September 21, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Trump Using Campaign, RNC Funds to Pay Legal Bills from Russia Probe: Sources” by Karen Freifeld and Ginger Gibson for Reuters Connecticut: “Counterattack at GOP Effort to Repeal Public Financing” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror Maryland: “Council […]
Campaign Finance
“Trump Using Campaign, RNC Funds to Pay Legal Bills from Russia Probe: Sources” by Karen Freifeld and Ginger Gibson for Reuters
Connecticut: “Counterattack at GOP Effort to Repeal Public Financing” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror
Maryland: “Council Candidate Wants to Tie Disaster Relief to Campaign Contributions” by Andrew Metcalf for Bethesda Magazine
Michigan: “Snyder Approves Unlimited Super PAC Cash” by Michael Gerstein for Detroit News
Lobbying
Florida: “Lacking Support, Lobbying Ordinance Gets No Hearing in Hernando” by Barbara Behrendt for Tampa Bay Times
New York: “JCOPE Commissioners Again Rule Civil Liberties Group Must Disclose Donors” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Portland Lawmaker Cleared of Allegation He Ranked Female Lobbyists on Looks” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Ethics
“Mueller Seeks White House Documents Related to Trump’s Actions as President” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times
“Price’s Private-Jet Travel Breaks Precedent” by Dan Diamond and Rachana Pradhan for Politico
“For Trump Aides Caught in Russia Probe, Legal Bills and Paranoia” by Shannon Pettypiece for Bloomberg.com
Washington: “Seattle City Council Picks Tim Burgess to Replace Bruce Harrell as Temporary Mayor” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
September 20, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Maryland: “Maryland Lobbyist Charged in Bribery Scandal Linked to Prince George’s County Liquor Board” by Scott MacFarlane for WRC Campaign Finance Canada: “Taxpayers Would Give Millions to Political Parties in NDP Plan” by Lindsay Kines and Amy Smart for […]
Lobbying
Maryland: “Maryland Lobbyist Charged in Bribery Scandal Linked to Prince George’s County Liquor Board” by Scott MacFarlane for WRC
Campaign Finance
Canada: “Taxpayers Would Give Millions to Political Parties in NDP Plan” by Lindsay Kines and Amy Smart for Times Colonist
California: “California Passes Bill to Track ‘Dark Money’ in Political Ads and Campaigns” by Jason Shueh for StateScoop
Kentucky: “Former Beshear Official Admits He Solicited Contributions from Fellow State Workers” by Sheldon Shafer for Louisville Courier-Journal
Ethics
“With a Picked Lock and a Threatened Indictment, Mueller’s Inquiry Sets a Tone” by Sharon LaFraniere, Matt Apuzzo, and Adam Goldman for New York Times
“Exclusive: US government wiretapped former Trump campaign chairman” by Evan Perez, Shimon Prokupecz, and Pamela Brown for CNN
Florida: “FPL Says Claim That Senator Used Lobbyist to Get Power Restored Is ‘Absurd’” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Indiana: “Ethics Panel Forever Bans State Government Employee Who Hired Aunt, Sister, Stepdaughter” by Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) for Indianapolis Star
Kentucky: “Millions Go to Board Members of Lexington’s Farmland Conservation Program” by Beth Musgrave for Lexington Herald-Leader
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Senator’s Medical Marijuana Moonlighting Role” by Steve Esack for Allentown Morning Call
Elections
“Democrats Mount Effort to Recruit Women as State Attorneys General” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
“Facebook’s Openness on Russia Questioned by Congressional Investigators” by Carol Leonnig, Elizabeth Dwoskin, and Craig Timberg for Washington Post
September 19, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Why Didn’t School Board President Ref Rodriguez Just Write Himself a Big Check?” by David Zahniser, Anna Phillips, and Howard Blume for Los Angeles Times Santa Fe: “Reform Laws Spurred by Treasurer Scandals Full of Loopholes” by […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Why Didn’t School Board President Ref Rodriguez Just Write Himself a Big Check?” by David Zahniser, Anna Phillips, and Howard Blume for Los Angeles Times
Santa Fe: “Reform Laws Spurred by Treasurer Scandals Full of Loopholes” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican
New York: “Board of Elections Probes Ties Between Senate Democrats, Union Super PAC” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Ethics
“Request Denied: States try to block access to public records” by Andrew DeMillo and Ryan Foley (Associated Press) for San Jose Mercury News
“Trump Declines to Release List of His Mar-a-Lago Visitors” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“Congress Struggles to Figure Out Which Russia Investigation Trumps the Others” by Erin Kelly for USA Today
