore Sun – Ian Duncan | Published: 6/9/2014

In a federal lawsuit, the Hershey Company asked a judge to stop Maryland Sen. Stephen Hershey, Jr. from using campaign materials that it believes are too similar to its own logo and packaging. The senator’s name, in block capital letters over a brown Maryland flag, looks strikingly similar to the wrapper of a certain confection, the chocolate maker says, an impermissible use of what it calls its “trade dress.”

Nevada – In Nevada, Nobody Wins (Sort-Of)

Politico – Steven Shepard | Published: 6/11/2014

More Democratic primary voters cast ballots for “None of these candidates” than for any actual candidates for governor in Nevada, a testament to a weak field looking to challenge popular Gov. Brian Sandoval and a unique state election law that allows voters the none-of-the-above option. “None” led the way with 30 percent of the vote. Finishing second was former state economic development director Robert Goodman, who won 25 percent of the vote.

North Carolina – N.C. Investigating Donations by Sweepstakes Industry

The Virginian-Pilot – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 6/11/2014

The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal probe into campaign contributions from the video sweepstakes industry to some of North Carolina’s top elected officials. The Associated Press reported last year that donations from gaming software magnate Chase Burns, who was pushing for legalization of his industry in North Carolina, may have violated state laws prohibiting corporate money from “directly or indirectly” funding political campaigns.

Pennsylvania – A Bad Bet: GOP Governors Assn. crossed state law with donation

Philadelphia Daily News – Chris Brennan | Published: 6/11/2014

The Republican Governors Association transferred nearly $1 million to its Pennsylvania PAC – the largest donor to Gov. Tom Corbett’s re-election bid – from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a blunder that appears to breach the state’s gaming act. State law bars casino owners and executives from giving to candidates, political parties, or committees. Adelson chairs the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns a casino in Bethlehem.

South Carolina – South Carolina Senate Postpones Vote on Ethics Compromise after House Grudgingly Passes

Columbus Republic – Andrew Coffman Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 6/5/2014

The South Carolina General Assembly was on the cusp of passing its first attempt at ethics reform in 20 years when Sen. Lee Bright filibustered a vote on the bill. The House had passed the legislation but the Senate chose to wait until June 17 to consider the measure. The reform bill raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200, and super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.

Virginia – Cantor Loss Throws Congress into Disarray

Washington Post – Paul Kane | Published: 6/10/2014

In one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was soundly defeated by a tea party-backed economics professor who had hammered him for being insufficiently conservative. The result delivered a major jolt to the Republican Party as Cantor had widely been considered the top candidate to succeed Speaker John Boehner, and it has the potential to change both the debate in Washington on immigration and, possibly, the midterm elections.

Virginia – GOP Has Claimed Control of Va. Senate, Forced Democrats to Cave over Medicaid Impasse

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella and Michael Laris | Published: 6/9/2014

The resignation of a Democratic senator in Virginia that flipped control of the chamber to Republicans set off charges of an unseemly deal and threatened Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s chances of expanding Medicaid under the president’s health care law. State Sen. Phillip Puckett’s sudden decision to step down from his seat may tip a stalemate in favor of Republicans opposed to expanding Medicaid to 400,000 poor and disabled residents. Democrats accused Republicans of masterminding Puckett’s resignation by promising him a plum job and speeding the appointment of his daughter to a state judgeship.

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.

Lobbying

“Lobby groups hunker down for storm” by Bernie Becker and Benjamin Goad in The Hill.

“Cantor’s K Street value: Off the charts” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Tech firm looks to bring bitcoins to campaigns” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

“Got bitcoins to spend? Here are some options” by Laura Lorenzetti in Fortune.

Alaska: “Campaign-Finance Challenge in Alaska Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.

Florida: “Campaign Cash Offers Picture of Legislative Races” by Jim Saunders in the Sunshine State News.

Ethics

Illinois: “Jurors Have Some Trouble Convicting Illinois Legislator of Bribery” by Jason Meisner in Governing.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate delays vote on ethics bill to consider possible changes” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

State Legislatures

Michigan: “Michigan petition drive for part-time Legislature falls short but organizers look to 2016” by Jonathan Oosting on Michigan Live.

New York: “Cuomo ‘not overly optimistic’ about end of legislative session” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.

Virginia: “Lawmakers return to pass budget” by Michael Marts in The Roanoke Times.

