January 10, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Missouri: “House Prepares to Fast Track Lobbyist Gift Limit Yet Again” by Tyler Wornell for The Missourian Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “When Does a Campaign Contribution Become a Bribe?” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call Washington: “Spokane City Council […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “House Prepares to Fast Track Lobbyist Gift Limit Yet Again” by Tyler Wornell for The Missourian
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “When Does a Campaign Contribution Become a Bribe?” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call
Washington: “Spokane City Council Overrides Condon Veto of Campaign Finance Reporting Law” by Kip Hill for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Ethics
“Fusion GPS Founder Hauled from the Shadows for the Russia Election Investigation” by Matt Flegenheimer for New York Times
Canada: “Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson Says She ‘Went Out with a Bang’” by Laura Stone for The Globe and Mail
Florida: “Broward Legislators Take Action to Deal with Sexual Harassment in the State Capital” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Maryland: “Feds: Indicted Baltimore state senator confessed to taking cash payments” by Justin Fenton for Baltimore Sun
Texas: “Amid Sexual Harassment Concerns, Lawmakers Consider How to Check Their Own Power” by Jolie McCullough and Alexa Ura for Texas Tribune
Elections
Kansas: “Awkward: Brownback said he was leaving as Kansas governor. He hasn’t” by Julie Bosman for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Kentucky: “Kentucky House Speaker Lashes Out in Resignation Speech after Sexual Harassment Settlement” by Derek Hawkins for Washington Post
January 8, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Illinois: “Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract” by Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg for Chicago Tribune Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal […]
Lobbying
Illinois: “Investigation Details Secretive Contacts with Lobbyist on $2 Billion Illinois Lottery Contract” by Joe Mahr and Matthew Walberg for Chicago Tribune
Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commission Finalizing Audit of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Mark Sommerhauser for Wisconsin State Journal
Ethics
“Obstruction Inquiry Shows Trump’s Struggle to Keep Grip on Russia Investigation” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN
Kentucky: “Panel Appointed to Investigate Kentucky House Speaker” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union
Michigan: “Michigan Senator Says His Hands Are Clean in Towing Bribery Scandal” by Paul Egan and Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Not Punished Over Remark About Hanging” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
New York: “Reform Groups Launch ‘Restore Public Trust’ Campaign” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette
Elections
Connecticut: “Is It Possible to Balance Statewide Tickets in Age of Primaries?” by Mark Pazniokas for Conneticut Mirror
Legislative Issues
Iowa: “A Lobbyist Got Married in the Iowa House, and a Portrait of Donald Trump Was Removed Before the Ceremony” by Jason Noble for Des Moines Register
January 4, 2018 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier Campaign Finance Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” […]
Lobbying
South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive
Virginia: “Several New Delegates Form Caucus to Reduce Corporate Money in Virginia Politics” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ethics
“Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
“Paul Manafort Sues Mueller and Asks a Judge to Narrow the Russia Investigation” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times
“How the Federal Government Hides Sexual Harassment Payouts” by Andrew Restuccia, Emily Goldberg, and Rebecca Morin for Politico
Illinois: “CPS Employees Stole Gift Cards Meant for Students, Watchdog Says” by Juan Perez Jr. for Chicago Tribune
Michigan: “Ex-Detroit Police Official Waffles, Pleads Guilty” by Robert Snell for Detroit News
Missouri: “Missouri Democrats Place Target on Greitens Through Pre-Filed Legislation” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
New York: “Corruption Trials Loom over Albany as New Year Begins” by Joe Mahoney for Oneonta Daily Star
Legislative Issues
Kentucky: “House Speaker Who Resigned Over Harassment Claim Reconsiders” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
December 13, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Elections Doug Jones Declared Victor in Alabama Race for Senate; Roy Moore May Seek Recount by Sean Sullivan, David Weigel, and Michael Sherer for Washington Post Ethics Trump Attacks Gillibrand in Tweet Critics Say Is Sexually Suggestive and Demeaning by […]
Elections
Doug Jones Declared Victor in Alabama Race for Senate; Roy Moore May Seek Recount by Sean Sullivan, David Weigel, and Michael Sherer for Washington Post
Ethics
Trump Attacks Gillibrand in Tweet Critics Say Is Sexually Suggestive and Demeaning by Ashley Parker, John Wagner, and Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
‘Journalism for Rent’: Inside the secretive firm behind the Trump dossier by Jack Gillum and Shawn Boburg for Washington Post
