Lobbying

California: “The Coastal Commission Hopes to Restore Public Trust with Its Latest Decision” by Dan Weikel for Los Angeles Times

California: “Brown Vetoes Bill Requiring Advocates for State Contracts to Register” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee

Rhode Island: “Paiva Weed Hoping for Lobbyist Reform This Session” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal

“Lobbyists: Lawmakers turn up pressure to quiet HB2 opponents” by Laura Leslie for WRAL

Ethics

“Gov. Brownback Signs Bill Opening Officials’ Private E-mails on Public Business” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle

Ohio: “Columbus Mayor Ginther Addresses Ethics Concerns in First Executive Order” by Sam Hendren for WOSU

Rhode Island: “Was a Providence Councilman Stealing from the City’s Kids?” by Amanda Milkovitz for Providence Journal

Virginia: “Bristol Virginia Utilities Shows Culture of Corruption, Entitlement and Greed” by Dan Casey for Roanoke Times

Elections

“Trump’s Candidacy Sparking ‘a Surge’ in Citizenship, Voter Applications” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post

Legislative Issues

“Does Size Matter? The Latest Battle Over State Supreme Courts” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing

National:

Conservatives Accuse Facebook of Political Bias
New York Times – John Hermann and Mike Isaac | Published: 5/9/2016

Facebook denied allegations from former workers who said the social media site suppressed news about conservative issues on its popular “trending” news feature. The website Gizmodo published a report that included allegations from unnamed former Facebook “news curators” who said employees prevented stories about the Conservative Political Action Conference, as well as stories about Mitt Romney, Rand Paul, and other conservative issues from appearing in the section, “even though they were organically trending among the site’s users.” The back-and-forth highlights the extent to which Facebook has now muscled its way into America’s political conversation, and the risks the company faces as it becomes a central force in news production and consumption.

Lobbying Groups Descend on Battleground States
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 5/11/2016

With few chances left for face-to-face advocacy in Washington, D.C. as federal lawmakers campaign for re-election, lobbyists are turning to their election-year playbook, which includes heavy spending on targeted advertising in battleground states. Those efforts are more important than ever before, lobbyists say, due to the unpredictability of a presidential race featuring presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. “[State-level advocacy is] a time-honored tradition, and this is the usual time, but there is still so much uncertainty,” said Bruce Haynes, a founding partner at Purple Strategies. “You may need more allies than you’ve ever had when you just don’t know which way the wind is going to blow.”

Women’s Rising Influence in Politics, Tinted Green
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 5/7/2016

Female campaign donors in both parties have described cultural and economic changes that were driving their increased participation in political giving, long among the most exclusive men’s clubs in American culture. More women are founding their own companies or rising to lead family businesses, or have already sold or retired from them, a common springboard to the upper reaches of campaign fundraising. Within marriages, they said, women now had more authority to steer family decisions about political contributions. The increase is especially pronounced on the left, with the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton galvanizing female donors.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton, the First ‘E.T. Candidate,’ Has U.F.O. Fans in Thrall
New York Times – Amy Chozick | Published: 5/10/2016

Known for her grasp of policy details, Hillary Clinton has spoken at length in her presidential campaign on topics ranging from Alzheimer’s research to military tensions in the South China Sea. But it is her unusual knowledge about extraterrestrials that has struck a small but committed cohort of voters. Clinton has vowed that barring any threats to national security, she would open up government files on the subject, a shift from President Obama, who typically dismisses the topic as a joke. Her position has elated UFO enthusiasts, who have declared Clinton the first “E.T. candidate.”

Lobbyists Struggle with Trump Reality
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 5/6/2016

Republican lobbyists in Washington, D.C. are struggling to come to grips with the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency. Much of the GOP crowd on K Street – lobbyists, consultants, and public relations operatives – built their careers working for so-called establishment politicians. Some who spoke with The Hill mentioned that many lobbyists uneasy about whether to support Trump will just shift back to what they know: Congress. Deciding not to participate in the White House race could free up extra resources to ensure Republicans stay in control of the House and Senate, as the party is set to have to defend a large number of seats in the upper chamber. “K Street is worried about the dominos falling below the presidential race,” said Tom Korologos, a strategic advisor for DLA Piper.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Chief Justice’s Suspension Adds to Alabama’s Political Mess
Santa Cruz Sentinel – Jay Reeves (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2016

Three top elected officials in Alabama are embroiled in scandal or facing removal from office while a former governor serves time in federal prison on a corruption conviction. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore was suspended from his job and faces possible ouster over his attempts to block gay marriage following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Fellow Republicans tried to remove Gov. Robert Bentley by impeachment over a sexually charged scandal involving a top political aide, and an investigation continues. House Speaker Mike Hubbard awaits a state trial on 23 felony ethics counts. If convicted, Hubbard could join imprisoned former Gov. Don Siegelman, who was convicted on federal influence-peddling charges.

