On April 9, the West Virginia Legislature wrapped up its regular legislative session.

The House and Senate passed a spending plan prior to adjournment; however, the governor is expected to veto the bill and call a special session after further negotiations to finalize a more acceptable budget bill.

The fiscal year begins July 1 and a special session would need to be called prior to that date.

Federal:

DOJ Renews Promise of Action on Lobbying Law Compliance
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 4/5/2017

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) compliance noted the Justice Department expects to take action on four “chronic offenders” of the law. The report said House and Senate officials in charge of administering the LDA have referred thousands of cases of noncompliance, but the U.S. attorney’s office has been able to resolve only about half of these cases through letters and other contacts seeking compliance. The GAO said officials believe many of those who fail to file disclosure reports are no longer lobbying. But more than 1,300 referrals regarding failure to file lobbying reports remained unresolved last year. Meanwhile, another 700 referrals for failing to file required reports on lobbyists’ political contributions also remained unresolved.

Ethics Panel Opens Investigation into Nunes
The Hill – Cristina Marcos and Katie Bo Williams | Published: 4/6/2017

House Intelligence Committee Chairperson Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) temporarily recused himself from all matters related to the panel’s ongoing probe into Russia’s interference in the presidential election. The House ethics committee released a statement saying it would investigate allegations that “Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct.” Nunes has come under fire for going to the White House grounds to meet with a secret source and view documents he said suggest President Trump and his transition team members’ identities may have been improperly revealed in reports on surveillance of foreign targets.

Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work
Politico – Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey | Published: 4/3/2017

Some of President Donald Trump’s former campaign hands are rushing to sign lucrative deals with foreign clients, shrugging off their own pledges to avoid foreign lobbying and the president’s vow to “drain the swamp.” Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s firm is one a handful of upstarts looking to undercut the lobbying giants that for years dominated the market for foreign lobbying work in Washington. They are betting their experience on Trump’s campaign and relationships with former colleagues now in his administration can woo foreign governments away from more established rivals.

Trump Can Quietly Draw Money from Trust Whenever He Wants, New Documents Show
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 4/3/2017

The trust agreement that Donald Trump used to put his adult sons in charge of his company allows him to draw money from it upon his request, illustrating the thin divide between the president and his private fortune. Trump and his attorneys have pointed to the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust as a response to widespread worries from ethics lawyers, who have said the president’s refusal to divest ownership of his company creates the potential that he can derive personal profit from his public office. Trump’s trust is not “blind” because he knows how his assets are performing, has close relationships with both trustees, can make money off the trust’s financial interests, and can revoke the trust at any time.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Ethics Commission Finds Probable Cause Against Gov. Robert Bentley
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 4/5/2017

Gov. Robert Bentley could face criminal prosecution after the Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause he broke ethics and campaign finance laws in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for over a year. The commission voted to refer four issues to the Montgomery County district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to pursue charges. The commission found probable cause to believe Bentley had misused state resources and campaign funds, improperly accepted a campaign donation outside of an allowed fundraising window, and lent himself campaign money when he was not a candidate. Bentley has been under scrutiny since recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.

Arizona – Arizona Secretary of State’s Website to Track Political Spending Triples in Cost
Arizona Republic – Mary Jo Pitzl | Published: 3/29/2017

It was a key talking point of her 2014 campaign for secretary of state: Michele Reagan would build a website to allow the public to track the money spent in political campaigns, from the governor’s office down to the smallest town-council race. But the much-touted See the Money website has yet to materialize, despite a nearly $500,000 investment, a now-completed contract with an outside firm, and a string of promised due dates. Reagan said she is moving the project in-house and is determined to have it online by January.

Colorado – A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop
Colorado Independent – Corey Hutchins | Published: 4/4/2017

The best drama in Colorado politics is not occurring at the Capitol, but in a courtroom.  The characters in the dispute are half the intrigue. At issue is the question of whether it is legal for someone to set up a nonprofit to shield donors from disclosure even when that nonprofit works almost exclusively, through an affiliated entity, on campaigns for or against candidates. In Colorado, anyone who lodges a complaint about a suspected campaign finance violation has to prove his or her own case against an alleged violator in a courtroom setting. It is a system its critics say discourages average citizens from bringing complaints against powerful people or well-funded groups.

Florida – Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance
SaintPetersBlog.com – Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) | Published: 4/5/2017

Registered lobbyists can no longer text or email Hillsborough County commissioners during meetings. Lobbyists who violate the new ordinance can be punished with a ban of up to a year, though it would take four violations to reach that. Commissioners that violate the ban and do not report communications sent to them during meeting will be punished with a $250 fine on the first offense and $500 on the second. If a third violation occurs, the Florida Commission on Ethics will be notified.