Washington: “Slew of state laws take effect” by Lauren Dake in The Columbian.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Sallie Mae spin-off registers to lobby” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Amplifyd: Crowd-Sourced Lobbying Launches Website” by Annie Spiegelman in The Huffington Post.

“Politico: Wall Street Loses an Ally With Cantor’s Defeat” by Drew MacKenzie in Newsmax.

North Carolina: “Senate honors longtime lawmaker, lobbyist Alley” by Tara Jeffries in WRAL.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance Hearings Showcase Extremes | Rules of the Game” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“A Reporter Crashes the Super PAC Party” by Walter Shapiro in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

“Bitcoin bulks up lobbying power” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Connecticut: “Democratic governors lose challenge to Connecticut campaign finance law” by Nate Raymond in Reuters.

Kansas: “Panel looking into ethics of Facebook post seeking contributions to Schodorf campaign” by Brian Lowry in The Wichita Eagle.

North Carolina: “Legislators call for constitutional convention” in The Times-News.

Ohio: “Former executive testifies in campaign finance trial of northeast Ohio businessman” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Elections

“5 takeaways from Eric Cantor shocker” by James Hohmann in Politico.

The Senate has passed resolutions to tighten ethics laws by creating a new position of ethics ombudsman, installing protections for whistleblowers, and banning the raising of campaign funds during August, the last month of the legislative year. A bill to extend the fundraising blackout period to the Assembly fell four votes short of the two-thirds needed for approval.

The Senate also approved an amended bill to regulate travel gifts and the use of campaign funds. Senate Bill 831 initially would have barred acceptance of gifts of travel worth more than $8,000, but was amended to only require nonprofit groups paying for legislators’ travel to disclose donor information.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Koch brothers add to K Street force” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Washington Redskins Improve Defense With K Street Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Fremont nonprofit group fined $25,000 for laundering contributions in 2008 mayoral race” by Chris De Benedetti in the San Jose Mercury News.

Maine: “Ethics commission fines LePage for missing campaign finance deadlines” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.

Maine: “Political donors in Maine’s gubernatorial race most often work for [blank]” by Darren Fishell in the Bangor Daily News.

Ohio: “Suarez relatives testify about campaign donations” by Ed Meyer in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Ethics

California: “Senate approves tighter gift bans, ethics rules” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) in The Modesto Bee.

Washington: “Ethics board looks at lawmakers’ free food” by Brad Shannon in The News Tribune.

Washington: “Moving state primary election left 1992 ethics reform behind” by Peter Callaghan in the Union-Bulletin.

Elections

Nevada: “It’s been a slow primary season, but there’s still much at stake” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

North Dakota: “Few statewide issues, races to be decided” by Nick Smith in the Bismarck Tribune.

South Carolina: “Voters Guide: Famous names dot GOP primary for SC lieutenant governor” by Andrew Shain in The State.

State Legislatures

Maine: “Democrats balk at LePage’s renewed push for special legislative session” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.

Lobbying

“Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“ALEC Goes Local” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Illinois: “Andy Shaw: Lobbying by ex-U.S. rep doesn’t violate law, just our trust” by Andy Shaw in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Campaign Finance

“Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books With Citizens United Ruling” by Shane Golmacher in National Journal.

“McAllister says he expected contribution for vote” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

“Donor Admits Giving $150K to Straw Donors for U.S. Senate Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Rep. Rob Andrews Gets Off Scot Free” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Alaska: “Outside Money Floods Alaska in Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.

Alaska: “Big spenders buy up Alaska air time” by Matt Buxton in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Massachusetts: “Outside money pours into gov’s race” by Christian M. Wade in The Salem News.

Mississippi: “At $40 per vote, Mississippi race reflects no-limits politics” by Hembree Brandon in the Farm Press Blog.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Drafts Guide for Legislative Allowances” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: For some, ‘de novo’ makes ethics bill a no-go” by Edward Fitzpatrick in the Providence Journal.

Elections

“6 cities bid for Democratic National Convention in 2016” by James Hohmann in Politico.

From the State Legislatures

Colorado: “Governor’s office drafts bill on drilling issue that could trigger special legislative session” by Megan Schrader in The Gazette.

New York: “As NY Legislative Session Winds Down, Minimum Wage, Medical Marijuana Among Unresolved Issues” by The Associated Press in CBS New York.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Local lawyers develop an app that makes it easier to lobby a cause” by Steve Tarter in the Journal Star.

