April 23, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Very Simple Reason More Money Is Spent on Lobbyists than on Congress” by Philip Bump for Washington Post “Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show” by Marc Lifsher for Los Angeles Times Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
“The Very Simple Reason More Money Is Spent on Lobbyists than on Congress” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
“Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show” by Marc Lifsher for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Jeb Bush Prepares to Give Traditional Campaign a Makeover” by Thomas Beaumont for AP.org
“Feds Face New Pressure on Corporate Giving” by Lydia Wheeler for The Hill
“Ariz. Court: Groups can’t conceal attack-ad funding sources” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for East Valley Tribune
“Kansas to New Political Group: Fix your ‘stupid’ name” by Dion Lefler for Wichita Eagle
“Gov. Signs Campaign Finance Bill into Law” by Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) for Flathead Beacon
“Campaign Finance Reform: Kate Brown urges lawmakers to pass donation limits” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
“Ethics Board Looks to Strengthen City Campaign Finance Laws” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Free Golf Tickets OK’d by Legislative Ethics Board” by Chad Sokol (Murrow News Service) for Spokane Spokesman-Review
April 22, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “What We Get Wrong about Lobbying and Corruption” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post “Lobbyists Slow to Cash in on Republican-Led Congress” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance System Is Broken Says GOP Super-Lawyer Jim […]
Lobbying
“What We Get Wrong about Lobbying and Corruption” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post
“Lobbyists Slow to Cash in on Republican-Led Congress” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance System Is Broken Says GOP Super-Lawyer Jim Bopp” by Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity
Kansas: “Ex-Lawmaker Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail for Bank Fraud” by Nicholas Clayton (Associated Press) for Kansas City Star
Ethics
“Storm Gathers around Clinton Finances” by Niall Stanage for The Hill
Illinois: “Judge Says Berrios Doesn’t Have to Pay $10,000 Ethics Fine” by Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune
Montana: “Montana Senate Committee Tables Confirmation of Political Practices Commissioner” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian
Texas: “Texas House OKs Change in Investigating Public Corruption” by Eva Ruth Moravec (Associated Press) for Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Virginia: “Ex-Virginia First Lady McDonnell Tries to Get Corruption Convictions Tossed” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Procurement
Texas: “House Launches Contracting Inquiry at 11 State Agencies” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
April 21, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online Campaign Finance “House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico “Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Campaign Finance
“House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico
“Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue in 2016 Campaign” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Panel Recommends Fining Former Lawmaker David Rivera $58K” by Kathleen McGrory for Miami Herald
Florida: “Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Kentucky: “Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
New Jersey: “Ferriero Convicted on Racketeering Count; Ex-Democratic Chief Used Political Clout for Profit” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record
New York: “Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling” by Russ Buettner and David Chen for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Montco Businessman Charged in PennDot Graft Probe” by Ben Finley for Philadelphia Inquirer
Redistricting
North Carolina: “US Supreme Court Tosses NC High Court Decision on State’s GOP-Drawn Electoral Maps” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
April 20, 2015 •
Arkansas Ethics Commission to Administer New Lobbying and Campaign Laws
The state Ethics Commission is discussing how to administer new lobbying and campaign laws signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Senate Bill 967 (now Act 1280) limits lobbyists to one “planned activity” per week and provides a 30-day grace period for […]
The state Ethics Commission is discussing how to administer new lobbying and campaign laws signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Senate Bill 967 (now Act 1280) limits lobbyists to one “planned activity” per week and provides a 30-day grace period for officials to return improper gifts. Political contribution limits from individuals and PACs to a candidate have been raised from $2,000 to $2,700 per election.
Act 1280 also authorizes the commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the commission authority to administer the constitutional changes.
Earlier this year lawmakers passed House Bill 1002 (now Act 47), but that law only authorized the commission to issue advisory opinions concerning the amendment.
Act 1280 further provides the commission with statutory authority to administer the changes by issuing rules and investigating complaints. Act 1280 became effective upon Hutchinson’s signature.