Arizona – Legislature Approves Bills Amending Campaign Finance Laws
ABC15; Associated Press –   | Published: 5/7/2016

The Arizona Legislature adopted a measure to reinsert criminal penalties that were left out of a sweeping campaign finance bill that was signed by the governor. Among the changes are provisions that make it illegal for individuals to contribute in the name of another person and prevent candidates from donating to one another. House Bill 2297 now moves to the governor’s desk beside a second measure that borrowed language from the same campaign finance rewrite to relax rules on anonymous political spending ahead of the August primary election. The amendment on House Bill 2296 cedes regulation of “dark money” and other nonprofit groups to the IRS, essentially doubling the amount these groups can spend on ballot measures.

California – California Senate Suspends Lobbyist Fundraising Restrictions
Monterey County Herald – Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) | Published: 5/12/2016

The California Senate voted to remove a fundraising blackout period instituted in the wake of a corruption scandal two years ago. The Senate reversed the ban on members raising money from lobbyist employers during final budget negotiations and the last month of session, a time when lawmakers are typically voting on hundreds of bills. Because the restrictions were only in the Senate’s internal rules, not state law, they are not subject to approval by the Assembly or the governor and take effect immediately.

Kentucky – Kentucky’s Two Most Recent Governors Are Feuding, and It’s Ugly and Very Public, Too
U.S. News & World Report – Adam Beam (Associated Press) | Published: 5/10/2016

While peaceful transitions of power are a longstanding U.S. tradition, the handoff in Kentucky from Steve Beshear to Matt Bevin has been ugly. The spat has intensified so much that Beshear has taken the extraordinary step of starting a nonprofit group that is paying for ads critical of Bevin and his policies. Bevin, in turn, has launched an investigation of the Beshear administration, using a state law granting him subpoena power and public money to hire a private law firm to determine if the ex-governor violated state ethics and procurement laws.

Missouri – Missouri House and Senate Can’t Agree on Banning Lobbyist Gifts
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 5/12/2016

A compromise that would ban gifts to Missouri lawmakers except for lobbyist-funded meals – which would be capped at $40 a day, per lobbyist – got bogged down in the state Senate. But even though the 2016 legislative session ends May 13 at six p.m., the House is not ready to give up the fight. Republicans in that chamber plan to attach a lobbyist gift ban as an amendment to numerous Senate bills in an effort to force senators to deal with the issue.

New York – Dean Skelos Is Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison in Corruption Case
New York Times – Benjamin Weiser and Vivian Yee | Published: 5/12/2016

Former New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was sentenced to five years in prison, making him the second former state lawmaker in recent days to be given time behind bars for public corruption. The judge also sentenced his son, Adam Skelos, to six-and-one-half years in prison following their convictions on charges of extortion, fraud, and bribe solicitation. Prosecutors said Dean Skelos used his public position to obtain jobs and payments for his son with companies that had business before the state. Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison in a separate corruption case. The sentences conclude an extraordinary chapter during which two trials held a block apart at almost the same time exposed a culture of kickbacks and secret deals in Albany.

Pennsylvania – Behind the Scenes of an Intricate FBI Sting
Philadelphia Inquirer – Mark Fazlollah, Craig McCoy, and Angeles Couloumbis | Published: 5/7/2016

Records and interviews suggest the FBI sting that ensnared lobbyist John Estey could become the most complex and far-reaching corruption investigation in Harrisburg in a decade. Along with Estey, the probe already trapped former state Treasurer Rob McCord, who has agreed to cooperate in return for leniency and secretly recorded his conversations, according to sources. Federal prosecutors have declined to discuss details of an investigation they only broadly describe as focused on “lobbying in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.”

South Carolina – State Lawmaker Lived at Contributor’s Half-Million-Dollar Property, Ducks Questions
Charleston Post & Courier – David Slade | Published: 5/7/2016

South Carolina Rep. Brian White and his wife sold their modest ranch home for $150,000 and moved to a nearly 3,900-square-foot house more than seven acres with a pool. The $500,000 property was owned by Bradley and Brian Moorhouse, brothers who are both nursing home administrators for National Healthcare Corp., White’s largest corporate source of campaign donations. The White family lived there as tenants for at least five years, paying an undisclosed amount of rent while Brian White collected campaign donations from his landlords and executives with their company. During that time, White chaired a House subcommittee overseeing the state’s health care spending and policies, including those affecting the nursing home industry.

Washington – ‘End Yourselves’: Councilwomen threatened after voting against Seattle’s NBA arena
Washington Post – Stephanie Kuzydym | Published: 5/11/2016

The five female members of the Seattle City Council who provided the votes to defeat a plan to build a new arena to lure a team from the National Basketball Association have received ugly hate mail and threats from disappointed sports fans. Councilperson Lorena González said her personal and private social-media accounts and email were flooded with vitriolic messages. “What was concerning to me about this is I never came into this position with the expectation that I’d be told to kill myself or that I deserve sexual violence,” González said.