“#Whoa: CIA Launches Twitter, Facebook Accounts” by Frank Konkel in Nextgov.

Lawmakers adjourned the regular session on Thursday, June 5, 2014, but will return for a veto session on June 17. House Bill 3945, the ethics reform bill, passed the House, but was filibustered by Sen. Lee Bright. The Senate will have a final opportunity to vote on the measure during the veto session.

Gov. Nikki Haley confirmed on Twitter she would sign the bill if passed.

The Senate is also expected to select a new President Pro Tem, who will automatically be promoted to lieutenant governor and replace retiring Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell. Former President Pro Tem John Courson resigned to avoid becoming lieutenant governor.

National:

Betting on a Brand When Politics Is the Family Business

New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 5/29/2014

Surveys have shown past experiences with a product or memories of family and friends using it shaped consumers’ buying decisions. Democrats’ hopes of holding the U.S. Senate this fall rest significantly on the political equivalent of that “brand capital.” In four states that usually lean Republican, Democrats will be running candidates from families with multigenerational records of political success. If at least two of the four legacy candidates can eke out victories, the Democrats’ chances of holding the Senate will be better than even.

‘Colbert Report’ Taught Viewers More about Super PACs than Cable News

U.S. News & World Report – Tierney Sneed | Published: 6/2/2014

Leading up to the last presidential election, the faux conservative host of ‘The Colbert Report” created a super PAC and a secretive “dark money” group on his show. Viewers who saw those satirical segments were significantly better informed about the role of money in politics than viewers of any other news channels, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Stephen Colbert created Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow with the help of former FEC Chairperson Trevor Potter. “The Colbert Report” was particularly effective because of the detail the show went into, and the narrative arc of its examination that lasted many months throughout the election cycle.

Federal:

Exodus Hits Patton Boggs

Politico – Anna Palmer and Byron Tau | Published: 6/4/2014

After Patton Boggs’ recent merger with Squire Sanders was finalized, so many lawyers and lobbyists fled the firm that moving trucks lined up in front of its K Street headquarters. One Patton Boggs insider estimated 200 attorneys, lobbyists, and staff, through layoffs, buyouts, and departures, will have left the firm by the time everything settles down. At its peak in recent years, the firm had about 500 lawyers and lobbyists.

The New Landscape of Lobbying

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 6/1/2014

The lobbying industry, once dominated by a handful of big, powerful personalities, has given way to a broader and more grassroots business that has more voices – and must influence more decision makers – than ever before. The Washington Post highlighted some of the lobby firms that are shaking things up, either by starting anew, transforming their structure to do business differently, or experimenting with new ways to broker change through social media and other outlets.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – After 17 Years at Helm, Executive Director Announces Retirement from Alabama Ethics Commission

Columbus Republic – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 6/4/2014

Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director James Sumner is retiring on October 1, ending more than 17 years as the agency’s top staff member. Sumner made note of his efforts to strengthen the ethics code, which culminated in lawmakers passing legislation that included reducing the amount a lobbyist could spend on entertaining a public official, giving subpoena power to the Ethics Commission, and guaranteeing an annual appropriation to the commission so it would not be subject to legislative whims.

California – Indicted Yee Gets a Quarter-Million Votes for Secretary of State

Los Angeles Times – Phil Willon | Published: 6/4/2014

Charges of corruption and gun-running conspiracy notwithstanding, almost 10 percent California voters thought suspended state Sen. Leland Yee should become secretary of state. He was arrested in March and indicted several days later as part of a sweeping investigation into organized crime. Yee had dropped out of the race, but not before a deadline to remove his name from the ballot had passed.

Colorado – Colorado Mulls Forcing Citizens United to Disclose Donor Identities

Colorado Independent – Tessa Cheek | Published: 6/4/2014

Political-advocacy group Citizens United is asking for its upcoming film on Colorado politics to be exempt from the state’s campaign finance laws. The group plans to release the film shortly before the upcoming November election, containing images of and messages about Colorado politicians, though it will not expressly advocate a position on races. If the group gains status as a news media organization, it will not be required to disclose its donors or file campaign finance information around the launch and promotion of its film.

