National:

Voting Restrictions Are Key Variable in Midterm Elections

New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 9/3/2014

After decades of expansion in American voting methods, an estimated one-third of all ballots this year will be cast before the traditional Election Day on November 4. Yet this year, the trend collides with a Republican-led pushback in some states – for reasons of cost-cutting and election integrity or, as the Obama administration and civil rights groups suggest, crimping turnout by Democrats. Various new restrictions on voting, which range from more stringent identification requirements to fewer registration opportunities to curbs on early voting, have been put in place. A critical election variable is whether the new limits will tilt close races.

Federal:

Wealthy Political Donors Seize on New Latitude to Give to Unlimited Candidates

Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 9/2/2014

Wealthy political donors have more access than ever to candidates since the ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, which did away with the aggregate contribution limit for congressional candidates. More than 300 donors have seized the opportunity, writing checks at such a furious pace that they have exceeded the old limit of $123,200 for this election cycle, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Together, 310 donors gave a combined $11.6 million more by this summer than would have been allowed before the ruling.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – John Carroll Appointed Acting Ethics Commission Director

Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 9/2/2014

John Carroll, a retired federal judge and former law school dean, will serve as acting director of the Alabama Ethics Commission beginning October 1, succeeding Jim Sumner. The commission is still seeking a permanent director for the position, and plans to accept applications until September 30. Any individual selected for the position will have to be confirmed by the state Senate, which is not expected to reconvene until next March.

California – California Lawmakers Send Governor New Gift Rules after Scandals

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 8/29/2014

California lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that reduces to $200 from $440 the value of gifts officials can receive from a single source each year. Senate Bill 1443, which was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown, also bans all gifts from lobbyists. The legislation prohibits officials from accepting certain kinds of gifts from anyone, including tickets to concerts, sports events, and amusement parks; spa services and rounds of golf; and cash and gift cards.

California – Legislative Session Ends with Campaign-Finance Bills Growing out of Senate Corruption Cases

Columbus Republic – Fenit Nirappel (Associated Press) | Published: 8/30/2014

California lawmakers approved two bills aimed at addressing a string of recent scandals. Senate Bill 1442 would increase the frequency of detailed campaign spending reports from twice a year to quarterly. Senate Bill 831 would ban elected officials from requesting payments on their behalf to nonprofit organizations run by family members, a tactic sometimes used in place of campaign contributions. It would also require nonprofit groups that pay for politicians to go on trips to disclose the donors who fund the travel. Both bills now head to the governor’s desk.

Colorado – Federal Lawsuit Challenges McCain-Feingold Disclosure Law

Legal Newsline – David Yates | Published: 9/4/2014

The Center for Competitive Politics filed two lawsuits on behalf of a Colorado think tank, asserting that similar state and federal campaign finance disclosure laws are unconstitutional. The Independence Institute wants to run two ads, one asking U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennett to support a federal sentencing reform bill, and one asking citizens to urge Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to initiate an audit of the state Health Benefit Exchange. But the institute claims the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, along with a similar Colorado law, effectively prevents the group from raising money for the ads.

Florida – Tallahassee Voters Will Decide Ethics Proposal

Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 9/3/2014

Tallahassee voters will get to decide whether to add an ethics code to the city’s charter in November. The city commission approved the ballot measure after a judge ruled the amendment complied with state law. If approved by voters, the charter amendment would create an ethics and anti-corruption policy, require enactment of an ethics code, establish an ethics board, lower the cap on campaign donations, and allow for limited public financing of campaigns.

Georgia – Judge Issues $20,000 in Sanctions against AG, Ethics Commission Director over Trial Documents

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 9/3/2014

A judge fined the Georgia attorney general’s office and the executive secretary of the state ethics commission for neglecting to hand over key documents in a whistleblower lawsuit against the commission. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville ordered Holly LaBerge and the attorney general’s office to each pay $10,000 to cover the litigation expenses of the plaintiff, former ethics commission Executive Secretary Stacy Kalberman. “The court is extremely troubled by the behavior of … LaBerge, who has been dishonest and non-transparent throughout these proceedings,” wrote Glanville.

