April 3, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Campaign Finance
“As Obama begins fundraising swing, campaign finance watchdogs growl” by David Nakamura in the Washington Post.
Maryland: “Campaign finance reform advances in Senate” by Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun.
New York: “Campaign finance reform gains momentum” by Dan Levy in WNYT News.
New York: “Campaign reform advocates say NY scandals show need to change Albany culture” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
Florida: “Palm Beach County ethics board targeted for state audit” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.
New York: “Lawmakers in New York Tied to Bribery Plot in Mayor Race” by Michael Wilson and William K. Rashbaum in the New York Times.
New York: “Rogues gallery of corruption cases” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
From the State Legislatures
Alaska: “Kawasaki draws rebuke for conduct on House floor” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.
Nebraska: “Late nights planned for state lawmakers” by The Associated Press in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Oregon: “Many bills in Oregon Legislature won’t see the light of day” by Laura Fosmire in the Statesman Journal.
April 2, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Street Talk: The Curious Cases of Vanishing Lobbyists” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
California: “Special interests spent $277 million lobbying in 2012 at state Capitol” by Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times. (via the Political Activity Law blog.)
New Mexico: “Former New Mexico state senator, ex-lobbyist Odis Echols dies at 82” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
North Carolina: “NC Court of Appeals sends case against former lobbyist back to trial court” by Anne Blythe in the News & Observer.
Campaign Finance
Los Angeles, California: “Our porous campaign laws” op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times.
New York: “Groups Seek State Campaign Finance Reform” on WNYF News.
Ethics
Connecticut: “Bills to address the costs of blight and conflicts of interest” by Ken Dixon in the Connecticut Post.
Iowa: “Session may adjourn with ethics charges unresolved” by William Petroski in the Des Moines Register.
Texas: “Senate panel OKs tweaks to ethics panel; critics say major reforms ignored again” by Mike Ward in the Austin American-Statesman.
From the State Legislatures
New Jersey: “150 candidates file peititons to seek legislative nominations” by Anthony Campisi in the Bergen Record.
“Expulsions of State Legislators are Rare” in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Elections
“Presidential Election Commission: It’s Official” by Wendy Underhill and Karen Shanton in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Government Teach and Social Media
“The Present, and Future, of Social Media in Government” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.
April 1, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
Florida: “Florida lawmakers weigh bill to tweak lobbyist gift ban” by Jim Saunders in the Miami Herald.
Georgia: “New lobbyist law leaves possible loopholes” by Aaron Gould Sheinin, Chris Joyner and James Salzer in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Kentucky: “Ethics Commission reports $4.2M spent on lobbying in Frankfort in January, February” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “Lobbying spending in N.Y. dropped to $205M in 2012” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat and Chronicle.
New York: “Pro-Cuomo Group Repeats as Top Spender on Lobbying” by Thomas Kaplan in the New York Times.
Oregon: “State, colleges lobbying costs top $1M” by Raju Chebium in the Statesman Journal.
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Boosting public financing for campaigns is off the table” by Mark Pazniokas in the Connecticut Mirror.
Nebraska: “Measure repeals Neb. campaign finance law but seeks to put campaign spending reports online” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “New Ads to Press Albany on Campaign Financing” by Thomas Kaplan in the New York Times.
Vermont: “Campaign finance reform bill in jeopardy” in the Rutland Herald.
West Virginia: “W.Va. House seeks anti-Citizens United amendment” by The Associated Press in WTRF.com.
Ethics
“Larry Craig Loses Major Battle in Fight Against FEC” by Steven T. Dennis in Roll Call.
“STOCK Act Endangers National Security, Report Says” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
North Dakota: “Gov. Dalrymple’s energy stocks, contributions raise questions” by Amy Dalrymple in InForum.
Ohio: “Jimmy Dimora files federal appeal claiming innocence” by James F. McCarty in the Plain Dealer.
From the State Legislatures
Georgia: “Ga. lawmakers take flurry of votes on final day” by The Associated Press in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Redistricting
Texas: “Texas redistricting fight resumes” by Tim Eaton in the Austin American-Statesman.
Open Government
“Which States Aced the Spending Transparency Test?” in Government Technology.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Internal Website HouseNet Gets a Makeover” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
“NASA Becomes The Most-Followed Government Twitter Account, Nominated For Second Shorty Award” by Benny Luo in NewMediaRockstars.com.
Hawaii: “Bill would require state to post more information online” by The Associated Press in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
March 27, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K St. winners and losers in budget votes” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“K Street Files: SEIU Launches Immigration Ads” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Georgia: “Drama over ethics reform builds toward session’s finale” by Aaron Gould Sheinin, Chris Joyner and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Nevada: “State Senate votes for more lobbyist transparency” by Ed Vogel in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
New York: “OFA joins New York campaign finance reform fight” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.
