February 1, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times Campaign Finance “Dark Money Dominates Political Ad Spending” by William Allison for Bloomberg Politics Pennsylvania: “Allentown Parking Authority Subpoenaed in FBI Probe” by […]

January 29, 2016 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – January 29, 2016

National: Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016 Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. […]

National:

Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption
USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016

Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. Denmark came out on top for the second year running, and the other Nordic countries also did well. Somalia and North Korea were tied for last place, and war-torn states, such as Afghanistan and Sudan fared dismally. The best performing countries share a wide array of characteristics. They are open, liberal democracies with a free press. They embrace the notion of transparency, have independent judiciaries, and all support long-held assumptions about increased accountability leading to lower levels of corruption.

Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 1/27/2016

The leaders of three of the nation’s leading trade associations sent a letter to their members urging them to resist demands to disclose more details about their political spending. The leaders reserved particular criticism for the Center for Political Accountability and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics, which published an index ranking large companies on their political disclosure practices and policies. Such politically active nonprofit groups sometimes directly advocate for and against political candidates and may spend into the millions of dollars to do so.

Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself, Insiders Say
New York Times – Dave Philipps | Published: 1/27/2016

The Wounded Warriors Project, the country’s largest and fastest-growing veterans charity, offers programs to help veterans readjust to society, attend school, find work, and participate in athletics. But in its swift rise, it has also embraced aggressive styles of fundraising, marketing, and personnel management that have many current and former employees questioning whether it has drifted from its mission. It has spent millions of dollars a year on travel, dinners, hotels, and conferences that often seemed more lavish than appropriate, more than four dozen current and former employees said in interviews. The organization has also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years on public relations and lobbying campaigns to deflect criticism of its spending and to fight legislative efforts to restrict how much nonprofits spend on overhead.

Federal:

Companies Worry Trump-Led Convention Could Hurt Brands
Politico – Anna Palmer | Published: 1/28/2016

Companies are starting to question whether associating with a Donald Trump-led Republican National Convention in Cleveland this summer could hurt their reputations. Company representatives and association heads have already begun meeting with their consultants about whether they should rethink their convention plans if Trump wins the GOP nomination. Several Republican lobbyists and consultants said there is concern that associating with Trump, given some of his inflammatory comments about women and minorities, could turn off customers and damage corporate brands.

Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 1/21/2016

A federal appeals court dealt a setback to campaign finance reform advocates in a ruling about who pays for political ads. The ruling upheld an FEC regulation that narrows disclosure requirements for corporations and labor groups paying for ads that run close to Election Day. The regulation says groups running the ads only have to reveal donors who contribute for the express purpose of paying for the ads. That means donors who choose not to say how they want their money used can remain anonymous. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed a lower court decision that threw out the regulation last year. Judge Janice Rogers Brown said just because one of the purposes of campaign reform laws was broader disclosure “doesn’t mean that anything less than maximal disclosure is subversive,” the judge said.

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Battle for Party’s Future
New York Times – Patrick Healy | Published: 1/24/2016

The race between Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination has intensified into a battle over their vastly different visions for the party. Sanders, a New Deal-style liberal, argues that only muscular government action – Wall Street regulations, public works jobs, Medicare for all – will topple America’s “rigged” economy. Clinton, a mainstream Democrat, has started contrasting herself with Sanders by championing a “sensible, achievable agenda” and promising to build on President Obama’s legacy in health care, the economy, and national security. Many Democrats are torn about whether Sanders’ liberalism, or Clinton’s pragmatism, will be enough to win a general election.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement
ABC News – Dan Elliot (Associated Press) | Published: 1/26/2016

Colorado’s system of enforcing campaign finance rules is under fire from all sides. In many states, a campaign practices panel decides whether to prosecute spending violations. But Colorado’s constitution requires every complaint to be referred to an administrative law judge who can convene a trial-like process. Some critics say it allows anybody with a grudge to drag someone else into a costly legal battle. Others say the state is neglecting its duty to enforce the laws and instead leaving it up to members of the public. A lawsuit was filed in federal court challenging the system as unconstitutional. The lawsuit says the system suppresses free speech by discouraging people from speaking out.