California: “OC Ethics Commission Can Now Meet After Third Member is Appointed” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Oregon: “Nepotism Runs Rampant in Oregon Legislature. Here’s How” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “Streetlight Executive Sentenced in City Hall Pay-to-Play Case” by Emily Opilo for Allentown Morning Call
September 18, 2017 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “L.A. School Board President Faces Felony Charges Over Campaign Contributions” by Anna Phillips, David Zahniser, and Howard Blume for Los Angeles Times Michigan: “Campaign Finance Bills Pass Michigan Senate, Give More Power to Big Donors, Critics Say” […]
Campaign Finance
California: “L.A. School Board President Faces Felony Charges Over Campaign Contributions” by Anna Phillips, David Zahniser, and Howard Blume for Los Angeles Times
Michigan: “Campaign Finance Bills Pass Michigan Senate, Give More Power to Big Donors, Critics Say” by Emily Lawler for MLive.com
Pennsylvania: “Former Judge to Admit Payments from Brady Campaign, Lawyer Says” by Chris Brennan and Craig McCoy for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Government Ethics Office Says It Will Stick with Ban on Anonymous Gifts” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
“Trump Lawyers Clash Over How Much to Cooperate with Russia Inquiry” by Peter Baker and Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
“Trump’s Divisive Presidency Reshapes a Key Part of His Private Business” by David Fahrenthold, Amy Brittain, and Matea Gold for Washington Post
“Trump’s FEC Nominee Has Questioned the Value of Disclosing Political Donors” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Lobbying
“Mike Flynn’s Son Is Subject of Federal Russia Probe” by Carol Lee, Julia Ainsley, and Ken Dilanian for NBC News
Arkansas: “Lobbyist Got Part of Fees Paid by Bondsmen” by Brian Fanney for Arkansas Online
Colorado: “Big Bucks Flow to Colorado Lobbyist Offices Steps from The Capitol” by Sandra Fish for KUNC
North Carolina: “Lobbyist Faces Investigation after WBTV Uncovered Unregistered Lobbying” by Nick Ochsner (WBTV) for Charlotte Observer
Elections
“How Party Bosses, Not Voters, Pick Politicians in New York” by Shane Goldmacher for New York Times
Legislative Issues
California: “In California’s Capitol, the Real Battles Are Often Between the Assembly and the Senate” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Censured over Trump Assassination Post” by Associated Press for Wichita Eagle
September 15, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 15, 2017
National: How Anna Nicole Smith’s Billionaire In Laws Secretly Lobbied the Courts Bloomberg.com – Zachary Mider | Published: 9/13/2017 When the heirs of billionaire J. Howard Marshall II, famous for his May-December romance with Playboy centerfold Anna Nicole Smith, went […]
National:
How Anna Nicole Smith’s Billionaire In Laws Secretly Lobbied the Courts
Bloomberg.com – Zachary Mider | Published: 9/13/2017
When the heirs of billionaire J. Howard Marshall II, famous for his May-December romance with Playboy centerfold Anna Nicole Smith, went to court in a $75 million tax dispute, they got help from an unlikely ally: Barber-Scotia College, the nation’s first institution of higher learning for black women. Barber-Scotia’s name, along with those of four other historically black colleges and universities, was on a friend-of-the-court brief submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The brief was part of a campaign by the Marshall family, orchestrated by a Washington, D.C. consulting firm, to influence two of the nation’s highest courts. The campaign shows how it is possible for well-funded litigants to stack the deck by generating phony friends of the court, or by paying advocates who present themselves as independent but are really lobbyists in disguise.
On Facebook and Twitter, a Hunt for Russia’s Meddling Hand
New York Times – Scott Shane | Published: 9/7/2017
The Russian information attack on the election did not stop with the hacking and leaking of Democratic emails. Far less splashy, and far more difficult to trace, was Russia’s experimentation on Facebook and Twitter, the American companies that essentially invented the tools of social media and, in this case, did not stop them from being turned into engines of deception and propaganda. An investigation reveals some of the mechanisms by which suspected Russian operators used Twitter and Facebook to spread anti-Hillary Clinton messages and promote the hacked material they had leaked. Given the powerful role of social media in political contests, understanding the Russian efforts will be crucial in preventing or blunting similar, or more sophisticated, attacks in upcoming elections.
