January 17, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Elections “Sharper State Divide in Congress Seen as ‘New Civil War’” by Carl Hulse for New York Times “Bannon Is Subpoenaed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times Maine: “Maine Republican Party Promoting ‘Fake News’ Sites […]
Elections
“Sharper State Divide in Congress Seen as ‘New Civil War’” by Carl Hulse for New York Times
“Bannon Is Subpoenaed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times
Maine: “Maine Republican Party Promoting ‘Fake News’ Sites That Target Democrats” by Brian MacQuarrie (Boston Globe) for Portland Press Herald
Ethics
“One Year After Women’s March, More Activism but Less Unity” by Farah Stockman for New York Times
Florida: “‘He Unbuttoned My Jacket and He Felt Me Up.’ Lobbyist Details Senator’s Harassment.” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
New Mexico: “Lawmakers OK Updated Sexual Harassment Policy” by Andrew Oxford (Santa Fe New Mexican) for NMPolitics.net
Legislative Issues
Alaska: “Gridlock in Juneau? Not If Alaska Legislators and Lobbyists Can’t Get Their Cars There” by Nathaniel Herz for Anchorage Daily News
Lobbying
Hawaii: “Mayor’s Lobbyist Will Not Need to Register with the State” by Nancy Cook-Lauer for Hawaii Tribune Herald
January 16, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Elections “The Next GOP Panic: Governors races” by Gabriel Debenedetti and Daniel Strauss for Politico Ethics “Trump’s ‘Fake News Awards’ Could Violate Ethics Rules” by Jason Schwartz for Politico “How a Congressional Harassment Claim Led to a Secret $220,000 Payment” […]
Elections
“The Next GOP Panic: Governors races” by Gabriel Debenedetti and Daniel Strauss for Politico
Ethics
“Trump’s ‘Fake News Awards’ Could Violate Ethics Rules” by Jason Schwartz for Politico
“How a Congressional Harassment Claim Led to a Secret $220,000 Payment” by Kimberly Kindy and Michelle Yee Hee Lee for Washington Post
Maryland: “As Calls Grow for Oaks to Resign, Senate President Refers case to Ethics Committee” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun
Wisconsin: “Amid John Doe Fallout, Heads of Wisconsin Ethics and Elections Commissions Fight for Their Jobs” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Canada: “Independent Senators Seek Investigation of Beyak’s Ethics, Use of Public Funds” by The Canadian Press for Times Colonist
Legislative Issues
“To Grease Wheels of Congress, Trump Suggests Bringing Back Pork” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times
Tennessee: “Tennessee Legislature’s New Home Is Less ‘Middle School,’ More ‘Corporate’” by Andy Sher for Chattanooga Times Free Press
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Lobbyist Transparency Takes a Nosedive” by Marjorie Childress and Melorie Bagey for New Mexico In Depth
January 15, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Delaware: “Lobbyists Given a Space of Their Own in Legislative Hall” by Scott Gross for Wilmington News Journal South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmakers Overseeing Regulators Were Also Wined and Dined by Utility Companies” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post […]
Lobbying
Delaware: “Lobbyists Given a Space of Their Own in Legislative Hall” by Scott Gross for Wilmington News Journal
South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmakers Overseeing Regulators Were Also Wined and Dined by Utility Companies” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
Wisconsin: “State Report: Nearly 15 percent of Wisconsin lobbyists lobbied without authorization” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal
Ethics
“Schiff Lays Out Republican Efforts to Block Access in Russia Probe” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post
Alaska: “Legislators Who Skip Training Could Face Ethics Complaint” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for The Sun Herald
Missouri: “Greitens Faces Criminal Investigation Over Allegations Stemming from His Affair” by Jack Suntrup and Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York: “Investigate an Accused Ally? New York Senate’s Republican Leader Says No” by Jesse McKinley and Vivian Wang for New York Times
Canada: “New Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion Promises to Be ‘Fearless’” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail
January 12, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 12, 2018
National: These Are the Only Two States That Don’t Require Lawmakers to Disclose Finances Center for Public Integrity – Kristian Hernandez | Published: 1/8/2018 Despite ongoing efforts to bring about reform, Michigan and Idaho are the last remaining holdouts among […]
National:
These Are the Only Two States That Don’t Require Lawmakers to Disclose Finances
Center for Public Integrity – Kristian Hernandez | Published: 1/8/2018
Despite ongoing efforts to bring about reform, Michigan and Idaho are the last remaining holdouts among states that do not require lawmakers to disclose anything about their personal finances. While watchdogs say this sort of personal financial disclosure is a crucial tool for holding lawmakers accountable to the public, the prospects for change in Boise and Lansing are uncertain at best.
