Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Bono’s One Action Ramps Up Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Rhode Island: “R.I. lobbyist Rickman discloses he loaned $10,000 in 2009 to ex-House leader Fox” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.

“Bitcoin Foundation Hires Lobbying Firm” by Ryan Tracy in The Wall Street Journal.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Republican Larry Hogan to use public funds in fall campaign for governor of Maryland” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Ethics

“Did House Travel Disclosure Rules Change? | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Politico.

Indiana: “Amid ethics probe, top INDOT official seeks job with firm whose contracts he OK’d” by Tony Cook and Ryan Sabalow in The Indianapolis Star.

Missouri: “It’s back: Streetcar ethics complaint refiled” by Austin Alonzo in the Kansas City Business Journal.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Riverside, Calif., Launches Transparency and Engagement Portal, Rethinks Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“A driving force for truckers” by Keith Laing in The Hill.

“Squire Patton Boggs bolsters presence in Japan” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Politico Influence: Squire Patton Boggs announces leadership structure” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Export-Import Bank supporters aim for show of strength in Senate” by Kevin Cirilli and Vicki Needham in The Hill.

Florida: “Tallahassee’s next lobbying gold rush: cannabis” in The Miami Herald.

New York: “NYPIRG: Casino lobbying, spending hits $11 million” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Pennsylvania: “Ethics Commission fines lobbyists for failure to file expense reports” by Megan Henney in the Tribune-Review.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “AG Horne sues to block Clean Elections investigation” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez in The Republic.

Vermont: “Court backs Vt. campaign finance rules” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.

Ethics

“Without ethics enforcement, it’s open season in Washington” by Melanie Sloan in The Hill.

Colorado: “Colorado ethics panel signals support for Gessler GOP seminar trip” by Joey Bunch in The Denver Post.

Indiana: “State ethics watchdog plans to leave office” by Tony Cook in The Indianapolis Star.

Missouri: “Can a candidate raffle off a hot tub? Run bingo?” by Jonathan Shorman in the Springfield News-Leader.

Congress

“The Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game in 3 Minutes (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Why Facebook’s ‘Voter Megaphone’ Is the Real Manipulation to Worry About” by Micah L. Sifry in TechPresident.

Lobbying

“New Bill Relative To Lobbyists and Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Wall Street braces for gavel hand-off” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Silicon Valley pins hopes on Obama for immigration win” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

“Former Lobbyist Jack Abramoff On Congressional Travel Disclosure” in the Daily Beast.

California: “Who pays the most for California government lobbying in Sacramento? Government” by Ben Baeder in the Los Angeles Daily News.

New York: “Binghamton University ranks second among SUNY schools in spending on lobbying” by Steve Reilly in the Press & Sun-Bulletin.

Pennsylvania: “Interest groups’ lobbying tally tops $500M in Pennsylvania” by Melissa Daniels in the Tribune-Review.

Rhode Island: “Schilling summoned to testify on his alleged lobbying for 38 Studios” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.

Vermont: “Revolving door: Ramos shifts from senate to lobbying job” by Anne Galloway in VTDigger.

Campaign Finance

“FEC Provides Reminder and Resources for Upcoming Deadline” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Hobby Lobby Ruling Fuels Amendment Push” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“Law prof’s super PAC reaches fundraising goal; aim is new campaign-finance system” by Debra Cassens Weiss in ABA Journal.

Arizona: “Most AZ legislative candidates decline public funds” by Becky Pallack in the Arizona Daily Star.

California: “Activists for tougher campaign finance laws arrested at Capitol” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut: “Despite limits, money finds its way to campaigns” by Ken Dixon in Greenwich Time.

Massachusetts: “House quietly approved amendment to help state GOP” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.

New Hampshire: “‘NH Rebellion’ walks for campaign finance overhaul” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Ethics

“Ethics Chairman Says Panel Will Reverse Decision on Travel Disclosures” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

California: “Support wanes in Sacramento for tough ethics reform following scandal” by Jessica Calefati in the San Jose Mercury News.

Elections

“2014 Senate rankings: Map favors GOP” by James Hohmann in Politico.

State Legislatures

“Where are women winning? In state legislatures.” by Aaron Blake in The Washington Post.

Government Tech and Social Media

Pennsylvania: “Philadelphia Hires New Chief Data Officer” in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Clark Hill adds two in public affairs” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“#Modernlobbying: Why bankers are tweeting for regulatory relief” by Mark Holan in Washington Business Journals.

Virginia: “Taxicab industry has history of lobbying, donations” by Kathryn Watson on Watchdog.org.

Campaign Finance

“Shedding New Light on Dark Money” by Timothy Karr on The Huffington Post.

