April 8, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Comcast Recruits Its Beneficiaries to Lobby for Time Warner Deal” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Florida: “Senate Push to Expand Lobbyist Registration to Special Districts like Broward Health” by Dan Christensen for FloridaBulldog.org Florida: “Citizen Lobbyists Endure […]
Lobbying
“Comcast Recruits Its Beneficiaries to Lobby for Time Warner Deal” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Florida: “Senate Push to Expand Lobbyist Registration to Special Districts like Broward Health” by Dan Christensen for FloridaBulldog.org
Florida: “Citizen Lobbyists Endure Bureaucracy at Florida’s Capitol as They Promote Their Causes” by Steve Bousquet (Tampa Bay Times) for Miami Herald
Oklahoma: “Stillwater Councilors Say Energy Lobbyists Gave Ultimatum on Drilling-Ordinance Vote” by Ziva Branstetter for Tulsa World
Virginia: “Norment Won’t Discuss Lobbyist Relationship” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press
Campaign Finance
“The Secret Lives of Hillary and Bill in the White House” by Kate Anderson-Brower for Politico
“This Conservative Group is Tired of Being Accused of Climate Denial – and Is Fighting Back” by Tom Hamburger, Joby Warrick, and Chris Mooney for Washington Post
Arizona: “Arizona Clean Elections Law Lives On” by The Associated Press for Arizona Republic
California: “California Lawmakers’ Campaign Debt Piled High in 2014” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee
California: “Former South Bay Supervisor George Shirakawa Avoids Jail Time” by Henry Lee for San Francisco Chronicle
New York: “Ethics Laws Take Aim at Club Dues” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union
Elections
“Rand Paul Says ‘I Am Running for President’” by Jeremy Peters and Alan Rappeport for New York Times
April 7, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Last-minute lobbying threatens $200B Medicare package” by Sarah Ferris in The Hill. Illinois: “Chicago Elections Chief Got Lobbying Contracts from Rahm Emanuel’s Administration” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota in International Business Times. Campaign Finance “Gary Hart: Billion-dollar Clinton […]
Lobbying
“Last-minute lobbying threatens $200B Medicare package” by Sarah Ferris in The Hill.
Illinois: “Chicago Elections Chief Got Lobbying Contracts from Rahm Emanuel’s Administration” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota in International Business Times.
Campaign Finance
“Gary Hart: Billion-dollar Clinton campaign should ‘frighten’ Americans” by Johnathan Topaz in Politico.
“Rand Paul accepting bitcoins for 2016 bid” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
“To Get Ahead in Congress: Skip Governing, Raise Money” by Trevor Potter and Meredith McGehee in Politico.
Florida: “Florida’s fundraising explosion” by Anna Palmer and Marc Caputo in Politico.
Michigan: “Between PACs and standard contributions, state politicians reap loads of cash” by Brian Paynter in The Daily Telegram.
Ohio: “Some Cuyahoga County mayors accept campaign contributions from employees” by Bob Sandrick in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Rhode Island: “R.I. owed $2.2 million in fines for unfiled campaign finance reports” by Jennifer McDermott in the Providence Journal.
Ethics
Nevada: “Bill banning gifts from lobbyists moves forward” by Sandra Chereb in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Elections
Illinois: “Dates proposed for special elections to replace Aaron Schock” by The Associated Press in the Chicago Sun Times.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Booker, McCaskill Beg Higher-Ups for Updated Senate Tech” by Jack Moore in Nextgov.