Federal:
Russian Network RT Must Register as Foreign Agent in US
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 9/12/2017
The company that runs the U.S. version of RT, the Russian state-owned outlet originally known as Russia Today, must register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent, signaling that all of their content would be labeled as propaganda from Moscow. Media organizations have been exempted from the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which is wide-ranging in its disclosure requirements and generally applies to political consultants and those working in lobbying or public relations. It would be a felony if RT is found to have willfully failed to register as a foreign agent, however.
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado
Denver City Council Approves New Rules Requiring Reports of Dark-Money Spending in Elections
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 9/11/2017
The Denver City Council approved a bill that will require the reporting of at least $1,000 in independent spending by individuals, companies, or other organizations to support candidates or ballot issues. Those independent expenditures include any activity aiming to aid or hurt a candidate, including “electioneering communications” such as mailers, broadcast ads, or other advertising. The initial report to the Denver Elections Division, disclosing all expenses and donors above $25, will be required within two days after cumulative spending reaches $1,000.
Illinois
Weighing Third Term, Emanuel Relies on Campaign Donors Who Get City Hall Benefits
Chicago Tribune – Jeff Coen and Bill Ruthhart | Published: 9/8/2017
As Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel ramps up his campaign fundraising toward a possible third term, he continues to rely on donors who have received City Hall benefits, ranging from contracts and zoning approvals to appointments and personal endorsements from the mayor. With the mayoral election still a year and a half away, Emanuel has collected $3.1 million in high-dollar contributions. And more than $2.1 million of it, nearly 70 percent, has come from 83 donors who have benefited from actions at City Hall.
Massachusetts
Pro-Charter School Group Pays State’s Largest Campaign Finance Penalty
Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 9/11/2017
A group that backed last year’s charter school ballot question in Massachusetts paid $426,466 as part of a campaign finance settlement. The payment by Families for Excellent Schools-Advocacy is the largest civil forfeiture in the history of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Investigators say the organization violated the law by raising money from individuals and then contributing that money, more than $15 million, to the Great Schools Massachusetts Ballot Question Committee in a manner intended to disguise the source of the money. The group agreed with the IRS to dissolve itself, and Families for Excellent Schools, its umbrella group, agreed not to fundraise or engage in any election-related activity in Massachusetts for four years.
Minnesota
Scott County Attorney Declines Charges in Dai Thao Bribery-Solicitation Case
St. Paul Pioneer Press – Frederick Melo | Published: 9/12/2017
St. Paul City Councilperson Dai Thao will not face criminal charges over an allegation he attempted to solicit a bribe. The Scott County attorney’s office declined to prosecute the claims made against Thao and his former campaign manager, Angela Marlow. The allegations stemmed from a meeting between Thao, lobbyist Sarah Clarke, and some of Clarke’s clients. Clarke said that Thao told the group during the meeting that he needs “resources to spread his message.” She said it seemed clear he was asking for a bribe.
New Mexico
New Campaign Spending Rules to Take Effect
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 9/8/2017
Nonprofit advocacy organizations that spend unlimited amount of money to influence elections in New Mexico will have to disclose the names of contributors under rules adopted by state elections officials. The new requirements are set to go into effect on October 10, in time for 2018 primary and general elections, for so-called dark money groups that spend at least $2,500 on a statewide election or ballot measure. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said vague and confusing rules are being cleaned up and the changes will “help shine a light on the dark money that has been plaguing our state’s campaigns.”
New York
Firm Uses Loophole to Secretly Donate $60G to de Blasio Campaign, Lobbying Records Show
New York Daily News – James Fanelli | Published: 9/9/2017
Constantinople & Vallone has a reputation as a powerful lobbying firm that gets its clients access to New York City Hall, but what is not so well known is it has helped steer $60,900 in campaign donations to Mayor Bill de Blasio. A loophole in the city’s campaign finance law has allowed the firm to stay under the radar as a fundraiser for the mayor. The only way to know Constantinople & Vallone has raised so much money for de Blasio is through obscure filings with the city clerk’s lobbying bureau.
Oregon
Legislators Consolidate Power, Cash, in Partially Invisible Cycle of Giving to Each Other
Salem Statesman-Journal – Cooper Green | Published: 9/9/2017
If a candidate passes contributions to another candidate, or to a re-election fund for fellow party members, the public can no longer see the money’s original donor. These transactions are known as pass-throughs. Transactions between Oregon legislators, or between lawmakers and re-election funds, are commonplace and have been for decades. An analysis shows legislative officeholders and candidates have utilized this system of pass-throughs more than 2,800 times in the last three election cycles alone, transferring $18.7 million dollars between themselves. Based on the total amount contributed to legislators during that time, this means more than a quarter of all money involved in legislative campaigns has seen more than one lawmaker as it moves through the system.