District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Michael A. Brown Gets More Than 3 Years in Bribery Case

Washington Post – Ann Marimow and Mike DeBonis | Published: 5/29/2014

Former District of Columbia Councilperson Michael Brown was sentenced to more than three years in prison for taking bribes in an undercover FBI sting, a comparatively stiff sentence from a judge who said “we cannot have city government run this way.” In the sting operation, Brown took $55,000 in cash payments, handed to him in rolls and stacks of $100 bills transmitted in coffee mugs and duffel bags. The undercover FBI agent was posing as a businessperson seeking preferential treatment on government contracts.

District of Columbia – Vultures on K Street? Yes, Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Washington Post – Theresa Vargas | Published: 6/2/2014

Tell people two vultures have made a home at the intersection of K and 11th streets in Washington, D.C. and they will likely ask the same question Charlie Dewitt did. “The bird variety?” he wondered. K Street is renowned for office buildings filled with highly paid, powerful lobbyists who, along with others in the city’s political food chain, are often called scavengers – and worse. “We have vultures and turkeys and other kinds of creatures here,” joked Dewitt, a lobbyist who has worked in Washington for 25 years.

Maine – Maine Nixes Cap That Limits How Much Individuals Can Give to Campaigns

Lewiston Sun Journal – Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 6/4/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will not enforce the state’s $25,000 aggregate limit on campaign contributions by individuals, based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. The change means anyone can donate as much as they want across a range of candidates, though caps on how much each campaign can receive from an individual remain in place. “The commission has determined that it will not enforce the … aggregate limit … during 2014 unless and until it receives further guidance from the … Legislature or a court …,” according to the opinion.

New York – Ex-Brooklyn Prosecutor Charles J. Hynes Accused of Misuse of Funds

New York Times – Stephanie Clifford and William Rashbaum | Published: 6/2/2014

A report by New York City’s Department of Investigation accuses former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes of using money seized from drug dealers and criminal defendants to pay for a political consultant. Barry Kamins, the administrative judge for the city’s criminal courts, was also implicated in the case. The report said Kamins violated the judicial code of ethics by advising Hynes on his campaign, offering legal advice, and discussing matters the district attorney’s office was actively prosecuting.

North Carolina – Patrick Cannon Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charge

Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo and Elizabeth Leland | Published: 6/3/2014

Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An FBI sting recorded him accepting more than $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room, and the use of a luxury apartment from undercover agents posing as estate developers who wanted to do business in the city. Cannon was arrested on March 26 and resigned the same day, less than six months after taking office.

South Carolina – SC Lawmakers Agree on Ethics Reform but ‘Most Important Part … Not Getting Done’

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 6/4/2014

A conference committee in the South Carolina Legislature agreed to drop a proposal to establish an independent commission to investigate ethics violations. The compromise reform bill, which is expected to be approved before the legislative session adjourns, raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200. Super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.

Utah – Johnson: Swallow had me launder donations to Lee’s campaign

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 6/4/2014

Indicted businessperson Jeremy Johnson told investigators he helped launder tens of thousands of dollars to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s 2010 campaign at the request of former Utah Attorney General John Swallow, according to an affidavit. Johnson said gave about $50,000 to other people who then donated to Lee’s campaign, circumventing election law that sets maximum individual donations to candidates.

West Virginia – Ethics Commission Fires Executive Director

Charleston Daily Mail – Dave Boucher | Published: 6/5/2014

The West Virginia Ethics Commission fired Executive Director Joan Parker after a lengthy executive session. Commission members gave no reason for their decision. “If you, commissioners, choose to end my employment, I will leave with my head held high knowing that throughout my tenure I have dedicated my efforts to maintaining the integrity of the Ethics Commission and have done everything within my power, even when it was unpopular, to promote compliance with the ethics act,” Parker said before the vote.

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.

The conference committee formed to resolve differences in competing ethics bills has reached an agreement. House Bill 3945 is now poised to revise the state’s ethics laws, but will not include an independent committee to review complaints against lawmakers. Members of the House and Senate will continue to investigate their own members, described by critics as the “fox guarding the henhouse.”

Lawmakers agreed to raise the annual fee for registered lobbyists to $200 from $100, but rejected a proposal to require consultants to register and pay fees with the state. The bill also revises the previously unconstitutional definition of “committee” in order to require reporting for anonymous political groups attacking candidates.

The final version of the bill needs approval from the House and Senate before heading to Gov. Nikki Haley for consideration.