April 20, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist” by John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman for Politico Campaign Finance “Clinton Campaign Will Accept Donations from Lobbyists and PACs” by Sam Stein and Paul Blumenthal for Huffington […]
Lobbying
“Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist” by John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman for Politico
Campaign Finance
“Clinton Campaign Will Accept Donations from Lobbyists and PACs” by Sam Stein and Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
New York: “New York State Elections Board Retains a Corporate Donation Loophole” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Rhode Island: “Campaign Finance Measures Sent to Governor” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Ethics
“Clinton Foundation to Restrict Foreign Donations” by Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Alabama: “Hubbard Defense Claims Prosecutorial Misconduct in Ethics Case” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Georgia: “Ga. Ethics Commission Search for Leader Down to 4 Finalists” by Kathleen Foody (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Indiana: “Ethics Legislation Gets Closer to Becoming Law” by Alec Gray for Indianapolis Business Journal
Virginia: “Legislature Approves Ethics Bill with $100 Aggregate Gift Cap” by Jim Nolan and Markus Schmidt for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Washington: “Washington Auditor Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Indictment” by Gene Johnson and Derrick Nunnally (Associated Press) for The Sun Herald
April 17, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 17, 2015
National: Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report BBC – Damian Grammaticas | Published: 4/14/2015 Lack of control over lobbyists threatens to undermine European democracies, said Transparency International, which is calling for new regulations. In a report assessing legal […]
National:
Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report
BBC – Damian Grammaticas | Published: 4/14/2015
Lack of control over lobbyists threatens to undermine European democracies, said Transparency International, which is calling for new regulations. In a report assessing legal and other safeguards against opaque lobbying practices in 19 of the 28 European Union (EU) states and three EU institutions, it found only two countries – Slovenia and Lithuania – had even half the level of protection that the organization thought was necessary to protect against “undue influence” by vested interests. Among Transparency International’s concerns were lack of public documentation of who is lobbying whom, with what resources, and for what purpose. Others included failure to control the “revolving door” of staff moving between government institutions and private enterprises.
Federal:
Florida Mailman Lands a Gyrocopter on Capitol Lawn, Hoping to Send a Message
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis and Marc Fisher | Published: 4/15/2015
A postal worker from Florida delivering a protest message to Congress landed a lightweight gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Doug Hughes was taken into custody, with possible charges pending. He guided his aircraft at low speed through protected airspace and landed it on Congress’s front lawn to raise awareness about the amount of money spent on elections. “I have no intention of hurting anyone,” Hughes wrote on his website. The U.S. Secret Service denied anyone had tipped off its Tampa field office to Hughes’s intentions. Air defense systems did not detect the copter as it entered restricted airspace above Washington, D.C. No one tried to stop the gyrocopter.
Hillary Clinton’s Goal: Keep Bill Clinton happy, involved
Politico – Annie Karni | Published: 4/13/2015
When Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2008, her campaign staff was intimidated by her husband’s star power, concerned that she would be seen only in relation to him. Bill Clinton’s role during that campaign was an ongoing frustration for him and his team. The feeling within his inner circle, sources said, was that if he had been allowed to have a bigger say in strategy from the beginning, the campaign would not have ended up where it did. Now, after four years as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton is more firmly established as independent figure. Her new team has more confidence that she will be seen by voters as her own woman, with an identity separate from her husband. Thus they will not be afraid to place him in the spotlight when the time is right, while taking full advantage of his skills as a strategist behind the scenes.