Pennsylvania
Elect Them, Then Lobby Them: Two firms blur the worlds of policy and politics in Harrisburg
Philadelphia Inquirer – Angela Couloumbis and Liz Navratil | Published: 9/11/2017
For years, lobbying in Pennsylvania was a secretive business, and more recently attracted scrutiny from federal investigators. A decade-old law strengthened registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists and their clients, but the state still lags behind others in transparency and accountability, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Among Harrisburg’s high-powered partnerships, only two have well-established campaign arms that, for the last decade, have dominated the market on both electing and lobbying Republicans who drive public policy.
Tennessee
Lobbyists Courted Lawmakers with Free Food, Baseball Tickets at Conferences
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert | Published: 9/11/2017
Under state law, Tennessee lawmakers can accept gifts like dinner and sports tickets at out-of-state conferences, provided they are related to the conference itself. Lobbyists can even pay for events labeled “state night” for lawmakers. And little disclosure is required, unlike the rules in place for how lobbyists interact with lawmakers at the Capitol. The practice at out-of-state conferences is increasingly widespread, including at conferences this year in Boston and Denver, according to interviews with lobbyists, lawmakers, and legislative staff.
Virginia
Virginia Lawmakers Attend Fewest Lobbyist-Paid Entertainment Events Since McDonnell Case
The Virginian-Pilot – Will Houp | Published: 9/7/2017
Virginia lawmakers continue to shrink away from meals, galas, and other entertainment occasions paid for by lobbyists as they attended less than half such events in 2016 and 2017 as they did three years ago. Data from the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council shows a stark difference in what delegates and senators felt comfortable accepting before and after the corruption charges against former Gov. Bob McDonnell. At the same time, several law changes related to lobbyist entertainment have muddied the water in terms of comparing year to year.
Washington
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Resigns After Fifth Child Sex-Abuse Allegation
Seattle Times – Jim Brunner, Daniel Beekman, and Lewis Kamb | Published: 9/12/2017
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, beset over the past five months by sex abuse allegations, resigned his office. His announcement came after The Seattle Times reported that a fifth man, one of his cousins, had accused Murray of molesting him decades ago. Though he has denied all the accusations against him, Murray had already decided not to seek re-election. City Council President Bruce Harrell will temporarily serve as mayor and will decide within five days whether to take on the role of acting mayor past the November 7 election. If he demurs, the council will pick another of its members to serve until the election results are certified.
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.
September 14, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “How Anna Nicole Smith’s Billionaire In Laws Secretly Lobbied the Courts” by Zachary Mider for Bloomberg.com “Russian Network RT Must Register as Foreign Agent in US” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Trump FEC Pick’s Twitter Goes […]
Lobbying
“How Anna Nicole Smith’s Billionaire In Laws Secretly Lobbied the Courts” by Zachary Mider for Bloomberg.com
“Russian Network RT Must Register as Foreign Agent in US” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Trump FEC Pick’s Twitter Goes Dark After Users Spot Anti-Protestant Links” by Tierny Sneed for TPM
New York: “Loophole Allows Public Officials to Shield Legal Expenses” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Ethics
Michigan: “Engineer Pleads Guilty to Bribery in Macomb County Public Corruption Probe” by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press
Minnesota: “Scott County Attorney Declines Charges in Dai Thao Bribery-Solicitation Case” by Frederick Melo for St. Paul Pioneer Press
Mississippi: “Court: Governments can’t evade open meetings in small groups” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for Biloxi Sun Herald
Washington: “Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Resigns After Fifth Child Sex-Abuse Allegation” by Jim Brunner, Daniel Beekman, and Lewis Kamb for Seattle Times
Redistricting
Texas: “Supreme Court Puts Redrawing of Texas Political Maps on Hold” by Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
September 13, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying California: “California May Slow Revolving Door of Legislators Becoming Lobbyists” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Tennessee: “Lobbyists Courted Lawmakers with Free Food, Baseball Tickets at Conferences” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean Campaign Finance Colorado: “Denver City […]
Lobbying
California: “California May Slow Revolving Door of Legislators Becoming Lobbyists” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Tennessee: “Lobbyists Courted Lawmakers with Free Food, Baseball Tickets at Conferences” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Denver City Council Approves New Rules Requiring Reports of Dark-Money Spending in Elections” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Massachusetts: “Pro-Charter School Group Pays State’s Largest Campaign Finance Penalty” by Michael Levenson for Boston Globe