Florida – Ethics Commission Opines on Romance
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 1/22/2016

Leon County School Board member Alva Striplin asked the Florida Commission on Ethics for an advisory opinion involving her relationship with George Smith, whose firm, Bryant Miller Olive, has provided bond counsel to the district for many years. Specifically, Striplin asked whether she would run afoul of the gift law if she and Smith traveled together and split expenses or exchanged Christmas and birthday gifts. Florida’s gift law bars public officials from soliciting any gift from a vendor or lobbyist doing business with the official’s agency. Commission staff said Striplin may not solicit any gift from Smith or his firm and cannot accept any gift from him or his firm over $100. The couple can, however, equally split the cost of travel, meals, lodging, or entertainment. Commissioners voted unanimously to affirm the staff opinion.

Florida – Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists
Florida Times Union – Tia Mitchell | Published: 1/23/2016

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians paid for a trip to the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, Alabama for five Florida lawmakers. They met with tribal leaders to discuss the tribe’s vision for a casino in rural North Florida. Beyond the debate over gambling, the trip to Alabama is an example of the legal but criticized practice of lawmakers classifying as campaign-related expenses things of value they receive from special-interest groups. They are prohibited by the state gift ban from accepting trips and gifts from lobbyists. The ability to classify trips and meals as in-kind campaign expenses is largely considered a work-around to the 2006 ethics law.

Illinois – Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Official in Red-Light Camera Case
ABC News; Associated Press – | Published: 1/26/2016

John Bills, the former second-in-command at Chicago’s Department of Transportation, was convicted on 20 counts of corruption for taking up to $2 million in bribes to steer $100 million in red-light camera contracts to Redflex Traffic Systems. Prosecutors detailed cash, hotels stays, golf trips, an Arizona condominium, and a Mercedes given to Bills for his efforts. Mayor Rahm Emanuel canceled Redflex’s contract in 2013 following reports of the alleged bribery scheme. Bills retired from his job as the city’s managing deputy commissioner of transportation in 2011, and he was charged in 2014.

Kansas – Senate Chairman’s Rules Block Female Witnesses in Revealing Attire
Topeka Capital-Journal – Tim Carpenter | Published: 1/21/2016

Kansas Sen. Mitch Holmes imposed a dress code for those testifying before his committee that prohibits women from wearing certain clothing while establishing no wardrobe restrictions exclusively for men. A rule of Holmes’ 11-point code of conduct says “low-cut necklines and miniskirts” are inappropriate for women. Holmes said he offered detailed guidance to women because he had observed provocatively clad women at the Capitol. He says it is a distraction to the panel during testimony. Holmes is and chairperson of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.

Maryland – In Md., Officials Are Notified When Someone Checks Their Financial Filings
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil | Published: 1/23/2016

Public officials in Maryland must file reports spelling out their sources of income, property holdings, and business relationships. State law makes these reports available to the public as a safeguard against government officials abusing their power in an effort to enrich themselves. But unlike dozens of other states, Maryland agencies email officials every time a person looks at their disclosure forms. The notifications include the name and home address of the person conducting the search. Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings conceded that people may be nervous to look at ethics filings because their names will be reported to public officials. But he defended the system. “It’s a courtesy,” Jennings said. “Everyone wants to know every time someone is doing an investigation into them.”

New York – Albany Ethics Commission Adopts New Fund-Raising and Disclosure Rules
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 1/26/2016

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) approved an advisory opinion that expands the definition of lobbying to include public relations consultants. At issue is the rise in public relations campaigns, often called grassroots lobbying, which seek to influence policymaking. These activities are not regulated by traditional lobbying laws because they do not include the direct interaction of a lobbyist with a government official. A consultant setting up or attending a lobbying meeting with a public official, even if they do not directly lobby themselves, is lobbying under the opinion, for example. JCOPE also approved an opinion that says no statewide elected official, including the comptroller or the attorney general, would be allowed to accept or solicit campaign contributions from any person or group that is under investigation or embroiled in a legal battle with its offices.

North Carolina – Trial to Start in Lawsuit over North Carolina’s Voter-ID Law
Washington Post – Sari Horwitz | Published: 1/24/2016

North Carolina’s photo-ID rules, part of one of the strictest voting laws in the country, will go on trial in the first battle over the ballot this presidential year. The ID requirements, set to be used in the March presidential primary, were included in a bill passed by North Carolina’s Legislature that also reduced the number of days of early voting, prohibited people from registering and voting on the same day, stopped ballots cast in the wrong precinct from being counted, and ended the practice of preregistering teenagers before they turned 18. Republican lawmakers say they imposed the new restrictions to combat voter fraud and to preserve the integrity of the voting system. The Rev. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, which sued the state, called the law an “immoral and unconstitutional burden on voters.”