Illinois – Emanuel Signing Order to Boost Contractors’ Minimum Wage Rate

Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 9/3/2014

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel signed an executive order that requires city contractors and subcontractors to pay employees a $13-an-hour minimum wage. It will apply to city contractors advertised after October 1 and will affect about 1,000 contracted employees, typically landscapers, maintenance workers, security officers, concessionaires, and custodians.

Mississippi – Appeal May Revive Campaign-Spending Law

Courthouse News Service – Sabrina Canfield | Published: 9/4/2014

The state of Mississippi is asking the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court ruling that found part of a campaign finance law unconstitutional. Under the state law, groups seeking to support or oppose statewide ballot measures must register as a political committee if they receive contributions of more than $200 or spend more than $200 during a calendar year. Opponents argue the $200 threshold is so low it would be impossible for a group of people to run a quarter-page ad in their local newspaper without having to become a political committee.

Rhode Island – Convicted R.I. Hospital Executive Urciuoli Seeks $3.6M in Severance, Trial Costs

Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 9/3/2014

Robert Urciuoli, a former executive at Roger Williams Medical Center who was convicted on corruption charges, is seeking nearly $3.6 million in severance pay and legal costs from the Providence hospital. Urciuoli says in federal court papers he could only be terminated for “cause” under his contract as the hospital’s chief executive. He also said evidence shows his lawyers told him a deal to promote the hospital and a nursing home with former state Sen. John Celona was legal. Urciuoli served a three-year prison sentence for buying Celona’s influence. Celona pleaded guilty and also served prison time.

Virginia – Ex-Governor McDonnell and Wife Convicted After Corruption Trial

New York Times – Trip Gabriel | Published: 9/4/2014

A federal jury found former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption. Robert McDonnell was convicted of 11 corruption-related counts, though acquitted of lying on loan documents. The former first lady was convicted of eight corruption-related charges, along with obstruction of justice. Maureen McDonnell was acquitted of lying on a loan document. The jury found the McDonnells lent the prestige of the governor’s office to businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. in exchange for $177,000 in gifts and loans. The five-week trial at times resembled a soap opera, as the McDonnells endured an embarrassing dissection of their relationship.

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.

The New York Times Editorial Board has declined to endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the New York gubernatorial primary election. Citing Cuomo’s failure to eliminate political corruption in Albany and throughout the state, despite campaign promises to do so, the editorial board wrote, “The state government remains as subservient to big money as ever.”

The board further declined to endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary, because the other candidate, Fordham law professor Zephyr Teachout, “does not have the breadth of interests and experience needed to govern a big and diverse state.”

Cuomo is heavily favored in the primary as he is the incumbent and has amassed vastly greater resources than his opponent. The New York state primary election will take place on September 9, 2014.

Photo of Gov. Andrew Cuomo by Diana Robinson on Wikimedia Commons.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Wants Interim Director as Search for Permanent Hire Begins

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Kim Chandler (Associated Press) | Published: 8/27/2014

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted to offer the position of acting director to former Cumberland Law School Dean John Carroll. Current Director Jim Sumner is retiring on October 1. The ethics panel also began the search for a permanent director. Commission Chairperson Larkin Martin said her colleagues want an acting director in place because of the time it will take to make a permanent hire.

California – Calls Grow for Wider Inquiry into Bidding on L.A. Unified iPad Project

Los Angeles Times – Howard Bloom and Teresa Watanabe | Published: 8/26/2014

Faced with criticism about the planning and rollout of a $1 billion effort by the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide iPads to all students, Superintendent John Deasy suspended future use of a contract with Apple. The move follows disclosures that Deasy and his top deputy had close contact with executives at Apple, which makes the iPad, and Pearson Education, the company providing the curriculum on the tablets. In addition, an internal district report found the implementation of the iPad plan was beset by a flawed bidding process.

