National:

Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs
KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015

Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, raising a conflict-of-interest questions. A review of records and interviews by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
New York Times – Michael Schmidt | Published: 3/2/2015

Hillary Clinton used a private e-mail account for her official government business when she was secretary of state. She did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was not clear why Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, created the private account. But the practice appears to bolster long-standing criticism that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have not been transparent.

Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz | Published: 2/28/2015

A rare conviction of a Virginia campaign operative is part of a broader focus by the U.S. Justice Department on cases in which candidates may be violating a federal ban on sharing strategic information with well-funded independent allies. The department’s move comes as complaints have stalled before the FEC, which has not moved ahead with any coordination investigations since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 triggered a proliferation of big-money groups. The newly aggressive stance by the Justice Department is certain to have wide reverberations at a time when candidates are taking more leeway than ever in their relationships with independent allies. Many potential 2016 candidates are working hand-in-glove with super PACs set up to support them.

Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison
Washington Post – Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz | Published: 3/3/2015

David Petraeus reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to avoid an embarrassing trial over whether he provided classified information to a mistress when he was the director of the CIA.  Petraeus will plead guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He also acknowledged he misled FBI investigators. Federal prosecutors will not seek prison time for the retired four-star general but instead will ask a judge to impose a probationary period of two years. Prosecutors had pushed for charges after FBI agents discovered Petraeus’s former mistress, Paula Broadwell, was in possession of sensitive documents while writing a book about him. The affair forced his resignation as CIA director in 2012.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors
AL.com – John Archibald | Published: 2/27/2015

Prosecutors released emails involving indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard that show he was having financial problems and was hitting up high-placed lobbyists and friends for assistance. The court filing is the first glimpse of the evidence against Hubbard, who will go to trial on ethics charges in October. The emails depict Hubbard as stressed after losing his job. He asks former Gov. Bob Riley and others for help in finding a job or investors in his company. An executive at a company paid by the Alabama Republican Party complained in an email they were being “forced” to use Hubbard’s company for campaign printing work. Prosecutors say Hubbard used his political position for financial benefit. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said the filings were designed to mislead the public.

Arizona – Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a voter-approved plan that stripped Arizona lawmakers of their role in drawing congressional districts in a bid to remove partisan politics from the process. The court’s conservatives asked questions during the argument that indicated there could be a majority willing to find the ballot initiative violated the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that state Legislatures set congressional district boundaries. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Should the justices reject Arizona’s commission, at least one other, in California, is also likely to be in peril.

California – Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who want to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage, and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, in part, because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation, and employer.

California – Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big
Los Angeles Times – Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser | Published: 3/3/2015

The Mayor’s Fund has received numerous contributions from companies with a stake in Los Angeles City Hall decisions and from charitable foundations. Modeled on similar nonprofits in New York and other cities, the fund provides a financial boost for civic programs that might otherwise fall victim to city belt-tightening. But the nonprofit, which took in about $5.2 million between its formation in June and last month, can also offer a discreet destination for special-interest money that is not subject to campaign finance restrictions. City law caps contributions by individuals or businesses at $1,300 per election for mayoral candidates. By contrast, the average donation to the Mayor’s Fund has been $111,000.

Illinois – As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 3/2/2015

The super PAC Chicago Forward recently made an independent expenditure of $110,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s campaign fund for “political communications.” That means there will be no campaign fundraising limits for the April 7 mayoral run-off between Emmanuel and city Councilperson Jesus Garcia. Under state law, once a candidate in a local race receives a donation to his or her campaign of at least $100,000 within a year of the election, all contribution limits for all candidates in the race are lifted.

Iowa – The Real Iowa Kingmaker
Politico – Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 3/3/2015

Bruce Rastetter, an agribusiness mogul, has long worked behind the scenes to help bankroll conservatives candidates across the country. Now he is about to host a dozen potential Republican presidential hopefuls at the first Iowa Agriculture Summit. It is an event designed to promote farm policy in a state where pigs outnumber voters by 10-to-one, but it is also a bold display of the political power Rastetter has amassed, and a reminder to candidates that his endorsement would be a big get ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Rastetter’s moves over the past decade look like a “how to” guide for becoming a political power player.