Virginia – Luxury Box Gifts Still Kosher for Virginia Public Officials
Connecticut Post – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/21/2016

A top official of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration accepted an invitation from the Washington Redskins to watch a playoff game from one of the team’s luxury boxes, the kind of gift that lawmakers said should not be allowed under a new ethics law the General Assembly passed last year. Staff from a newly empowered ethics council gave approval for members of McAuliffe’s administration to accept an invitation from the team to watch the game. The team has been in active negotiations with state officials over possibly moving out of its current stadium in Maryland and building a new one in Virginia.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

January 28, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying Missouri: “Lobbying Gift Ban Approved in House” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Campaign Finance “Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Colorado: “Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement” […]

January 27, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying Alaska: “Panel Says Lunch and Learn Events Could Raise Ethical” by Rashah McChesney (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post Florida: “Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists” by Tia Mitchell for Florida Times Union New […]

January 26, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying Florida: “Ethics Commission Opines on Romance” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat Campaign Finance California: “3 Former Fundraisers for Mayor Ed Lee Charged With Bribery, Money Laundering” by John Shutt and Rebecca Bowe for KQED California: “Federal Investigators Focus […]

January 25, 2016 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

New Public Transparency Website Launched in New York

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced the release of a new website which will contain information regarding lobbyist disclosures, and will match them up with specific pieces of proposed and passed legislation. The website, designed to promote the public’s […]

January 25, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Lobby Firms Reap Benefits of an Active Congress” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance “Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads” by Josh Gerstein for Politico “Corruption’s Not the Problem, It’s Inequality” by Richard […]

January 22, 2016 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – January 22, 2016

Federal: Case Could Widen Free-Speech Gap between Unions and Corporations New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 1/18/2016 Oral arguments in a major challenge to public unions illuminated a gap in the U.S. Supreme Court’s treatment of capital and labor. […]

Federal:

Case Could Widen Free-Speech Gap between Unions and Corporations
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 1/18/2016

Oral arguments in a major challenge to public unions illuminated a gap in the U.S. Supreme Court’s treatment of capital and labor. The court has long allowed workers to refuse to finance unions’ political activities, but shareholders have no comparable right to refuse to pay for corporate political speech. At the arguments in the case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, the justices seemed poised to widen that gap by allowing government workers to refuse to support unions’ collective bargaining activities, as well. The case should prompt a new look at whether the differing treatment of unions and corporations is justified, said Benjamin Sachs, a law professor at Harvard.

High Court Rejects Challenge over Contractor Contributions
Philadelphia Inquirer; Associated Press – | Published: 1/19/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a challenge to a law that bans government contractors from donating money to federal candidates or political parties. The justices let stand a lower court ruling that said the ban is a reasonable way of addressing the government’s interest in preventing political corruption.

President Obama May Require Federal Contractors to List Campaign Gifts
New York Times – Julie Hirschfeld Davis | Published: 1/19/2016

President Obama is weighing whether to invoke his executive authority to force federal contractors to disclose political contributions they make to independent groups. The proposed executive order would require corporations that currently have federal contracts to disclose what they spend on political efforts, including money forwarded through trade associations. Obama has been considering the action for more than a year, but discussions have intensified in recent weeks as he moves to deliver on unfulfilled promises in his final year in office. Business groups that have opposed campaign finance restrictions argue the executive order would encroach on free speech rights.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – FPPC Cracks Down on Reporting for California Lobbyists
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 1/21/2016

The California Fair Political Practices Commission voted to require interest groups and lobbyists to break out and itemize expenses in the “other payments to influence category” in quarterly filings to the state. The current rules allow groups to report the category, which includes payments as routine as money for office supplies to more influential spending on advertising campaigns, as a lump sum. “Lobbying is largely a self-regulated industry and in order to make sure people are playing by the rules, we need this type of information that shines a light on what’s going on,” said commission Chairperson Jodi Remke.