Florida: Women in Florida Politics Fear #MeToo Moments Will Backfire by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Pennsylvania: Ex-State Legislator Marc Gergely Sentenced to 18 Months House Arrest Stemming from Gambling Probe by Kate Giammarise for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wisconsin: Dem and GOP Ethics Regulators Say Attorney General Brad Schimel Needs to Correct Inaccuracies in John Doe Report by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Lobbying
Liberals and Conservatives Agree: Ex-congressmen should put brakes on lobbying careers by Ashley Balcerzak for Center for Public Integrity
After Manafort’s Indictment, Firms Are Suddenly Registering Their Foreign Lobbying by Lachlan Markay for Daily Beast
For Female Lobbyists, Harassment Often Accompanies Access by Trip Gabriel and Julie Bosman for New York Times
Colorado: Sen. Tate’s Supporters Lobbied in Front of His Committee, Gave to His Campaign by Ashley Jefcoat for KUNC
Missouri: Lobbyist Play Part, Spend Cash in Jefferson City by Jason Hunsicker for Kirksville Daily Express
Pennsylvania: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Wolf Aide Who’s Married to Gas Industry Lobbyist by Marie Cusick for StateImpact Pennsylvania
Campaign Finance
Washington: PDC Complaints Becoming Weapons in Political Wars by Jim Camden for Spokane Spokesman Review
December 1, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 1, 2017
National: Gerrymandering Opponents Turn to Ballot Initiatives to Redraw Lines The Hill – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/28/2017 Advocates of radically overhauling partisan gerrymandering are increasingly looking to ballot initiatives to reform the redistricting process, in hopes of circumventing recalcitrant […]
National:
Gerrymandering Opponents Turn to Ballot Initiatives to Redraw Lines
The Hill – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/28/2017
Advocates of radically overhauling partisan gerrymandering are increasingly looking to ballot initiatives to reform the redistricting process, in hopes of circumventing recalcitrant state Legislatures. Each initiative is unique to its own state, but all would strip the power to draw favorable district lines, the practice known as gerrymandering, from partisan lawmakers who zealously guard their ability to craft preferred terrain. Several national redistricting measures have been proposed in Congress, though none have gained traction.
Federal:
Foreign Lobbying Law Open to Exploitation
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 11/28/2017
People who work for foreign government clients are subject to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a World War II-era law. Requirements for FARA registration are broad, covering anyone who engages in lobbying or public relations for a foreign government-connected client. Communications with media, government officials and staff, and think tank experts must be disclosed every six months. But to a large extent, the foreign agent disclosure rules operate on what essentially amounts to an honor system. The FARA Unit in the National Security Division of the Justice Department is notoriously understaffed and underfunded despite being tasked with policing the hundreds of registrants who file, and those who do not.
Nevada Senator Wants to Close Tax Deduction Loophole for Lobbyists
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Gary Martin | Published: 11/28/2017
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto plans to file legislation that would close a loophole used by corporate lobbyists influencing policy on the local level. Under the current tax code, lobbyists and businesses are prohibited from deducting their expenses when they try to sway federal and local lawmakers. But those expenses are deductible when lobbying tribal, county, or local governments. Cortez Masto said her bill would end taxpayer subsidies for special interests “and closes a loophole that gives unnecessary tax breaks for lobbyists.”
Voters Lose Protest of Campaign-Contribution Ceilings
Courthouse News Service – Daniel Staples | Published: 11/29/2017
In a case brought by a Florida couple, a federal appeals court rejected a challenge to a campaign finance law that places limits on contributions in primary and general elections. In a lawsuit against the FEC, Laura Holmes and Paul Jost did not challenge the overall $5,200 contribution limit, but said they should have been able to write $5,200 checks to their candidates for the general election instead of splitting the amount between contributions for the primary and general elections. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the arguments.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: A Woman Approached The Post with Dramatic – and False – Tale About Roy Moore. She Appears to Be Part of Undercover Sting Operation.
Washington Post – Shawn Boburg, Aaron Davis, and Alice Crites | Published: 11/27/2017
The conservative organization Project Veritas, appears to have been get caught trying to pass false sexual misconduct allegations against Senate candidate Roy Moore to The Washington Post, extending its history of deploying deceptive tactics to try to ensnare news organizations in controversy. The Post reported that a woman who falsely told its reporters she had been impregnated by Moore as a teenager was seen entering the offices of Project Veritas in New York, seemingly tipping the group’s hand in its efforts to bait the newspaper into publishing uncorroborated accusations against Moore.