Kansas – These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.
Washington Post – Samantha Schmidt | Published: 4/5/2017

A group of reporters and editors from the student newspaper, the Booster Redux at Pittsburg High School in Kansas, had gathered to talk about Amy Robertson, who was hired as the high school’s head principal on March 6. The student journalists had begun researching Robertson, and quickly found some discrepancies in her education credentials. When they researched Corllins University, the private university where Robertson said she got her master’s and doctorate degrees, the website did not work. They found no evidence it was an accredited university. The students began digging into a weeks-long investigation that would result in an article questioning the legitimacy of the principal’s degrees and of her work as an education consultant. Robertson resigned four days later.

Maine – Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only
Portland Press Herald – Kevin Miller | Published: 4/3/2017

A legislative committee voted in favor of a bill to make it a crime for lobbyists to lie to Maine lawmakers after narrowing a bill to exclude the public, and themselves. Maine is one of nine states that have no laws against providing false information in committee. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia prohibit lobbyists from providing false testimony, and some states require speakers to take an oath before testifying in committee.

North Carolina – Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board
WRAL – Matthew Burns | Published: 4/4/2017

House Republicans would prefer changing a law struck down by a three-judge panel related to overseeing North Carolina elections instead of extending a court fight with new Gov. Roy Cooper. A new measure approved by the Elections Committee would rework an eight-member state panel overseeing both elections and ethics rules the judges threw out as unconstitutional and give more control over the board to Cooper. The revised bill would still merge the elections and ethics boards, but the governor would be able to appoint all members from nominations made by the state Republican and Democratic parties. The board would be split evenly between the two parties.

Pennsylvania – Have Bribery, Fraud and Abuse of Power Become Synonymous with ‘Pennsylvania’?
PennLive.com – Jan Murphy | Published: 3/30/2017

Pennsylvanians have witnessed scores of corruption cases involving state officials from both sides of the political aisle and all three state governmental branches. Whether it is on a per-capita basis or simply the sheer number of high-profile corruption cases in recent years, Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick said it is obvious that “something is pretty wrong in our political system in terms of corruption.” Some blame it on lax rules that do not hold government officials accountable or lawmakers’ failure to enact reform laws such as a ban on gifts or limits on campaign contributions. Though watchdogs continue to seek such reforms, little progress has been made in the Legislature.

Tennessee – Analysis: Possible double dipping at Tennessee statehouse
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert | Published: 3/31/2017

A review of campaign finance reports filed in 2016 by all 131 current Tennessee lawmakers found state representatives and senators spent $189,700 combined in campaign money on expenses that may have been paid for by state funds. But lawmakers are not required to report specific dates and locations of smaller purchases that are typically less than $100. That makes it unclear how many of those expenses also may have been reimbursed by the state, providing the opportunity to obscure double dipping or other financial abuse.

Tennessee – Nashville’s Private Club with a PAC
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher | Published: 4/2/2017

Many nights, the most powerful Tennessee lawmakers imbibe and eat at The Standard, a restaurant a few blocks from the Capitol. Often, it is at the expense of their campaign donors. An analysis found 25 Tennessee legislators and one prominent Nashville elected official, or their PACs, combined with seven other state PACs to spend $150,000 from their campaign coffers at the restaurant and club since 2009. More than $50,000 of that money was spent by elected officials to pay for their personal memberships in the club. The Standard also operates its own state PAC, which has donated almost $100,000 to state and local leaders who are members or who frequent the club.

Vermont – Vermont’s Campaign Finance Law Survives Legal Challenge
U.S. News & World Report; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/3/2017

A challenge to Vermont’s campaign finance laws has been struck down in federal court. Dean Corren, an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor, sued the state for violating his First Amendment rights, alleging a restriction on fundraising for publicly financed candidates is unconstitutional.

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.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop” by Corey Hutchins for Colorado Independent

Ethics

“It’s Plausible Trump Incited Violence, Federal Judge Rules in OK’ing Lawsuit” by Eliott McLaughlin for CNN

“How the U.S. Ethics Chief Took on Trump and Became a Reluctant Washington Hero” by David Montgomery for Washington Post

“Russian Spies Tried to Recruit Carter Page Before He Advised Trump” by Adam Goldman for New York Times

Kansas: “These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.” by Samantha Schmidt for Washington Post

North Carolina: “Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board” by Matthew Burns for WRAL

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “House DFL Leader Won’t Back Down from ‘White Male Card Game’ Remarks” by Brian Bakst for Minnesota Public Radio

Lobbying

Florida: “Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance” by Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) for SaintPetersBlog.com

Texas: “Jet Setting Liquor Regulators Could See Wings Clipped by Lawmakers” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Lawmakers are back to work attempting to combine state elections and ethics boards after a three-judge panel ruled that the General Assembly overstepped its state constitutional authority when it adopted Senate Bill 4 establishing a bipartisan board to oversee elections and consider ethics complaints and issues.

The House Elections Committee approved changes to Senate Bill 68 to remove the bill’s original content relating to school attendance, replacing it with a reworked proposal to create a Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.