In Accepting Bitcoin, Rand Paul Raises Money and Questions
New York Times – Eric Lichtblau | Published: 4/9/2015
In announcing his candidacy for president, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul waded into new waters when he said he would accept campaign contributions in Bitcoins, a largely untraceable virtual currency, in amounts up to $100. While some state and federal candidates in California, Colorado, New Hampshire, and elsewhere have started accepting Bitcoins, Paul is the first presidential candidate to do so. The novelty of the payment method is likely to help Paul highlight his edgy appeal to other libertarians, tech-savvy voters, young people, and others who favor Bitcoin. But it also raises questions about whether illegal contributions could make their way into campaigns more easily.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Gov. Doug Ducey Signs Elections-Related Measures
Arizona Capitol Times – Bob Christie (Associated Press) | Published: 4/14/2015
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a series of bills into law that address campaign finance, voter initiatives, third parties, and political committees. House Bill 2415 allows candidates to take up to $6,250 from an individual donor per election cycle, up from $5,000. House Bill 2649 modifies the definition of “political committee.” State Elections Director Eric Spencer said he crafted the legislation to specify that groups only need register as a political committee if they are organized for the purpose of affecting elections.
Missouri – Though Petition Seeks His Ouster, Ferguson Mayor Says He Is Best Leader for City
New York Times – John Eligon | Published: 4/12/2015
Ever since a white Ferguson police officer fatally shot an unarmed black teenager eight months ago, the city’s mayor, James Knowles, has been thrust into the spotlight in a national debate over race, class, and law enforcement. Among some activists who have taken to the streets, Knowles is viewed as a tone-deaf public official who allowed a racist and corrupt government to operate under his nose. Knowles has defended himself by saying that concerns about racial bias had not been raised on his watch as a public servant, and now that big problems had been laid bare, he was the person best qualified to help the city usher in vital reforms. But that is not enough for a handful of residents who, with support from outside groups, are trying to have Knowles recalled.
Montana – Legislature Clears Campaign Finance Bill; Headed to Governor
The Missoulian; Associated Press – | Published: 4/15/2015
Montana lawmakers gave final approval to a bill requiring more disclosure for so-called dark money spending. Under Senate Bill 289, certain groups would be required to publicize reports on political donations and expenditures if they spend money supporting or opposing candidates or ballot issues. The measure aims to shed light on anonymous money that began flowing into elections after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling.
Nevada – Bill to Toughen Nevada Campaign Finance Rules Clears Senate
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Sandra Chereb | Published: 4/9/2015
The Nevada Senate passed legislation that would bar lawmakers from accepting gifts from lobbyists and would require candidates file more frequent campaign finance reports. Senate Bill 307, which now goes to the Assembly, also would require lobbyists to report any expenditures made to lawmakers for educational trips, informational meetings, or events, though they would not constitute a gift or political contribution. The bill would require candidates to file campaign finance reports more than twice as often as they do now.
New York – Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, and His Son Are Said to Be Focus of Corruption Inquiry
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Susanne Craig, and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 4/15/2015
The New York Times reported a federal grand jury is considering evidence in a possible case against New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son. The focus is on the business dealings of Adam Skelos, including his hiring by an Arizona company that won a local government contract in New York although it was not the low bidder, and a $20,000 signing bonus he received from a title insurance company that never employed him. Investigators are trying to determine whether the elder Skelos used his political influence to help the company, AbTech Industries, which won a $12 million storm-water treatment contract from Nassau County, the senator’s home district.
Rhode Island – Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under R.I. Ethics Code, Commission Says
Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 4/14/2015
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission said ethics rules do not prohibit state Rep. Daniel McKiernan from forming a law partnership with two other attorneys who are registered lobbyists. The commission noted the code generally allows public officials to enter into most private business associations. It then limits their ability to use their office to benefit themselves or their partners by requiring them to not participate in matters that would financially affect the business. The ethics panel lost its jurisdiction over the General Assembly following a 2009 state Supreme Court decision.
Tennessee – Tennessee House Votes Bible as Official State Book
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher | Published: 4/15/2015
The state House passed a bill to make the Bible the official book of Tennessee, despite opposition from Republican leaders and an attorney general’s opinion that the measure would violate the state and federal constitutions. Rep. Jerry Sexton, a former pastor, argued his proposal reflects the Bible’s historical, cultural, and economic impact in Tennessee. But several opponents raised concerns about putting the Bible on par with other more innocuous state symbols like the official salamander, tree, and beverage. The measure would need to be approved by the Senate before heading to the desk of Gov. Bill Haslam, who opposes it.