California: Adelanto Councilman’s Bribery Case Latest in Long History of City Corruption
San Bernardino Sun – Joe Nelson | Published: 11/24/2017
The city of Adelanto has dealt with scandals involving elected officials, members of its police force, and even an animal control supervisor. The U.S. Justice Department recently indicted Councilperson Jermaine Wright on charges of receiving a $10,000 bribe and attempting to burn down his restaurant to collect on a $300,000 insurance policy. The city’s remoteness, high poverty rate, and lack of government oversight all likely factor into its checkered past, said Jack Pitney, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.
Connecticut: Campaign Finance Laws Changed in New Budget
Connectict Post – Ken Dixon | Published: 11/21/2017
Two provisions in the new state budget signed by Gov. Dannell Malloy may make it easier for those in wealthier districts to run for the Connecticut General Assembly while putting time constraints on election regulators whose staffs in recent years have been targeted for reductions. One new law raises individual contributions for legislative and top-of-the-ticket candidates to $250, instead of the $100 limit approved in the 2005 campaign finance law. Another change puts a one-year limit on State Election Enforcement Commission investigations.
Connecticut: Federal Judge Upholds Law Barring Ganim from Public Financing
Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 11/29/2017
A federal judge dismissed Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim’s challenge to a Connecticut law that prevents him, as a politician convicted of corruption while in office, of obtaining public campaign financing. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Shea rejected Ganim’s claim that the restriction violated his constitutional right to free speech by putting him at a disadvantage against gubernatorial opponents who qualify for millions of dollars in taxpayer money. Ganim was convicted in 2003 for his role in a scheme in which businesspeople paid millions of dollars for city contracts. He served more than seven years in prison. Upon his release, Ganim won a sixth term as Bridgeport’s mayor, a term he is still serving.
Idaho: Bill Would Revise Campaign-Finance Regulations
Idaho Mountain Express – Peter Jensen | Published: 11/29/2017
Idaho lawmakers will reconvene in January, and they will hear a proposal to increase the state’s disclosure requirements for candidates. It would require elected officials and candidates for state, county, and city offices to file disclosure forms that identify sources of income, investments, and properties. There are provisions that would include internet and social-media websites in the definition of electioneering communication. Donations in support of campaigns for lawmakers, judges, and city and county offices are capped at $1,000 for a primary election, and $1,000 for a general election. For statewide offices, that cap is raised to $5,000. A plan to extend lobbying disclosure requirements to local governments was rebuffed.
Indiana: Council OKs Bill Limiting Contributions
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette – Dave Gong | Published: 11/29/2017
The Fort Wayne City Council approved an ordinance that bars contractors from bidding on city projects if they contribute more than $2,000 a year to an elected official’s campaign. The proposal would inhibit any company or company employee who owns more than a seven-and-a-half percent stake, as well as their spouses and live-in children, from donating more than an aggregate $2,000 per calendar year to an elected city official’s re-election campaign. That means the limit during a typical four-year election cycle is $8,000. Mayor Tom Henry has expressed opposition to the proposal.
Massachusetts: Ethics Commission Investigating Altered State Police Report
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 11/24/2017
The Massachusetts Ethics Commission is investigating why the former State Police colonel allowed the arrest report of a judge’s daughter to be altered. That scrubbed report led to the early retirements for the top two commanders of the State Police, as well as lawsuits filed by the two troopers who were asked to redact comments from the document. Anyone involved in changing the police report could face charges of violating the state conflict-of-interest law, which bars anyone from using an official position to get something for themselves or others that an ordinary person could not get.
New Mexico: Pearce Wins Court Order on Campaign Cash
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd and Dan McKay | Published: 11/28/2017
U.S. Rep. Rep. Steve Pearce won access to $1 million he raised while in Congress to use in his run for New Mexico governor. A federal judge blocked enforcement of limitations on campaign transfers from Pearce’s federal campaign account to a state one. The preliminary injunction gave Pearce access to the campaign funds while underlying issues are litigated. The secretary of state’s office has said only $11,000 can be transferred by Pearce, based on a New Mexico law that limits campaign contributions to $5,500 in a primary election and again in the general election. Attorneys for Pearce contend Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver misinterpreted state law, effectively violating Pearce’s constitutional rights to free speech under the First Amendment.