California – Ed Lee Campaign Faces Dilemma over Alleged FBI Contribution

San Francisco Chronicle – John Coté | Published: 8/27/2014

An undercover FBI agent allegedly arranged for $20,000 to be donated to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s campaign in a transaction that possibly violated the city’s campaign finance law. Lee’s campaign treasurer sent a letter to the U.S. attorney’s office saying he has been trying to get information from the office about the alleged contributions. But the U.S. attorney’s office said the information will not be forthcoming because it is under court seal in the complex public corruption case of suspended state Sen. Leland Yee.

Florida  – Florida Judge Deals a Blow to Democrats on Districting

New York Times – Lizette Alvarez | Published: 8/22/2014

A Florida judge allowed the use of voting districts favoring Republicans in November while approving revised congressional boundaries for subsequent elections. Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis ruled earlier that the election map was improperly drawn and ordered the Legislature to revise the districts to address “gerrymandering” in two of them. While voting-rights groups argued a new map should go into effect in 2014, Lewis said in his ruling that holding special elections this year for the districts “is not an appropriate remedy under the circumstances.” The new map would instead be in place for 2016 elections.

Iowa – Former Aide to Michele Bachmann Pleads Guilty over Campaign Finance Misdeeds

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Corey Mitchell | Published: 8/27/2014

Former Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson pleaded guilty to federal charges he accepted money from then-U.S. Rep. Ron Paul’s 2012 presidential campaign to switch his endorsement from U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who was also running for the GOP nomination, and then lying to investigators about the money. Sorenson has been at the center of accusations he was paid for his endorsement, first by the Bachmann campaign and then by the Paul campaign. Sorenson was seen as a key endorsement ahead of the 2012 Iowa caucuses as a popular figure in the emerging tea party movement.

Maine – Maine Ethics Panel Allows Cutler to Raise as Much as Party Candidates

Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 8/27/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices decided gubernatorial candidates will be able to collect larger contributions from donors this fall. The commission unanimously voted to allow all candidates to accept up to $3,000 per donor over the course of this year’s election cycle. The decision levels the playing field for independent candidate Eliot Cutler, who was previously able to receive only half what major party candidates have been able to collect over the course of their primary and general elections. But it also impacts the campaigns of Gov. Paul LePage and Mike Michaud by allowing them to bring in double the amount from any new donors this fall.

North Carolina – Former NC House Speaker Brubaker Ranked Top Lobbyist at General Assembly in 2013

The Tribune; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/26/2014

Former House Speaker Harold Brubaker is the most influential lobbyist in the General Assembly, according to rankings from the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. After his 2012 resignation, Brubaker expanded his law firm, Brubaker & Associates, to include lobbying work. In 2014, his roughly two dozen clients include health care companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, as well as the North Carolina Association of Realtors and Pepsico.

Pennsylvania – After Ethics Violations, LCB Changes Code of Conduct

Philadelphia Inquier – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 8/27/2014

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB) revised its code of conduct for employees and implemented new guidelines for firms doing business with the agency. It explicitly prohibits employees from accepting anything of value, under any circumstances, from vendors doing business or seeking to do business with the LCB. For vendors, the new rules primarily ban them from giving gifts to LCB employees. But it also states the agency could “from time to time” audit vendors to ensure they are complying.

Pennsylvania – Former Aide’s Guilty Plea Raises Questions for U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah

Philadelphia Inquier – Jeremy Roebuck, Mark Fazlollah, and Craig McCoy | Published: 8/27/2014

Gregory Naylor, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents and attempting to conceal the misuse of campaign funds during Fattah’s 2007 mayoral bid in Philadelphia. Naylor admitted he conspired with his boss – identified in court filings only as “Elected Official A” – to pay off debts with grant funds and political contributions funneled through a series of nonprofits and consulting firms. Prosecutors would not confirm the identity of the elected official identified in Naylor’s plea documents, but their description of the politician overlaps with several key details of Fattah’s 10-term congressional career.