West Virginia: “Campaign financing bill advances” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.
Ethics
Maryland: “Dixon to give talk, consider return to politics” by Jena Marbella in the Baltimore Sun.
From the State Legislatures
“Committee recommends Brooks be expelled from Legislature” by Anjeanette Damon in the Las Vegas Sun.
Political Advertising
“Think Your Advocacy Group is Not Subject to FEC Rules? Think Again.” in Political Law Briefing via Eric Brown’s Political Activity Law Blog.
Open Government
“New Transparency Grades Issued for States” by Mike Maciag in Government Technology.
Arkansas: “Arkansas gets ‘C’ in spending transparency report” in Arkansas News.
Tennessee: “Rep. Glen Casada withdraws bill on open meetings law” by The Associated Press in The Tennessean.
West Virginia: “W.Va.’s spending transparency grade falls” by Eric Eyre in the Charleston Gazette.
Redistricting
Florida: “Legislators ask court to shield them from having to testify over maps” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
March 22, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Conflicts of Interest Run Rampant in State Legislatures
Democratic Women Eye City Hall Gains
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Supreme Court Hears Arguments over Whether States Can Ask for Proof of Citizenship to Register
California – Bell Trial Ends in Chaos
California – Judge Orders San Jose to Disclose Officials’ Messages on Private Devices
Florida – Gaming Committee Chairman Relies on Flights from Gaming Lobbyist for Travel to Tallahassee
Georgia – State Senate Offers $100 Lobbying Cap in Split Plan
Kansas – Kansas House Passes Bill on Union Pay Deductions
Kentucky – Richie Farmer Could Be Fined $210,000 over 42 Ethics Violations
Maryland – Campaign Finance Reform Passes House and Is Moving in Senate
Maryland – Former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold Gets Jail Time from Judge
New Mexico – Social Media Plays a Bigger Role in Legislative Session
New York – Artists Against Fracking May Not Be Registered As New York Lobbying Group
South Carolina – Former Governor Advances in South Carolina Race
South Carolina – Misuse of SC State Plane Alleged
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.
March 21, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Lobbying Without a Trace” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“K Street firms working US-EU trade talks from both sides of the Atlantic” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Casino Jack’s New Game” by Mariah Blake in The Atlantic.
Florida: “House revises its ethics bill, allows for revolving door lobbying of exec branch” by Mary Ellen Klas in The Miami Herald.
Georgia: “Senate to present $100 lobbyist cap” by Ray Henry (Associated Press) in the Marietta Daily Journal.
Minnesota: “Minnesota lobbying reports show big spending by business groups” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Pennsylvania: “Lobbying frenzied as Pa. House vote nears on privatizing alcohol sales” by Angela Couloumbis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Toronto, Ontario: “Ban on after-hours lobbyist schmoozing gets a cold shoulder from Toronto city hall” by Paul Moloney and Robyn Doolittle in the Toronto Star.
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance: Raise Spending Limits, Increase Transparency” by Jonathan Rauch in The Atlantic.
Ethics
Georgia: “Delay on ethics bill” by Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
New York: “NYS Senate GOP Looking To Cut Ethics Commission Funding” by Ken Lovette in the New York Daily News.
Legislative Issues
Rhode Island: “R.I. legislature begins live streaming floor sessions, hearings” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.
March 20, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
Georgia: “Ga. Senate expected to unveil lobbying rules” by The Associated Press in WSAV TV.
Indiana: “Purdue moving to trim its federal lobbying costs” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Ethics
Arizona: “Campaign-finance case against Horne recommended for dismissal” by Lindsey Collom and Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic.
Georgia: “Ethics reform at critical juncture” Chris Joyner and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
New Jersey: “N.J. Politics Roundup: House committee investigates Andrews over spending” by Brent Johnson in the Star-Ledger.
Rhode Island: “R.I. ethics panel mulls statute of limitations on complaint filings” by Karen Lee Ziner in the Providence Journal.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio House panel OKs elections bill” by Michelle Everhart in the Columbus Dispatch.
Procurement
Iowa: “Iowa businesses would get preference on state contracts under bill approved by Iowa Senate” by William Petroski in the Des Moines Register.
From the State Legislatures
“State Legislative Leaders Gather in Washington” by Jon Kuhl in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Term Limits
Texas: “Senate votes to let voters decide on term limits for statewide officeholders” by Mike Ward in the Austin American-Statesman.
March 18, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Street Talk: K Street Hiring Chill Leaves Members Cold” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Former Rep. Rehberg joins K Street firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Georgia: “House lobbyist gift ‘ban’ has loopholes” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Campaign Finance
“Russ Feingold on the Path to Campaign Finance Reform” by John Light on BillMoyers.com.