Florida – Hillsborough Commissioners OK Measure to Require Lobbyists’ Fees
Tampa Tribune – Mike Salinero | Published: 1/21/2016

Hillsborough County commissioners passed an ordinance that requires lobbyists to register and pay a $50 yearly fee. Under the new law, everyone who comes to meet with commissioners must fill out a form saying who they represent, what they want to discuss, and which commissioners they are visiting. The commission also increased penalties for non-compliance that were in a draft ordinance. For a first violation, the lobbyist is given a warning, followed by a $250 fine for a second violation.

Florida – Special Interests Flood Florida Legislative Campaigns with $28 Million in 6 Months
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 1/17/2016

At least $28.5 million has been funneled into legislative political committees in Florida during the past six months. The influx of cash is the result of a shift in state campaign finance laws that allowed for unfettered donations to such committees in the wake of the Citizens United ruling. Stronger disclosure laws opened the door to more frequent reporting, but there is no requirement for donors to disclose what issues or bills they are attempting to impact. Many of the wealthy special interests are getting preferential treatment as their priority bills have been moving early in the session. Many ideas that are opposed by influential special interests are getting blocked. Industry fights are emerging over medical marijuana, gambling, solar power, hospital regulation, and dental care, among others.

Michigan – As Water Problems Grew, Officials Belittled Complaints from Flint
New York Times – Julie Bosman, Monica Davey, and Mitch Smith | Published: 1/20/2016

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released more than 270 pages of emails surrounding the toxic water crisis in Flint. One email reveals Snyder’s chief of staff believed Flint’s poisoned water was not the state’s responsibility. That aide also mentioned state health officials who worried the issue could turn into a “political football.” It was not until late in 2015 – after months of complaints – that state officials finally conceded what critics had been contending: Flint was in the midst of a major public health emergency as tap water pouring into families’ homes contained enough lead to show up in the blood of dozens of people in the city. Even small amounts of lead could cause lasting health and developmental problems in children.

Nebraska – Ernie Chambers Resolution Takes Aim at Free Meals Provided by Lobbyists
Omaha World-Herald – Joe Duggan | Published: 1/19/2016

State law caps the gifts that senators or their immediate family members may accept from lobbyists at $50 per month. But the law places no limits on free meals or beverages, said Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Many lobbyists, groups, and associations host breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the session. Defenders say the meals are convenient, sociable ways for lawmakers to get to know the issues and each other. But a resolution drafted by Sen. Ernie Chambers would seek to end lobbyist-provided meals inside the Capitol while the Legislature is in session.

New Mexico – New Mexico Lobbyist Spending Tops $818,000 in 2015
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/18/2016

Lobbyists and their employers spent about $818,000 on meals, receptions, and gifts for New Mexico lawmakers and other officials in 2015. Individual lobbyists – 148 of them – spent more $474,000, while 23 businesses spent more than $344,000, reports show. While the secretary of state’s office recently issued guidelines suggesting lobbyists report their expenses in greater detail, not all lobbyists did. Some 19 lobbyists listed aggregate expenses of more than $1,000 after April 2015, failing to specify lawmakers they hosted or dates they spent the money.

New Mexico – Scandals Raise Profile of an Unpopular Idea among Lawmakers: An ethics commission
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 1/18/2016

A proposal to create an independent ethics commission in New Mexico focused on the executive and legislative branches first gained prominence in 2006, almost a year after then-state Treasurer Robert Vigil resigned to avoid facing possible impeachment. A task force recommended its creation. Subsequent ethics committee legislation passed the House four times, but has withered in the state Senate. Several questions need to be resolved before an independent ethics commission gets traction at the Legislature, including the need for sufficient funding; the question of jurisdictional oversight; the makeup and size, along with who appoints the positions; and satisfactory due process provisions to guard against “politically motivated witch hunts,” said Sen. Peter Wirth.

New York – In Albany, Those Who Might Address Ethics Meet Rarely and Offer Less
New York Times – Vivian Yee | Published: 1/19/2016

Like other committees in the New York Legislature, the ethics panels have chairpersons and several members each. Unlike the others, they have not considered a single bill on the subject of ethics – or anything else – that anyone can remember. For reformers, the committees’ paralysis is yet another symptom of a willful ignorance that allows the Capitol to make much of minor improvements while circumventing real change. “It is a body bent on self-protection,” said Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner, referring to the Legislature.

