April 9, 2019 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Wyoming: “Wyoming’s Campaign Finance Reforms Leave Several Holes for Dark Money Influence” by Nick Reynolds for Casper Star Tribune Ethics New York: “No Jail Time for Ex-Cuomo Confidant Todd Howe in Corruption Case” by Robert Gavin for Albany […]
Campaign Finance
Wyoming: “Wyoming’s Campaign Finance Reforms Leave Several Holes for Dark Money Influence” by Nick Reynolds for Casper Star Tribune
Ethics
New York: “No Jail Time for Ex-Cuomo Confidant Todd Howe in Corruption Case” by Robert Gavin for Albany Times Union
Lobbying
National: “Thanks to Mueller, Foreign Agents Come Under Greater Scrutiny” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Alabama: “Ethics Bill Would Remove Limits on Lobbyist Gifts to Officials” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
California: “To Block California Soda Taxes, Companies Paid for ‘Black Panther’ Tickets, Fancy Dinners” by Samantha Young (California Healthline) for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “How the FBI Got a Flashy Lobbyist to Wear a Wire to Bring Down a Mayor” by Susannah Bryan for South Florida Sun Sentinel
North Carolina: “Request for More ‘Flexible’ Regulations Followed Lindberg Donations” by Travis Fain for WRAL
Washington: “A Washington State Senator Praised the Cambodian Government Last Year. Then It Gave Him a $500,000 Lobbying Contract.” by Jim Brunner and Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
April 30, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance National: Did Diamond and Silk Commit Perjury? Or Is Campaign-Finance Language Often Confusing? by Philip Bump for Washington Post California: Hackers Stole His Campaign Cash, Sacramento Lawmaker Says by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee North Carolina: Steak Dinners, Travel, HOA Fees: How some NC […]
Campaign Finance
National: Did Diamond and Silk Commit Perjury? Or Is Campaign-Finance Language Often Confusing? by Philip Bump for Washington Post
California: Hackers Stole His Campaign Cash, Sacramento Lawmaker Says by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
North Carolina: Steak Dinners, Travel, HOA Fees: How some NC legislators spend campaign donors’ money by Will Doran and Lynn Bonner for Charlotte Observer
Ethics
National: Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez Is ‘Severely Admonished’ by Ethics Committee, Ordered to Repay Gifts by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
Florida: Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie Hid $335,000, Charges Allege by Skyler Swisher and Tonya Alanez for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Michigan: Michigan Lawmakers Voted on Bills Even After Admitting Conflicts of Interest by Kristian Hernandez for Center for Public Integrity
Legislative Issues
Minnesota: Minnesota House Leaders Unveil Major Changes to Sexual Harassment Policy, but Updates Won’t Make Process Any More Open to Public by Brianna Bierschbach for Minnesota Post
Lobbying
National: Democrats See Their Stock Rise on K Street by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Canada: MPs Defend Taking Trips Paid by Lobbyists, Foreign Governments, but Some Say the Practice Needs Review by Samantha Wright Allen for Hill Times
January 6, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 6, 2017
National: One Person, One Algorithm, One Vote: Campaigns are doing more with data, for better or worse Capital Times – Katelyn Farrell | Published: 1/3/2017 After an election where political campaigns were blamed or credited for relying on voter data to an unprecedented […]
National:
One Person, One Algorithm, One Vote: Campaigns are doing more with data, for better or worse
Capital Times – Katelyn Farrell | Published: 1/3/2017
After an election where political campaigns were blamed or credited for relying on voter data to an unprecedented degree, Young Mie Kim, a professor and researcher at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, is studying how campaigns used that data across the country. Much like how businesses market products, political campaigns are increasingly focusing on sophisticated data-driven calculations, used to persuade voters and get them to the polls. Those predictions inform campaign strategy and often dictate how a candidate interacts with the electorate.
Federal:
House Republicans, Under Fire, Back Down on Gutting Ethics Office
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Matt Flegenheimer | Published: 1/3/2017
House Republicans abruptly withdrew a proposal to weaken an ethics watchdog in a rocky start to the new Congress. The 115th session had not even formally gaveled in before House leaders held an emergency meeting to discuss blowback against the GOP’s vote to eviscerate the independent the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). The reversal came hours after President-elect Donald Trump issued a series of tweets questioning the timing of the changes, which would put the OCE under oversight of the House Committee on Ethics. Even before Trump weighed in, a barrage of negative headlines and public outcry made it difficult for Republicans to stand by the measure.