Texas – Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 4/15/2015
Two bills aimed at requiring disclosure of lobbyist spending on Texas lawmakers and officials are on the verge of expiring in the Senate State Affairs Committee, according to the sponsor of the measures. Sen. Kirk Watson said he has been told not to expect even a public hearing on the bills, let alone a committee vote. Technically, under current law, a lobbyist who spends more than $114 on any one state official has to report the name of the person who is being entertained with food and drink. But that almost never happens. Watson wants to reduce the reporting threshold to $50, and he would require a detailed disclosure even if multiple lobbyists banded together to get around that lower limit.
Utah – Gay Rights, Religious Rights and a Compromise in an Unlikely Place: Utah
Washington Post – Niraj Chokshi | Published: 4/12/2015
A federal judge in 2013 struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, giving a lift to activists who had been pushing the state to adopt legislation protecting gay men and lesbians against discrimination in areas such as housing and employment. And as the question of same-sex marriage worked its way through the courts, ultimately winning a date before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew eager to reach an amicable compromise on gay and religious rights. It was determined to avoid what church officials saw as a polarized debate in several other states. Eight days after a compromise bill on the issue was introduced, it was signed into law with support from the gay rights group Equality Utah, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, and the church, uniquely influential in a state where about three in five residents are Mormon.
Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Vote on Gifts Must Wait until Friday
Roanoke Times – Markus Schmidt and Jim Nolan (Richmond Times-Dispatch) | Published: 4/15/2015
Virginia lawmakers delayed a vote on ethics reform legislation over concerns the measure could be interpreted as putting a $100 lifetime limit on gifts to public officials from lobbyists and others who have financial interests with the state. The General Assembly instead decided to reconvene on April 17 to clarify that the $100 gift limit was per year. Legislators were expected to go along with that change as well as one intended to make it clear they cannot accept trips to widely attended events.
West Virginia – Ethics Commission Grapples with Trinkets Ban
Charleston Gazette – Eric Eyre | Published: 4/9/2015
The West Virginia Ethics Commission will refine its guidance for a soon-to-be enacted law that prohibits elected officials from using public funds to feature their name or likeness on specific items. House Bill 2457 prevents “public officials, their agents or anyone on public payroll” from using their name or likeness on any publicly owned vehicles, in advertising, or on trinkets – small items such as magnets and cups. Commissioners said there needs to be clarification on are what exactly a trinket is and what type of advertising is prohibited.
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.
April 16, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report” by Damian Grammaticas for BBC “Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune Campaign Finance “REBNY Members Gave a Tenth of all N.Y. […]
Lobbying
“Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report” by Damian Grammaticas for BBC
“Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
“REBNY Members Gave a Tenth of all N.Y. Campaign Money” by Bill Mahoney for Capital New York
Ethics
“Postal Worker Lands Helicopter on U.S. Capitol Grounds to Make Special Mail Delivery” by Eric Katz for GovExec.com
“Kate Brown Takes Questions as Lawmakers Air Ethics Proposal” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
“Senate Urged to Restore Ethics Powers” by Jennifer Bogdon and Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
“John Doe Reform Bill Stalls in Legislature” by M.D. Kittle for Watchdog.org
Elections
“In Perception Primary, It’s Folksy Hillary Clinton vs. Statesmen-Looking Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Chelsea’s Invisible Hand” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Legislative Issues
“Tennessee House Votes Bible as Official State Book” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
“Lack of Virginia’s General Assembly Openness Is Criticized” by Dave Ress for The Daily Press
April 15, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Pillow Talk Tests Ethics When K Street Marries Capitol Hill” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call “Ex-Lawmakers Swing through the Revolving Door” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today Rhode Island: “Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under […]
Lobbying
“Pillow Talk Tests Ethics When K Street Marries Capitol Hill” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call
“Ex-Lawmakers Swing through the Revolving Door” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
Rhode Island: “Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under R.I. Ethics Code, Commission Says” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Gov. Doug Ducey Signs Elections-Related Measures” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Capitol Times
District of Columbia:”Treasurer of Former D.C. Council Campaign Is Sentenced to Prison” by Julie Zauzmer for Washington Post
Maine: “Bill Seeks to Tax PAC-to-PAC Transfers in Maine” by Scott Thistle for Maine Sun Journal
Maryland: “Senate Passes Disclosure Bill for Inauguration Donors” by The Associated Press for WMDT
Ethics
New York: “Fervent Preet Bharara Gets a Judicial Scolding” by Peter Henning for New York Times
Elections
“Hillary Clinton’s Goal: Keep Bill Clinton happy, involved” by Annie Karni for Politico
Legislative Issues
Utah: “Gay Rights, Religious Rights and a Compromise in an Unlikely Place: Utah” by Niraj Chokshi for Washington Post
April 14, 2015 •
Ask the Experts – When Is Federal Registration Warranted?