Ohio – State Street Settles Pay-to-Play Charges for $12 Million
New York Times – Liz Moyer | Published: 1/14/2016

State Street Corp. agreed to pay $12 million to settle charges that a senior vice president and a company lobbyist offered an Ohio deputy treasurer payoffs in order to win contracts servicing state pension funds. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found former State Street Vice President Vincent DeBaggis entered into an agreement with Amer Ahmad, then Ohio deputy treasurer, to make illegal cash payments and political contributions. In exchange, Ahmad helped the Boston-based bank obtain three lucrative contracts. Ahmad pleaded guilty before fleeing to Pakistan. He was eventually returned to the U.S. to serve a 15-year sentence. The SEC alleged Robert Crowe, a lawyer hired as a fundraiser and lobbyist by State Street, also took part in the kickback scheme.

South Carolina – Bill Would Require South Carolina Journalists to Register
Denver Post – Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) | Published: 1/19/2016

South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts said it is time to register journalists in the state. His bill would create requirements for people wanting to work as a journalist for a media outlet, and also before that outlet could hire anyone for a reporting position. The secretary of state’s office would be tasked with keeping a “responsible journalism registry” and creating the criteria, with the help of a panel, on what qualifies a person as a journalist–similar to doctors and lawyers, Pitts said. He said the bill is not a reaction to any particular news story but was intended to stimulate discussion over how he sees gun issues being reported.

Virginia – Lawmakers Go on Fundraising Frenzy before Session
Deseret News – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/19/2016

Like they do every year, Virginia legislators kept busy raising money from the businesses and trade associations that try to influence the laws they pass, donations that will not be made public until long after the 2016 session is over. State law forbids lawmakers from fundraising during the session, a restriction that leads to a flurry of receptions and fundraisers in the run up to it. This year there were nearly 50 fundraisers scheduled for the first two weeks in January, including 20 on the two days before the session started. Only large donations to certain campaign committees have to be reported shortly after they are given. Most campaign finance reports will not be due until this summer, meaning large sums of cash raised in the lead up to session will not be made public for months.

Washington – State Lawmaker in Olympia Asks Visiting Teens If They’re Virgins
Seattle Times – James O’Sullivan | Published: 1/18/2016

Washington Rep. Mary Dye startled a group of teen visitors by asking which ones were virgins and even suggesting one was not. The high school students had met with Dye to advocate for expanded insurance coverage for birth control as part of Planned Parenthood’s Teen Lobbying Day when she asked the intrusive question. “After she made the statement about virginity, all of my teens looked at me,” Rachel Todd, a Planned Parenthood worker accompanying the kids. “And I said, ‘You don’t have to answer that.'” Dye later said she was trying to talk about empowerment and good choices.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

January 21, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Big Names Free to Lobby in 2016” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Nebraska: “Ernie Chambers Resolution Takes Aim at Free Meals Provided by Lobbyists” by Joe Duggan for Omaha World-Herald New Mexico: “New Mexico Lobbyist Spending Tops $818,000 […]

January 20, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying Florida: “Lobbyists Often Skirt the Rules but Are Rarely Punished in Hillsborough County” by Steve Contorno for Tampa Bay Times Missouri: “Lobbyist Gift Ban Heads to Full House for Vote” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Campaign Finance […]

January 19, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “East Side of California Capitol Will Become Staff, Lobbyist Entrance” by Alexei Koseff for Sacramento Bee Campaign Finance “Super PACs Get Free Pass to Hide Donors” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Florida: “Special Interests Flood Florida […]

January 18, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying Missouri: “Senate Panel Eyes Lobbyist Gift Ban in Missouri” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Campaign Finance “Ted Cruz Didn’t Disclose Loan from Goldman Sachs for His First Senate Campaign” by Mike McIntire for New York Times California: […]

January 15, 2016 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – January 15, 2016

National: Groups Decrying ‘Dark Money’ Use Shadowy Money Themselves Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 1/14/2016 A number of groups that advocate against anonymous donations in politics are themselves responsible for putting money into elections that cannot […]

National:

Groups Decrying ‘Dark Money’ Use Shadowy Money Themselves
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 1/14/2016

A number of groups that advocate against anonymous donations in politics are themselves responsible for putting money into elections that cannot be traced, often hidden under layers of opaque networks. The organizations either gave to ballot measure campaigns, paid for messages about candidates, or gave to PACs. But many of the groups identified by the Center for Public Integrity said they already exceed what the law requires by disclosing at least some of their donors. Some relied on an argument that opponents of disclosure raise regularly: their donors could face hostility or mistreatment if the public knew the donors’ identities.