House Votes to Require Disclosure of Presidential Library Donations
The Hill – Megan Wilson and Cristina Marcos | Published: 1/4/2017
The U.S. House passed a bill that would give the public a better view of donations going to presidential libraries. It is the fourth time since 2002 that the House has approved the bipartisan legislation, known as the Presidential Library Donation Reform Act. The bill has died in the Senate each time it has been introduced. The bill would require quarterly disclosure of donations to presidential libraries totaling $200 or more. While lobbyists and organizations that hire them must file semi-annual reports listing all political donations, which include any financial or in-kind gifts to presidential library nonprofits, those foundations are not required to disclose their donors. Lawmakers of both parties said letting the public know who is donating to outgoing presidents’ libraries would shine light on potential “pay-to-play” attempts.
Rep. Duncan Hunter’s Team Responds to Uproar Over Rabbit Expenses
Yahoo News – Michael Walsh | Published: 1/4/2017
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter spent $600 of his campaign funds in “cabin rabbit transport fees.” The pet travel was part of $62,000 in personal or not properly documented campaign expenses that Hunter has reimbursed his campaign for. The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) conducted a review of Hunter’s campaign spending last year. According to Hunter spokesperson Joe Kasper, there was “no intent” by Hunter to misuse campaign funds on personal matters. Hunter’s team intentionally floated the rabbit story to demonstrate how, from its perspective, the OCE has misconstrued simple mistakes as unethical conduct.
Trump and Julian Assange, an Unlikely Pair, Unite to Sow Hacking Doubts
New York Times – Scott Shane | Published: 1/4/2017
President-elect Donald Trump recently tweeted praise for a man most Republicans wanted nothing to do with – Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. It was not the first time Trump had praised WikiLeaks. During his campaign for president, he highlighted emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Since then, Trump has continued praising the radical transparency group, harshly criticized by President Obama and other officials for what they describe as damaging national security leaks. And Trump has been in sync with conservative media, once critical of WikiLeaks, which increasingly embraces Assange as a hero.
Trump to Face Sworn Deposition in Coming Days
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 1/5/2017
With President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in fast approaching, many of the high-profile lawsuits that entangled him during the campaign are all but certain to carry on through his inauguration and into his tenure at the White House, and he will even inherit some new ones. Trump and his companies face scores of pending lawsuits, including cases claiming skimming of tips at his New York SoHo hotel, seeking refunds of millions of dollars in membership fees charged by his country club in Jupiter, Florida, and alleging his security personnel assaulted protesters outside Trump Tower. And in a bizarre twist, Trump’s Justice Department will find itself defending against a slew of lawsuits relating to Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Governor Bentley Has Former Rep. Terry Spicer Removed from State Job
Dothan Eagle; Staff – | Published: 1/4/2017
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says a former state representative, who pleaded guilty to bribing a lobbyist, will no longer work at a state liquor store. Bentley said he told his chief of staff to advise the Alcohol Beverage Control Board that former Rep. Terry Spicer will not be employed. Spicer pleaded guilty in 2011 to taking cash and a ski vacation from a lobbyist. Spicer, a former school superintendent and community college employee, needs more time in state employment to draw his pension.
Arkansas – Arkansas State Legislator Neal Pleads Guilty in Kickbacks Scheme
Arkansas Online – Doug Thompson | Published: 1/5/2017
Arkansas Rep. Micah Neal pleaded guilty to directing state funds to two nonprofit organizations in exchange for kickbacks. As part of his plea, Neal admitted that between January 2013 and January 2015, while serving in the House, he conspired with a state senator to use their official positions to appropriate budget surplus funds, known as General Improvement Fund money, to two nonprofit organizations in exchange for bribes. The unnamed state senator involved is described in court documents as serving “in the Arkansas Senate from 2013 to the present. Prior to his service in the Arkansas Senate, Senator ‘A’ serves as a representative in the Arkansas House of Representative from 2007 to 2012.” Four members of the state Senate have political careers that fit that description.
California – Political Donations Flow as Rick Caruso Seeks Approval for a 20-Story Tower Near the Beverly Center
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 12/28/2016
Real estate developer Rick Caruso has been a reliable benefactor at Los Angeles City Hall, giving big donations to the city’s politicians and their pet causes. Now, Caruso wants the mayor and city council to approve a 20-story residential tower on a site where new buildings are currently limited to a height of 45 feet. Opponents of the project view Caruso’s political contributions with alarm, saying the steady stream of money has undermined their confidence in the city’s planning process.