South Carolina – Lawmakers Question Decision in Benjamin Ethics Case, Seek to Strengthen Law

The State – Cliff LeBlanc | Published: 8/27/2014

The South Carolina Ethics Commission ruled state law did not require Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin to disclose an all-expenses paid trip to Florida paid for by a developer interested in doing business in the city. House Majority Leader Bruce Bannister said he and most legislators interpret the reporting provision of the law to require disclosure of a trip like the one Benjamin took. Because of the commission’s decision, Bannister said the House will revisited that provision as the General Assembly tries again next year to update the law.

Texas – Ethics Commission Takes Aim at Texas Dark Money

Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf (San Antonio Express News) | Published: 8/21/2014

The Texas Ethics Commission moved forward with a measure to reveal secret campaign contributors despite a pending federal lawsuit by a conservative group over whether the agency has the authority to regulate dark money disclosure. The commission presented a draft proposal to require a nonprofit to disclose donors if 25 percent or more of its expenditures can be classified as politically motivated. It would also require disclosure if political donations account for more than 25 percent of the group’s total contributions in a calendar year. The commission will accept public comments on the proposal for at least 30 days.

Wisconsin – Emails Show Bigger Fund-Raising Role for Wisconsin Leader

New York Times – Adam Nagourney and Michael Barbaro | Published: 8/22/2014

Gov. Scott Walker personally solicited millions of dollars in contributions for the issue-advocacy group Wisconsin Club for Growth, lawyers for the special prosecutor investigating him said in court papers. The documents form much of the basis for prosecutors’ theory that Walker’s campaign and conservative groups illegally cooperated to help him and other Republicans during recall elections. The investigation has pulled back the curtain on the ways politicians and their aides seek to get around the welter of state and national campaign finance restrictions to accommodate donors.

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.

Lobbying

“Police lobby fights to keep gear” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Businesses hire lobbyists in push for legal marijuana — and big profits” by Thomas Maier in Newsday.

Toronto, Canada: “Toronto council urged to consider tougher sanctions on lobbyists who break the rules” by Paul Moloney in the Toronto Star.

Campaign Finance

“RNC spends more on Senate field efforts” by James Hohmann in Politico.

“Nickel and dining the taxpayers? Congress has spent nearly $15M in campaign donations on food since 2011” by Leslie Larson in the New York Daily News.

“PACs Back Incumbents; Just Ask Rep. Scott Peters” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS.

California: “Ed Lee campaign faces dilemma over alleged FBI contribution” by John Coté in the San Francisco Chronicle.

District of Columbia: “D.C. Council candidate Robert White’s reform plan: Ban campaign contributions altogether” by Mike DeBonis in The Washington Post.

Maine: “Maine Ethics Commission changes donor limit rule in governor’s race” by Christopher Cousins in the Bangor Daily News.

Maryland: “Primary campaigns cost almost $25 million” by Michael Dresser in The Baltimore Sun.

New Hampshire: “Political parties file dueling finance complaints” by Rik Stevens (Associated Press) in the Nashua Telegraph.

Ethics

Alabama: “Ethics Commission to offer acting director position former Cumberland Law School Dean John Carroll” by The Associated Press in AL.com.

Iowa: “Guilty plea in Iowa caucuses bribery” by The Associated Press in Politico.

North Carolina: “Carteret man to lead ethics commission” in the Jacksonville Daily News.

South Carolina: “Benjamin did not have to disclose Florida trip, ethics commission says” by Clif Leblanc in The State.

Elections

“2014 Senate map comes into focus” on Politico’s Driving the Day.

Legislative Sessions

West Virginia: “Governor: special session to change chemical leak bill ‘an option’” by Dave Boucher in the Charleston Daily Mail.

Tech and Social Media

“Civic Ninjas Find Long-Term Solutions to Government Problems” by Jessica Hughes in Government Technology.

New York: “How New York City Is Becoming Even More Map-Centric With Its Data” by Michael Grass in Government Executive.

The Mission of State and Federal Communications is to make sure that your organization can say, “I Comply.”

We are the leading authority and exclusive information source on legislation and regulations surrounding campaign finance and political contributions; state, federal, and municipal lobbying; and procurement lobbying.

Contact us to learn how conveniently our services will allow you to say “I Comply” for your compliance activities.

At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying and can be found in the client portion of our website.

Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly email updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regard to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.

Lobbying

“GOP staffers seek to cash in as odds grow of Senate takeover” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“How the Lobbying Top Tier explains an influence paradox” by Lee Drutman, Matt Grossmann, and Tim LaPira in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

Massachusetts: “Martha Coakley owns up to lobbyist-held fundraiser” by Chris Cassidy in the Boston Herald.

Campaign Finance

“Election Panel Enacts Policies by Not Acting” by Nick Confessore in The New York Times.

“Joe Biden’s secret fundraisers” by Edward-Isaac Dovere and Tarini Parti in Politico.

“The PAC to End All PACs Is a Farce” by Walter Shapiro in Politico Magazine.

“Millennial PAC tries to inject youth, diversity into graying legislatures” by Aliyah Frumin in MSNBC.

Alabama: “Did Alabama state candidates violate law by taking money from Congressman Bonner’s campaign?” by Brenda Kirby in AL.com.

Alabama: “Alabama Attorney General’s office drops criminal charges against Lowell Barron” by Paul Gattis in AL.com.

Tennessee: “State auditing Brenda Radford’s campaign finance report” by Stephanie Ingersoll in The Leaf-Chronicle.

Ethics

Florida: “Scott campaign, GOP have paid $227K for use of jet” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald Blog.

Georgia: “Judge hears arguments on call for sanctions in ethics commission saga” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Elections

“Ten weeks out from Election Day, is a Republican wave coming?” by Domenico Montanaro, Terence Burlij, Rachel Wellford and Simone Pathe in PBS NewsHour.

Arizona: “Arizona primary election: 5 key races to watch” by Alia Beard Rau in The Republic.

Political Advertising

“The 2014 digital ad juggernaut” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

“New regs for Wednesday: TV ads, military health plans, truck drivers’” by Tim Devaney in The Hill.

“Political TV ads will soon know who you are” by Jon Fingas in Engadget.

On August 21, the Texas Ethics Commission issued two advisory opinions and a proposed rule amendment.

Advisory Opinion 519 holds a state candidate is not prohibited from accepting an in-kind political contribution from an out-of-state political committee. The contribution to a candidate is allowed if made from a permissible source and the candidate properly complies with the applicable disclosure requirements.

In Advisory Opinion 518, the commission upheld that a group is not a political committee if not accepting or intending to accept political contributions and not using or intending to use more than 20 percent of its funds and other resources to make political expenditures.

The Ethics Commission also voted to propose a rule change by defining “principal purpose” in relation to a group making political contributions and expenditures. While a group can have more than one principal purpose, the definition would create a threshold triggering the disclosure of political contributions and expenditures. The commission also proposed other rule changes. The proposed rules are currently open for comment.

Photo of the Texas Capitol Rotunda dome interior by Ed Uthman on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Lobbying disclosures leave public in the dark” by Marcelo Rochabrun and Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.

“Microsoft Leaves Lobbying Group ALEC Amid Split Over Renewables” by Ari Natter in Bloomberg.

“Wisconsin’s Walker confronted with damaging new details” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Canada: “Toronto lobbyist Jamie Besner broke the rules, registrar finds” by Paul Moloney in the Toronto Star.

Indiana: “Heuer resigns seat for lobbying post” by Vivian Sade in The Journal Gazette.

Iowa:  “Lobbying by payday lenders” by Lauren Mills in the Des Moines Register.

New York: “Online course rule for lobbyists nears” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.

Campaign Finance

“Ethics group asks FEC for dark money disclosure” by Nat Stein in the Colorado Independent.

“Bitcoin lobby launches spending PAC” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Alaska: “Group wants Alaska U.S. Senate candidates to sign campaign finance pledge” by Casey Grove in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

California: “CalPERS board member likely facing stiffer fine from FPPC” by Dale Kasler in The Sacramento Bee.

Florida: “David Rivera named co-conspirator as friend pleads guilty in campaign-finance case” by Marc Caputo, Jay Weaver and Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.

“U.S. House incumbents rolling in cash” by Jessica Wehrman in the Columbus Dispatch.