Q. Our organization is under the impression that we don’t have to register as lobbyists at the federal level if we keep our lobbying activity isolated to our internal employees. I don’t think this is accurate. Can you let me […]
Q. Our organization is under the impression that we don’t have to register as lobbyists at the federal level if we keep our lobbying activity isolated to our internal employees. I don’t think this is accurate. Can you let me know the registration requirement for federal lobbying?
A. You are correct to be skeptical of this viewpoint. Keeping lobbying activity isolated to in-house personnel does not impact the need to register. Registration at the federal level is based on three criteria. All three must be met in order to warrant registration, or, stated differently, registration is required when all three criteria are met. The criteria are:
- An organization spends or is expected to spend at least $12,500 on lobbying activity during a quarterly period;
- An organization has at least one employee who spends 20 percent of his or her time engaged in lobbying activity; and
- That same 20 percent employee makes more than one lobbying contact.
When considering whether the monetary threshold has been met, all expenses must be considered, including, compensation and reimbursed expenses associated with lobbying activities of all employees, overhead, payments to outside lobbyists, and the portion of any dues paid to outside membership organizations that are allocated toward lobbying. Likewise, when determining whether an individual employee meets the 20 percent standard, all time engaged in any activity that is intended to support lobbying contacts must be considered including background and preparatory work, research, strategy sessions and conversations.
Once your organization meets all three thresholds, registration with the House and Senate is required within 45 days. As a federal registrant, quarterly activity reporting is required as well as semiannual contribution reporting.
You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: experts@stateandfed.com.
(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.
April 14, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Suddenly, ‘Schumerland’ Is the Place to Be” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Hawaii: “Tobacco-Free Coalition Cleared on Lobbying Charges” by Nancy Cook Lauer for West Hawaii Today Texas: “Local Government, School Lobbying in Ethics Crosshairs” by Jay Root […]
Lobbying
“Suddenly, ‘Schumerland’ Is the Place to Be” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Hawaii: “Tobacco-Free Coalition Cleared on Lobbying Charges” by Nancy Cook Lauer for West Hawaii Today
Texas: “Local Government, School Lobbying in Ethics Crosshairs” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Wealthy Donors on Left Launch New Plan to Wrest Back Control in the States” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Kentucky: “Former Kentucky Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Campaign Finance Violations” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Ethics
Georgia: “Common Cause Takes Advocacy Efforts to Georgia Voters” by Carlton Fletcher for Albany Herald
Missouri: “Though Petition Seeks His Ouster, Ferguson Mayor Says He Is Best Leader for City” by John Eligon for New York Times
Washington: “Residents Fight to Save Bothell Golf Course from Developers, Mayor” by Lynn Thompson for Seattle Times
Elections
“Marco Rubio Announces 2016 Presidential Bid” by Ashley Parker and Alan Rappeport for New York Times
“Hillary Clinton Starts to Detail Rationale for Run as Campaign Begins” by Amy Chozick for New York Times
April 13, 2015 •
We Are with You at All Times
Last month at the Public Affairs Council PAC Conference someone came up to me and was surprised our website could be viewed on an iPhone. Well, I guess we have not done a good job of getting the good word […]
Last month at the Public Affairs Council PAC Conference someone came up to me and was surprised our website could be viewed on an iPhone. Well, I guess we have not done a good job of getting the good word out.