Florida – Ron Book Is Big Winner in Local Government Lobbying Contracts
Miami Herald – Steve Bousquet | Published: 1/3/2017
The Florida House is now posting copies of contracts between lobbyists and local governments online and nearly half of the first set of contracts posted are with Ron Book, who has been a fixture in the halls of the Capitol for four decades and has built local government lobbying work into a cottage industry in the state. Lobbyists hired to represent local governments often get unparalleled access to the powerful because they make campaign contributions, which cities and counties cannot do.
Indiana – State Senator Introduces Ethics Bill to Ban All Gifts from Lobbyists
WTHR – Bob Segall | Published: 1/3/2017
Indiana Sen. Mike introduced a bill that would make it illegal for lawmakers to accept a gift from a lobbyist. Gifts prohibited by the proposed legislation would include anything that has value, such as tickets to athletic events, and anything that may be classified as entertainment. The bill would also require lobbyists to keep a public log of all communication with lawmakers, and lobbyists would have to update those logs frequently. Texts and emails between lobbyists and state lawmakers would for the first time become public records.
Missouri – Missouri Campaign Contribution Limits Remain in Place After Latest Hearing
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 12/29/2016
In a federal court hearing, opponents of a new Missouri law limiting campaign contributions withdrew a request to block the caps. U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Perry said she wants to first hear arguments about the merits and pitfalls of the new limits before deciding whether to place a temporary hold on the caps while the lawsuit moves through the legal system. Under the change to the state constitution, Missouri voters capped donations to individual candidates at $2,600 per election. Maximum contributions to a political party would be set at $25,000.
Montana – Montana Fails to Retain Decades of Emails Despite Open Government Law
The Missoulian – Jayme Fraser | Published: 1/2/2017
The state archives are supposed to be the final destination for the most important records about Montana government and how leaders made their decisions. Experts say the fact that no emails are saved there is a sign something is wrong. They describe a two-pronged problem: agencies are deleting emails too soon and the archives do not have the storage or equipment to accept them. As a result, Montanans have lost decades of public information. Retention decisions are made by individual state agencies, and few of them have preserved emails consistently, if at all.
New York – Why Developers of Manhattan Luxury Towers Give Millions to Upstate Candidates
ProPublica.org – Cezary Podkul and Derek Kravitz (ProPublica), and Will Parker (The Real Deal) | Published: 12/30/2016
ProPublica and The Real Deal mapped contributions from limited liability companies and individuals tied to the 60 biggest developers of New York City rental properties receiving a lucrative state subsidy. While it has long been known that developers donate a lot of money to state elections, the analysis shows for the first time just how tactical the industry is about bankrolling candidates across the state that are friendly to its cause. The state oversees New York City’s system of capping rent increases, known as rent stabilization. By influencing state elections, developers have undermined rent stabilization and preserved a key tax break that saves them far more money than they spend on political campaigns.
South Carolina – South Carolina’s Pending Ethics Commission Isn’t All That Independent, Experts Say
Charleston Post and Courier – Maya Prabhu | Published: 1/3/2017
South Carolina lawmakers voted last year to create an eight-member Ethics Commission that will be appointed by April 1. While outside groups applauded the move in the wake of scandals in the state, others cautioned there is still room for politics to creep in. Many give South Carolina credit for taking a step, however small, toward having its suspect lawmakers investigated by a separate entity when accused of wrongdoing.
Tennessee – Attorney General Says Political Fundraisers at TN Governor’s Mansion, State Property Legal
Chattanooga Times Free Press – Andy Sher | Published: 1/5/2017
Holding campaign fundraisers at the governor’s mansion and other state property is legal, said an opinion issued by Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery. In an unrelated opinion, Slatery said social media accounts that are created and maintained by a municipality can be a matter of public record.
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.
December 5, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 5, 2014
National: An Upbeat End to a Turbulent Year for Conservative State Legislature Group Washington Post – Tom Hamburger | Published: 12/3/2014 Early in 2014, ALEC lost some of its most esteemed corporate partners – including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Facebook – […]
National:
An Upbeat End to a Turbulent Year for Conservative State Legislature Group
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger | Published: 12/3/2014
Early in 2014, ALEC lost some of its most esteemed corporate partners – including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Facebook – who decided not to renew their memberships following complaints that the organization questioned climate science. But then came Election Day in November, which delivered massive gains for state lawmakers backed by the group and left a record number of state legislative chambers in Republican hands. Thus ALEC is ending the year with upticks in the number of corporate members and in interest from legislators.