Wisconsin – Kevin Kennedy Stepping Down as Head of Embattled Elections, Ethics Board
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 5/10/2016

Wisconsin’s longtime chief elections official, Kevin Kennedy, is retiring on June 29. That is the day before the Government Accountability Board (GAB) he heads is scheduled to be dissolved and reconstituted as two separate commissions. Lawmakers created the GAB in response to a scandal in which lawmakers were convicted of campaigning using state resources. But Republicans came to despise the board, in large part because it participated in an investigation that looked into whether Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign collaborated with conservative groups. Lawmakers last year voted to disband the GAB.

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.

National:

Often-Secret Donors Spend Big to Push Elected Officials’ Pet Projects
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten and Mary Troyan | Published: 4/5/2016

Nonprofit groups have become a fixture in federal politics, allowing secret donors to pump unlimited sums into advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts in elections. But their use has spread rapidly to statehouses and city halls as another source of cash that elected officials of both parties can tap to help shape public policy. Elected officials defend their use, saying nonprofits can move more nimbly than government agencies to advance civic initiatives and are less likely to draw the public’s ire over using taxpayer funds for pet projects or quasi-political expenses, such as polling. Campaign finance watchdogs, however, said they are just another way for unregulated money to seep into the political process and give big donors a covert method to curry favor with decision makers.

Stricter Rules for Voter IDs Reshape Races
New York Times – Michael Wines and Manuel Fernandez | Published: 5/1/2016

Since their inception a decade ago, voter identification laws have been the focus of fierce political and social debate. Proponents, largely Republican, argue the regulations are essential tools to combat election fraud, while critics contend they are mainly intended to suppress turnout of Democratic-leaning constituencies like minorities and students. As the general election nears, in which new or strengthened voter ID laws will be in place in 15 states for the first time in a presidential election, recent academic research indicates the requirements restrict turnout and disproportionately affect voting by minorities. The laws are also reshaping how many campaigns are run, with candidates not only spending time to secure votes, but also time to ensure those votes can be cast.

Federal:

Clinton Fundraising Leaves Little for State Parties
Politico – Kenneth Vogel and Isaac Arnsdorf | Published: 5/2/2016

The Hillary Victory Fund is a joint fundraising committee comprised of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and 32 state party committees. The set-up allows Clinton to solicit checks of $350,000 or more from her wealthy supporters. In the days before Clinton launched the unprecedented fundraising vehicle, she proclaimed “when our state parties are strong, we win. That’s what will happen.” But less than one percent of the $61 million raised by that effort has stayed in the state parties’ coffers. The arrangement has sparked concerns among watchdogs, who see it as a circumvention of contribution limits by a national party apparatus intent on doing whatever it takes to help Clinton win the Democratic nomination and then the White House.

Now, Dennis Hastert Seems an Architect of Dysfunction as Speaker
New York Times – Carl Hulse | Published: 5/2/2016

Dennis Hastert’s admission in federal court that he sexually molested wrestlers on the Illinois high school team he coached years before setting foot on Capitol Hill is provoking a re-evaluation of his tenure as the longest-serving Republican House speaker. Hastert emerges as a deeply flawed figure who contributed significantly to the dysfunction that defines Congress today. Even his namesake Hastert rule, the informal standard that no legislation should be brought to a vote without the support of a majority of the majority, has come to be seen as a structural barrier to compromise.

With Donald Trump in Charge, Republicans Have a Day of Reckoning
New York Times – Patrick Healy, Jonathan Martin, and Maggie Haberman | Published: 5/4/2016

For a Republican Party that usually rallies around its presumptive presidential nominee quickly, the brutal primary campaign and the questions about Donald Trump’s substance and style have fueled a remarkable level of dissatisfaction, antipathy that will not fade simply because Ted Cruz and John Kasich have ceded the race. The journey from denial and resistance to grudging acceptance, and even peace, with the Trump nomination may never be complete for some Republicans. But leaders hope to change that quickly, to save the party from splintering and to have a real shot at winning in November.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Legislature Passes Bill to Disclose Lobbying on State Contracts
KQED – Guy Marzorati | Published: 5/3/2016

Communicating with government officials to try to win state contracts would be considered lobbying under legislation the California Assembly sent to Gov. Jerry Brown despite opposition from the Fair Political Practices Commission. If Brown signs the Assembly Bill 1200, people who communicate with government officials about contracts enough to earn $2,000 or more a month for their efforts would have to register as lobbyists. It would apply only to people working on contracts worth at least $250,000.