“Campaign finance laws vary widely from state to state, report says” by Patrick Marley in the Journal Sentinel.

“How Cozy Can Candidates Be With Political Groups? It All Depends” by Rachel Baye (Center for Public Integrity) on NBC News.

Massachusetts: “Gubernatorial candidates back campaign disclosure bill” by Jim O’Sullivan in The Boston Globe.

Montana: “Super PAC spending $1.7M in Montana Senate race” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin among several states with dust-ups over campaign coordination with outside groups” by Bill Leuders in WisconsinWatch.org.

Ethics

“Congress Quietly Deletes a Key Disclosure of Free Trips Lawmakers Take” by Shane Goldmacher in National Journal.

“Pelosi to Ethics panel: Require lawmakers to report free trips” by Mike Lillis in The Hill.

Missouri: “Streetcar ethics complaint goes away — for now” by Austin Alonzo in the Kansas City Business Journal.

New York: “New York State Senator Indicted” by Erica Orden and Sean Gardner in The Wall Street Journal.

West Virginia: “Tomblin names members of new Ethics Commission” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Governments Struggling to Get Social Media Right” by Jonathan Walters in Governing.

“DigitalGov rolls out 3 new social media toolkits in quest for ‘social government’” by Greg Otto in FedScoop.

“The Looming Crisis in Voting Technology” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Tom Homer stepped down from his post as legislative inspector general at the end of June. Homer, an advocate for modern ethics reform, took the job in 2004 and served as the state’s first and only legislative watchdog.

It is unclear who will replace him; the inspector general is appointed by a resolution approved by three-fifths majorities in both houses of the General Assembly.

Photo of Illinois State Capitol by Martin Haase on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

Florida: “Florida lobbyists to hold annual industry summit Sept. 3-5 in Tampa” in Saint Peters Blog.

Minnesota: “Capitol Chatter: Greater Minnesota cities’ group leads in lobbying costs” by Don Davis in the Morris Sun Tribune.

Rhode Island: “State postpones hearing into possible lobbying violations against lawyer” on WJAR NBC News.

Campaign Finance

“Candidates Rush to Collect Funds by June 30th Deadline” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “FPPC hands down fines for area campaign finance violations” in Los Angeles Wave News.

California: “Oakland tries to close campaign finance loophole” by Matthew Artz in the Contra Costa Times.

Delaware: “Campaign-finance bills go to governor” by Jon Offredo in The News Journal.

Maryland: “Does increased campaign spending sway odds of winning?” by Phil Davis on DelmarvaNow.com.

Massachusetts: “Super PAC aims to end all other super PACs” by Akilah Johnson in The Boston Globe.

Ohio: “Jury deliberations to begin in Ben Suarez campaign finance case” by Phil Trexler in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Wyoming: “Wyoming group sues over campaign finance laws” on KGWN CBS News.

Ethics

“Rangel wrangled in potential ethics probe?” by Tim Devaney in The Hill.

Arizona: “Horne hires political backers to investigate his office” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Arkansas: “Arkansas judge fined in campaign-gifts case” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

California: “O.C. Grand Jury again calls for ethics commission” by Adolfo Flores in the Daily Pilot.

Florida: “Ex-partner of Ponzi schemer gets 2 ½ years” by The Associated Press in the Connecticut Post.

Virginia: “Changing laws in Virginia take effect Tuesday” by Bill Sizemore in The Virginian-Pilot.

Government Tech and Social Media

Oregon: “Oregon website breach: State officials failed to patch ‘high risk’ software problem” by Yuxing Zheng in The Oregonian.

Texas: “City Responds to Negative Tweets with Humor” by Kristi Dalton on Government Technology.

National:

Wisconsin Governor Scandal Shows States as New Front in Fight for Dark Money Disclosure

Sunlight Foundation – Stan Oklobdzija | Published: 6/25/2014

As prospects for any regulations at the federal level seem murky at best, it appears the fight against clandestine political donors may be leaving Washington, D.C. and entering statehouses around the country. The Sunlight Foundation reported that at least 18 bills introduced during the most recent legislative sessions in various states would impose new disclosure rules or amend existing regulations regarding independent expenditures.

Federal:

Thousands of Missing Emails at IRS: What’s it all about?

Los Angeles Times – Joseph Tanfani | Published: 6/24/2014

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen disclosed that emails sent by Lois Lerner, the former director of the agency’s division that oversaw tax-exempt groups, were lost when her computer hard drive crashed in 2011. Koskinen told Congress that eight other hard drives from potential recipients had crashed as well. Republicans have seized on the missing emails, alleging in hearings that their disappearance is evidence of a cover-up by the IRS over a scheme to target conservative nonprofits seeking tax exempt status.