How Do Countries Rank on Corruption?
Los Angeles Times – Alexandra Zavis | Published: 12/2/2014
A report from Transparency International shows how levels of corruption vary around the world. The group ranked 175 countries on factors such as the prevalence of bribery, how countries prosecute corruption, and how governments respond to their population’s needs, such as guaranteeing basic human rights. North American and European countries were relatively less corrupt than countries in South America, Central Africa, and Asia. Somalia and North Korea ranked as the most corrupt countries in the world. Denmark and New Zealand were the least corrupt. The U.S. came in 17th place.
Federal:
15 Places in DC Where Lobbyists Talk Turkey
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 11/28/2014
There are more than 11,000 lobbyists in Washington, D.C. and an ever-growing assortment of places for wining and dining, from the smoke-filled rooms for which the city is famous to trendy cocktail lounges and four-star restaurants. There are some venues, however, that have emerged as staples for K Street business. While each of the roughly two-dozen lobbyists that responded to The Hill’s inquiry for their favorite places to dine, drink, and do business, Washington boasts 15 places where lobbyists are almost definitely expected to be found.
Federal Judge Tosses out FEC Donor Disclosure Rule, Calling it Too Narrow
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 11/25/2014
A federal judge again tossed out an FEC rule that allowed nonprofit organizations running so-called issue ads to keep their donors secret, in a setback for groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Crossroads GPS. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said the rule is “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.” The case hinges on a 2007-era regulation stating organizations that run issue ads close to Election Day only have to reveal donors who give for the explicit purpose of financing those spots. Under the rule, few groups running such ads have reported their contributors.
Know Before You Go: An ethics overview for Capitol Hill holiday parties
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 12/1/2014
The same congressional ethics regulations that ban lobbyists from treating lawmakers and staff to most lunches, dinners, or other gifts also govern the December social circuit in Washington. The “reception exemption” is the top carve out to the rules that most K Street party planners employ. “If it looks like a reception, then it’s OK; members and staff are allowed to attend a reception that’s purely social and a holiday celebration,” said William Minor, a lawyer at DLA Piper who specializes in ethics and lobbying laws. But beware anything that looks like a meal, or even opulent tiny bites such as caviar or truffles.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – L.A. Voters Won’t Be Offered Cash Prizes in March City Election
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 12/2/2014
The idea of luring Los Angeles voters to the polls with cash prizes will not be used during next year’s March or May elections. The city Ethics Commission had suggested holding a lottery to improve voter turnout, which was 23 percent for last year’s mayoral run-off. Voters would be eligible for prizes of $25,000 or $50,000. Opponents said that was bribery and would do little to make sure voters were well-informed on issues and candidates.
Florida – Former Attorney General’s Contact with Pam Bondi’s Office Raises Questions
Miami Herald – Michael Van Sickler (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 12/1/2014
Bill McCollum is not just Pam Bondi’s predecessor as Florida attorney general; he also leads the Republican State Leadership Committee, which has championed Bondi’s advancement. During the 19 months that McCollum served as vice chairperson of the group, it contributed $650,000 to Bondi’s re-election campaign, more than 10 percent of what she raised, and chipped in another $16,000 in gifts so she could attend conferences with other Republican attorneys general. Now specializing in public policy and regulation at Dentons, an international law firm, McCollum contacted Bondi’s office on behalf of his clients, but did not register himself or list his clients with the state, which is a requirement for anyone who lobbies the executive branch.
Maryland – New Maryland Rules Would Curb Some Uses of Campaign Funds
Baltimore Sun – Michael Dresser | Published: 11/29/2014
New rules proposed by the State Board of Elections would bar candidates in Maryland from using their campaign funds to pay for such things as foreign travel, tuition, or mounting a legal defense to charges unrelated to the campaign. In addition to the prohibition on some uses of campaign funds, the board is proposing explicit rules on what actions violate the state’s longtime ban on legislators and statewide elected officials raising money during the legislative session. Among the practices banned is one in which officials send out a notice during the 90-day session to “save the date,” code in political circles for announcing a fundraiser.
Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers Face Renewed Calls to Change Loose Ethics Laws
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 11/26/2014
Some Missouri lawmakers say support is building to tighten state ethics laws that are among the loosest in the nation, but they warn that any reform probably would not include campaign contribution limits. The state allows legislators to accept unlimited gifts from lobbyists, collect political donations of any size, and lets lawmakers become lobbyists the moment they leave office. For years, some lawmakers have sought to change that, and each time those efforts have run into a wall of legislative opposition. Some think the 2015 legislative session could be different, with several longtime opponents of ethics reform out of office and legislative leaders voicing support for tackling the issue.