Ethics
“Trump Promised Not to Work with Foreign Entities. His Company Just Did” by Anita Kumar for McClatchy DC
“Interior Faulted for Subsidy to Firm Once Tied to David Bernhardt, Now the Deputy Secretary” by Juliet Eilperin and Jack Gillum for Washington Post
“Guam Delegate May Have Violated Emoluments Clause with Lease, Ethics Office Says” by Elise Viebeck for Washington Post
“Trump’s Legal Team Debated Whether Kushner Should Leave White House” by Carol Leonnig for Washington Post
September 12, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Pennsylvania: “Elect Them, Then Lobby Them: Two firms blur the worlds of policy and politics in Harrisburg” by Angela Couloumbis and Liz Navratil for Philadelphia Inquirer Campaign Finance “Will Donald Trump Let the Federal Election Commission Rot?” by Dave […]
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Elect Them, Then Lobby Them: Two firms blur the worlds of policy and politics in Harrisburg” by Angela Couloumbis and Liz Navratil for Philadelphia Inquirer
Campaign Finance
“Will Donald Trump Let the Federal Election Commission Rot?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Commissioner Bob Burns Can’t Force Political Funding Disclosure, Utility Argues” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Illinois: “Weighing Third Term, Emanuel Relies on Campaign Donors Who Get City Hall Benefits” by Jeff Coen and Bill Ruthhart for Chicago Tribune
Maine: “Network of Companies with Ties to York County Casino Bid Stretches Far and Wide” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
New Jersey: “Court Revives Campaign Complaint Against Essex County Executive” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record
Oregon: “Legislators Consolidate Power, Cash, in Partially Invisible Cycle of Giving to Each Other” by Cooper Green for Salem Statesman-Journal
Elections
New York: “Monserrate, Ex-Senator and Ex-Convict, Seeks Votes Amid Disdain” by J. David Goodman for New York Times
September 11, 2017 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance New Mexico: New Campaign Spending Rules to Take Effect by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal New York: Firm Uses Loophole to Secretly Donate $60G to de Blasio Campaign, Lobbying Records Show by James Fanelli for New York Daily […]
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: New Campaign Spending Rules to Take Effect by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
New York: Firm Uses Loophole to Secretly Donate $60G to de Blasio Campaign, Lobbying Records Show by James Fanelli for New York Daily News
Ethics
Mueller Gives White House Names of 6 Aides He Expects to Question in Russia Probe by Carol Leonnig, Rosalind Helderman, and Ashley Parker for Washington Post
Kentucky: Legislative Sex Harassment Case Spurs Call for Change in Kentucky’s Ethics Law by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
Elections
On Facebook and Twitter, a Hunt for Russia’s Meddling Hand by Scott Shane for New York Times
In Free-Range Trump, Many See Potential for a Third Party by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
Lobbying
Canada: Quebec’s Lobbyist Registry Best in Canada, Though All Struggle in Key Transparency Metrics: Study by Marco Vigliotti for The Hill Times
Virginia: Virginia Lawmakers Attend Fewest Lobbyist-Paid Entertainment Events Since McDonnell Case by Will Houp for Virginian-Pilot
Procurement
Illinois: Aldermen Take Another Stab at Relaxing Ethics Rules for Contractors by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times
September 8, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – September 8, 2017
Becky is coming to you from the Content Marketing World 2017 conference in Cleveland, Ohio with this week’s News You Can Use Video Digest!
Becky is coming to you from the Content Marketing World 2017 conference in Cleveland, Ohio with this week’s News You Can Use Video Digest!
September 8, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 8, 2017
National: Software Glitch or Russian Hackers? Election Problems Draw Little Scrutiny New York Times – Nicole Pearlroth, Michael Wines, and Matthew Rosenberg | Published: 9/1/2017 After a presidential campaign scarred by Russian meddling, local, state, and federal agencies have conducted […]
National:
Software Glitch or Russian Hackers? Election Problems Draw Little Scrutiny
New York Times – Nicole Pearlroth, Michael Wines, and Matthew Rosenberg | Published: 9/1/2017
After a presidential campaign scarred by Russian meddling, local, state, and federal agencies have conducted little of the type of digital forensic investigation required to assess the impact, if any, on voting in at least 21 states whose election systems were targeted by Russian hackers. The assaults on the vast back-end election apparatus – voter-registration operations, state and local election databases, e-poll books, and other equipment – have received far less attention than other aspects of the Russian interference, such as the hacking of Democratic emails and spreading of false or damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Yet the hacking of electoral systems was more extensive than previously disclosed.