Federal:
Lobbyists Have a New Secret Weapon
Bloomberg.com – Alexandra Stratton | Published: 1/10/2018
While the face of lobbying is often a government relations executive trekking the halls of Capitol Hill armed with talking points, attending luncheons, and writing op-eds, the hidden side of the business entails hours of research and grunt work. And despite the billions of dollars that corporations pour into lobbying efforts each year, the work has remained relatively low-tech. Part of the problem is knowing how to sift through reams of information. Alex Wirth co-founded Quorum Analytics in his Harvard dorm room. The idea was to give lobbyists the tools to automate some of the more rote, labor-intensive parts of their work. Wirth claims Quorum has built the world’s most comprehensive database of legislative information.
Obstruction Inquiry Shows Trump’s Struggle to Keep Grip on Russia Investigation
MSN – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2018
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is aware of an unsuccessful attempt by President Trump to lobby Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to recuse himself from the Justice Department’s Russia inquiry. The New York Times reported Trump had ordered White House Counsel Don McGahn to stop Sessions from recusing himself from oversight of the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The reported attempt to have a political ally maintain control of an investigation into his associates would add to a list of possible examples of Trump seeking to influence the Justice Department, and opening himself up to potential obstruction of justice claims.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – A Sexist Culture Endures at Arizona Capitol, Insiders Say
Arizona Republic – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dustin Gardiner | Published: 1/7/2018
The Arizona Republic interviewed more than 40 women and men – including lobbyists, lawmakers, and policy advisers – about their experiences working at the Arizona Legislature. The interviews elicited anger, tears, or dispassionate frustration with what has long been the status quo. From those interviews, a portrait emerged of a coarse, male-dominated and often sexist culture that permeates the workdays and the social gatherings that define a legislative session. The stories they told, independently of each other, showed an often unhealthy workplace – one where women and men are conditioned to try to capitalize on the physical appearances of women to advance a cause.
Illinois – Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract
Chicago Tribune – Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg | Published: 1/4/2018
A top staffer for the Illinois Lottery failed to disclose her relationships and contact with lobbyists for a firm that was bidding for a contract to manage the lottery, a state investigation found. The lack of disclosure led the state’s top contract officer to suspend the contract with the British lottery firm Camelot, potentially worth at least $2 billion. Illinois reinstated the contract recently after an investigation by an outside law firm determined the lapses were not significant enough to affect the fairness of the bidding process.
Iowa – A Lobbyist Got Married in the Iowa House, and a Portrait of Donald Trump Was Removed Before the Ceremony
Des Moines Register – Jason Noble | Published: 1/4/2018
The marriage ceremony of a prominent statehouse lobbyist in the Iowa House chamber last year has ruffled feathers at the Capitol. The ceremony was not approved in advance by House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, and photographs later revealed a portrait of President Trump that hangs behind the chamber dais had been removed while the vows were exchanged. “We’ve had a conversation about what’s appropriate for the chamber and what is not, and that falls into the what-is-not category,” Upmeyer said.