State Legislatures Tweak Lobbying Rules as Influence Industry Targets Their Capitols
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 1/7/2016

Legislatures around the country are enacting new rules to regulate lobbying. Many focus on disclosure as states seek to better define who lobbyists are and what they are allowed to do. The new rules are not expected to dramatically change the lobbying landscape in any of the states, but they do signify a movement by governments to tweak, improve, and clarify rules for lobbyists at a time that many hotly contested lobbying fights, such as those over gun laws, are progressing more quickly in state capitals than they are in Congress.

Federal:

Carson Campaign in Turmoil as Finance Chair Quits
Politico – Kyle Cheney | Published: 1/14/2016

Ben Carson’s presidential campaign was shaken by another high-profile resignation, with finance Chairperson Dean Parker leaving amid scrutiny over his grip on the campaign’s fundraising operation and the perception he has benefited improperly from campaign spending. From chartered flights to investments in ineffective paper mailers in early voting states, decisions made by staff have raised questions in recent months about whether the campaign is spending its money wisely. The resignation comes after it was reported that Parker was paying himself a salary of $20,000 per month, which is unusually high for such a position.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida – Miami Beach Commissioners Unanimously Pass Stricter Campaign Finance Laws
Miami Herald – Joey Flechas | Published: 1/13/2016

Miami Beach commissioners approved more stringent campaign finance laws after last year’s controversy about the role of special-interest money in local politics. Commissioners and candidates will no longer be able to solicit PAC contributions from lobbyists and vendors who have city contracts. The law also prohibits indirect solicitations, such as a third party asking lobbyists and vendors on behalf of candidates and elected officials.

Florida – Perry Violated Ethics Laws in Lobbying Scott on Medicaid Dental Provider
PoliticoFlorida – Marc Caputo | Published: 1/14/2016

Though Florida law says “a person may not lobby an agency [of state government] until such person has registered as a lobbyist,” Rick Perry did not do that when he met with Gov. Rick Scott, a top staffer, and the head of the Agency for Health Care Administration. The meeting was left off of Scott’s official daily schedule, which was updated hours later after a reporter inquired about it. It took Perry a few more hours to register as a lobbyist for MCNA Dental as questions were raised about whether he was following the law. The meeting was set up by Southern Strategy Group, a lobbying firm that represents MCNA Dental, to discuss legislation that would eliminate dental services from the list of health care services that managed care plans are required to offer beneficiaries.

Maine – Maine Governor Blames Media for Racially Charged Language Dust-Up
CNN – Gregory Krieg | Published: 1/8/2016

Maine Gov. Paul LePage apologized for his remark about out-of-state drug dealers impregnating “young white” girls, calling it a slip of the tongue and saying he did not mean to inject race into discussion of Maine’s heroin epidemic. LePage blamed reporters for unfairly focusing on the slip-up in which he described the drug dealers as “guys with the name D-Money, Smoothie, Shifty” and added, “Half the time they impregnate a young white girl before they leave.”

Massachusetts – Dispute Over State Senator’s Dirty Laundry Raises Questions
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 1/12/2016

The former owner of Woodlawn Cleaners said Massachusetts Sen. Brian Joyce received tens of thousands of dollars in free dry cleaning services over the course of a decade. Jerry Richman said he offered to clean Joyce’s clothes for free when Joyce was running for state Senate in 1997, but there was no formal or written agreement. Joyce’s attorneys say the free dry cleaning was in exchange for legal services provided by the Joyce over the years. Ethics experts said public officials in Massachusetts should not accept any services worth more than $50. Even if he traded legal services for the dry cleaning, he would have to keep records to show he did not receive a net benefit of $50 or more. Joyce has acknowledged there is no written record of the dry-cleaning-for-legal services arrangement and he cannot remember when it began.

Massachusetts – Walsh Reverses Course, to Back Lobbying Rules
Boston Globe – Andrew Ryan and Mark Arsenault | Published: 1/9/2016

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said he will propose regulations for municipal lobbyists that could for the first time require public disclosure of their efforts to influence development, contracts, and permits. Walsh’s announcement comes after The Boston Globe reported how a childhood friend and former law partner of the city’s top lawyer leveraged his personal relationships for introductions and access to key administration officials. Walsh said the reform will be modeled on state lobbying laws, which require lobbyists to disclose their clients, the matters on which they are lobbying, and their compensation.