April 6, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Trucking and Rail Industries Turn State Troopers into Unwitting Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Florida: “In Sunshine State, Big Energy Blocks Solar Power” by Eric Barton for Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Missouri: “Missouri House Passes […]
Lobbying
“Trucking and Rail Industries Turn State Troopers into Unwitting Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Florida: “In Sunshine State, Big Energy Blocks Solar Power” by Eric Barton for Florida Center for Investigative Reporting
Missouri: “Missouri House Passes Lobbyist Gift Cap, Cooling Off Period” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New York “Cuomo Expands Lobbying Oversight to Localities” by Jimmy Vielkind for Capital New York
Tennessee: “Ethics Body Undecided on NRA Giving Lawmakers Free Tickets” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Texas: “Questions about Aide to Texas Ag Commissioner Miller” by Eric Dexheimer (Austin American-Statesman) for Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Complaints Filed Against 4 Presidential Hopefuls” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
“Menendez Indictment Marks First Big Corruption Case Involving a Super PAC” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Maine: “Lawmakers Consider Clean Election Changes after PAC Drama” by Scott Thistle (The Sun Journal) for Bangor Daily News
Vermont: “Court Hands RGA $40,000 in Fines for 2010 Campaign Finance Violations” by Morgan True for VTDigger.org
Ethics
“Tribe’s Infighting Offers Glimpse into Redskins Foundation’s Tactics” by John Woodrow Cox for Washington Post
“Watchdog for Federal Secrecy Has Yet to Bite” by Julian Hattem and Megan Wilson for The Hill
Arkansas: “Panel Backs Window for Gift Return” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Elections
“The Mobile Election: How smartphones will change the 2016 presidential race” by Dylan Byers for Politico
March 31, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists-Turned-Staffers Disclose Salaries, Clients” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call Massachusetts: “State Data: Top 7 Massachusetts lobbying firms earned over $3 million each during 2013-2014 session” by Andy Metzger (State House News Service) for MassLive.com Utah: “Mormon Church Lobbying […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists-Turned-Staffers Disclose Salaries, Clients” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Massachusetts: “State Data: Top 7 Massachusetts lobbying firms earned over $3 million each during 2013-2014 session” by Andy Metzger (State House News Service) for MassLive.com
Utah: “Mormon Church Lobbying in Utah’s Capitol – Hardball or Light Touch?” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
Campaign Finance
“The Political Kingmaker Nobody Knows” by Ben Wieder for Center for Public Integrity
Arkansas: “Bill Mandating Financial Filings Digitally Crashes” by Claudia Lauer for Arkansas Online
North Dakota: “Dems Want Review of Foreign Campaign Contribution Law: Lawmaker reported $2,000 from Canadian” by John Hageman for Dickinson Press
Texas: “Ethics Bills Draw Ire of Conservative Activists’ Lawyers” by Patrick Svitek for Texas Tribune
Ethics
Connecticut: “Lawmakers to Consider Preventing Convicted Politicians from Running Again” by Jordan Fenster for CTNewsJunkie.com
Virginia: “McAuliffe Vows to Amend Ethics Bills to Close Loopholes” by Laura Vozzella and Tom Jackman for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Sen. Harry Reid’s Retirement Poses Challenge for Democratic Unity” by Lisa Mascaro, Michael Memoli, and Mark Barabak for Los Angeles Times
March 30, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes “Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call “Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill […]
Lobbying
“Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes
“Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call
“Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill
Minnesota: “Leap from legislator to lobbyist a short one in Minnesota” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Minnesota: “Legislators to lobbyists: A database of their clients and cash” by Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Campaign Finance
“How potential presidential candidates are raising campaign cash” by Reena Flores on CBS News
“Are women giving enough money to political campaigns?” by Stefanie Murray in The Tennessean
Colorado: “Campaign finance rules get overhaul” by Anthony A. Mestas in The Pueblo Chieftain
Montana: “House passes bill to toughen campaign finance laws” in The Montana Standard
Ohio: “Campaign finance fines rarely collected, often reduced” by Amanda Seitz in the Dayton Daily News
Utah: “Utah cities can adopt stricter campaign finance rules” by The Associated Press in KSL.com
Ethics
New York: “Deal Is Reached on New York State Budget; Ethics Measures Are Included” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times
Texas: “Analysis: Trying to Spark Ethics Reform, Without a Scandal” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune
Elections
“Why Some Lawmakers Want to Abolish the 17th Amendment” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing
Government Tech and Social Media
Utah: “In Utah, Participatory Democracy Powered by Loomio and NationBuilder” by Jessica McKenzie in TechPresident