Kansas – Awkward: Brownback said he was leaving as Kansas governor. He hasn’t
New York Times – Julie Bosman | Published: 1/8/2018
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback appointment as the Trump administration’s as ambassador at large for international religious freedom was announced in July. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer was widely expected to succeed Brownback and kick off the 2018 legislative session. But as lawmakers began meeting in the Capitol for the start of the session, Brownback was still the governor. And there is no certainty about when he might actually depart this stage. Some Kansans said it was not entirely clear who was truly in charge of the state, and for how long.
Kentucky – Kentucky House Speaker Lashes Out in Resignation Speech after Sexual Harassment Settlement
Washington Post – Derek Hawkins | Published: 1/9/2018
In an emotional speech, Rep. Jeff Hoover resigned as Kentucky House speaker following weeks of turmoil over a sexual harassment scandal. Hoover had promised to step down in November after it was reported he had secretly settled a sexual harassment claim with a woman on his staff. In remarks lasting more than 20 minutes, Hoover portrayed himself as the victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy to oust him from power, accusing the governor and fellow lawmakers of lying about his actions. With his wife watching from the balcony, he acknowledged trading inappropriate texts with the staffer, but denied any misconduct, saying while the messages were ill-advised, they were consensual.
Maryland – Feds: Indicted Baltimore state senator confessed to taking cash payments
Baltimore Sun – Justin Fenton | Published: 1/5/2018
Federal prosecutors revealed in new court documents that indicted Maryland Sen. Nathaniel Oaks confessed to taking cash payments in exchange for official business before cooperating with the FBI and upending another bribery investigation. While the U.S. attorney’s office says Oaks confessed both to taking cash payments and to interfering with an investigation, he has pleaded not guilty and has a trial scheduled for April, right after the legislative session concludes.
Missouri – Greitens Admits Affair but Denies Related Blackmail Allegation
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott, Jack Suntrup, and Celest Bott | Published: 1/11/2018
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens admitted he had an extramarital affair in 2015, when he was considering a run for governor. But he denied allegations he tried to blackmail the woman into silence. A report on a St. Louis television station featured an interview with the ex-husband of Greitens’ mistress, who had secretly recorded his then-wife confessing the affair to him before they divorced. A lawyer for the governor denied the sensational allegations that Greitens threatened to distribute naked photos he took of the woman if she ever disclosed the affair.
North Carolina – NC Congressional Districts Struck Down as Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymanders
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 1/9/2018
A three-judge federal panel struck down North Carolina’s congressional map as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander, giving the state Legislature until January 24 to adopt a new map and potentially throwing this year’s elections into chaos. The panel said if the General Assembly fails to enact a new map, a special master will be appointed to draw the districts. The judges ruled the remedial map violated the equal protection clause when GOP legislative leaders drew the maps with an explicit conservative bias in an effort to favor Republican candidates.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Rebukes Cylvia Hayes for ‘Blatant Disregard of Ethics Laws
Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 1/5/2018
Former First Lady Cylvia Hayes committed 22 ethics violations stemming from the misuse of her public position for financial gain, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission decided. Each violation could carry a maximum fine of $5,000. The commission also could require Hayes to forfeit up to twice the amount she earned from contracts received because of her access to top government officials. While the findings of this inquiry focused on Hayes, commissioners said they should also be considered in the ongoing case against former Gov. John Kitzhaber since the violations often involved his actions. The commission rejected a proposed settlement with Kitzhaber because they wanted a more detailed investigation and the proposed fine of $1,000 was too small.
Washington – Spokane City Council Overrides Condon Veto of Campaign Finance Reporting Law
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Kip Hill | Published: 1/8/2018
The Spokane City Council overrode Mayor David Condon’s veto of a campaign finance ordinance. The new law requires political committees spending on behalf of candidates to reveal their top five donors. The measure also halves the amount any person or entity can give a political candidate in Spokane compared to the rest of the state. Councilperson Mike Fagan took issue with what he said were elements of the law that disadvantaged conservative politicians, chief among them the prohibition for firms that do business with the city for greater than $50,000 to give to local candidates, while public bargaining units may continue to give freely though they must disclose those donations on contracts.