Texas: “Ethics Commission takes aim at Texas dark money” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.

Virginia: “The Virginia bait and switch” by Brad Smith in The Hill.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sought help from top GOP donors for allied group” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Georgia: “Report: Costs to the state for lawsuit against Ga. ethics commission continue to grow” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission to probe lawmaker’s beach bid” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

State Legislatures

California: “California Legislature Rushes to Complete Bills Before the Session Ends” by Patrick McGreevy and Melanie Mason in Governing.

Redistricting

Florida: “Judge Lets Florida Use Unconstitutional Congressional Map Until 2016” by Mary Ellen Klas in Governing.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Lawmakers Pass Bills to Outlaw Lobbyists’ Gifts, Disclose Actors Used in Campaign Commercials

Columbus Republic; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/18/2014

The California Assembly approved a measure that would lower the gift limit to elected officials from $440 to $200 and prohibit them from accepting free entry to professional sports and entertainment events, golf tournaments, spa treatments, and amusement parks. Senate Bill 1443 would outlaw gifts from lobbyists. It now goes back to the Senate for approval of minor amendments.

California – Panel Wants L.A. to Look at Using Prizes to Boost Voter Turnout

Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 8/16/2014

With fewer than a fourth of voters showing up for recent local elections, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission voted to recommend that the city council consider a cash-prize drawing as an incentive to vote. Federal law prohibits payment for voting, but Ethics Commission member Jessica Levinson, who is also a law school professor, says that statute would not apply to elections without federal races on the ballot. California law prohibits money or gifts for votes for a particular candidate or measure, or payment to stay away from the polls altogether.

Colorado – Citizens United Suing Colorado over ‘Rocky Mountain Heist’ Funders

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 8/14/2014

Citizens United filed a lawsuit against Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler in federal court. The Virginia-based conservative group is finishing a movie called “Rocky Mountain Heist,” about those who have influenced Colorado’s political swing to the left over the past decade, calling out advocacy groups and politicians, likely including Gov. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, who are in tough races this fall. In June, Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert ruled the group would need to disclose the movie’s financiers under state campaign laws. The organization contended it deserved the same free-speech protections as traditional media.

Florida – Suspended Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi Is Found Not Guilty

Miami Herald – David Ovalle and Jay Weaver | Published: 8/14/2014

Suspended Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi was acquitted in a federal corruption case in which he was accused of accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents. Pizzi was accused of accepting $6,750 in payments between 2011 and 2013 in exchange for his help in obtaining federal grant money for both Miami Lakes and the nearby town of Medley, where he was the city attorney. The agents, pretending to be businesspeople, told Pizzi they intended to keep the hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money for themselves. Pizzi’s lawyers portrayed him as honest and the victim of entrapment by overzealous FBI agents looking to make a high-profile arrest.

Indiana – Officials Defend Exceptions to Indiana Ethics Rules That Were Meant to Prevent Conflicts of Interest

Indianapolis Star – Ryan Sabalow | Published: 8/16/2014

Indiana’s ethics laws require that former state employees take at least a year off before working as a lobbyist or going to work for companies they once regulated. But an exception to the law allows public employees to circumvent the “revolving-door” rules. That exception: ask your former boss to grant you a waiver. The waiver is binding and does not require the approval of the state’s Ethics Commission. Other states such as Washington and Connecticut, which have earned top rankings by good-government groups for their “revolving-door” restrictions, do not allow waiting periods to be waived.

Massachusetts – Galvin to Launch Inquiry into Lobbyist

Boston Globe – David Scharfenberg | Published: 8/21/2014

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin launched an inquiry into the activities of lobbyist John Brennan, who is a former state lawmaker. Attorney General Martha Coakley alleges the Brennan Group collected $370,000 in improper lobbying fees from the Franciscan Hospital for Children through a contingency fee. State law bars contingency agreements. In an agreement with Coakley’s office, the Brennan Group made no admission of guilt but agreed to repay Franciscan $100,000 of the disputed lobbying fees. “The agreement raises more questions than it answers,” said Galvin.