Venture Capital Firm Settles S.E.C. Charges over ‘Pay-to-Play’

New York Times – William Alden | Published: 6/20/2014

TL Ventures agreed to pay almost $300,000 to settle charges it violated the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “pay-to-play” rules. The SEC prohibits investment firms from providing paid services to a government client for two years after a contribution by the firm or an employee to candidates or officials who could influence the management of public assets. The agency said TL Ventures continued to receive advisory fees from the city and state pension funds immediately following campaign donations made by an associate in 2011 to the Pennsylvania governor and a candidate for mayor of Philadelphia.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida – Unknown Candidate for Governor with Questionable Donations Asks State for Public Campaign Money

Naples Daily News – Matt Dixon | Published: 6/20/2014

Obscure Florida gubernatorial candidate Yinka Adeshina has received 12 campaign contributions worth $3,000 from an address listed as 400 West Park in Tallahassee. But that address would fall in the middle of Tallahassee’s Old City Cemetery. Another six contributions worth $1,500 came from donors who share an address with a Best Buy. Adeshina lists a total of $182,080 in donations, which would make her eligible to receive nearly $100,000 in public funds for her campaign.

Georgia – Changes Ahead for Ga. Ethics Commission

Macon Telegraph – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 6/21/2014

The Georgia ethics commission has been mired in staffing issues, lawsuits, and allegations of outside influence. Now that the commission has opted to avoid what could have been a lengthy court battle and settle with three former employees, a key question is whether the agency will finally begin to make progress on more than 100 cases that have remained opened for months and sometimes years. The commission hopes to jumpstart the process of resolving cases by hiring up to two staff attorneys in the next month or two.

Hawaii – An Inside Look at the Hawaii Super PAC That Helped Defeat Cayetano

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 6/19/2014

PRP, an advocacy group for the Hawaii Carpenters Union and contractors, spent more than $3 million in 2012 to dismantle Ben Cayetano’s Honolulu mayoral campaign and keep the city’s $5.26 billion rail project on track. Emails obtained as part of Cayetano’s defamation lawsuit against the group provide an unprecedented glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of one of Hawaii’s most powerful independent expenditure committees. Such groups are allowed to receive and spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.

Illinois – Event Honoring Quinn Raises ‘Pay to Play’ Issues

Washington Times – Carla Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 6/20/2014

The Roosevelt Group, a lobbying firm with close ties to a key subcontractor hired to promote the nation’s health care law in Illinois, hosted a fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) “honoring Pat Quinn,” according to an invitation that lists suggested sponsorship levels of between $2,500 and $20,000. The DGA formed a PAC last fall to support Quinn’s re-election as governor. Critics said the event raises questions about “pay-to-play” in the state’s highly competitive governor’s race.

Indiana – IEDC Contractor Steers Indiana Investment Funds to Firms Run by Its Chairman and His Son

Indianapolis Star – Alex Campbell | Published: 6/19/2014

In 2011, Indiana hired the private nonprofit Elevate Ventures to choose startup companies to receive taxpayer dollars. An Indianapolis Star investigation has uncovered possible conflicts-of-interest in the arrangement, which has triggered a federal probe. The newspaper discovered a company run by Elevate founder Howard Bates received $500,000 in state money from an Elevate-run fund. Elevate was authorized to distribute the money to the companies connected to Bates without state approval, despite the fact it was public money.

Massachusetts – House Supports Super PAC Disclosure Bill, Boosts Donation Limits

MassLive.com – Colleen Quinn (State House News Service) | Published: 6/25/2014

The Massachusetts House passed legislation that would require corporations, labor unions, and other entities to disclose expenditures in statewide, county, or local races, as well as the sources of their funding, within seven days. The top five donors to an independent expenditure group would also have to be listed in the organization’s television or newspaper advertisement. House Bill 4226 raises the individual limits on annual campaign contributions for any one candidate from $500 to $1,000.

Mississippi – How Cochran Bounced Back from Disaster

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 6/25/2014

Following Mississippi’s June 3 Republican primary, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s staff members were crestfallen at the results of an election that deprived the incumbent of an electoral majority. With Cochran forced into a run-off against an aggressive and energetic challenger, a dark mood shadowed his backers in Washington and Mississippi. Yet almost immediately, the Cochran coalition began bouncing back. One aide paraphrased Cochran adviser Stuart Stevens’ primary-night message: “We’re going to figure this out and it’s going to be something you remember for the rest of your life.”