Wisconsin – State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 1/5/2018
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission is finalizing an audit of whether lobbyists and principals violated disclosure requirements, the findings of which may be released at its next public meeting. Commission staff began the audit after noticing a trend of lobbyists and lobbying groups that had not complied with registration or authorization requirements. Commission Administrator Brian Bell said types of potential violations examined in the audit generally fall into two groups: lobbyists and principals that inadvertently failed to follow requirements, and those who may have engaged in so-called shadow lobbying, in which someone knowingly lobbies public officials without registering.
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 11, 2018 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbyists Have a New Secret Weapon” by Alexandra Stratton for Bloomberg.com Campaign Finance “FEC’s New Facebook Ruling Requires Ad Sharing Info Yet Gives Reformers Little to Like” by Margaret Sessa-Hawkins for MapLight.org California: “Big Donors Can Dominate City Election […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Have a New Secret Weapon” by Alexandra Stratton for Bloomberg.com
Campaign Finance
“FEC’s New Facebook Ruling Requires Ad Sharing Info Yet Gives Reformers Little to Like” by Margaret Sessa-Hawkins for MapLight.org
California: “Big Donors Can Dominate City Election Spending – Whether or Not There Are Contribution Limits” by Thy Vo for Voice of OC
District of Columbia: “D.C. Council Unanimously Votes to Create Public Campaign Finance Program” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post
Ethics
“Football Team’s Stay at Doral Resort Could Bolster Lawsuit Targeting Trump” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post
Florida: “South Florida State Senators Acknowledge Extramarital Affair” by Dan Sweeny for South Florida Sentinel
Idaho: “Idaho Lawmakers Undergo Anti-Sexual Harassment Training” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review
New York: “Brooklyn Assemblywoman Indicted on Fraud Charges” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Canada: “Morneau Cleared by Ethics Watchdog on Two Complaints” by Tonda MacCharles for Toronto Star
Redistricting
North Carolina: “NC Congressional Districts Struck Down as Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymanders” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
January 10, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Missouri: “House Prepares to Fast Track Lobbyist Gift Limit Yet Again” by Tyler Wornell for The Missourian Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “When Does a Campaign Contribution Become a Bribe?” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call Washington: “Spokane City Council […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “House Prepares to Fast Track Lobbyist Gift Limit Yet Again” by Tyler Wornell for The Missourian
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “When Does a Campaign Contribution Become a Bribe?” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call
Washington: “Spokane City Council Overrides Condon Veto of Campaign Finance Reporting Law” by Kip Hill for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Ethics
“Fusion GPS Founder Hauled from the Shadows for the Russia Election Investigation” by Matt Flegenheimer for New York Times
Canada: “Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson Says She ‘Went Out with a Bang’” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail
Florida: “Broward Legislators Take Action to Deal with Sexual Harassment in the State Capital” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Maryland: “Feds: Indicted Baltimore state senator confessed to taking cash payments” by Justin Fenton for Baltimore Sun
Texas: “Amid Sexual Harassment Concerns, Lawmakers Consider How to Check Their Own Power” by Jolie McCullough and Alexa Ura for Texas Tribune
Elections
Kansas: “Awkward: Brownback said he was leaving as Kansas governor. He hasn’t” by Julie Bosman for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Kentucky: “Kentucky House Speaker Lashes Out in Resignation Speech after Sexual Harassment Settlement” by Derek Hawkins for Washington Post
January 9, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Arizona: “A Sexist Culture Endures at Arizona Capitol, Insiders Say” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic Ethics “These Are the Only Two States That Don’t Require Lawmakers to Disclose Finances” by Kristian Hernandez for Center […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “A Sexist Culture Endures at Arizona Capitol, Insiders Say” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic
Ethics
“These Are the Only Two States That Don’t Require Lawmakers to Disclose Finances” by Kristian Hernandez for Center for Public Integrity
“Kushner’s Financial Ties to Israel Deepen Even with Mideast Diplomatic Role” by Jesse Drucker for New York Times