North Carolina – Redrawn Political Lines Create Sparse Choice for Voters
Ashville Citizen-Times – Mark Barrett | Published: 12/2/2014
Results of this year’s general election have once again fueled concerns about North Carolina’s redistricting process, one in which the General Assembly draws lines for U.S. House and legislative districts once a decade. Exactly half of all 120 state Houses races in November featured only one candidate. In the Senate, 19 of 50 races had just the one candidate. Only 30 to 40 of the remaining seats in the two chambers were truly “in play,” meaning either candidate had a realistic chance of winning, according to experts. Critics say the lack of competition means officeholders cater to the extreme wings of their parties, the party in power gets a disproportionate share of the seats, and voters are less likely to take an interest in public affairs.
Virginia – Ethics Commission Recommends More Caps on Free Meals, Trips for Virginia Lawmakers
The Tribune – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 12/1/2014
A panel examining Virginia’s ethics laws recommending that state lawmakers not be able accept meals, trips, and entertainment worth more than $250 from lobbyists and others. The Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government included the recommendation in an interim report submitted to Gov. Terry McAuliffe. The commission had outlined its recommendations at a meeting in November, but now it has formally presented them to McAuliffe. The governor is expected to use the report to form the basis of ethics legislation he will propose for the General Assembly session that begins in January.
Washington – Ethics Panel Eyes Lawmakers’ Meals
The Columbian; Staff – | Published: 12/2/2014
The Legislative Ethics Board has limited the number of free meals that Washington lawmakers could accept to 12 meals a year, and legislators currently have to report meals costing more than $50. At a recent meeting, the board approved a motion requesting that lawmakers publicly report free meals, no matter the dollar value. The Legislature must approve the reporting requirement.
West Virginia – Report Suggests Davis Conflict in Nursing Home Case
Charleston Gazette – Kate White | Published: 12/2/2014
An ABC News report said an attorney helped raise thousands of dollars for West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Robin Davis’ 2012 re-election campaign and later purchased a private jet from Davis’ husband for more than $1 million. The attorney, Michael Fuller, would later argue a high-profile nursing home case in front of Davis. Although the justices reduced a $90 million verdict against a nursing home to about $40 million, Fuller’s law firm received more than $17 million. Davis has said she is against changing the rules justices use to determine whether they should step down from certain cases.
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.
December 4, 2014 •
House Ethics Committee Issues Holiday Gift Guidance
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics released a reminder for its members and staff about the propriety of accepting holiday gifts. Holiday Guidance on the Gift Rule, an eight-page memorandum on House Rule 25, points out some […]
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics released a reminder for its members and staff about the propriety of accepting holiday gifts.
Holiday Guidance on the Gift Rule, an eight-page memorandum on House Rule 25, points out some of the restrictions, including reminders on how to handle certain types of situations such as attending a holiday reception at a lobbying firm.
In such a situation, attendance is allowed as long as “the food and refreshments are of ‘nominal value’ and offered ‘other than as part of a meal.’”
Should a representative or staff member be offered a gift card or certificate, the memorandum reminds them these items are considered the same as cash; therefore, they cannot be accepted under any gift exception. The communication also reminds members and staff how they must handle unacceptable gifts, how to seek written committee approval in some circumstances, and which financial disclosure requirements may be necessary.
In a seasonal flair, the memorandum ends with a whimsical poem entitled The House Gift Rule: A Rhyme for the Holidays. The poem includes stanzas such as the following:
Gifts worth less than 50 dollars really aren’t scary,
Unless there’s a lobbyist, you can make merry.
But beware! This exception requires you to know
That the donor’s permitted before pulling that bow.
Receptions are gifts but are permitted if they,
Aren’t a meal, regardless if served from a tray.
The exception requires that food value be nominal,
So no caviar, no matter, whether phenomenal.