Massachusetts – Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/2/2015

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg raised $93,000 for her inauguration and transition costs, over two-thirds of which came in large donations from special interests that deal directly with her office. The practice of inaugural committees collecting large contributions, including from corporations, is not illegal in Massachusetts. Incoming governors, in particular, have routinely tapped special interests to finance their transitions and inaugurations. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, said the system, which also has no requirements for detailing expenses, heightens the potential for conflicts-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney | Published: 3/3/2015

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return following an investigation that included a federal raid on his statehouse office and home. Fox acknowledged he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairperson of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges taking $108,000 from his campaign account for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, his American Express bill, and purchases at Tiffany’s and Warwick Animal Hospital. Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.

Rhode Island – Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 2/28/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s transition committee recommended raising the registration fees for lobbyists and increasing the fines for failing to register. Its report suggests legislation is needed to “modernize the state’s antiquated lobbying laws.” The committee also recommended updates to the state’s lobbying tracker system, described as “unnecessarily complicated.” Lobbyists currently must register separately in the General Assembly and executive branch, but the group recommended consolidating the reporting requirements.

Utah – Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 3/3/2015

An attempt to set limits on campaign contribution failed in Utah. House Bill 60 would have capped donations at $20,000 for statewide offices such as governor, $10,000 for legislative races, and $40,000 for PACs or parties. House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson said limits would just increase the amount of unregulated “dark money” spent by third parties in campaigns. Utah is one of just four states without limits on political donations.

Virginia – Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/28/2015

Virginia lawmakers adjourned after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials. The ethics-reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state, but it also adds a long list of exceptions. It creates an ethics council but gives it no power to investigate or issue fines and penalties. Negotiations went down to the wire on the ethics changes, which lawmakers have said was one of their top priorities for the session. The new measures were their second effort at tightening the rules after the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell that stemmed from his acceptance of gifts, loans, and trips.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Other States Require Lobbyists to Report Compensation” by Michael Sol Warren for New Mexico In Depth

Rhode Island: “Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups” by Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz for Washington Post

Maine: “Lawmakers Seek Reform for Maine’s Clean Election Law” by Scott Thistle for The Sun-Journal

Massachusetts: “Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Montana: “Senate Passes Reform Proposal to Increase Campaign-Finance Disclosures” by Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal

New Jersey: “Chris Christie Faces New Jersey Bill Restricting Campaign Cash from Firms Managing Pension” by David Sirota for International Business Times

Texas: “Former Dewhurst Aide Buddy Barfield Gets 7 Years for Embezzling” by Tom Benning for Dallas Morning News

Ethics

Alabama: “Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors” by John Archibald for AL.com

Virginia: “Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill” by Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post

Lobbying

Montana: “Senator’s Aide Asked to Leave after Registering as Lobbyist” by Laura Lundquist and Troy Carter for Bozeman Chronicle

Campaign Finance

Florida: “Fundraising Binge Begins for Lawmakers” by Jeremy Wallace for Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Montana: “Senate Panel Advances Major Campaign-Finance Reform Bill” by Mike Dennison for Montana Standard

Ohio: “Campaign Contributors Can Give More Cash in Ohio” by Jackie Borchardt (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ethics

“Foreign Governments Gave Millions to Foundation While Clinton Was at State Dept.” by Rosalind Helderman and Tom Hamburger for Wasington Post

“Aaron Schock Didn’t Report Gifts, Meals in London” by Anna Palmer, John Bresnahan, and Jake Sherman for Politico

Idaho: “Idaho Lawmakers Narrowly Agree to Consider New Inspector General for Complaints, Corruption” by Betsy Russell (Spokane Spokesman-Review) for Idaho Statesman

Mississippi: “Ex-Prison Boss and Businessman Admit to Bribery Scheme” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for The Sun-Herald

New Jersey: “Hard Work or Abuse of Power? Joseph Ferriero Corruption Trial Opens with Widely Varying Portrayals” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record

New Mexico: “Ethics Commission Moves Forward” by Michael Reichbach for New Mexico Political Report

Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Sues Oregonian to Keep Records Secret” by Hannah Hoffman for Salem Statesman-Journal

Lobbying

“Lobbying Lawmakers with a Personal Touch” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee

Kansas: “Kansas Ethics Official Supports Change to State Lobbying Laws” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle

Missouri: “Missouri House Speaker Defends Country Club Committee Hearings” by Eli Yokely for PoiliticMo.com

Campaign Finance

“Public Swamps FEC with Post-McCutcheon Rulemaking Comments” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation

“U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Reid Fundraiser” by Suzannah Gonzalez for Reuters

“Koch Brothers’ Budget of $889 Million for 2016 Is on Par With Both Parties’ Spending” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times

Ethics

Indiana: “Gov. Mike Pence’s State-Run News Outlet Will Compete with Media” by Tom LoBianco for Indianapolis Star

Montana: “Montana Senate Backs Bill to Change Selection of Political Practices Commissioner” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian

Virginia: “Virginia Gov. McAuliffe, Observing Self-Imposed Limit, Donates Gifts over $100” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post

The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.