California – State Senator Calls for a Ban on Private Meetings with Coastal Commissioners to ‘Level the Playing Field’
Los Angeles Times – Dan Weikel and Kim Christensen | Published: 5/3/2016

Ex-parte communications between individual members of the California Coastal Commission and developers, lobbyists, environmentalists, and other interested parties have become a major element in the way the commission presides over land use, public access, and environment protection. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson has introduced legislation to ban those communications, a move that has raised questions about who gets access to individual commissioners and the fairness of the panel’s quasi-judicial process that weighs both sides before rendering a decision.

Kentucky – FBI Agent: Illegal donations went to campaigns of Andy Beshear, Jack Conway
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 5/3/2016

Newly released court documents show former Kentucky Personnel Cabinet Secretary Tim Longmeyer, who pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge, arranged for illegal campaign donations to Andy Beshear, who was elected attorney general, and Jack Conway, who lost his bid to become governor. An affidavit states there is no indication the candidates were aware of the scheme. Court documents indicate the money came from a scheme Longmeyer had with MC Squared Consulting, which gave him kickbacks in exchange for help securing contracts with two insurers.

New York – Executive Chamber Receives Subpoena; Percoco Said to Be Under Federal Gaze
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 4/29/2016

The federal investigation into one of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature economic development programs has come to focus on one of his former top aides, Joseph Percoco. The inquiry is also focused on several other men and a company linked to the program, called the Buffalo Billion. The governor’s office was served with a federal grand jury subpoena for documents related to the investigation. “The state has reason to believe that in certain programs and regulatory approvals they may have been defrauded by improper bidding and failures to disclose potential conflicts-of-interest by lobbyists and former state employees,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

New York – From Albany to Prison: Ex-lawmakers on life behind bars
New York Times – Vivian Yee | Published: 4/30/2016

In interviews, four former New York lawmakers that were convicted on corruption charges tell of spiritual awakenings, physical survival, and mental toughening. But what figures largest in these personal narratives – what they say has sustained them throughout – is the belief they were wrongly prosecuted. With onetime Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver being sentenced to 12 years recently, along with the expected arrivals of convicted ex-Sens. Dean Skelos and John Sampson, there will be at least nine former members of the Legislature in the federal prison system. Nine more were released over the last few years.

New York – Sheldon Silver, Ex-New York Assembly Speaker, Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence
New York Times – Benjamin Weiser and Vivian Yee | Published: 5/3/2016

A federal judge sentenced former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to 12 years in prison after he was convicted of corruption charges. The judge also ordered him to forfeit more than $5 million in proceeds from his crimes and pay a $1.75 million fine. Silver was found guilty of fraud, extortion, and money laundering in dealings with real estate developers and a Columbia University cancer researcher. Prosecutors also alleged he found jobs for two women with whom he had extramarital affairs. “Silver’s crimes corrupted the institution that he led for more than 20 years,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing recommendation. “As a fixture in the legislative leadership, an entire generation of New York legislators served in an institution framed by his corrupt example.”

Pennsylvania – Guilty: Aide to former PA Gov. Rendell pleas to wire fraud
Binghamton Press & Bulletin – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 5/1/2016

An ex-chief of staff to former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges in connection with an FBI undercover investigation into lobbying activities in Harrisburg. John Estey is accused of taking $20,000 from an undercover business created by the FBI five years ago. He agreed to make campaign contributions that would influence state lawmakers and to distribute the money in a way that would hide the company’s role. State law bans campaign donations from corporations. But Estey only gave $7,000 to legislators, secretly keep the rest for himself.

Utah – Donor Speed-Dating with Guv Doesn’t Sit Well with Some
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 4/28/2016

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s campaign is pitching a novel fundraising approach, granting one-on-one meetings with the governor in a speed-dating-style format for donors who give generously to his re-election efforts. The tactic, presented by the governor’s campaign staff at a meeting at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City to more than two dozen lobbyists and supporters, was alarming to several in attendance. “I think everyone who was there was like, ‘Too much,'” said one of several lobbyists who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to not upset the governor or his staff. “It made people cringe.”

Virginia – Fla. Businessman Paid $10K for Va. Senator’s Trip to Meet Syrian President Assad
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 5/3/2016

A businessperson paid $10,000 for the cost of Virginia Sen. Richard Black’s recent trip to Syria, where he met with President Bashar al Assad. State ethics officials signed off on the gift, finding it complied with state ethics laws. Black will be required to report the free business-class air travel and accommodations on his financial disclosure form. But he is not sure how to put a dollar figure on something the Syrian government lavished on him during his visit: security. “When we went to Palmyra, as we were traveling some of the roads, they had a very large assault jet flying in at treetop level with ear-splitting roars, and on the other side were four assault helicopters,” Black said. Accounting for largesse of that sort will be a new one in Richmond, even after three rounds of ethics reform.

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.