New York: JCOPE Chair: Lobbying regulations will carry force of law
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/28/2017
The acting chairperson of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) said “comprehensive lobbying regulations” crafted by its staff would indeed have the force and effect of law. The statement by Michael Rozen came after a hearing several weeks ago when JCOPE’s executive director, Seth Agata, had said a violation of the regulations “would not create a separate actionable violation of the law,” and were meant to “maximize guidance.”
Texas: What Do Clients Pay to Sway Austin City Council? Lobbyists Won’t Say.
Austin American-Statesman – Elizabeth Findell | Published: 11/29/2017
Regulations that took effect in June require lobbyists to disclose how much their clients are paying them to sway Austin officials, as they must report on the state and federal level. But at least 18 lobbyists who are also lawyers refused to complete the form on the grounds that their compensation is privileged attorney-client communication. The lobbyist reporting form asks for a ballpark range of payment. Their refusal to disclose compensation to City Hall appears to have been coordinated.
West Virginia: WV Chief Justice Has Court Employees Remove Missing Couch from His House
Charleston Gazette – Phil Kabler | Published: 11/28/2017
A day after The Charleston Gazette inquired about the whereabouts of a couch missing from West Virginia Supreme Court offices, Chief Justice Allen Loughry had court employees remove a leather couch from his home. Loughry said the couch was not state property and was purchased by late Justice Joe Albright, whose office Loughry took over when he was sworn in as a justice in December 2012. Loughry has been under fire for news reports regarding the Supreme Court spending $3.7 million to renovate offices, with expenses including a $32,000 couch and $7,500 floor medallion outlining the counties of the state in Loughry’s office.
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.
November 27, 2017 •
Alaska Adjourns Special Session
Alaska’s fourth special session adjourned on November 21 after reaching the 30-day limit set by the state’s constitution. Since November 10, lawmakers were in a technical session after the Senate attempted to adjourn the special session after passing a criminal […]
Alaska’s fourth special session adjourned on November 21 after reaching the 30-day limit set by the state’s constitution.
Since November 10, lawmakers were in a technical session after the Senate attempted to adjourn the special session after passing a criminal justice reform bill. In Alaska one body cannot adjourn without the other.
No committee hearings are held in a technical session, and no formal legislative business is done.
November 17, 2017 •
Illinois Governor Signs Sexual Harassment Bill
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill passed by lawmakers during the fall veto session aimed at curbing sexual harassment within state government. Senate Bill 402 expressly prohibits sexual harassment by lobbyists, provides for a $5,000 fine for violations, and requires […]
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill passed by lawmakers during the fall veto session aimed at curbing sexual harassment within state government.
Senate Bill 402 expressly prohibits sexual harassment by lobbyists, provides for a $5,000 fine for violations, and requires lobbyists to take an annual sexual harassment training course. The training course must be completed within 30 days of registration or renewal, beginning January 1, 2018.
Additionally, each person and entity required to register must have a written sexual harassment policy by January 1, 2018.
Gov. Rauner criticized the bill as rushed and needing more work, but conceded it was a step in the right direction.
The bill takes effect immediately.
November 17, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – November 17, 2017
Let Becky take you through a busy week in government and ethics news in this week’s video digest!
Let Becky take you through a busy week in government and ethics news in this week’s video digest!
November 16, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 17, 2017
National: Despite Recent Wins for Democrats, Gerrymanders Dim Hopes for 2018 New York Times – Alexander Burns, Michael Wines, and Trip Gabriel | Published: 11/12/2017 For all the Democrats’ optimism, the elections in Virginia vividly reflected why the reality might […]
National:
Despite Recent Wins for Democrats, Gerrymanders Dim Hopes for 2018
New York Times – Alexander Burns, Michael Wines, and Trip Gabriel | Published: 11/12/2017
For all the Democrats’ optimism, the elections in Virginia vividly reflected why the reality might be a good deal harsher. While Democrats won the governorship by nearly nine percentage points and won a similar margin in total votes in legislative races, it appears likely, unless recounts reverse seats, that they will fall just short of taking control of the state’s heavily gerrymandered House. And around the country, gerrymandering, refined to a high art, and increasingly restrictive voting laws have left many experts wary of assuming the intensity of Democratic voters will translate into equally robust electoral gains.
Federal:
Judge Declares Mistrial in Menendez Prosecution
Washington Post – Alan Maimon and Devlin Barrett | Published: 11/16/2017
The bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez ended in a mistrial when the jury said it was hopelessly deadlocked on all charges against him and Salomon Melgen, a wealthy physician. Menendez is accused of using his political influence to help Melgen in exchange for luxury vacations, flights on a private jet, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to organizations that supported the senator. Prosecutors said Menendez pressured government officials on Melgen’s behalf over an $8.9 million Medicare billing dispute and helped obtain U.S. visas for the doctor’s girlfriends. The defense argued the gifts were not bribes but tokens of friendship between two men who were “like brothers.”