Colorado: “Change to Colorado Conflict-of-Interest Rule Limits Information Elected Officials Must Share with Voters” by John Frank for Denver Post
Maryland: “Maryland’s Female Lawmakers Push Back – Quietly – on Sexual Harassment” by Ovetta Wiggins for Washington Post
Oregon: “Oregon Ethics Commission Rebukes Cylvia Hayes for ‘Blatant Disregard of Ethics Laws” by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “As Corruption Probe Continues, Some Lawmakers Want South Carolina Politics to Be More Transparent” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
Virginia: “Growing Pains: How the departure of a longtime town manager spawned political scandal” by Antonio Olivo for Washington Post
Tech and Social Media
“Without Naming Trump, Twitter Says It Won’t Block World Leaders” by Mike Isaac for New York Times
January 8, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Illinois: “Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract” by Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg for Chicago Tribune Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal […]
Lobbying
Illinois: “Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract” by Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg for Chicago Tribune
Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal
Ethics
“Obstruction Inquiry Shows Trump’s Struggle to Keep Grip on Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN
Kentucky: “Panel Appointed to Investigate Kentucky House Speaker” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union
Michigan: “Michigan Senator Says His Hands Are Clean in Towing Bribery Scandal” by Paul Egan and Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Not Punished Over Remark About Hanging” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
New York: “Reform Groups Launch ‘Restore Public Trust’ Campaign” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette
Elections
Connecticut: “Is It Possible to Balance Statewide Tickets in Age of Primaries?” by Mark Pazniokas for Conneticut Mirror
Legislative Issues
Iowa: “A Lobbyist Got Married in the Iowa House, and a Portrait of Donald Trump Was Removed Before the Ceremony” by Jason Noble for Des Moines Register
January 5, 2018 •
NYCU Video Digest – January 5, 2018
Recapping the first week of the new year in campaign finance, lobbying, ethics and legislative sessions
Recapping the first week of the new year in campaign finance, lobbying, ethics and legislative sessions
January 5, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 5, 2018
National: ‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests New York Times – Benedict Carey | Published: 1/2/2018 Fake news evolved from Internet sideshow to serious electoral threat so quickly that behavioral scientists had little time to answer basic […]
National:
‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests
New York Times – Benedict Carey | Published: 1/2/2018
Fake news evolved from Internet sideshow to serious electoral threat so quickly that behavioral scientists had little time to answer basic questions about it. But now the first hard data on fake-news consumption has arrived. Researchers posted an analysis of the browsing histories of thousands of adults during the run-up to the 2016 election, a real-time picture of who viewed which fake stories, and what real news those people were seeing at the same time. The reach of fake news was wide indeed, the study found, yet also shallow.
Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 12/31/2017
As the #MeToo movement to expose sexual harassment roils the nation’s capital, political partisans are exploiting the moment, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support accusers who come forward with charges against President Trump and members of Congress, even amid questions about their motivation. As accusations take on a partisan tint, activists and lawyers fear such an evolution could damage a movement that has shaken Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Congress – and has taken down both a Democratic fundraiser, Harvey Weinstein, and a conservative stalwart, Bill O’Reilly.
The Modern Campaign-Finance Loophole: Governors Associations
MSN – Susan Pulliam and Brody Mullins (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 1/2/2018
Companies have found a loophole in state campaign finance rules by funneling donations through the Republican Governors Association (RGA) and its Democratic counterpart. Donors cannot earmark money for a candidate. Instead, they can simply – and legally – tell the groups they have “an interest” in a race or are contributing “at the request” of a candidate. Companies can give unlimited sums to outside groups that support candidates, but those contributions are generally disclosed. Corporate donations to the governors’ associations are also disclosed, but once the money is given to campaigns or organizations supporting them, it is labeled as coming from the RGA or the Democratic Governors Association.