Lobbying

California: “Legislature Passes Bill to Disclose Lobbying on State Contracts” by Guy Marzorati for KQED

Campaign Finance

New Jersey: “Ex-Birdsall Exec Admits Role in $1M Pay-to-Play Scheme” by S.P. Sullivan (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger

New York: “Hearing Advances Reforms to City Campaign Finance System” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette

Ethics

“What is Corruption?” by Robert Gebelhoff for Washington Post

Alabama: “Zeigler Says He’ll File Court Motion Seeking Bentley Testimony” by Mike Cason for AL.com

New York: “Sheldon Silver, Ex-New York Assembly Speaker, Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence” by Benjamin Weiser and Vivian Yee for New York Times

Virginia: “Fla. Businessman Paid $10K for Va. Senator’s Trip to Meet Syrian President Assad” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post

Elections

“Ted Cruz Drops Out of the Republican Presidential Race” by Sean Sullivan and Katie Zezima for Washington Post

“Sanders Wins Indiana, but Clinton Looks to November” by Heidi Przybyla for USA Today

Legislative Issues

“Now, Dennis Hastert Seems an Architect of Dysfunction as Speaker” by Carl Hulse for New York Times

The San Francisco Ethics Commission has announced two interested persons meetings on May 11 and May 16 to discuss a proposed November 2016 ballot measure that would ask San Francisco voters to place new restrictions on lobbyist contributions, bundling of contributions by lobbyists, and gifts from lobbyists.

The feedback from these meetings will be used in the analysis and recommendations on the proposed ballot measure presented at the May 23, 2016 commission meeting.

Written comments and RSVPs can be sent via email to ethics.commission@sfgov.org.

Campaign Finance

“Clinton Fundraising Leaves Little for State Parties” by Kenneth Vogel and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico

“Cruz’s Faltering Campaign Shows the Risks of Depending on a Few Wealthy Donors” by Joseph Tanfani and Noah Bierman for Los Angeles Times

Massachusetts: “Top Donors Could Gain More Access to Baker, Officials” by Jim O’Sullivan for Boston Globe

Washington: “Sen. Roach Wants AG to Decide If Campaign Donors Should Be Named on Petitions” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times

Ethics

Florida: “Nonprofit Contributions from Developers Get Scrutiny in Miami Beach” by James Teeple for The Real Deal

New York: “Executive Chamber Receives Subpoena; Percoco Said to Be Under Federal Gaze” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union

Pennsylvania: “Guilty: Aide to former PA Gov. Rendell pleas to wire fraud” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Binghamton Press & Bulletin

South Carolina: “Watchdogs Say Ethics Bills Could Instill Confidence” by Tim Smith for Greenville News

Elections

“Stricter Rules for Voter IDs Reshape Races” by Michael Wines and Manuel Fernandez for New York Times

Virginia: “Va. Republicans Hire Lawyer in Bid to Stop Restoration of Felons’ Voting Rights” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

“Sanders Is Biggest Spender of 2016 So Far – Generating Millions for Consultants” by Matea Gold and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post

Colorado: “House Votes for Disclosure of Independent Spending on Ads Touting Political Parties” by Jeff Roberts (Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition) for Colorado Independent

Colorado: “Groups May Take Aim at Denver Campaign Finance, Ethics Rules” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

New York: “De Blasio’s Office Gets Subpoenas as Inquiries into Fund-Raising Continue” by J. David Goodman for New York Times

North Carolina: “FEC Resets Campaign Donation Limits for NC Congressional Races” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer

Ethics

Alabama: “Henry to File New Impeachment Articles against Bentley” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Connecticut: “Questions Raised About Sale of Famous Political Collection” by Edmund Mahony for Hartford Courant

South Carolina: “Senate Passes Bills Aimed at Reforming State Ethics Laws” by Maya Prabhu for Charleston Post & Courier

Utah: “Donor Speed-Dating with Guv Doesn’t Sit Well with Some” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Elections

“Voters in Eastern Seaboard Primaries Embrace Trump” by Philip Rucker and Jose DelReal for Washington Post

“Clinton Decisively Wins Democratic Primaries in 4 States” by Abby Phillip, John Wagner, and Anne Gearan for Washington Post

“How the Other Fifth Lives” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times

Texas: “Justices Leave Texas Voter ID Law Intact, with a Warning” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Lobbying

California: “The Most Influential Person on the Coastal Commission May Be This Lobbyist” by Kim Christensen for Los Angeles Times

Campaign Finance

“Congressmen Challenge ‘Bipartisan Shakedown’ Pressuring Members to Raise $18,000 Every Day” by Chance Seales for WCMH

Alaska: “Parade of Politicians Expected to Appear at Trial over Alaska Campaign Donation Limits” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch News

Michigan: “Labor Unions Sue State of Michigan over Election Law” by Kathleen Gray for Detroit Free Press

New York: “De Blasio Team Violated Campaign Finance Laws, Report Says” by William Neuman and Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Ethics

Alabama: “Jon Mason Should Be Concerned about Ethical Conflicts, Former Ethics Officials Say” by Connor Sheets for AL.com