New Mexico – Duran, in Turnaround, OKs King’s Contested Campaign Contributions

Santa Fe New Mexican – Steve Terrell | Published: 8/14/2014

New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran reversed her office’s initial finding that donations received by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King violated the state’s campaign contribution limits. Facing a state Supreme Court hearing on the matter, Duran wrote in a letter to King that she no longer considered the donations in question to be impermissible. She said the decision was made after she weighed the arguments of King, the state’s attorney general.

New York – Bill Seeks More Disclosure for Certain Campaign Spending

Capital New York – Sally Goldenberg | Published: 8/20/2014

A bill that would mandate more information about independent expenditures be made public is expected to pass the New York City Council and be signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The legislation requires independent expenditures to list their top three donors on campaign literature they mail to voters. The information would also have to be presented on advertisements. It would not apply to those who give less than $5,000 in independent spending because they are not required to report their donors to the Campaign Finance Board.

Oklahoma – Ethics Commission to Consider Fees for Training

KGOU; eCapitol –   | Published: 8/20/2014

Under a proposed rule, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission would be able to charge registration fees to lobbyists, principals, PACs, and candidate committees. The commission would be required to publish the fees annually on July 1 of each year beginning in 2015. The proposed amendment will be the subject of a public hearing, and a possible vote during the commission’s September meeting.

Pennsylvania – U.S. Court Lifts Ban on Campaign Donations by Phila. Police Officers

Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 8/20/2014

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Philadelphia police officers should be allowed to donate money to their union’s PAC. The ruling strikes down a ban enacted in 1919. The appeals court said the city had failed to show the prohibition, which applies to no other city employees, was effective in stemming political influence and corruption within the department, which was its original intent.

South Carolina – S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell Announces Grand Jury Probe Has Ended

Charleston Post & Courier – Cynthia Roldan, Jeremy Borden, and Schuler Knopf | Published: 8/16/2014

A grand jury investigation of South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell has ended without charges and state Attorney General Alan Wilson has recused himself from the case, with the matter now in the hands a local prosecutor, according to Harrell’s office. A complaint alleged Harrell had improperly used campaign funds and had used his influence to obtain a state permit for his pharmaceutical business. Harrell has denied any impropriety.

Texas – Gov. Rick Perry of Texas Is Indicted on Charge of Abuse of Power

New York Times – Manny Fernandez | Published: 8/15/2014

A grand jury indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry on two felony counts, saying he abused his office and used a veto threat to coerce Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg to resign. The grand jury considered an ethics complaint that alleged Perry abused his veto power when he cut funding for the state’s anti-corruption unit, which is part of the Travis County district attorney’s office. The indictment comes as Perry, who is stepping down at the end of his term after 14 years in office, attempts to rehabilitate his political image as he considers another presidential campaign.

Washington – Ethics Panel Takes Preliminary Vote on Limiting Free Lobbyist Meals for Lawmakers

Columbus Republic – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 8/19/2014

Members of the Washington Legislature could get no more than 12 free meals a year from lobbyists under a plan tentatively approved by the Legislative Ethics Board. The board voted to define, for the first time, what current law means when it prohibits public officials from accepting free meals on more than “infrequent occasions.” The rule would not take effect until a final vote later this year on the overall proposal surrounding rules concerning meals.

Wisconsin – GOP Lawmakers Recruit Lobbyists for Door-to-Door Visits

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 8/15/2014

Wisconsin Assembly leaders are recruiting lobbyists to help with door-to-door campaigns aimed at boosting the party’s majority in the chamber. The effort is called “Leggiepalooza,” a take-off on the Lollapalooza music festivals. Some lobbyists said they were uncomfortable with being asked to help with door knocking because they feared they could have a harder time passing bills if they did not participate. Others said they saw no problem with it.

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.

Lobbying

Alabama: “Campaign booster for Alabama Gov. Bentley was lobbyist for Corizon, prison health care contractor targeted in lawsuit” by Casey Toner in The Birmingham News.

Canada: “Joe Clark’s new job: Lobbying the federal government” by Glen McGregor in the National Post.