Federal:
How the Russia Inquiry Began: A campaign aide, drinks and talk of political dirt
New York Times – Sharon LaFraniere, Mark Mazzetti, and Mat Apuzzo | Published: 12/30/2017
The hacking of Democratic emails and the revelation that a member of Donald Trump’s campaign, George Papadopoulos, may have had inside information about it were driving factors that led the FBI to open an investigation into Russia’s attempts to disrupt the election and whether any of Trump’s associates conspired. If Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, was the improbable match that set off a blaze that has consumed the first year of the Trump administration, his saga is also a tale of the Trump campaign in miniature. He was brash, boastful, and underqualified, yet he exceeded expectations. And, like the campaign itself, he proved to be a tantalizing target for a Russian influence operation.
Trump Disbands Commission on Voter Fraud
New York Times – Michael Tackett and Michael Wines | Published: 1/3/2018
President Trump announced he is disbanding a controversial panel studying alleged voter fraud that became mired in multiple federal lawsuits and faced resistance from states accusing it of overreach. The decision is a major setback for Trump, who created the commission last year in response to his claim, for which he provided no proof, that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots. The commission met only twice amid the series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the president’s party.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 12/31/2017
Los Angeles requires people who are paid to try to influence city officials on municipal legislation to register and turn in regular reports on their spending. But it currently exempts some nonprofits from having to register and report their lobbying. The Ethics Commission recommended the city expand its current exemption, allowing any 501(c)(3) organization that gets less than $2 million in total income annually to avoid registering. The commission also recommended exempting any 501(c)(3) nonprofits that were formed primarily to provide assistance to disadvantaged people at reduced rates, no matter how much money they took in.
Florida – Tallahassee Commission Approves Separation Package for City Manager
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 1/3/2018
The Tallahassee City Commission accepted the resignation of City Manager Rick Fernandez. He was on paid administrative leave since November following an investigation by the Florida Commission on Ethics. He was accused of accepting football tickets to a Florida State University football game and receiving a $5,000 catering discount from the city-backed restaurant, The Edison. The tickets were arranged by a lobbying firm owned by Adam Corey, who also owns The Edison. Corey is one of several individuals named in federal subpoenas exploring dealings between the city Community Redevelopment Agency and several high-profile businesspeople.
Massachusetts – Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign
MassLive – Shira Schoenberg | Published: 1/2/2018
Massachusetts campaign finance officials have required a group that funneled large donations to 2016 ballot questions regarding charter schools and marijuana legalization to disclose the identity of their donors. Officials said Strong Economy for Growth raised and spent $1,168,000 to support the ballot questions. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance required Strong Economy for Growth to form a ballot question committee, disclose its donors, and pay $31,000 to the state for violating campaign finance laws – all the money left in its bank account. The group also agreed not to engage in any election-related activity in Massachusetts through 2018.
Michigan – FBI Wiretaps Reveal How Towing Titan Fiore Built His Empire
Detroit Free Press – Tresa Baldas and Keith Matheny | Published: 12/29/2017
Towing company owner Gasper Fiore was so politically connected that his daughter last year helped write an amendment to the Michigan Department of Transportation budget that ensured his company would win a multimillion-dollar contract, federal documents show. In wiretap evidence, the FBI offers a glimpse into how the Fiore built his towing empire by currying favor with high ranking officials across southeast Michigan. While Fiore has admitted to bribing just one Macomb County official, the FBI says he was in cahoots for years with many, from state lawmakers to police officials to a Detroit councilperson who was dating his daughter.
Missouri – Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 1/2/2018
The Missouri Ethics Commission said it “finds no reasonable grounds” to believe businessperson David Humphreys violated state law governing lobbyists and the principals who employ them. State Rep. Mark Ellebracht filed the complaint against Humphreys, who along with his family donated more than $14 million to mostly Republican candidates and campaigns in 2016. At the center of the complaint was Paul Mouton, who was fined last year for illegally lobbying lawmakers on Humphreys behalf without registering.