Hawaii “Les Kondo Confirmed As State Auditor” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat

Idaho: “Initiative Proposes Sweeping Changes to Idaho’s Campaign Finance Laws” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review

Elections

“Ted Cruz and John Kasich to Coordinate Against Donald Trump” by Matt Flegenheimer and Jonathan Martin for New York Times

Virginia: “Virginia Governor Restores Voting Rights to Felons” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Erik Eckholm for New York Times

National:

Elizabeth Warren, Comic Book Hero? Senator Is Latest to Star
Albuquerque Journal – Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) | Published: 4/18/2016

“Female Force: Elizabeth Warren” tells the true-life story of Warren’s rise from Oklahoma schoolgirl to U.S. senator and champion of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. The 22-page comic is the brainchild of publishers Storm Entertainment and is part of a larger series designed to celebrate the lives of notable women. Instead of leaping over tall buildings, Warren’s political superpowers are focused on something she sees as even more threatening: the Wall Street and Capitol Hill power brokers she holds responsible for hollowing out the middle class. The bulk of the book steers clear of ideological battles and instead zeroes in on Warren’s personal and professional struggles.

Voters Angry About Big Money in Politics Take Their Complaints to City Hall
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 4/18/2016

A backlash against wealthy interests in politics that has lifted the White House bids of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders is reverberating beyond this year’s presidential race. The large sums swamping campaigns have prompted voters to appeal to City Halls and state Capitols, hoping to curb the influence of well-heeled donors in their communities. One of the biggest public protests drew thousands to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. But similar, if smaller, efforts have been playing out across the country. The growing number of local campaigns means politicians at every level of government are contending with voters who believe their voices are being drowned out by those with more resources.

Federal:

PAC Donations from Elderly Donors Draw Scrutiny
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars | Published: 4/18/2016

VIGOP, an obscure fundraising committee from the Virgin Islands, is one of the top-spending PACs in a constellation of groups tied to Scott Mackenzie, a political treasurer. Mackenzie, whose spending practices have drawn scrutiny in recent years from watchdogs and candidates, has served as treasurer of more than 20 PACs at some point in this election cycle. Three of them, including VIGOP, have collected more than $1 million so far for the 2016 election. In each case, more than half their contributions larger than $200 came from retirees. At the same time, a large share of the donations these groups took in went to fund operating expenses instead of direct contributions to Republican candidates. FEC member Ann Ravel has sounded alarms about the rise of PACs she believes are engaged in “consumer deception” but says there is little in current federal law that gives the agency authority to act.

The New Gilded Age: Close to half of all super PAC money comes from 50 donors
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Anu Narayanswamy | Published: 4/15/2016

Close to half of the money raised by the groups by the end of February came from just 50 donors and their relatives, according to a Washington Post analysis. In all, donors this cycle have given more than $607 million to 2,300 super PACs, which can accept unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations. That means super PAC money is on track to surpass the $828 million the Center for Responsive Politics found was raised by such groups for the 2012 elections. The huge amounts reflect how super PACs are fundraising powerhouses just six years after they came on the scene. The concentration of fundraising power carries echoes of the end of the 19th century, when wealthy interests spent millions helping put William McKinley in the White House.

Trade Group for Lobbyists Closing Down
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 4/19/2016

The Association of Government Relations Professionals (AGRP), formerly the American League of Lobbyists, is shutting down. The closure reportedly stems from a contract dispute with Columbia Books, which runs the website Lobbyists.info and had been a sponsor for events organized by AGRP. Founded to raise the image of the lobbying profession, AGRP offered networking and courses through its Lobbying Certificate Program. Paul Miller, a lobbyist with Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, said he has created a new organization called the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics in the wake of AGRP discontinuing its certificate program.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Supreme Court Upholds Arizona Redistricting Plan
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 4/20/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the state legislative districts in Arizona drawn by an independent commission, rebuffing complaints the electoral maps diminished the clout of Republican voters. The justices said the commission that draws legislative boundaries did not violate the U.S. Constitution’s principle of “one person, one vote.” The case focused on state legislative districts drawn for the 2012 election based on 2010 census numbers. The challengers said the new districts favored Democrats over Republicans by packing GOP voters into certain districts in a way that would minimize their influence in neighboring districts while enhancing the sway of Democratic voters.

California – Are You an Independent Voter? You Aren’t If You Checked This Box
Los Angeles Times – John Myers, Christine Mai-Duc, and Ben Welsh | Published: 4/16/2016

The American Independent Party (AIP) is bigger than all of California’s other minor parties combined. The ultraconservative party’s platform opposes abortion rights and same sex marriage, and calls for building a fence along the entire U.S. border. But a Los Angeles Times investigation has found a majority of its members have registered with the party in error. Nearly three in four people did not realize they had joined the party, according to a survey of registered AIP voters. That mistake could prevent people from casting votes in the June 7 presidential primary. Voters from all walks of life were confused by the use of the word “independent” in the party’s name, according to the newspaper’s analysis.