Statehouses, Not Congress, Hosting Biggest Political Money Fights
Center for Public Integrity – Ashley Balcerzak | Published: 8/31/2017
Lawmakers in at least 18 states have introduced legislation this year to change the amount of money people can give to politicians. Half of the bills aim to increase contribution limits in attempts to keep pace with the rising number of outside forces that can spend unlimited amounts of cash. The other half try to decrease the limits to blunt the amount of money in politics. Meanwhile, national coalitions have swarmed statehouses and city halls. They are targeting disclosure laws, pay-to-play and lobbying rules, and the role corporations, unions, and nonprofits may play in elections, in addition to fundraising limits.
Federal:
A Two-Decade Crusade by Conservative Charities Fueled Trump’s Exit from Paris Climate Accord
Washington Post – Robert O’Harrow Jr. | Published: 9/5/2017
The story behind the Cooler Heads Coalition – an umbrella group in the vanguard of efforts to cast doubt on the gravity of climate change and thwart government efforts to address it – illuminates the influential, little-known role that tax-exempt public charities play in modern campaigns to sway lawmakers and shape policy while claiming to be nonpartisan educational organizations. It also offers insight into the forces behind a decision by President Trump that infuriated scientists and environmentalists, mystified U.S. allies, and went against the advice of some major corporations.
Democrats Say ‘Citizens United’ Should Die. Here’s Why That Won’t Happen.
Center for Public Integrity – Sarah Kleiner | Published: 8/31/2017
Seizing on the specter of Russian election influence, Democrats have ramped up their quixotic effort to blunt Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which unleashed a torrent of special interest spending on U.S. elections. They have introduced two dozen bills related to money in politics. Some are aimed at increasing donor transparency, others are targeting massive contributions from special interests. A couple are intent on reforming the FEC. None have had a single formal hearing, much less an up-or-down vote in either the House or Senate.
Trump Gets Millions from Golf Members. CEOs and Lobbyists Get Access to President
USA Today – Brad Heath, Fredreka Schouten, Steve Reilly, Nick Pezenstadler, and Aamer Madhani | Published: 9/6/2017
Members of clubs that Donald Trump owns and has visited most often as president include at least 50 executives whose companies hold federal contracts and 21 lobbyists and trade group officials. Two-thirds played on one of the 58 days Trump was there. A USA Today shows that for the first time in U.S. history, wealthy people with interests before the government have a chance for close and confidential access to the president as a result of payments that enrich him personally. The arrangement is legal, and members said they did not use the clubs to discuss government business. Nonetheless, ethics experts questioned whether it is appropriate for a sitting president to collect money from lobbyists and others who spend their days trying to shape federal policy or win government business.
From the States and Municipalities:
California
SF’s Political Watchdog Agency Proposes Sweeping Reforms, Nonprofits Cry Foul
San Francisco Examiner – Joshua Sabitini | Published: 9/4/2017
The San Francisco Ethics Commission is taking on the notorious “pay-to-play” culture at City Hall with proposed sweeping reforms. But some of the provisions have drawn the ire of nonprofits that warn it will deal a significant blow to their fundraising. One provision being discussed in the reform package would prohibit city commissioners from helping to raise money for candidates. Many nonprofit leaders blasted a portion of the sweeping reforms that would restrict so-called behested payments, which are contributions made to groups or causes at the request of elected officials.
Colorado
Denver Proposal Aims to Force Disclosure of Independent Spending in Elections as ‘Dark Money’ Trickles Down
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 9/4/2017
A Denver City Council proposal seeks to close transparency gaps that allow “dark money” to go unreported as long as the people behind it do not coordinate directly with a candidate’s campaign. The proposal would adopt the state definitions of “independent expenditure” and “electioneering communication.” The individual, company, or other group behind the independent spending would have to file public reports within two days after more than $1,000 is spent, including disclosing anyone who gives more than $25 to the effort. They also would have to make clear on any mailers, broadcast ads, or other advertising who paid for them and the independence from the candidate’s or issue’s official campaign. The proposal also would modify the city’s campaign finance ordinance in other ways.
Maryland
Facing Minor Fine, Hogan Campaign Lawyer Threatens Attorney General Frosh
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil | Published: 8/31/2017
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s re-election campaign could be hit with a $250 fine for a minor violation of state election law, an inconvenience that has erupted into a partisan brawl. Hogan’s campaign attorney, Dirk Haire, who also chairs the Maryland Republican Party, will ask the state prosecutor’s office to launch an official misconduct investigation if state Attorney General Brian Frosh does not act to block the fine, which was proposed by staffers at the Board of Elections in response to a complaint from Maryland Democratic Party Chairperson Kathleen Matthews. Haire is also threatening to file a complaint alleging Frosh’s campaign illegally charged children for ice cream at a fundraiser.