Campaign Finance

Florida: “David Rivera named co-conspirator as friend pleads guilty in campaign-finance case” by Marc Caputo, Jay Weaver and Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.

Montana: “Out-of-state donors fund Daines’ Senate campaign” by The Associated Press in the Independent Record.

Vermont: “Vermont Public Money Gives Progressive Fundraising Edge” by Dave Gram (Associated Press) in Valley News.

Ethics

New York: “N.Y. poll: Government corruption a problem” by Jonathan Topaz in Politico.

Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission to probe lawmaker’s beach bid” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

Elections

“Top 5 Races to Watch in the Mid-Atlantic” by Nathan L. Gonzales in Roll Call.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Los Angeles Undertakes Massive Website Relaunch with Drupal” by Jason Shueh in Government Tech.

Redistricting

Florida: “Florida’s New Redistricting Plan: Round Two” by Linda Killian in The Wall Street Journal.

Lobbying

Canada: “A fond farewell to former staffer and lobbyist Devon Jacobs” by Rachel Aiello in Hill Times.

Massachusetts: “AG hit on settlement with lobbyist” by Chris Cassidy in the Boston Herald.

Miami-Dade County, Florida: “Ethics Backs Lobbying Ban” on Miami Today.

Campaign Finance

“Planes, trains and campaign finance reports — the bane of every Senate candidate” by Jaime Fuller in The Washington Post.

Ethics

“I-Team: North Carolina Ethics Commission’s website problems could be a sign of a bigger issue” by Jon Camp on WTVD ABC News.

Georgia: “Ethics Commission: We’re back on track” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

North Carolina: “Carteret County man named chairman of State Ethics Commission” by Brad Christian on WNCT News.

Oklahoma: “Ethics Commission To Consider Fees For Training” on KGOU.

Washington: “Ethics Board Settles On 12 Lobbyist-Paid Meals Per Year” by Austin Jenkins on Northwest Public Radio.

Elections

“The 65 people who may run for president in 2016” by Bob Cusack in The Hill.

The Washington Legislative Ethics Board has come to a preliminary conclusion as to how to define “infrequent occasions” as it relates to free meals accepted by the state’s legislators. 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 so long as attendance at such a meal is related to the performance of official duties.

When the Legislature failed to pass any pertinent legislation defining infrequent occasions before its adjournment on March 13, 2014, the Legislative Ethics Board took up the issue. During its August 19, 2014, meeting, the board decided in a 5-3 vote to define infrequent occasions as 12 free meals per year. Under the proposed rule, a qualifying meal occurs when the guest would normally be expected to sit down and eat, such as in a restaurant or a private residence, as opposed to a legislative reception.

Other provisions of the rule, including a reporting requirement for legislators accepting free meals, are still under discussion. A final vote on the rule is scheduled for October 21, 2014.

Lobbying

“Spending on lobbying is actually falling. Or is it?” by Alexander Becker in The Washington Post.

“Researchers Try To Quantify The Value Of Lobbying” by Michael Ide in Value Walk.

Campaign Finance

“DCCC outraises NRCC by $3.5M in July” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

Arizona: “Scottsdale campaign-finance violation likely, city says” by Beth Duckett in The Republic.

California: “California lawmakers pass 3 campaign reform bills” by The Associated Press in the News & Observer.

Missouri: “Missouri Democratic group to pay $10K ethics fine” by The Associated Press in the News & Observer.

Ethics

“House Ethics panel probing Rep. Petri” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

“The Grimes family discount” by Manu Raju in Politico.

Florida: “Update: Group blasts city for challenging ethics initiative” by Jeff Burlew in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Oklahoma: “Ethics Commission Seeks Input Regarding Financial Disclosure Availability” on KGOU.

Washington: “Washington Legislative Ethics Panel To Consider Free-Meals Rule” by Austin Jenkins on KPLU.

Elections

“Revised Election Schedule Submitted in Florida Map Case” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Local Governments Open Data with Performance Dashboard” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

“Report Ranks Top Open Data States” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.