March 25, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News “Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico “‘Dark Money’ Bill […]
Campaign Finance
“How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News
“Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico
“‘Dark Money’ Bill Fails in Voice Vote” by Lisa Hammersly and Claudia Lauer for Arkansas Online
Connecticut: “Five-Month Prison Sentence for Lisa Wilson-Foley” by Dave Collins (Associated Press) for CBS Connecticut
Virginia: “Deep Feud Splitting Virginia’s GOP Evident in Party’s Fundraising Woes” by Jenna Portnoy and Paul Schwartzman for Washington Post
Wisconsin”Wisconsin Lawmakers Hear Advice for Changing Complex Campaign Spending, Fundraising Law” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Wisconsin: “Secret $1.5 Million Donation from Wisconsin Billionaire Uncovered in Scott Walker Dark-Money Probe” by Michael Isikoff for Yahoo! Politics
Ethics
Indiana: “Another Loophole for Ex-INDOT Official?” by Ryan Sabalow and Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
New Jersey: “Chris Christie Gets Corvette for NJ Radio News Director Who Interviews Him” by Christopher Zara and David Sirota for International Business Times
New York: “Cuomo Focuses on Ethics Reform, Not on Funding” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Washington: “Washington Auditor Says He’s Cooperating with Investigation” by Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer
Elections
Wisconsin: “U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Take Up Challenge to Wisconsin Voter ID Law” by Jason Stein and Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
March 24, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Obama Promised to Curb the Influence of Lobbyists. Has He Succeeded?” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post “McConnell Urges States to Help Thwart Obama’s ‘War on Coal’” by Coral Davenport for New York Times Vermont: “Senate Passes New Lobbyist […]
Lobbying
“Obama Promised to Curb the Influence of Lobbyists. Has He Succeeded?” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
“McConnell Urges States to Help Thwart Obama’s ‘War on Coal’” by Coral Davenport for New York Times
Vermont: “Senate Passes New Lobbyist Disclosure Rules” by Paul Heintz for Seven Days
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Senate Panel OKs Higher Campaign-Donation Limits” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Massachusetts: “State Agency: Hampden County Sheriff’s campaign committee lost money in mutual fund” by Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) for MassLive.com
New Mexico: “‘Dark Money’ Bill Dies” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections Requests another Staff Member to Audit Campaign Accounts” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal
Ethics
“Resigning Congressman Aaron Schock Faces Federal Investigation” by The Associated Press for New Orleans Times-Picayune
“Sen. Robert Menendez Case Tests Justice Department’s Anti-Corruption Unit” by Richard Serrano and Timothy Phelps for Los Angeles Times
California: “Inside the Mayor’s Nonprofit that’s Not Really the Mayor’s Nonprofit” by Liam Dillon for Voice of San Diego
Washington: “Seattle City Light’s Ethics Fight with Union Heats up as Whistleblower Left Cold” by Levi Pulkkinen for Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Elections
“Ted Cruz Hopes Early Campaign Entry Will Focus Voters’ Attention” by Jonathan Martin and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Procurement
Texas: “Contracting Reform Bill Sails Out of Senate Committee” by Edgar Walters for Texas Tribune
March 20, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 20, 2015
National: Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016 New York Times – Jason Horowitz | Published: 3/15/2015 David Lane travels the country trying to persuade clergy members to become politically active. His hope is the politicized pastors will […]
National:
Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016
New York Times – Jason Horowitz | Published: 3/15/2015
David Lane travels the country trying to persuade clergy members to become politically active. His hope is the politicized pastors will help mobilize congregations that have been disheartened by the repeated failure of socially conservative candidates, and by a Republican Party that has softened its opposition to same-sex marriage. It is an organizing approach far different from those in the days when larger-than-life leaders could activate evangelical voters simply by anointing a candidate. But close observers of evangelicals and their political involvement say Lane is emblematic of a new generation of leaders who draw local support or exert influence through niche issues or their own networks.
Federal:
IRS May Broaden Rule to Police Political Nonprofits
Politico – Hillary Flynn and Rachel Bade | Published: 3/18/2015
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said the agency may expand a yet-to-be-released rule governing 501(c)(4) social welfare groups to include political groups known as 527s, which focus on elections. It could require them both, as well as other types of tax-exempt organizations, to operate under the same definition of “political activity.” The law is currently vague, requiring that 501(c)(4)s operate “primarily” for social welfare. It is one of the reasons the IRS found itself in hot water for pulling tea party groups for extra scrutiny between 2010 and 2012.
Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane | Published: 3/17/2015
U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) will resign on March 31 following questions about spending by his office and campaign. Schock has faced a torrent of bad publicity that began when it was revealed he had his office redecorated – for free – in the style of the PBS series “Downton Abbey.” Schock repaid $40,000 for the redecoration, but the initial story set off a series of reports on his lavish spending habits. Subsequent reports detailed a dozen charter flights worth over $40,000 on donors’ planes and $24,000 in campaign funds spent on concerts and events. The Chicago Tribune published a report raising questions about the use of campaign funds to finance the construction and sale of a house that Schock owned in Peoria.
The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 3/15/2015
Companies rooted in data analytics are attempting to change the way lobbying is done in Washington, D.C. At least four companies have introduced new ways to sell data-based political and competitive intelligence that offers insight into the policymaking process. They are turning lobbying, which was once based entirely on personal connections, into more of a science, and the idea is gaining traction among the field’s most established power brokers. In some ways, technology is just automating and verifying knowledge a lobbyist may already have, based on instincts and experience. But access to statistics is now key to selling lobbying services to clients, who increasingly want empirical evidence to back up claims about a lawmaker’s reputation.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 3/15/2015
The campaign behind Charter Amendments 1 and 2, which changed Los Angeles’ election dates and gave some officials an extra 18 months in office, reported its funding from the union that represents most Department of Water and Power employees 90 minutes before the polls closed. That money was part of a larger phenomenon in this year’s campaign season: big contributions that arrived too late to be disclosed on mailers or, in some cases, too late even to be part of the public debate.
Connecticut – Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment
New York Times – Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora | Published: 3/18/2015
Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a political consulting scheme, exactly one decade after he was ordered behind bars in an earlier scandal that forced him from office. Rowland committed the latest crimes as he maneuvered to insert himself in two separate congressional campaigns. He was convicted on charges he conspired to conceal payment for the work, which he knew would bring unwelcome publicity to the candidates because of his criminal history. Prosecutors said Rowland was paid $35,000 to work on the failed 2012 campaign of Lisa Wilson-Foley and conspired to hide those payments through a consulting contract with a business owned by her husband. They say he tried to strike a similar deal with another failed congressional candidate.
Florida – Marco Rubio’s House of Horrors
Politico – Marc Caputo | Published: 3/16/2015
A house in Tallahassee jointly owned by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and former U.S. Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) could be a headache for Rubio if he goes ahead with an expected run for president. The property is a stubborn symbol of both a politically problematic friendship and lingering questions about Rubio’s personal finances, which dogged him on the campaign trail in 2010 and may do so again. Rubio’s critics are waiting to make hay of any revelations that may come of the federal campaign finance investigation of Rivera and to point to their status as roommates during the years when Rivera allegedly engaged in illegal campaign activities.
New Mexico – Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse
KRQE – Matt Grubs | Published: 3/17/2015
New Mexico Rep. Jim Dines agreed to run for a House seat with the condition that he would not take campaign money from lobbyists or special interests. When Dines got to Santa Fe, he continued his independent streak. He refused to accept all the coffee mugs, jewelry, and free food that normally find their way onto a lawmaker’s desk during the session. Dines does not think a free meal or a stuffed animal or even free golf passes from a lobbyist equate to a promise to vote the way that lobbyist would prefer. But he said that does not really matter. “The perception of the public is … there’s a reason things are being given,” said Dines.
New Mexico – House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe
Taos News – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2015
State Rep. Brian Egolf wants an investigation into why the New Mexico House delayed sending a bill on lobbyist disclosure to the Senate. Egolf says the delay in sending the measure to the Senate likely killed it as the legislative session nears its end. House Bill 155 would require lobbyists to disclose what issues or causes they have been hired to represent. It also would extend how long the state keeps lobbyist records. The House approved the legislation on March 7 but did not send it to the Senate until March 13. Normally, bills are sent within a day.
North Carolina – Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal
Raleigh News & Observer – Colin Campbell | Published: 3/17/2015
The North Carolina Ethics Commission in February ruled that sex between a lobbyist and state official is not a gift that must be formally disclosed. Some lawmakers now want to make it clear that such relations require officials to step back from governmental action. House Bill 252 says an official must avoid acting if the official is married to a lobbyist and the lobbyist or the company the person works for could gain financially. It also applies if the two are dating or have a sexual relationship.