Nebraska – Lobbying Report Shows Millions Spent to Influence State Senators

Lincoln Journal Star – JoAnne Young | Published: 6/20/2014

A report by Nebraska Common Cause said special interests spend nearly $14 million a year to influence state lawmakers. But the watchdog maintains it is difficult to measure the full impact of lobbying money on the Legislature. Senators must report only gifts valued over $100. The companies and organizations that hire lobbyists only report total expenditures; food and beverages are exempt. And golf outings, luncheons, holiday gifts, birthday gifts, wedding presents, and tickets to events are difficult to track to specific senators, said the report.

South Carolina – SC Ethics Reform Bill Dies

The State – Andrew Shain | Published: 6/19/2014

South Carolina’s legislative session ended without the Senate voting on an ethics reform measure that Republicans who took the podium to run out the clock denounced as too watered down. The bill’s key components required officeholders to disclose all of their income sources, though not the amounts, and required third-party groups raising money to defeat or elect candidates to disclose their donors and expenses. An ethics bill can be reintroduced in January when a new session begins.

Virginia – Va. Officials Skeptical of U.S. Interest in Phillip Puckett’s Resignation from State Senate

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Matt Zapotosky, and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 6/19/2014

Federal investigators have interviewed officials and sought documents in connection with the resignation of then-state Sen. Philip Puckett, which handed Republicans control of the Virginia Senate at a critical time and was connected to job prospects for him and his daughter. Puckett said there was no quid pro quo but withdrew his name from consideration for a top job with the state tobacco commission. But even some of Puckett’s most prominent critics expressed mixed feelings about a federal inquiry into a matter that many considered unseemly but not criminal.

Wisconsin – Conservative Group Targets State’s Political Committee Donation Limits

Wisconsin State Journal – Matthew DeFour | Published: 6/24/2014

A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging a Wisconsin law that limits the aggregate amount of money candidates can collect from PACs. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) filed the lawsuit on behalf of the political arm of conservative group CRG Network. CRG argues its First Amendment rights to free speech and free association have been denied because of the limits. The institute’s legal team previously won a case challenging the cap on aggregate donations by individuals.

Wisconsin – Scott Walker Case Shows Growing Closeness between Politicians and Wealthy Allies

Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 6/23/2014

The investigation of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his allies over alleged illegal coordination has been challenged as unconstitutional, and it is unclear if it will proceed. Still, the inquiry is being watched closely by campaign strategists and legal experts as a major test of what practices cross the line in the loosely governed and increasingly murky area of big-money politics. The growing influence of super PACs and politically active nonprofits, which can raise unlimited funds, has eroded the once-thick wall between official campaigns and outside interest groups.

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 Hawaii State Ethics Commission, in a 3-2 vote on June 18, approved new guidelines for lawmakers to follow in an effort to regulate the spending of their annual allowance.

Each legislator receives almost $12,000 each year to cover incidental expenses related to legislative duties.

The legislative leadership welcomed the recommendations and will consider revising their current rules, despite failing to acknowledge the commission’s jurisdiction with regard to the matter.

The Select Committee on Legislative Ethics hired a new administrator to succeed Joyce Anderson. Anderson is retiring July 11 after 13 years in the position.

Reginald Drummond, her successor, begins his new job June 30. The two will work together for several weeks during the transition.

Drummond is currently an assistant inspector general in the U.S. Army and is retiring from the military.

Lobbying

“From Milwaukee to Milan, Uber’s Battles Are Mostly Local” by Tom Curry in Roll Call.

Texas: “State regulators set for conservative activist’s lobbying trial” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.

Campaign Finance

“Senate Dems float campaign finance bill” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Democrats Reintroduce DISCLOSE Act” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“Kenneth Vogel on Campaign Finance” video on C-SPAN.

“Millionaires Keep Shoveling Money Into Politics” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“California Lawmakers Back Amendment Overturning Citizens United” by Mollie Reilly in The Huffington Post.

North Carolina: “House OKs bill allowing more electronic filings” by The Associated Press in WWAY ABC News.

Wisconsin: “State lawmakers collect most money from outside spenders” by Adam Rodewald in the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Ethics

California: “California Senate panel shelves GOP ethics bill” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Elections

“Live election results: June 24” in The Washington Post.

“Election night: Key House primaries” by Steven Shepard, Elizabeth Titus and Tarini Parti in Politico.

Colorado: “2014 Colorado primary election results” on ABC News Denver.

Maryland: “Brown, Hogan win gubernatorial nominations; Democrat Frosh wins attorney general contest” by John Wagner and Jenna Johnson in The Washington Post.

“2014 Maryland Primary Election results” on WBAL TV News.