California – Political Fine from 2012 Mayor’s Race Sets Record
San Diego Union-Tribune – Greg Moran | Published: 4/15/2016

A company that illegally funneled campaign contributions in San Diego’s 2012 mayoral race was fined $128,000 by the city Ethics Commission, the largest penalty ever levied by the agency for campaign finance violations. The investigation revealed the owner of Advantage Towing, Ayman Arekat, orchestrated a series of straw-donor contribution to three campaigns, then hid the source. Arekat, whose company dis business with the city, had employees make $500 contributions – at the time, the maximum allowed under the law – and then reimbursed them with checks drawn on the company’s account.

Florida – Florida Says Firm Didn’t Illegally Try to Influence Attorney General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 4/20/2016

Bernard Nash, a partner in a former Washington, D.C. law firm who allegedly sought favorable attention from Florida’s attorney general on his clients’ behalf without being registered as a lobbyist, did not violate Florida lobbying law, the state ethics commission found. The investigation began in response to a series of articles that examined the increasing efforts by a wide range of corporations to influence state attorneys general. Lawyers who handle this kind of business rarely register as lobbyists, even though in many cases they also work on general policy matters, like urging state attorneys general to intervene with the federal government on environmental regulations their corporate clients oppose, The New York Times found.

Kentucky – Beshear Aide Tim Longmeyer Pleads Guilty to Bribery; Investigation Continues
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves and Bill Estep | Published: 4/19/2016

A onetime high-ranking state official whose criminal charges were an embarrassment for former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge. Tim Longmeyer abruptly resigned as a deputy in the state attorney general’s office two days before a criminal complaint was announced in March. Longmeyer pleaded guilty to using his influence as the head of the state’s Personnel Cabinet under former Beshear to steer contracts to a public relations firm in 2014 and 2015. Longmeyer admitted to receiving more than $200,000 in kickbacks from the firm. He faces up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors have not named the consulting firm, but said more people could be charged in the case.

Louisiana – Who’s Really Being Wined and Dined? Louisiana Legislators Trying to Clear up Vague Lobbyist Disclosure Laws
New Orleans Advocate – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 4/17/2016

Louisiana’s lobbying disclosure laws leave large gaps that lawmakers are trying to fix this year. Several bills making their way through the Legislature this session are aimed at making disclosures more specific – from lobbyists’ reports to the financial disclosures that elected officials have to file. Rep. Chris Broadwater noted in a recent House committee meeting that he did not attend many of the events where his name is listed in lobbyist disclosure reports and he was not treated to nearly all the fancy steak dinners that were ascribed to him. “We work with some very good lobbyists, but I think there are some mistakes made,” Broadwater said.

Michigan – ‘More to Come,’ Attorney General Vows, as Officials Criminally Charged in Flint Water Crisis
Washington Post – Brady Dennis and Mark Berman | Published: 4/20/2016

The first criminal charges stemming from the Flint water crisis were filed as two state officials and a city employee were accused of covering up evidence of lead contamination. Two people at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality were charged with misleading the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about whether Flint was using the treatment needed to control lead levels after the city switched its water supply in 2014. Michael Prysby, a district engineer, and Stephen Busch, a district supervisor, were also accused of impeding a Genesee County investigation. Michael Glasglow, the city’s utilities administrator, was charged with tampering with test results to make the lead contamination appear less severe. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette stressed that the charges mark the beginning of a broadening investigation.

Oregon – Political Consultants Must Disclose Clients under New Portland Rule
Portland Oregonian – Brad Schmidt | Published: 4/21/2016

New regulations that take effect on September 1 will require political consultants to register if they advise members of the Portland City Council or the city’s elected auditor. Elected officials also will be required to disclose the consultants who give them advice. But the rules do not prohibit consultants from lobbying the clients they help elect or keep in City Hall. Portland’s new rules will require consultants and lobbyists to disclose when political service begins. But there is not a requirement to reveal the topics or type of service provided.

Virginia – Va. Lawmakers Sustain Series of McAuliffe Vetoes
Richmond Times Dispatch; Staff –   | Published: 4/20/2016

State lawmakers rejected proposed changes by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to Virginia’s new ethics law, saying they were unnecessary. Lawmakers agreed to a $100 cap on gifts in last year’s session, but passed legislation this year that makes exceptions for certain kinds of gifts, including food and drinks under $20. The governor also wanted to prohibit lobbyists from bundling gifts together from multiple clients to avoid exceeding the $100 cap. McAuliffe will review whether to veto the legislation following the rejection of his amendments.

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.