North Dakota – Lawmakers Say ‘No’ to Letting Voters Decide on State Ethics Commission
Dickinson Press – Mike Nowatzki (Forum News Service) | Published: 3/16/2015
The North Dakota House defeated a resolution that would have allowed voters to decide if a state ethics commission should be established. Assistant Minority Leader Corey Mock, the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3060, said the lack of an ethics agency creates a perception problem for the state, and he questioned why lawmakers would want to wait until something egregious happens before creating one. But Rep. Scott Louser said while some states have a culture of corruption, North Dakota has a culture of openness and accessibility.
Texas – In Dallas, Most Ethics Complaints Go Nowhere
Dallas Morning News – Elizabeth Findell | Published: 3/15/2015
The Dallas City Council recently took steps to cut down on the number of frivolous complaints filed with the city’s Ethics Advisory Commission, and to allow the city to reimburse the subjects of such complaints for their defense costs. But ethics complaints, frivolous or otherwise, are rare at City Hall, shows a review by The Dallas Morning News. And when a complaint is filed, the chances are slim that anything will happen as a result. Of the 69 complaints filed since 2001, six were immediately declared invalid because they were submitted incorrectly or related to activities by people not affiliated with the city. Of the remainder, 56 were dismissed by a preliminary panel review.
Vermont – Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill
Seven Days – Terri Hallenbeck | Published: 3/17/2015
The Vermont Senate passed Senate Bill 93, which would require registered lobbyists, principals, and lobbying firms to disclose advertisements or advertising campaigns that they spend $1,000 or more on during a legislative session. The advertising report requirement is in addition to lobbyists’ current obligations to file expenditure reports, and the bill would increase the number of times per year lobbyists need to file those expenditure reports from three to five.
Washington – Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program
The Daily Journal – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2015
Supporters of Washington’s film and television industry staged a mock zombie apocalypse at the Capitol as part of their lobbying efforts on a measure to expand a tax-incentive program designed to lure more projects to the state. More than 200 people, including actors, crew, and support staff, staged a daylong shoot for a spot they planned to release later in support of Senate Bill 6027, which would increase the amount of money available every year under Washington’s tax incentive program for the industry. Dozens of actors dressed as zombies were part of action scenes where the script included monologues or conversations about the bill.
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.
March 19, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse” by Matt Grubs for KRQE Vermont: “Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill” by Terri Hallenbeck for Seven Days Washington: “Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse” by Matt Grubs for KRQE
Vermont: “Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill” by Terri Hallenbeck for Seven Days
Washington: “Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program” by Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal
Campaign Finance
“State Legislatures Taking Aim at Dark Money, Disclosure” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation
“Meet the Man Taking Aim at Campaign Finance Regulations” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill
Montana: “‘Dark Money’ Bill Heard by House Panel” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard
Ethics
Connecticut: “Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment” by Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora for New York Times
New York: “Income Disclosure, Pension Forfeiture and Attendance Verification All Part of 2-Way Ethics Deal” in Legislative Gazette
Elections
Ohio: “Federal Judge: Ohio’s new ballot access limits for 3rd parties are constitutional” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
March 18, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Connecticut: “State Lobbyists, Politicians Caught In Probe of Herbalife Billion Dollar Stock Gamble” by Edmund Mahony (Hartford Courant) for CTNow.com New Mexico: “House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Taos […]
Lobbying
Connecticut: “State Lobbyists, Politicians Caught In Probe of Herbalife Billion Dollar Stock Gamble” by Edmund Mahony (Hartford Courant) for CTNow.com
New Mexico: “House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Taos News
North Carolina: “Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer
Texas: “Analysis: When a disclosure is no disclosure at all” by Ross Ramsey for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
New Jersey: “Springsteen Shows and Island Trips, How N.J. Pols Raise Millions” by Carla Astudillo (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger
Ethics
“Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal” by Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane for Washington Post
“No, You Can’t See Congress’s Emails” by Rachel Roubein for National Journal
California: “Sen. Mendoza Under-Reported Money from Home Sale, Ethics Agency Finds” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