Mississippi: “Inside the Thad Cochran comeback” by Alexander Burns in Politico.

New York: “Charles Rangel leads; Adriano Espaillat won’t concede” by A;ex Isenstadt in Politico.

New York: “Tea Party doesn’t sway New York GOP voters in primary” by David Robinson in the Albany Business Review.

Oklahoma: “Tuesday’s Election Results” in Tulsa World.

Government Tech and Social Media

“NCSL Launches Elections Administration Research Database” by Michael D. Hernandez on The NCSL Blog.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics has created a tip line and website allowing the public to report alleged ethical violations by state officials and lobbyists, including improper gifts, conflicts of interest, nepotism, abuse of power, and sexual harassment.

To report violations, call 1-800-87-ETHICS or visit http://reportmisconduct.ny.gov.

On June 20, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed the state’s two-year budget with a series of line-item vetoes. With plans to introduce stronger ethics reform legislation in next year’s General Assembly session, he vetoed all funding for the Virginia Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.

The council, established to oversee state ethics provisions related to lobbying, gifts, and conflicts of interest, is a product of the recent omnibus ethics reform bill signed by the governor in April.

Lawmakers needed two-thirds of the votes in each legislative body to override the veto; the House overrode the veto on Monday but the closely divided Senate lacked enough votes to follow suit. The veto of funding for the ethics commission was sustained.

Photo of Gov. McAuliffe courtesy of Kate Wellington on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“In the trenches of global trade” by Vicki Needham in The Hill.

Minnesota: “Local government lobbying costs increased to $8 million in 2013” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in The Star Tribune.

New York: “NY ethics and lobbying commission creates tip line” by The Associated Press in the Utica Observer Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

“A New Era for Pay-to-Play” by Jason Abel on Rick Hasen’s Election Law Blog.

“Scott Walker case shows growing closeness between politicians and wealthy allies” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger in The Washington Post.

District of Columbia: “Smith, former Ward 1 D.C. Council candidate, pleads guilty in campaign finance scheme” by Keith Alexander in The Washington Post.

Mississippi: “Outside Spending, Dark Money Pour into Mississippi Runoff” by Ian Vendewalker in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Honolulu Ethics Commission Complains of Affronts to Its Independence” by Sophie Cocke in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Virginia: “Va. House tosses out Gov. McAuliffe’s vetoes on Medicaid, judges; GOP reorganizes state Senate” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“6 Things to Watch in Tuesday’s Primaries” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

Arkansas: “Arkansas Legislature: Special Session Discussions Down To Lottery” by John Lyon in the Times Record.

Hawaii: “Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he intends to veto 10 bills” by Braelyn Wood in Pacific Business News.

New York: “Winners and Losers in NY State’s 2014 Legislative Session” by The Associated Press in the Epoch Times.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Google+ is Here to Stay, Company Exec Says” in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“K Street powerhouse loses founding partner” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Is Akin Gump the New King of K Street?” by Marisa M. Kashino in the Washingtonian.

“Lobbyists want spot on Team Scalise” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“K Street hits the jackpot with casino magnate” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Study Examines Role Of Citizens United Ruling On Politics” by Jim Letizia on WCBE.

“National Party Committees Report May Financial Figures” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Alaska: “APOC staff says Anchorage mayor broke campaign finance law, proposes $187.50 fine” by Nathaniel Herz in the Anchorage Daily News.

Oklahoma: “Election Records: ‘Dark-Money,’ Campaign Groups Have Close Connections” by Oklahoma Watch & Clifton Adcock in KGOU.

Ethics

“‘Ms. Ethics’ Carol Dixon Remembered Fondly (Video)” by Colin Diersing in Roll Call.

“Don Young Must Repay $59K for Improper Trips/Gifts” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Florida: “New Miami-Dade task force to target state public corruption” by David Ovalle in the Miami Herald.

Georgia: “Ethics commission to get new member” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Virginia: “Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe vetoes funds for ethics commission” by Rachel Weiner in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Report: Scott Walker Accused of Campaign Finance ‘Criminal Scheme’” by Mark Murray in NBC News.

Wisconsin: “Scott Walker and campaign-finance law: Just how dodgy?” in The Economist.

Elections

“Democrats Playing Defense in 2014 State Legislative Races” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

Oklahoma: “Is Oklahoma Senate headed for a runoff?” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.

Government Tech and Social Media

“How the White House’s We the People E-Petition Site Became a Virtual Ghost-Town” by Dave Karpf in TechPresident.

“Awareness, Tech Projects are Top Crowdsourced Goals in Government, Study Says” in Government Technology.

EU: “Lobbyists increasingly look online to influence EU policy” in Euractiv.