“Former Fla. Dem candidate pleads guilty to campaign finance fraud, claims he was ‘used’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
New York: “Eyes On Albany As State Considers Campaign Finance Changes” by The Associated Press in WHAM ABC News.
Ethics
“Lawmakers add relatives to campaign payrolls” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars in USA Today.
“Conflicts of interest run rampant in state legislatures” by Nicholas Kusnetz in The Center for Public Integrity.
“A year in prison, Rod Blagojevich in good spirits” by Mackenzie Weinger in Politico.
Florida: “Gaming committee chairman relies on flights from gaming lobbyist for travel to Tallahassee” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Minnesota: “Minn. Judges May be Required to Reveal Financial Ties” by Nick Winkler in KAAL TV ABC News.
Open Government
Missouri: “Push for exemptions adds to debate over Missouri’s open-records law” by Chris Blank in the Kansas City Star.
Vermont: “Vermont Senate advances open-records bill” by Nancy Resmen in the Burlington Free Press.
March 15, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 15, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Obama Meets with New Advocacy Group
From the States and Municipalities:
California – California Lawmakers Avoid Campaign Contribution Limits with Ballot Measure Account
Florida – Investigators: Florida gambling probe that led to resignation of lieutenant governor will grow
Iowa – Statehouse Coffee Budget Running at $1,400 Deficit
Kentucky – Dennis Horlander Paid More than Most in Kentucky Legislature
Michigan – Former Mayor of Detroit Guilty in Corruption Case
Missouri – St. Louis Police Sergeant Plans to Sue Department for Silencing His Pro-Pot Work
Oregon – Oregon Legislators Reap Big Post-Election Donations – Much of it ‘Makeup Money’
Pennsylvania – Ex-Senate Leader, 7 Others Charged in Turnpike Probe
Rhode Island – RI House Leadership Faulted over Ethics Vote
Tennessee – Black Keys Manager Ticket Offer Raises Questions
Washington – Blind Lawmaker Up to Task in Olympia
West Virginia – Gainer Queries Ethics Panel over Visa Ads
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.
March 13, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, and more!
Lobbying
Nevada: “Lawmakers spin through revolving door to lobbying” by Anjeanette Damon in the Las Vegas Sun.
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Campaign finance resolution finds support” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
Arizona: “AZ House passes bill barring student association fee use for politics” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Capitol Times.
Arkansas: “Ark. panel rejects campaign finance proposals” by The Associated Press in KATV ABC News.
Georgia: “Lesser ethics bill gets committee approval” by Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Hawaii: “State lawmakers debate campaign finance reforms” by Anita Hofschneider (Associated Press) in the Star Advertiser.
Michigan: “House Dems back ethics, campaign finance reform package” by Chad Livengood in the Detroit News.
North Carolina: “Dome: Campaign finance reports lag” by John Frank and Rob Christensen in the News & Observer.
Utah: “Utah Senate votes to close disclosure loophole” by Lee Davidson in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Vermont: “Vt. Senate panel works on campaign finance bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Ethics
Florida: “Locals owe state Ethics Commission thousands” by Tom McLaughlin in the Northwest Florida Daily News.
Open Government
“Arizona gets ‘C’ grade for legislative openness” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Capitol Times.
New Mexico: “Legislators fast-track bill that protects their email” by Julie Ann Grimm in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
South Dakota: “Daugaard signs three bills on open government” by The Associated Press in the Argus Leader.
Texas: “Texas gets high marks regarding transparency in legislative matters but still needs more sunshine” in the Austin American-Statesman.
West Virginia: “Legislation may make memos, internal letters public” by Zack Harold in the Charleston Daily Mail.
Wyoming: “Legislature average on transparency” by Trevor Brown in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
March 12, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Scott Brown joins law and lobby firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Former US Rep. Jerry Costello opens lobbying firm” in the Pantagraph.
Florida: “Senator backing lobbyist restrictions is lobbyist himself” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
“What it costs to win a Congressional election” by Jon Terbush in The Week.
Florida: “Senate’s campaign finance compromise creates mega PACs” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Nevada: “Bill seeks tighter Nevada campaign reporting laws” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
Wisconsin: “Campaign spending in Wisconsin more than triples” by Jason Stein in the Journal Sentinel.
Ethics
“FEC: Larry Craig Misused Campaign Funds for Personal Legal Expenses” by Mike Scarcella in The Blog of Legal Times.
Utah: “Executive branch ethics bill advances in Utah” by Lee Davidson in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Open Government
Thank you, Eric Brown and the Political Activity Law blog for reminding us that this week is Sunshine Week!