Kochs Key Among Small Group Quietly Funding Legal Assault on Campaign Finance Regulation
Center for Public Integrity – Lateshia Beachum | Published: 11/15/2017
The Center for Public Integrity investigated an array of organizations that have participated in legal challenges dating back 40 years that have resulted in a campaign finance system allowing unlimited sums to be pumped into modern elections. It is a system that both Republicans and Democrats now fully rely upon. Throughout that history, groups backed by David and Charles Koch have stood out as reliable, stalwart opponents of regulation of money in politics. While far from the only players in the legal battle, the Kochs are certainly among the most recognizable – and significant.
Mueller Puts Spotlight on Foreign Lobbying
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 11/15/2017
Foreign advocacy work in Washington, D.C. is common, lucrative, and occasionally controversial, but has rarely received the front-page scrutiny it is attracting now. That is mostly because of Paul Manafort and Richard Gates, two high-level figures from the Trump campaign who have been indicted as part of Robert Mueller’s investigation. The charges against the two men, including allegations of money laundering, stem from work they did years ago to benefit a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine. The lobbying work was not disclosed to the Department of Justice as is required under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, according to the indictment. Manafort retroactively registered that work this year.
Russia Scandal Befalls Two Brothers: John and Tony Podesta
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/10/2017
Kimberly Fritts resigned as chief executive of the Podesta Group as she begins work on launching a new firm, which will be called Cogent Strategies. The move is creating new uncertainty for the Podesta Group following the departure of its founder, Tony Podesta, who stepped away after he and the firm were pulled into special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
The Brave New World of Political Conspiracy-Theory Illustrations
Washington Post – Philip Bump | Published: 11/15/2017
Rep. Louie Gohmert produced a convoluted flowchart at a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee to convince Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the Justice Department ought to appoint a special prosecutor to probe the so-called Uranium One scandal. Sean Hannity also used the chart to explain interactions between President Obama’s administration, the Russians, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There is a reason both Hannity and Gohmert seized on these flowcharts to make their points. Americans have come to understand patterns of boxes and connecting arrows and lines as iconography meaning “conspiracy theory.” What Hannity and Gohmert are doing, in short, is implying a conspiracy by using the visual language associated with conspiracy theories.
From the States and Municipalities:
Florida: Hillsborough Will Go After Citizens Watchdogs Over Hagan Ethics Complaint
WTSP – Noah Pransky | Published: 11/15/2017
The Hillsborough County Commission voted to seek financial reimbursement from four activists who filed a failed ethics complaint against Commissioners Ken Hagan and Sandy Murman. Hagan filed a petition for fees and costs for his attorney following the Florida Commission on Ethics’ announcement it found do probable cause that Hagan, Murman, and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn violated the state’s ethics code in their involvement with the Go Hillsborough transportation plan. The Florida First Amendment Foundation called the request “deeply troubling” for the “chilling” effect it could have on more citizen watchdogs coming forward with concerns about government officials breaking the law.
Louisiana: Louisiana Politics: State ethics revisions seem likely; committee created
StMaryNow.com – Jeremy Alford | Published: 11/15/2017
Members of an advisory committee reviewing Louisiana’s ethics laws sound optimistic, some even confident, that significant policy changes will be recommended to the Legislature, maybe even in time for the regular session that begins March 12. There was an organizational meeting in September and a more structured gathering in October, when committee members discussed travel provisions and the different reporting tiers for financial disclosure statements. Some members are interested in taking a deeper look into the monthly reporting requirements for lobbyists, arguing that quarterly filings should be sufficient. Others are more curious about fees and how the state ethics board is allowed to determine or negotiate fine and penalty payments.
Michigan: Trash Giant Rizzo Pleads Guilty to Bribery
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 11/9/2017
A year after getting indicted in a wide-sweeping corruption probe that toppled his family trash-hauling empire, Chuck Rizzo Jr. pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud, admitting he lined the pockets of public officials to win lucrative contracts. Between 2012 and 2016, Rizzo was chief executive of Rizzo Environmental Services and the company was looking to maintain or extend municipal contracts in Macomb and Clinton townships, along with other municipalities. Rizzo admitted he provided money to former Clinton Township Trustee Dean Reynolds and former Macomb Township Trustee Clifford Freitas in exchange for their support for his company’s attempts at securing lucrative garbage contracts in their communities. Reynolds and Freitas are both also facing federal charges.