New York: “Schneiderman Issuing Ethics Plan Aimed at New York Legislators” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “House Committees Debate Bills in Secret ‘Pre-Meetings’” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
March 12, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica Campaign Finance “Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times West […]
Lobbying
New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica
Campaign Finance
“Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times
West Virginia: “House Committee Removes Financial Disclosure from Campaign Bill” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Ethics
“Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account” by Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker for Washington Post
Kentucky: “Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
Oregon: “Ex-Governor Scandal Prompts Ore. Ethics Overhaul Effort” by Tracy Loew (Salem Statesman Journal) for USA Today
Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Commission Endorses Bill on Expanding Jurisdiction over Lawmakers” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Panel Revives Ethics Reform bill, but for How Long is Uncertain” by Jamie Self for The State
Legislative Issues
“Cotton Storms the Senate” by Burgess Everett for Politico
Procurement
Texas: “Senate Leaders Want to Tighten Ethics Laws on State Contracts” by Robert Garrett for Dallas Morning News
March 11, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Inside the Powerful Lobby Fighting for Your Right to Eat Pizza” by Andrew Martin for Bloomberg News “Why Congress Relies on Lobbyists Instead of Thinking for Itself” by Lee Drutman and Steven Teles for The Atlantic Campaign Finance California: […]
Lobbying
“Inside the Powerful Lobby Fighting for Your Right to Eat Pizza” by Andrew Martin for Bloomberg News
“Why Congress Relies on Lobbyists Instead of Thinking for Itself” by Lee Drutman and Steven Teles for The Atlantic
Campaign Finance
California: “State Panel Considers Raising Thresholds for Campaign Reporting” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Kentucky: “In An Election Year, Kentucky Senate Votes to Double Campaign Contribution Limits” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal
Montana: “House Sends Campaign Finance Bill to Panel Seen as More Favorable” by Charles Johnson for Helena Independent Record
Ethics
New York: “Mayor de Blasio Is Quietly Soliciting Donations for Future Policy Battles” by Michael Grynbaum for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe” by Craig McCoy for Philadelphia Inquirer
Virginia: “McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters” by Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus” by Lauren French for Politico
March 9, 2015 •
New Mexico House Passes Lobbying Bill
The House unanimously passed a bill requiring lobbyists to disclose more information, but in a different form than the introduced version. House Bill 155 requires lobbyists to disclose the issues they are advocating and doubles registration fees to $50. Originally, […]
The House unanimously passed a bill requiring lobbyists to disclose more information, but in a different form than the introduced version. House Bill 155 requires lobbyists to disclose the issues they are advocating and doubles registration fees to $50.
Originally, the bill included provisions requiring estimated expense reports and reports on the recipients of certain types of payments. When the legislation stalled in committee, the two provisions were removed to enable the bill to move forward.
An attempt to reintroduce the provisions failed by a vote of 33-30.
Photo of the New Mexico State Capitol by Urban on Wikimedia Commons.
March 9, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “California Lawmakers Took Less Free Travel in 2014” by Jeremy White and Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee Florida: “In South Florida, the Business of Government Looks More and More Like the Business of Politics” by Patricia Mazzei for […]
Lobbying
California: “California Lawmakers Took Less Free Travel in 2014” by Jeremy White and Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee
Florida: “In South Florida, the Business of Government Looks More and More Like the Business of Politics” by Patricia Mazzei for Miami Herald
Idaho: “Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward” by Brian Dentzer for Idaho Statesman
New Jersey: “N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor” by NJ Advance Media for Newark Star-Ledger
Rhode Island: “New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Texas: “Judge Removed in Case against Conservative Activist” by John Reynolds for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Obama Urged to Impose Rules on Campaign Spending Disclosure” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
New Jersey: “Former Bergen County Sen. Coniglio to Pay $100,000 Settlement to State” by Dustin Racioppi for Bergen Record
Ethics
Indiana: “Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven” by Tony Cook and Mark Alesia for Indianapolis Star
Wisconsin: “Audit Prompts Changes at Election Agency, Officials Decry Budget Cuts” by Steven Verburg for Wisconsin State Journal
Procurement
Mississippi: “Senate to Propose Changes to ‘No-Bid’ Contracts Bill” by Jimmie Gates and Emily Le Coz for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
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