Missouri
Councilwoman Repays Lobbyist, Concerned over Gifting
St. Joseph News-Press – Brendan Welch | Published: 9/6/2017
St. Joseph City Council Member Joyce Starr presented a check to a local lobbyist during a council meeting to avoid taking what she considered to be an unethical gift. Starr said council members often go out in a group after meetings to HiHo Bar and Grill, and Kenneth Reeder, a local political activist and lobbyist, is usually in attendance. She said after the August 11 council meeting, she discovered Reeder was being repaid for purchasing them dinner and drinks, and was not comfortable with it. Starr said the check was only for four dollars, “but it’s just the principle of the thing.”
South Carolina
Rep. Jim Merrill Pleads Guilty to Misconduct, Agrees to Assist Investigators in Statehouse Corruption Probe
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith and Andrew Brown | Published: 9/1/2017
South Carolina Rep. Jim Merrill pleaded guilty to using his office for personal profit, resigned his seat in the Legislature, and was sentenced to one year of probation. The plea agreement requires him to cooperate with state investigators and the FBI as they continue to probe corruption at the statehouse. Merrill was accused of using his office and his consulting firm to garner more than $1 million from trade groups and companies at a time when he was both a lawmaker and a consultant. He failed to report money he received from companies and groups that lobby legislators, did not file reports of campaign-related spending from the House Republican Caucus, and overcharged for his work.
Texas
Court: Texas Can Enforce New Voter ID Law in November
Governing – Allie Morris | Published: 9/6/2017
A federal appeals court panel ruled Texas can use its revised voter ID measure for the upcoming November elections, the latest in a series of winding legal battles on whether the state has intentionally discriminated against black and Latino voters through its original law passed in 2011 In August, U.S. District Court Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos threw out Senate Bill 5, which the state Legislature passed earlier this year and in some ways softened the previous requirements that Texans present one of seven forms of photo ID at the polls in order to cast a ballot. Ramos said the state’s new voter ID law failed to fix the intentional discrimination against minority voters found in a 2011 law. The stay suspends that order until the appeals court can hear the merits for and against the state’s appeal.
Texas
Fred Lewis Appointment Stirs Controversy
Austin Monitor – Jo Clifton | Published: 9/1/2017
Fred Lewis, an attorney who served as the main architect of Austin’s new lobbying ordinance, surprisingly became the center of a controversy when the city council appointed him to serve on the Charter Review Commission. Lewis worked for many months on an ordinance specifically aimed at preventing lobbyists from serving on city commissions.
West Virginia
Charge Dropped Against Reporter Who Questioned Tom Price
New York Times – Matt Stevens | Published: 9/6/2017
West Virginia prosecutors dropped charges against a reporter who was arrested after peppering U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price with healthcare policy questions while following him down a hallway at the Capitol. Prosecutors said the reporter, Dan Heyman, broke no laws. Heyman was arrested and jailed for willful disruption of state government processes. The arrest drew condemnation from civil rights and journalists’ rights groups, who said Heyman was merely performing his constitutionally protected duties.
Wisconsin
Report: New Ethics Commission has conducted just 1 investigation, says compliance is up
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 9/3/2017
A new report shows Wisconsin’s Ethics Commission investigated just one alleged violation in its first year of operation. That is a far less active pace than its predecessor, the Government Accountability Board (GAB). Republican lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker created the Ethics Commission, saying the GAB was too partisan. Much of the new commission’s workings are shrouded by law. Hidden from public view are complaints alleging violations of ethics, campaign finance, or lobbying laws, as well as deliberations by the commission on whether to investigate complaints.
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.