Lobbying

“Trade Group for Lobbyists Closing Down” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

“Va. Lawmakers Sustain Series of McAuliffe Vetoes” by Jim Nolan for Richmond Times Dispatch

Campaign Finance

“Inquiry of Mayor de Blasio Fund-Raising Extends to ’14 State Senate Races” by William Rashbaum for New York Times

Ethics

“Beshear Aide Tim Longmeyer Pleads Guilty to Bribery; Investigation Continues” by John Cheves and Bill Estep for Lexington Herald-Leader

“‘More to Come,’ Attorney General Vows, as Officials Criminally Charged in Flint Water Crisis” by Brady Dennis and Mark Berman for Washington Post

“Tough Job, Tough Questions for Campaign Watchdog Hopefuls” by Rachel Stassen-Berger for St. Paul Pioneer Press

Elections

“Why Ohio’s Bribery Law Isn’t Going to Upend the GOP Race” by Philip Elliott for Time

Legislative Issues

“Court Rules Indiana Lawmakers Can Keep Emails Private” by Tom Davies (Associated Press) for Indianapolis Business Journal

Redistricting

“Supreme Court Upholds Arizona Redistricting Plan” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post

Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn recently introduced legislation to increase lobbyist reporting requirements.

House Bill 5535 would require lobbyists and lobbyist agents to file reports on a quarterly basis. Currently, reports are only required to be filed on a semi-annual basis.

The bill is now in the Committee on Oversight and Ethics and has yet to pass either house.

Photo of the Michigan State Capitol by Brian Charles Watson on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists and Corporations, Arm-in-Arm” by Rani Molla for Bloomberg.com

“What is Shadow Lobbying? How Influence Peddlers Shape Policy in the Dark” by Libby Watson for Sunlight Foundation

Campaign Finance

“PAC Donations from Elderly Donors Draw Scrutiny” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars for USA Today

“George Clooney Certainly Has Raised Some ‘Obscene’ Amounts of Campaign Money” by Justin Moyer for Washington Post

Mississippi: “No Restrictions on Legislators as Mississippi House Turns Back Campaign Cash Rules” by The Associated Press for Mississippi Business Journal

Montana: “Judge Weighs Whether Low Contribution Limits Are Justified” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for The Missoulian

Ethics

District of Columbia: “DC Schools Chief Asked Contractor for $100K” by Ben Nuckols (Associated Press) for Idaho Statesman

Elections

“New York Blowout Gives Donald Trump Big Boost in GOP Race” by Jenna Johnson and Philip Rucker for Washington Post

“Strong Showing by Clinton in Defeat of Sanders in New York Primary” by Abby Phillip, John Wagner, and Anne Gearan for Washington Post

Procurement

“Governments Struggle to Root Out Fake Minority Contractors” by Mattie Quinn for Governing

Lobbying

Colorado: “Lobbyist Ben Walters May Be in Hot Water for Lying to Lawmakers” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Independent

Louisiana: “Who’s Really Being Wined and Dined? Louisiana Legislators Trying to Clear up Vague Lobbyist Disclosure Laws” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate

Campaign Finance

“Voters Angry About Big Money in Politics Take Their Complaints to City Hall” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

“FEC’s Petersen Hints Interest in Foreign-Money Rules” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

“Inside a Contest Winner’s Starry Night at George and Amal Clooney’s Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton: ‘They made us feel at home’” by Rennie Dyball for People.com

“Court Unseals Investigative File from Ex-D.C. Mayor Gray Campaign Probe” by Mike DeBonis, Anne Marimow, and Spencer Hsu for Washington Post

Florida: “Jacksonville Rep. Reggie Fullwood Indicted on Federal Charges, Accused of Embezzling Campaign Money” by Kristen Clark for Miami Herald

Ethics

“Elizabeth Warren, Comic Book Hero? Senator Is Latest to Star” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) for Albuquerque Journal

Indiana: “Do City’s New Ethics Rules Go Far Enough?” by Haleigh Colombo for Indianapolis Business Journal

Elections

California: “Are You an Independent Voter? You Aren’t If You Checked This Box” by John Myers, Christine Mai-Duc, and Ben Welsh for Los Angeles Times

The Honolulu Charter Commission is considering a proposal today to clarify conflict-of-interest provisions for city employees and officials. Current charter provisions prohibit employees and officials from soliciting or accepting any gift, directly or indirectly, if it can reasonably be inferred the gift is intended to influence the officer or employee in the performance of official duties. The new proposal would prohibit only those gifts intended to influence an officer or employee in the performance of official duties and benefiting the official, his or her family, or individuals or organizations with which he or she has a past, present, or future connection.

Proponents argue the proposal creates a clear standard of conduct, while opponents claim the changes would make it more difficult to enforce gift restrictions in the future. It is inherently difficult to prove the intent behind a gift or the existence of a connection with the recipient. The proposal, therefore, will likely result in individuals, namely lobbyists, avoiding penalties. Interestingly enough, several commission members are current or former lobbyists, or work for organizations employing lobbyists.