December 4, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Ethics Panel Eyes Lawmakers’ Meals” in The Columbian Campaign Finance “New Study Finds Companies’ Campaign Donations Linked to Lower Tax Rates” by Debbie Freeman for Arizona State University “Ethics Panel Seeks Change in Law to Stop Candidates from Paying […]
Lobbying
“Ethics Panel Eyes Lawmakers’ Meals” in The Columbian
Campaign Finance
“New Study Finds Companies’ Campaign Donations Linked to Lower Tax Rates” by Debbie Freeman for Arizona State University
“Ethics Panel Seeks Change in Law to Stop Candidates from Paying Self from PAC” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for Lewiston Sun Journal
“Election Ads Were About Issues, Says ‘Carolina Rising’ Chief” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
Ethics
“Alcorn County Pays Ex-Lawmaker Thousands for Jail Work” by Emily Wagster Pettus for Hattiesburg Daily American
“Report Suggests Davis Conflict in Nursing Home Case” by Kate White for Charleston Gazette
Elections
“How to Handle a Broken Campaign Promise” by Nathan Gonzales for Roll Call
“L.A. Voters Won’t Be Offered Cash Prizes in March City Election” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Legislative Issues
“New Leader, New Rules for SC House” by Cassie Cope for The State
“State Lawmakers Poised for Pay Bump” by David Saleh-Rauf for San Antonio Express-News
December 3, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Know Before You Go: An ethics overview for Capitol Hill holiday parties” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call Campaign Finance “Supervisors Will Give Controversial FPPC Monitoring Plan another Try” by Norberto Santana, Jr. for Kitsap Sun “Federal Appeals Court […]
Lobbying
“Know Before You Go: An ethics overview for Capitol Hill holiday parties” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Campaign Finance
“Supervisors Will Give Controversial FPPC Monitoring Plan another Try” by Norberto Santana, Jr. for Kitsap Sun
“Federal Appeals Court Upholds Braddock’s Sentence” by Hugh McQuaid for CTNewsJunkie.com
“Hogan Won with Public Money, but Replenishing the Fund is Uncertain” by John Wagner for Washington Post
“Federal Judge Tosses out FEC Donor Disclosure Rule, Calling it Too Narrow” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Broward’s Sharief to Admit Guilt, Accept $3,000 Fine in Ethics Case” by Brittany Wallman for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Indiana: “Legislative Ethics Reformers Walk Fine Line” by Dan Carden for Northwest Indiana Times
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers Face Renewed Calls to Change Loose Ethics Laws” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New Jersey: “Port Authority Employees with Political Ties Still on Job” by Martin Braun for Bloomberg News
Ohio: “Amer Ahmad Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Corruption Plot” by Jeremy Pelzer for Cleveland Plain Dealer
March 14, 2012 •
Lobbyist Compliance and Other Resources Online
State and Federal Communications, Inc. is your compliance information source for campaign finance, lobbying compliance, procurement, and ethics laws.
Take a tour of our site and click on the “Free Live Online Demo” on the middle of the left column of the home page. You will open a page with three blue links, located in the middle of the page:
•Executive Source Guide on Lobbying Laws
•Executive Source Guide on Political Contributions
•Executive Source Guide on Procurement Lobbying
Click on any one – or all three – to view the state of Alaska compliance information we provide to clients. This comprehensive and vital compliance information is updated continuously.
We have this same online information for all 50 states, the federal government, and 226 municipal and regional governments.
If you would like to view everything we have for online clients, contact us at info@stateandfed.com or 330-761-9960 and ask about our two-week trial. There is no cost for the trial, and you are under no obligation to purchase.
We can think of no better way for you to see the value in our online resources than for you and your team to actually use them for two weeks in your compliance efforts.
November 21, 2011 •
News You Can Use – November 21, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Poll: Americans divided on companies that hire lobbyists
Federal:
Administration Officials Double as Obama Campaign Speakers
Corporate Lobbying Is a Very Exclusive Club
Gingrich Said to Be Paid By Freddie Mac to Court Republicans
Obama Administration Extends Review of Lobbyist Gift Ban
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska
FEC Rejects Miller’s Senate Race Complaint
Arizona
Former Fiesta Bowl Employee Indicted
California
FPPC Sticks with $30,000 Fine for Lobbyist Frank Molina
California
New Gift Rules Would Benefit Legislators Dating Lobbyists
Colorado
Judge Says Gessler’s Campaign Finance Change Unconstitutional
Michigan
No Such Thing as Free Lunch? There Is for State Lawmakers in Lansing
Missouri
Missouri High Court Hears Challenge to 2010 Ethics Law
Nevada
No Vote on Transparency Bill Lets Lobbyists Keep Paying Tab
New Mexico
Gov. Martinez Says Officials and Lobbyists Are Too Cozy
New York
Appeals Court Allows New Trial for Bruno
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.
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.