September 7, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying “A Two-Decade Crusade by Conservative Charities Fueled Trump’s Exit from Paris Climate Accord” by Robert O’Harrow Jr. for Washington Post Florida: “Hernando Commission to Debate Ordinance Requiring Lobbyists to Register” by Barbara Behrendt for Tampa Bay Times Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
“A Two-Decade Crusade by Conservative Charities Fueled Trump’s Exit from Paris Climate Accord” by Robert O’Harrow Jr. for Washington Post
Florida: “Hernando Commission to Debate Ordinance Requiring Lobbyists to Register” by Barbara Behrendt for Tampa Bay Times
Campaign Finance
“Facebook Says It Sold Political Ads to Russian Company During 2016 Election” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Montana: “Gov. Bullock Settles Campaign Violation Over State Airplane for $3,000” by Tom Lutey for Billings Gazette
New Mexico: “New Mexico Candidate Seeks Court Injunction to Access Cash” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
Ethics
“Trump Gets Millions from Golf Members. CEOs and Lobbyists Get Access to President” by Brad Heath, Fredreka Schouten, Steve Reilly, Nick Pezenstadler, and Aamer Madhani for USA Today
California: “Prosecution Freezes Assets of Fired Centinela Superintendent Facing Embezzlement Charges” by Larry Altman for Los Angeles Daily Breeze
Connecticut: “Ex-Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez Pleads Guilty to Bribe Receiving, Attempted Larceny; Spared Prison” by David Owens and Jenna Carlesso for Hartford Courant
Florida: “Prosecutors Had 5 Years to Charge ex-U.S. Rep. David Rivera. Now Time Has Run Out.” by Patricia Mazzei for Miami Herald
Georgia: “Reed to Ethics Board: ‘I don’t have an ax to grind’” by Nicole Carr for WSB
Elections
“Software Glitch or Russian Hackers? Election Problems Draw Little Scrutiny” by Nicole Pearlroth, Michael Wines, and Matthew Rosenberg for New York Times
Texas: “Court: Texas Can Enforce New Voter ID Law in November” by Allie Morris for Governing
September 6, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Delaware: “Politics of Persuasion: Dozens of lobbyists now work the legislature for more than 200 groups” by Matt Bittle for Delaware State News Texas: “Fred Lewis Appointment Stirs Controversy” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor Campaign Finance “Democrats Say […]
Lobbying
Delaware: “Politics of Persuasion: Dozens of lobbyists now work the legislature for more than 200 groups” by Matt Bittle for Delaware State News
Texas: “Fred Lewis Appointment Stirs Controversy” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor
Campaign Finance
“Democrats Say ‘Citizens United’ Should Die. Here’s Why That Won’t Happen.” by Sarah Kleiner for Center for Public Integrity
California: “SF’s Political Watchdog Agency Proposes Sweeping Reforms, Nonprofits Cry Foul” by Joshua Sabitini for San Francisco Examiner
Colorado: “Denver Proposal Aims to Force Disclosure of Independent Spending in Elections as ‘Dark Money’ Trickles Down” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Maine: “Pressed to Reveal Funding Sources, Miami Real Estate Developer Withdraws from York County Casino Campaign” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
Ethics
“Mueller Examining Trump’s Draft Letter Firing FBI Director Comey” by Rosalind Helderman, Carol Leonnig, and Ashley Parker for Washington Post
“Menendez Trial Set to Begin with Tensions High and Washington Watching” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times
Hawaii: “OHA’s Peter Apo To Pay $25,000 For Ethics Violations” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Wisconsin: “Report: New Ethics Commission has conducted just 1 investigation, says compliance is up” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal
Procurement
New Mexico: “New Mexico Sues Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt, Alleging Kickbacks in $300 Million Investment” by Robert Cronkelton and Ian Cummings for Kansas City Star
September 5, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Maine: “State Workers Drop Mandatory Union Fees in Favor of More Pay” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald Campaign Finance “Statehouses, Not Congress, Hosting Biggest Political Money Fights” by Ashley Balcerzak for Center for Public Integrity California: “‘Campaign […]
Lobbying
Maine: “State Workers Drop Mandatory Union Fees in Favor of More Pay” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
Campaign Finance
“Statehouses, Not Congress, Hosting Biggest Political Money Fights” by Ashley Balcerzak for Center for Public Integrity
California: “‘Campaign Guru’ Gets Prison in Azano San Diego Mayoral Election-Funding Scheme” by Kristina Davis for San Diego Union-Tribune
Maryland: “Facing Minor Fine, Hogan Campaign Lawyer Threatens Attorney General Frosh” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
Ethics
“Manafort Notes from Russian Meet Refer to Political Contributions” by Ken Dilanian and Carol Lee for NBC News
“Treasury Inspector General to Review Mnuchin’s Flight to Fort Knox” by Drew Harwell for Washington Post
Arizona: “Arizona Utility Regulators Consider Adopting Ethics Policy in Wake of Controversies” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Township Supervisor Agrees to Pay $327 Monthly on $105,000 Ethics Commission’s Sanction” by John Beauge for PennLive.com
South Carolia: “Rep. Jim Merrill Pleads Guilty to Misconduct, Agrees to Assist Investigators in Statehouse Corruption Probe” by Glenn Smith and Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
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.