In 2013, we updated our website and one of the fabulous benefits is the ability to view it on all devices…As pictured, I have it on my iPhone 6, iPhone 6+, iPad, and my new Surface. My Executive Director Ren Koozer has it on his Droid phone. You can bring it up everywhere you can bring up other websites.
There is nothing better than being able to answer someone’s questions wherever I am in the world … and I get a lot of questions everywhere. Now you do not need to know where I am as long as you have access to www.stateandfed.com and a subscription to our online guides on lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement.
We will continue to shout this from the rooftops because we know we have the #1 site to access the information you need to know for your government relations or procurement lobbying work.
You just cannot buy it at the iTunes store…But, you can contact us from your smart phone, and we can help set up your subscription. Well, I think I just gave you something other than Words with Friends to do on your phone!!
Until next month, stay connected with State and Federal Communications. We will always have the information you need, wherever you may be.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz
April 13, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Nevada: “Bill to Toughen Nevada Campaign Finance Rules Clears Senate” by Sandra Chereb for Las Vegas Review-Journal New York: “Avella Proposes Lobbying Ban for Political Consultants” by Josefa Velasquez for Capital New York Campaign Finance “In Accepting Bitcoin, Rand […]
Lobbying
Nevada: “Bill to Toughen Nevada Campaign Finance Rules Clears Senate” by Sandra Chereb for Las Vegas Review-Journal
New York: “Avella Proposes Lobbying Ban for Political Consultants” by Josefa Velasquez for Capital New York
Campaign Finance
“In Accepting Bitcoin, Rand Paul Raises Money and Questions” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
Ethics
New Mexico: “Equity Firm to Pay $3 Million to SIC to Avert Legal Fight” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
Texas: “Senate Votes to Let Home-County Prosecutors, Not Austin, Handle Elected-Official Ethics Cases” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Washington: “State Public Disclosure Commission Director Resigns” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission Grapples with Trinkets Ban” by Eric Eyre for Charleston Gazette
Elections
“The G.O.P. Presidential Field Looks Chaotic. It’s Not.” by Nate Cohn for New York Times
April 10, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 10, 2015
National: This Conservative Group is Tired of Being Accused of Climate Denial – and Is Fighting Back Washington Post – Tom Hamburger, Joby Warrick, and Chris Mooney | Published: 4/5/2015 The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the conservative partnership of state […]
National:
This Conservative Group is Tired of Being Accused of Climate Denial – and Is Fighting Back
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger, Joby Warrick, and Chris Mooney | Published: 4/5/2015
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the conservative partnership of state lawmakers and corporations, is threatening defamation lawsuits against activists who say or suggest the group denies global warming. ALEC recently sent letters to Common Cause and the League of Conservation Voters, asking them to “cease making false statements” and “remove all false or misleading material.” Both organizations have said ALEC, through the policies it lobbies for in states, denies the scientific consensus that humans are significantly changing the climate. They said they would not follow ALEC’s demands. ALEC, among other policies, encourages states to fight regulations and laws meant to combat climate change, like the Environmental Protection Agency’s carbon rules for power.