In that effort, we have recently added jurisdictions to our website. These entries provide the core information our clients need for their government relations work.

The new jurisdictions are:

American Samoa           Guam           Northern Mariana Islands     U.S. Virgin Islands

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics released a reminder for its members and staff about the propriety of accepting holiday gifts.

Holiday Guidance on the Gift Rule, an eight-page memorandum on House Rule 25, points out some of the restrictions, including reminders on how to handle certain types of situations such as attending a holiday reception at a lobbying firm.

In such a situation, attendance is allowed as long as “the food and refreshments are of ‘nominal value’ and offered ‘other than as part of a meal.’”

Should a representative or staff member be offered a gift card or certificate, the memorandum reminds them these items are considered the same as cash; therefore, they cannot be accepted under any gift exception. The communication also reminds members and staff how they must handle unacceptable gifts, how to seek written committee approval in some circumstances, and which financial disclosure requirements may be necessary.

In a seasonal flair, the memorandum ends with a whimsical poem entitled The House Gift Rule: A Rhyme for the Holidays. The poem includes stanzas such as the following:

Gifts worth less than 50 dollars really aren’t scary,

Unless there’s a lobbyist, you can make merry.

But beware! This exception requires you to know

That the donor’s permitted before pulling that bow.

Receptions are gifts but are permitted if they,

Aren’t a meal, regardless if served from a tray.

The exception requires that food value be nominal,

So no caviar, no matter, whether phenomenal.

Lobbying

“Ethics Panel Eyes Lawmakers’ Meals” in The Columbian

Campaign Finance

“New Study Finds Companies’ Campaign Donations Linked to Lower Tax Rates” by Debbie Freeman for Arizona State University

“Ethics Panel Seeks Change in Law to Stop Candidates from Paying Self from PAC” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for Lewiston Sun Journal

“Election Ads Were About Issues, Says ‘Carolina Rising’ Chief” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

Ethics

“Alcorn County Pays Ex-Lawmaker Thousands for Jail Work” by Emily Wagster Pettus for Hattiesburg Daily American

“Report Suggests Davis Conflict in Nursing Home Case” by Kate White for Charleston Gazette

Elections

“How to Handle a Broken Campaign Promise” by Nathan Gonzales for Roll Call

“L.A. Voters Won’t Be Offered Cash Prizes in March City Election” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Legislative Issues

“New Leader, New Rules for SC House” by Cassie Cope for The State

“State Lawmakers Poised for Pay Bump” by David Saleh-Rauf for San Antonio Express-News

If you are in a panic about 2015, relax, we have you covered. The list attached shows all of the jurisdictions included in the State and Federal Communications website. Every state in our country will be in session in 2015 and those cities and counties are not going to sit back and do nothing. They will all be busy.

We are happy to report our list of municipalities continues to grow and many more will be added along with the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So many of our clients are drilling down from the states and going to cities and counties, and those jurisdictions do not always follow state rule. We have always emphasized doing your homework before venturing into a state, and our website can help when you are planning your municipality work.

Stay tuned…We are venturing into unknown territory in 2015 and reviewing international lobbying and campaign finance laws.  Who knows where this will take us.

In the meantime, State and Federal Communications wishes our clients and friends a very happy holiday season and we looking forward to seeing you in the New Year.

click here to view

Thank you,

Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz

Lobbying

UK: “Charities must record when employees use Twitter to campaign, Electoral Commission says” by Emily Corfe in Civil Society.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance 40 Years Later” in The New York Times’ Room for Debate.

“Koch donors uncloaked” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Mike Allen in Politico.

New Mexico: “Once again, it’s campaign finance day (officially at least)” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Ethics

Nevada: “Nevada gov’t ethics commission seeks new policies” by Emerson Marcus in the Reno Gazette-Journal.

New York: “Wrapped up in gift rules” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Ohio: “State ethics watchdog tracks 1,600 lobbyists’ activity and spending” by TC Brown in Columbus CEO.

Oregon: “Gov. Kitzhaber asks ethics commission to review fiancee’s contracts” by Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.

West Virginia: “West Virginia Ethics Commission committee interviews candidates for executive director’s job” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

Elections

“Who to watch in House Class of 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Why Republicans Must Win the Senate in 2014” by Stuart Rothenberg in Roll Call.