New York – Howe Emailed Cuomo Officials on Private Accounts
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/30/2017
In the years before he pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges, lobbyist Todd Howe regularly emailed top officials in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration about government business using their personal email accounts. The use of private email for public business would violate official state policy, and is contrary to Cuomo administration directives to conduct state business on state email accounts, to avoid the perception of an intent to hide communication from the public.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Report Reveals New Details of How Cylvia Hayes Used Her Position to Profit
Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 1/4/2018
Former Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes violated state ethics laws by using her position for the financial benefit of herself and her business, failing to avoid conflicts-of-interest, and receiving a gift of greater than $50, according to an investigation. Her fiancé, former Gov. John Kitzhaber, resigned in 2015 amid influence peddling allegations related to her contracting. He faces an ongoing inquiry by the state’s ethics watchdog agency. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will vote whether to agree with the recommendation that violations took place. If so, Hayes will have the opportunity to appeal the ruling.
South Carolina – Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates
Charleston Post and Courier – Andrew Brown | Published: 12/30/2017
Travel and other records reveal how South Carolina’s public service commissioners frequently eat, drink, and play golf with the people they regulate. They also show how on trip after trip, commissioners failed to properly report these as gifts as required under state ethics laws. Selected by state lawmakers, these regulators serve four-year terms and earn more than $100,000. They are supposed to be impartial, balancing the needs of utilities to make fair returns on investments with the rights of customers to pay fair rates. But the analysis of state travel records paints a picture of cozy gatherings and opportunities for influence-peddling.
Virginia – A Random Drawing Out of a Bowl Helped Republicans Win a Tied Virginia Election.
Washington Post – Laura Vozella | Published: 1/4/2018
An official of the Virginia State Board of Elections pulled out the name of Republican David Yancey from a bowl, breaking a tied race that is pivotal to control of the House of Delegates. The outcome means the House remains narrowly in the GOP hands, 51 seats to 49. The spectacle drew national attention as an odd way to decide a highly consequential contest. But it might not be the last word in the saga.
Washington – With Veto of City Council Ordinance, Condon Says Campaign Finance Better Left to the State
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Chad Sokol | Published: 12/29/2017
Spokane Mayor David Condon said he would veto a campaign finance ordinance passed by the city council that would impose new reporting requirements and halve the maximum amount a candidate can receive from any single donor. The mayor said he supports certain efforts to curb the role of “dark money” in politics. But he said the issue is better managed at the state level and predicted the proposed ordinance would not stand up to constitutional challenges.
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 4, 2018 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier Campaign Finance Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” […]
Lobbying
South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive
Virginia: “Several New Delegates Form Caucus to Reduce Corporate Money in Virginia Politics” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ethics
“Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
“Paul Manafort Sues Mueller and Asks a Judge to Narrow the Russia Investigation” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times
“How the Federal Government Hides Sexual Harassment Payouts” by Andrew Restuccia, Emily Goldberg, and Rebecca Morin for Politico
Illinois: “CPS Employees Stole Gift Cards Meant for Students, Watchdog Says” by Juan Perez Jr. for Chicago Tribune
Michigan: “Ex-Detroit Police Official Waffles, Pleads Guilty” by Robert Snell for Detroit News
Missouri: “Missouri Democrats Place Target on Greitens Through Pre-Filed Legislation” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
New York: “Corruption Trials Loom over Albany as New Year Begins” by Joe Mahoney for Oneonta Daily Star
Legislative Issues
Kentucky: “House Speaker Who Resigned Over Harassment Claim Reconsiders” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