Missouri: How’s a Former Missouri Lawmaker Spending Campaign Cash? Golf, Booze, Cigars and More
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 11/10/2017
Former Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones transferred more than $650,000 from his campaign committee to a PAC called Leadership for America. Since it was formed last year, the committee has donated $22,000 to various Republican candidates in Missouri and given roughly $38,000 to a handful of charities. But it has also spent about $5,000 in recent months at golf resorts in Missouri, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee, as well as several thousand more on meals, cigars, alcohol, event tickets, travel, and renovations to Jones’ St. Louis County office. Watchdogs worry that Jones has found a way to use campaign funds to bolster his lifestyle, despite prohibitions on using the money for personal business.
New Mexico: Compliance with ABQ Lobbying Rules Falls Way Short
NMPolitics.net – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 11/13/2017
A review by New Mexico In Depth found a lack of compliance among registered lobbyists in Albuquerque. The reporting failure is due in part, to lack of education aimed at lobbyists about the rules. It is also due to how the ordinance’s enforcement provision is interpreted. According to the city attorney’s office, a written, notarized complaint is the only way to trigger an inquiry, although one transparency champion reads the ordinance as giving the city attorney’s office flexibility to pursue investigations even when there is no written complaint. The result is less public information than the law requires involving lobbyists whose employers have had an interest in influencing proposals before city officials this year.
New York: Museum of Political Corruption Bestows Nellie Bly Award
Albany Times Union – Amy Biancolli | Published: 11/14/2017
When Bruce Roter informed Susanne Craig that she won the Museum of Political Corruption’s inaugural Nellie Bly Award, he traveled to the offices of The New York Times to hand over the prize: a check for $1,250. It was the exact amount paid by the muckraking Bly when she bought off the state Legislature in 1888, successfully defeating a piece of legislation. “He presented me with a check in a brown envelope and passed it under the table,” recalled Craig. She is the reporter who discovered pages from Donald Trump’s tax returns in her newsroom mailbox in October 2016.
North Carolina: Nonprofit Provides TV Studio for Lt. Gov. Forest’s Office
WRAL – Travis Fain | Published: 11/12/2017
A little-known group set up by the lieutenant governor’s office and headed by a major campaign donor has provided Lt. Gov. Dan Forest with enough television equipment to build an in-office studio. Forest’s arrangement with the North Carolina Promotion and Development Fund (NCPDF) appears to be unique in state government. NCPDF is a 501(c)(4). These groups are perhaps best known as political advertising vehicles for anonymous donors. Attorneys who specialize in this section of the tax code said the way Forest’s office uses the NCPDF seems to be allowed under state and federal law, without disclosing donors, provided the group does not fund campaign activities.
Texas: Texas Sheriff Is on the Hunt for Driver with Profane Anti-Trump Window Sticker
Washington Post – Marwa Eltagouri and J. Freedom du Lac | Published: 11/16/2017
A sheriff in Texas is looking for a truck bearing a profanity-laced anti-Trump sticker and said authorities are considering charging its owner with disorderly conduct, a threat that raised alarm among free speech advocates. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls posted a photograph of the truck on Facebook after, he said, he received several complaints about the display from unhappy people in the Houston-area county. The Houston Chronicle said the truck’s owners have no plans to remove the custom graphic, which they ordered after Trump’s election.
Wisconsin: Scott Walker’s Campaign Treasurer’s Firm Gets Capitol Contract After Being the Only Bidder
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 11/9/2017
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s administration helped give a contract worth at least $35,000 to a firm affiliated with Walker’s campaign treasurer. The administration in June sought proposals as it looked for a company that could raise $75,000 or more for improvements to the Capitol and a gala to celebrate its 100th anniversary, giving the contract to Solutions KCB. The company’s registered agent is Kate Lind, the governor’s campaign treasurer. Department of Administration spokesperson Steve Michels said the administration helped with the procurement process, but the ultimate decisions were made by the Wisconsin Historical Foundation and the commission organizing the anniversary celebration.
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.
November 10, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – November 10, 2017
Becky recaps a busy week in elections and legislative sessions around the country!
Becky recaps a busy week in elections and legislative sessions around the country!
November 10, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – November 10, 2017
Becky recaps a busy week in elections and legislative sessions around the country!