Tech and Social Media

“States Ascend Into the Cloud” by Jeffrey Stinson in Stateline.

“Follow the Money…” by Emily Jarvis in Govloop.

State and Federal Communications is pleased to announce the addition of 2015 legislative session and key dates information to its website.

In the Lobbying Laws publication, the key dates information addresses all of the reports and registrations due in 2015. In the Political Contributions publication, the key dates address the reports due, the scheduled statewide elections, and, where dictated by the state, scheduled local elections.

This information has been added for the federal government, the states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Continue to watch the website for updates to the 2014 and 2015 key dates and for the addition of key dates information for local jurisdictions and for Canada.

The Mission of State and Federal Communications is to make sure that your organization can say, “I Comply.”

We are the leading authority and exclusive information source on legislation and regulations surrounding campaign finance and political contributions; state, federal, and municipal lobbying; and procurement lobbying.

Contact us to learn how conveniently our services will allow you to say “I Comply” for your compliance activities.

Lobbying

North Carolina: “Brubaker ranked leading lobbyist at NC legislature” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Rhode Island: “Corso 38 Studios lobbying hearing ends, with decision to come Sept. 10” by Jennifer Bogdan in the Providence Journal.

Virginia: “A year after McDonnells’ gifts scandal was revealed, lobbyists’ assembly spending dips” by Jenna Portnoy in The Washington Post.

Campaign Finance

“People hate the state of politics today. So why is nobody talking about campaign finance reform?” by Jaime Fuller in The Washington Post.

Rhode Island: “R.I. court upholds restriction on McKee’s funds” by Jennifer Bogdan in the Providence Journal.

Ethics

New Jersey: “‘Chris Christie slept here’ is state secret in New Jersey” by Mark Lagerkvist in New Jersey Watchdog.

South Carolina: “Columbia Mayor Benjamin’s 2010 ethics situation to be heard Wednesday by State Ethics Commission” by John Monk in The State.

Texas: “Area lawmakers appointed to joint ethics panel” by Enrique Rangel in the Amarillo Globe-News.

Virginia: “Prosecutor spars with McDonnell during questioning” by Rosalind S. Helderman, Matt Zapotosky and Justin Jouvenal in The Washington Post.

Elections

“Senate Update: Republicans Cross a Threshold” by Josh Katz in The New York Times.

“The 10 things we know 10 weeks before Election Day” by Chris Cillizza in The Washington Post.

“Watch: Pols recall their best and worst election nights” by Susan Page in USA Today.

Arizona: “This year’s election will reshape Arizona politics” by Laurie Roberts in The Arizona Republic.

Arizona: “Arizona elections: Ducey wins, Huppenthal loses, Gallego beats Wilcox” by Mike Sunnucks in the Phoenix Business Journal.

Florida: “Rick Scott, Charlie Crist advance to general election showdown in Florida” by Sean Sullivan in The Washington Post.

Florida: “Central Florida 2014 primary election results” by Amanda Ober on WESH News.

Tech and Social Media

“How Social Media Silences Debate” by Clair Cain Miller in The New York Times.

At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying and can be found in the client portion of our website.

Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly email updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regard to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.

Lobbying

“Comcast adds lobbyists for merger fight” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Anyone can lobby – but there’s more to lobbying than driving a Beemer: Roy J. Wells” op-ed by Roy J. Wells in PennLive.

Utah: “Hatch Praises Lobbying” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.

Campaign Finance

“Million-Dollar Contributions Fuel Super PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Minnesota: “Minnesota’s limits on campaign donations to be challenged” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

New York: “Ethics, campaign finance oversight just got weaker in Albany, say observers” by Michael Gormley in Newsday.

Wisconsin: “GOP’s Mike Ellis caught on recording talking of illegal fundraising” by Patrick Marley and Daniel Bice in the Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

“Illinois Democrat reveals ethics review” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

Kentucky: “KLEC: Former Rep. Arnold did not violate ethics laws” by Lawrence Smith on WDRB.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Senate passes bill banning gifts of cash” by March Levy in The News Journal.

South Carolina: “Lawmakers propose appointing prosecutor to probe top state officials” by Andrew Shain in The Republic.

South Carolina: “Nikki Haley calls proposed broader ethics commission a ʹpoison pillʹ” by Andrew Shain in The State.

Government Tech and Social Media

Missouri: “Missouri politicians are mastering social media” by Nicholas J.C. Pistor in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.