January 3, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Roger Stone Retroactively Registers Lobbying Contract” by Megan Wilson for The Hill California: “L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed” […]
Lobbying
“Roger Stone Retroactively Registers Lobbying Contract” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
California: “L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New York: “Howe Emailed Cuomo Officials on Private Accounts” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“The Modern Campaign-Finance Loophole: Governors Associations” by Susan Pulliam and Brody Mullins (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
Washington: “With Veto of City Council Ordinance, Condon Says Campaign Finance Better Left to the State” by Chad Sokol for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Ethics
Michigan: “FBI Wiretaps Reveal How Towing Titan Fiore Built His Empire” by Tresa Baldas and Keith Matheny for Detroit Free Press
South Dakota: “Ethics Measure Approved to Be on South Dakota’s 2018 Ballot” by James Nord (Associated Press) for PBS
Elections
“‘If We Don’t Run, Then We Won’t Achieve.’ Why a Record Number of Women Are Eyeing a Run for Governor.” by Karen Tumulty for Washington Post
“‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests” by Benedict Carey for New York Times
“How the Russia Inquiry Began: A campaign aide, drinks and talk of political dirt” by Sharon LaFraniere, Mark Mazzetti, and Mat Apuzzo for New York Times
“Orin Hatch, Utah Senator, to Retire, Opening Path for Mitt Romney” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
January 2, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Virginia: “After Calls for Campaign Finance Reform, Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam Takes Corporate Money for Inauguration” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch Ethics “Statehouse Sexual Harassment Tally: At least 18 lawmakers gone or punished” by Jen Fifield for HuffPost […]
Campaign Finance
Virginia: “After Calls for Campaign Finance Reform, Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam Takes Corporate Money for Inauguration” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ethics
“Statehouse Sexual Harassment Tally: At least 18 lawmakers gone or punished” by Jen Fifield for HuffPost
“Rick Gates: Fundraiser video did not violate gag order” by Louis Nelson for Politico
“Where Is Trump’s Cabinet? It’s Anybody’s Guess.” by Emily Holden for Politico
“‘We Have Tapped into Something’: Impeachment drive builds digital army to take on Trump” by Carla Marinucci and David Siders for Politico
“Ivanka Trump Wears Her Company’s Clothes in Social Media Posts, Raising Further Conflict of Interest Questions” by Greg Price for Newsweek
“Trump’s Clinton Tweets Cut Against Comey Firing Explanation” by Eric Tucker (Associated Press) for ABC News
California: “Santa Monica School District’s Conflict of Interest Investigation Expands to Three Board Members” by Adam Elmahrek and Benjamin Oreskes for Los Angeles Times
Elections
“Doug Jones Certified as Alabama’s First Democratic Senator in 25 Years” by Jenny Jarvie for Los Angeles Times
December 21, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Louisiana: “LA’s Ethics Commission Wants More Transparency from Lobbyists” by Libby Denkmann for KPCC Campaign Finance “New Hope, New Problem: Will Federal Election Commission shut down?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Arizona: “Law’s Wording to Play […]
Lobbying
Louisiana: “LA’s Ethics Commission Wants More Transparency from Lobbyists” by Libby Denkmann for KPCC
Campaign Finance
“New Hope, New Problem: Will Federal Election Commission shut down?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Law’s Wording to Play Key Role in Court Case Involving APS’ Political Spending” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “L.A. Real Estate Developer and Billboard Executive Fined Over Political Donations” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
California: “Former Beaumont City Officials Plead Guilty to Felony Charges” by City News Service for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Jack Latvala Resigns from the Florida Senate” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
Nevada: “NV Legislature’s Administrative Arm Expands Harassment Rule” by Scott Sonner (Associated Press) for Sacramento Bee
Canada: “Trudeau Apologizes for Violating Ethics Laws with Visits to Aga Khan’s Island” by Catharine Tunney for CBC News
Elections
“Clashes Over State Ballot Initiatives Could Spill Into 2018” by James Nord (Associated Press) for Federal News Radio
“Senate Investigators Scrutinize Another Presidential Candidate: Jill Stein” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Virginia: “Virginia Court Tosses Out One-Vote Victory That Briefly Ended GOP Majority in House” by Jim Morrison and Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
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.