Federal:
Comcast Recruits Its Beneficiaries to Lobby for Time Warner Deal
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 4/5/2015
Comcast, the media conglomerate long known for its aggressive lobbying operation, has enlisted a vast network of allies to press federal regulators to approve its proposed $45 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable. Letters to Congress supporting the transaction and praising Comcast have come from the Houston Area Urban League and the Dan Marino Foundation in Florida, among others. The argument for the merger has been reinforced by academic papers from groups like the International Center for Law and Economics. More endorsements have come in from elected officials like Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. But there is a common element to dozens of these appeals: the senders received money from Comcast in recent years, either as a charitable donation, corporate support, or a political contribution.
K St. Firms on Edge about Hacking Threat
The Hill – Elise Viebeck | Published: 4/8/2015
Fearing a data breach, public policy shops on K Street are scrambling to lock down their networks against intrusions by hackers, cyber criminals, and foreign governments. Some firms have begun to encrypt their emails and undergo annual security audits in hopes of avoiding an attack that could tarnish their reputations and send clients fleeing to competitors. The pursuit of better data security is intensifying at a time when Chinese and Russian hackers are targeting Washington with increasingly sophisticated online attacks. Law, lobby, and consulting firms are often privy to sensitive information from their corporate clients, making them appealing targets. But while some firms are focused on strengthening their cyber defenses, experts say progress across the industry is uneven.
Menendez Indictment Marks First Big Corruption Case Involving a Super PAC
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 4/2/2015
The case against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is the first time that super PAC donations have figured prominently as evidence of a political corruption scheme, renewing questions about how independently such groups operate. The indictment. The indictment against Menendez and Dr. Salomon Melgen hinges in part on $600,000 that Melgen gave to the Senate Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, earmarked to support Menendez’s 2012 re-election bid. The Justice Department argues the donations were among the things of value Melgen offered Menendez so the senator would use his position to help Melgen’s businesses. The case illustrates how super PACs, which can accept unlimited contributions and are supposed to be walled-off from the candidates they support, are viewed by donors as vehicles to ingratiate themselves with politicians.
Network of ‘Super PACs’ Says That It Has Raised $31 Million for Ted Cruz Bid
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 4/8/2015
A set of newly formed super PACs backing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for president expects to collect more than $31 million in contributions in one week. Although super-PACs have radically changed the pace at which committees backing presidential candidates can raise money, the Cruz haul is remarkable. There are no known cases in which an operation backing a White House hopeful has collected this much money in such a short period of time.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – California Lawmakers’ Campaign Debt Piled High in 2014
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 4/7/2015
Many California lawmakers and unsuccessful candidates continue to live with reminders of costly campaigns. Lawmakers reported about $3.7 million in unpaid bills and personal loans from last November’s elections. Debt retirement fundraisers around the Capitol have been common in recent weeks. Yet such fundraising has long troubled campaign finance watchers. “When you’re raising the money for yourself, it’s going into your own pocket – you’re more grateful to the donor,” said Robert Stern, the former top attorney at the Fair Political Practices Commission who helped write the Political Reform Act.
Florida – When Leaders Became Lobbyists
InsuranceNewsNet.org – Jason Garcia | Published: 4/5/2015
Since 2006, more than two dozen former lawmakers in Florida have made the jump to lobbying, about one of every eight who have left the Legislature over the last five election cycles. The list includes two former House Speakers (Dean Cannon and Larry Cretul) and two former Senate presidents (Mike Haridopolos and Ken Pruitt). In some respects, the transition into lobbying is a logical extension of the skills that legislators need to advance into leadership positions in the first place. Once in a top spot, legislative leaders must be able to understand and work on a broad range of public policy issues and cultivate, maintain, and balance relationships with all manner of businesses and advocacy groups.
Illinois – Chicago Waiting to See if Runoff Truly Has Humbled Rahm Emanuel
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 4/8/2015
Mayor Rahm Emanuel defeated challenger Jesus Garcia on April 7, capturing a second term in Chicago’s first-ever runoff election. Yet the fallout for Emanuel from the past six weeks, a period of frenetic campaigning and humbling public self-examination, will be lasting. A tangible bloc of dissent has loudly made its case in a city where Emanuel and the mayors before him had often governed with little effective opposition and most council members in lock step. Even given a decisive margin of victory, the episode has raised a sense of vulnerability around Emmanuel’s political career, and an expectation from some here that his second term in City Hall may look different, in style and perhaps substance, from the first.