Becky recaps a busy week in elections and legislative sessions around the country!
November 3, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – November 3, 2017
Jon Spontarelli is here with this week’s government and ethics news you can use from a busy week around the country!
Jon Spontarelli is here with this week’s government and ethics news you can use from a busy week around the country!
November 3, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 3, 2017
National: Russia-Financed Ad Linked Clinton and Satan New York Times – Cecilia Kang, Nicholas Fandos, and Mike Isaac | Published: 11/1/2017 Lawmakers released scores of political ads purchased by Russian agents on Facebook and Twitter that showed the extent of […]
National:
Russia-Financed Ad Linked Clinton and Satan
New York Times – Cecilia Kang, Nicholas Fandos, and Mike Isaac | Published: 11/1/2017
Lawmakers released scores of political ads purchased by Russian agents on Facebook and Twitter that showed the extent of the Kremlin’s attempts to polarize the American voting public on issues like race, police abuse, and religion. One account, Army of Jesus, published an illustration of an arm-wrestling match between Christ and the devil. “Satan: If I win, Clinton wins!” the headline read. The sampling of ads came during hearings with the top lawyers for Facebook, Twitter, and Google, and were intended to show the executives how pervasively Russia used their platforms to further its campaign of misinformation.
Federal:
Congress Mulls Toughening Foreign Lobbying Law
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 10/31/2017
A day after former Trump campaign chairperson Paul Manafort was indicted on charges that included failing to register as a foreign agent, a top U.S. Senate Republican introduced legislation intended to stiffen enforcement of federal rules for foreign lobbyists. Sen. Chuck Grassley joined Rep. Mike Johnson to propose identical bills they said would address ambiguous requirements for those lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. That ambiguity has, over the years, led to a sharp drop in the number of registrations and the prospect of widespread abuses, they said.
Scofflaw Political Groups Are Ignoring FEC Fines
Politico – Dave Levinthal (Center for Public Integrity) | Published: 10/30/2017
More than 160 political committees and similar groups together owe the federal government more than $1.3 million worth of unpaid fines. Some of those unpaid fines amount to as little as $10 while others soar into five figures. Many cases concern all-but-forgotten also-ran political candidates, but others involve political luminaries. Super PACs and politically active nonprofits have joined the nonpayment parade of late. And there is little evidence any of that cash will soon begin to roll in. Uncooperative political committee leaders, bureaucratic bumbling, and weak enforcement efforts all contribute to election law breakers outrunning penalties.
Trump Campaign Adviser Admitted to Lying about Russian Contacts
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Tom Hamburger | Published: 10/30/2017
One of President Trump’s former campaign advisers, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents who are investigating possible collusion between the campaign and the Russian government. Papadopoulos had contact with unnamed overseas professor, who told him the Russian government had “dirt” on Hillary Clinton, including thousands of her emails. The plea represents the most explicit evidence the Trump campaign was aware the Kremlin was trying to help Trump and the campaign was eager to accept that help. As part of that effort, the Russian government hacked Democratic accounts and released a trove of embarrassing emails related to Clinton’s campaign.
Under Mueller Scrutiny, Democratic Donor Tony Podesta Resigns from Lobbying Firm
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 10/30/2017
Hours after the first indictments in the investigation into ties between President Trump’s campaign and the Russian government, Tony Podesta abruptly quit his post atop the Podesta Group, one of K Street’s top lobbying firms. The Podesta Group and another company with which it had worked, Mercury Public Affairs, were referenced, though not by name, in an indictment of two former Trump campaign officials, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates. No charges have been brought against Podesta or officials from his firm or Mercury. But both firms have been subpoenaed for records and testimony about their work on behalf of a client referred to them by Manafort and Gates, the European Center for a Modern Ukraine.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas: State PACs Cite Confusion Over E-Filing
Arkansas Online – Michael Wickline | Published: 10/29/2017
Officials representing several PACs said that because they were confused about the effective date of a new Arkansas law requiring campaign finance reports to be filed in electronic form, they signed affidavits to declare they do not have access to the technology to meet the requirement. Meanwhile, five state elected officials filed their reports on paper without submitting the affidavit required by state law to show why they are not filing electronically. A few of them said they did not file the affidavits partly out of confusion. These five candidates are in addition to six others who did sign the exemption affidavits. Two new laws address electronic filing of the reports.