Missouri – House Approves Ethics Package Including Rowden Proposal Limiting Lobbying
Columbia Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/14/2016

The Missouri House passed four ethics bills despite objections that the bills were too weak and too narrowly drafted. The package limits officials’ ability to lobby after leaving office, ban work as a political consultant while in office, and require more frequent reporting of personal finance and out-of-state trips. Under one bill, lawmakers and statewide officials elected this year and appointed officials confirmed by the Senate would have to wait one year after leaving office before working as a lobbyist. Officials who leave office before the end of their term would have to wait until the end of the term before the one-year waiting period begins. Another bill would require a report within one month when an official accepts a trip paid by a third party.

Montana – New Campaign Finance Rules Take Effect in Montana
Billings Gazette; Associated Press – | Published: 1/8/2016

New campaign finance rules took effect in Montana recently. The regulations for a law passed last year aim to make campaigns more transparent after the Citizens United decision that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money in elections. That ruling has given rise to independent expenditures made by social welfare groups that do not report their donors or spending. Now, groups registered as social welfare or issue advocacy organizations will have to make those disclosures if they produce advertisements or other electioneering communications that mention an election or a candidate, or use a candidate’s image.

New York – New York’s Ethics Rule Could Infringe on Free Speech, Experts Say
Crain’s New York Business – Rosa Goldensohn | Published: 1/13/2016

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics updated an advisory opinion to say that communication between public relations consultants and the press on public policy should count as lobbying. If a consultant has input into the content of such a message and helps to deliver it, that consultant would apparently be a lobbyist under the new rules. The advisory opinion also includes provisions that would require consultants who connect clients with lawmakers to register as lobbyists.

Pennsylvania – City Campaign Finance Limits Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 1/11/2016

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics announced that campaign contribution limits have increased for the next four years. Candidates for city office may now accept up to $3,000 from an individual contributor per calendar year, up from the previous $2,900 limit. They may also accept up to $11,900 from groups or businesses, up from the prior $11,500 cap.

Pennsylvania – Struggling Philadelphia Inquirer Is Donated to Nonprofit in Groundbreaking Deal
Washington Post – Fred Barbash | Published: 1/12/2016

H.F. Lenfest, the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com, announced he had donated the publications to a newly formed nonprofit journalism institute. The publications will continue to run independently. The new ownership structure comes as daily newspapers contend with falling circulation and dwindling advertising dollars, and many have sought new business models and new revenue sources to combat the decline. “My goal is to ensure that the journalism traditionally provided by the printed newspapers is given a new life and prolonged, while new media formats for its distribution are being developed,” said Lenfest.

West Virginia – Proposed Changes to State Ethics Act Divide Lawmakers
Charleston Gazette – Phil Kabler | Published: 1/11/2016

West Virginia lawmakers on the joint House and Senate Judiciary Committee were divided on two ethics reform bills. That included proposed legislation that would ban registered lobbyists from contributing to campaigns for statewide elected officials or for legislators, with some lawmakers concerned about loopholes in the proposal. Several noted the bill would ban lobbyists and their spouses from making campaign contributions, but does not prohibit the lobbyists’ employers from contributing, or bar lobbyists from hosting fundraisers.

Wisconsin – Elections Board Says Parties Must Report Corporate Donations
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 1/12/2016

The Government Accountability Board (GAB) shifted from its stance that Wisconsin’s new campaign finance laws do not require political parties and legislative campaign committees to disclose contributions from corporations. The board unanimously adopted a motion requiring the parties and committees to report such contributions as well as how they spend the money. GAB Director Kevin Kennedy said board staff incorrectly told people the law did not mandate such disclosures. A section of the new law allows corporations to donate up to $12,000 to political parties and campaign committees controlled by legislative leaders. The parties and the committees are limited to spending that money on administrative expenses. They cannot spend the money on expressly advocating for a candidate or pass it on to a candidate.

Jim Sedor State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

January 14, 2016 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying California: “Bill That Aimed to Shed Light on Specialty Prescription Drug Pricing Is Shelved” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times Florida: “Stricter Lobbying, Employment, Ethics Rules Advance in Senate” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times Campaign Finance […]

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