Missouri – Missouri House Passes Lobbyist Gift Cap, Cooling Off Period
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 4/2/2015
The Missouri House passed legislation that would cap lobbyist gifts at $25 and ban lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for at least one year after leaving office. Those two provisions differ from the version passed by the state Senate earlier this year, meaning differences have to be worked out before it could be sent to the governor. Missouri is currently the only state with the no caps on lobbyist gifts, no limits on campaign contributions, and no “cooling-off” period for lawmakers.
Missouri – Suicides by Missouri Politicians Raise Questions about State Ethics
KSMU – Frank Morris | Published: 4/9/2015
In February, state Auditor Tom Schweich, a leading candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor, shot himself. Then in March, his press secretary, Spence Jackson, took his own life. The tragedies have sparked fresh scrutiny of Missouri’s increasingly bruising political system. Friends said Schweich was distraught over a coordinated assault from Republicans colleagues backing his chief primary opponent. With voting still more than a year away, they had already launched an attack ad, in the style of the Netflix series House of Cards. Former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth said Missouri politics has devolved into an arena where ruthless operatives, financed by a wealthy few, battle for power.
New Jersey – Indictments May Be Near in George Washington Bridge Scandal
New York Times – Kate Zernike | Published: 4/8/2015
The New York Times reported that indictments may be coming soon in the investigation into improper lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that has also led to questions about conflicts-of-interest possibly involving Gov. Chris Christie and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The probe was launched a few months after three lanes were closed to the bridge in 2013, causing gridlock in Fort Lee. Emails revealed the lanes were shut down on the orders of a Christie aide. Some believe the lane closures were retribution for the failure of Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to endorse Christie’s bid for re-election. The Times reported federal prosecutors may bring indictments under a statute that makes it a crime to use the bridge for something other than it intended purpose.
New York – Cuomo Expands Lobbying Oversight to Localities
Capital New York – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 4/3/2015
The new ethics laws approved in New York as part of the budget deal greatly expand state oversight of municipal lobbying. New York’s lobbying law requires anyone who spends more than $5,000 in an attempt to influence any local law or ordinance, or any pending procurement action, to register its activities with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. The law had applied to government entities with more than 50,000 people; that threshold was decreased to 5,000 people and was expanded to include school districts of any size. Experts said the onus of disclosure is on the person or company doing the lobbying.
Utah – Tribe’s Infighting Offers Glimpse into Redskins Foundation’s Tactics
Washington Post – John Woodrow Cox | Published: 4/2/2015
A Utah tribal leader was ousted from office for accepting gifts from the Washington Redskins, which council members say wrongly linked their tribe to the National Football League team’s divisive name. Members of the council of the Paiute Indian Tribe said they voted unanimously to remove Chairperson Gari Lafferty, who was accused of misconduct and ethical violations for taking an autographed football and a trip to Washington to attend a game last year. Lafferty said the tribe does not have an official position on the name, but she does not have a personal problem with it. She said the allegations are more related to her leadership style.
Virginia – Norment Won’t Discuss Lobbyist Relationship
The Daily Press – Travis Fain | Published: 4/6/2015
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment acknowledged seeing a lobbyist “personally” in a response to a state bar complaint lodged against him. A pair of Senate Republicans said they have no reason to believe Norment pushed legislation one way or another based on a relationship with a lobbyist. Nothing in Senate rules forbids a physical relationship with a lobbyist; neither do state ethics rules. Adultery, though, is a misdemeanor under Virginia law. During his career, Sen. John Watkins said he has heard of “maybe a dozen” relationships between legislators and lobbyists, staffers, or state agency officials. “From time to time, yeah, it happens – we’re all human beings,” said Watkins.
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.
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.