Connecticut: Tucked in Budget: Shorter leash on election watchdogs
Connecticut Post – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 10/30/2017
Connecticut lawmakers are using a bipartisan budget deal to do what they could not during the regular session: require the State Elections Enforcement Commission to dismiss complaints against candidates, including legislators, that are not resolved in one year. At the same time, lawmakers included a provision in the budget that more than doubles the maximum campaign contribution they can accept to qualify for public financing under the Citizens’ Election Program from $100 to $250, a change likely to ease their access to public dollars for their campaigns. Gov. Dannell Malloy has not yet signed the budget bill.
Florida: City Issues New Ethics Rules for Employees
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 10/30/2017
Tallahassee employees cannot accept gifts of $100 or more from contractors and suppliers with the city and must tell their supervisors each year of any outside work. The email notification of the changes was sent on the heels of an ethics workshop where the city commission adopted three provisions involving misuse of position, gifts from lobbyists, and greater financial disclosure.
Florida: Ethics Board Cites Justin Sayfie, Capitol Group for Reporting Violations
Florida Politics – Jim Rosica | Published: 10/25/2017
The Florida Commission on Ethics is moving against lobbyist Justin Sayfie and another firm for problems arising from random audits of their compensation reports. Sayfie called the problem “a simple math error.” The commission also dropped cases against three other executive-branch lobbying concerns. The ethics board said it found probable cause “to believe that the executive branch lobbying firm under-reported compensation received from a principal for the third and fourth quarters of 2015.” Once the commission finds probable cause, that finding is sent to the governor for further action. The firms can request a hearing, or the governor and Cabinet members can decide to call a hearing on their own.
Florida: Florida Politicians Become Surveillance Targets as Political Payback Rumors Swirl
Politico – Matt Dixon | Published: 10/30/2017
During the final week of the 2017 legislative session, a covert surveillance camera recorded the comings and goings of legislators and lobbyists living on the sixth floor of the Tennyson condominium near the Florida Capitol. Weeks later, in a parking lot of a restaurant in Tallahassee, Sen. Jack Latvala, a candidate for governor, was also being spied upon. Photographs show him kissing a female lobbyist. These incidents were the work of private investigators, whose research has fueled an escalating barrage of rumors about sexual harassment in Tallahassee and infidelity among state lawmakers.
Illinois: Emanuel’s Ethics Board Walks Back $2,500 Fines Against 3 Who Illegally Lobbied Him
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 10/27/2017
In July, the Chicago Board of Ethics fined businessperson Jim Abrams, Linden Capital Partners President Tony Davis, and attorney Alan King $2,500 each after finding they failed to register as lobbyists after seeking to influence Mayor Rahm Emanuel through his personal email account. But the board has rescinded the fines. As part of the settlement, the men agreed not to lobby any city official for one year without registering and to complete a training program on the lobbying law. When large fines were levied in the first round of fines for illegally lobbying the mayor, Emanuel accused the ethics board of turning “average citizens” into lobbyists.
Massachusetts: Rare Trick Pays Off Big Time for Lobbyists
Boston Herald – Matt Stout | Published: 10/30/2017
Some of Massachusetts’ top-paid lobbyists have fattened their lucrative paychecks by working under multiple firms and in some cases, raising concerns of potential conflicts between their well-played clientele. At least three of the top 10 highest compensated lobbyists registered as working in the Capitol last year reported building a client list of at least two different lobbying firms, each pushing their total pay north of $500,000. Ethics experts cautioned that lobbyists have to tread lightly in situations involving complex bills in which clients stake out separate interests.
South Carolina: Law Provides Loophole for South Carolina Legislators to Be Paid for ‘Consulting’ Work
Charleston Post and Courier – Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) | Published: 10/29/2017
When they were in office, few knew that state Reps. Jim Harrison and Tracy Edge, both in House leadership posts, were working for Richard Quinn, one of South Carolina’s most influential political and business consultants. Between them, Edge and Harrison earned a reported $1.2 million from their secret consulting work with Quinn. They could keep the payments under wraps because, until this year, lawmakers did not have to disclose that kind of consulting work on ethics reports. But even after last year’s income disclosure law required public officials to start reporting all sources of income, much can remain hidden.
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.
October 27, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – October 27, 2017
Let Becky give you this week’s Government and Ethics News You Can Use, and stick around for details on our annual donuts and cider sale on Halloween to benefit the United Way of Summit County!
Let Becky give you this week’s Government and Ethics News You Can Use, and stick around for details on our annual donuts and cider sale on Halloween to benefit the United Way of Summit County!
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