Legislative Issues
“Report: Members of Congress Happy With Their Jobs” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
Alaska: “Alaska Legislature Celebrates its Centennial, Creates Commission to Recognize First Territorial Legislature” by Morgan Cullen in NCSL’s The Thicket.
March 11, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Critics hold the line on pro-Obama lobbying group: ‘Shut it down’” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“K Street Files: Cassidy Lands Recurring Role in ‘House of Cards’” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Connecticut: “Ritter’s Lobbying Raises Questions” by Jon Lender in the Hartford Courant.
Delaware: “Groups advise citizens on lobbying lawmakers” in the News Journal.
Florida: “Ethics bill passed without lobbying exemption for sitting legislators” by Tom McLaughlin in the Northwest Florida Daily News.
New Jersey: “Expenses for lobbying in Trenton drop to lowest level in 5 years” by Michael Linhorst and Anthony Campisi in the Bergen Record.
Toronto, Canada: “Lobbying boom in Toronto may be fueled by hot topics — and a less predictable council” by Robyn Doolittle in the Toronto Star.
Utah: “Bill to curb lobbyist contracts paid by governmental entities stalls in committee” by Marjorie Cortex in the Deseret News.
Washington: “Inside The World Of Business Lobbying In Olympia” by Austin Jenkins in Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Campaign Finance
“Senate bill pushes online campaign-finance filings” by Malia Rulon in USA Today.
“Ethics Panel: Members Can’t Use Campaign Accounts to Soften Sequester Cuts” in Roll Call.
California: “California lawmakers avoid campaign contribution limits with ballot measure accounts” by Torey Van Oot in the Sacramento Bee.
District of Columbia: “D.C. campaign finance office hires full-time investigator” by Tim Craig in the Washington Post.
Florida: “House Speaker: $10,000 contribution limit isn’t happening” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
Michigan: “More transparency sought in elections” by Alanna Durkin (Associated Press) in the Lansing State Journal.
Mississippi: “Miss. cities handle law regarding campaign finance inconsistently” by Laura Tillman (Associated Press) in the Clarion-Ledger.
New York: “Cuomo to discuss campaign finance reform in telephone town hall” by Michelle Breidenbach in the Post-Standard.
Oregon: “Oregon legislators reap big post-election donations — much of it ‘makeup money’” by Jeff Mapes in the Oregonian.
Ethics
Palm Beach County, Florida: “Nine finalists remain for Ethics Commission chief’s job” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.
Open Government
“Open Data Has Been a Boon for City Governments” by Eric Jaffe in Nextgov.
New York City, New York: “The Big Apple Enhances Financial Transparency” by Hilton Collins in Government Technology.
Texas: “Open meetings law faces another test” by Erik Schelzig (Associated Press) in the Tennessean.
March 8, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 8, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Are Hashtags a Political #Wasteoftime?
Pro-Obama Group Reverses Stance on Corporate Cash
From the States and Municipalities:
California – LA Mayor’s Race Heads to Runoff between Democratic Rivals Who Share Much Common Ground
California – Oakland City Council Approves Campaign Sunlight Ordinance
Colorado – Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge to Colorado Campaign Finance Law
Florida – Florida Legislators Work to Regain Voter Trust
Massachusetts – Cahill to Pay $100,000 to Settle Case
New Mexico – House Approves Bill for State Ethics Commission
Tennessee – Rep. Curry Todd Lived Rent-Free in Lobbyist’s Home
Texas – Watchdogs: Ethics loopholes obscure lobby perks
Vermont – New Twist on Campaign Finance Debate
Wyoming – Wyoming Legislative Leaders Decry Lobbying Tactics
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.
March 7, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“K St. ready for cybersercurity cash grab” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
Illinois: “Lobbying push at Capitol as gun issue looms” by Rafael Guerrero in the Chicago Tribune.
Pennsylvania: “Gov. Tom Corbett may be open to a gift ban, spokeswoman suggests” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
Texas: “Watchdogs: Ethics Loopholes Obscure Lobby Perks” by Jay Root in the Texas Tribune.
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “David Sirota Moderates Discussion On Campaign Finance Reform, Democracy In Colorado” by Matt Ferner in the Huffington Post.
Ethics
California: “STATE LEGISLATURE: Area lawmakers given gifts, trips in 2012” by Jim Miller in the Press-Enterprise.
Florida: “Florida House bridles at Senate’s proposed ethics reforms” by Dara Kam in the Palm Beach Post.
Florida: “Matt Reed: Something to cheer, for a change, as Legislature opens” by Matt Reed in Florida Today.
Hawaii: “Hawaii Legislators Exempt Themselves from State Ethics Code” by Barbara Polk in the Hawaii Reporter.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