Senate Bill 68 would merge the elections and ethics boards, but the governor would be able to appoint all members from nominations made by North Carolina’s Republican and Democratic parties. The board would be split evenly between the two parties.

Senate Bill 68 is set for a floor vote in the House on April 5.

The Georgia Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session sine die yesterday, March 30, 2017.

In the final days of the session, lawmakers tackled issues such as a campus gun bill, tax credits, and medical marijuana.

Georgia is one of 17 states prohibiting guns on university campuses and Gov. Nathan Deal has shown his opposition to the issue, particularly by vetoing a similar bill last year.

The Idaho Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session sine die on March 29, 2017.

Major issues of this year’s session included proposed income tax cuts and funding for public schools.

A handful of legislators will work through the interim on updating the state’s public school funding formula. Many argue it is outdated and does not meet the needs of a modern education.

Campaign Finance

Illinois: “Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees” by Jacob Huebert for Illinois Policy

Pennsylvania: “Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Elections

“Senate Committee to Question Jared Kushner Over Meetings with Russians” by Jo Becker, Matthew Rosenberg, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Ethics

Maine: “Bangor City Council’s Ethics Watchdog Group Hasn’t Investigated a Violation in 20 Years” by Danielle McLean for Bangor Daily News

Maryland: “Maryland House Passes First Major Ethics Bill in Over a Decade” by Ian Duncan for Baltimore Sun

Oregon: “Lax Conflicts of Interest Rules Let Oregon Lawmakers Keep Quiet About Their Ties” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian

Legislative Issues

“Chairman and Partisan: The dual roles of Devin Nunes raise questions about House investigation” by Greg Miller and Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post

New Mexico: “Amending New Mexico’s Convoluted Constitution” by Anna Lande for KUNM

Lobbying

“Trump’s ‘Beachhead’ Teams Host Dozens of Former Lobbyists” by Ashley Balcerzak and Niv Sultan for Center for Responsive Politics

Despite the 2017 regular session adjourning on March 18th, Gov. Susana Martinez will likely call a special session.

Martinez does not like the budget proposed to her by the Legislature and has warned of potential furloughs if a new budget is not passed soon.

The special session date has yet to be determined.

The Ohio Drug Price Relief Act is expected to appear on the ballot in November, 2017.

The proposed initiated statute would prohibit the state from purchasing a prescription drug unless the net cost of the drug is equal to or less than the lowest price paid for the drug by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA).

It could directly impact more than 4 million individuals served by state programs including those on Medicaid, individuals participating in state retirement programs, and those receiving care through other state programs such as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) commissioned Vorys Health Care Advisors (VHCA) and Health Management Associates (HMA) to create an independent and objective analysis of the potential impact of the proposed act.

Results of the analysis show it is highly unlikely the proposed act could be effectively implemented; moreover, it is highly likely it would fail to achieve its purpose and negatively impact non-targeted entities via increased prescription drug costs and limited availability of certain medications.

Campaign Finance

Democrats to Probe Gorsuch Views on Campaign Finance by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

Colorado: Colorado Democrats Propose Reforms to Shed More Light on Political ‘Dark Money’ by Brian Eason for Denver Post

Iowa: $43 million in 4 Years: Exclusive analysis tracks Iowa campaign contributions by Jason Noble for Des Moines Register

New York: No Charges, but Harsh Criticism for Mayor de Blasio by William Rashbaum for New York Times

Ethics

Documents: Office of Government Ethics, Trump team reached détente by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

New Mexico: Voters Will Decide Future of State Ethics Commission Proposal by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for New Mexico Politics

Oklahoma: Conservative Oklahoma Senator Charged with Three Felonies after Child Prostitution Investigation by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Pennsylvania: Nutter Overruled His Inspector General to Spare a Key City Hall Adviser by David Gambacorda, Claudia Vargas, and Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer

South Carolina: Veteran State Sen. Courson of Columbia Suspended from Office after Misconduct Indictment by John Monk for The State

Legislative Issues

North Carolina: Judges Issue Split Ruling on NC Governor-Legislature Power Struggle by Anne Blythe (Raleigh News and Observer) for Charlotte Observer

Lobbying

“Would-Be Trump Appointees Say ‘No Thanks’ Due to Lobbying Ban” by Ben Brody, Shannon Pettypiece, and Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com

Oregon: “Gov. Brown Reverses Course, Says Former Lawmaker Will Not Lobby Legislators” by Saul Hubbard for The Register-Guard

Campaign Finance

“FEC Earning Congressional Attention – for the Wrong Reasons” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

Ethics

Florida: “Corrupt Opa-locka Official Was a Prized Witness. He Was Rewarded with No Prison Time.” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald

New Mexico: “Senate Yanks Real Estate Bill; Lawmaker Says Pay-to-Play Maneuver Exposed” by Andrew Oxford (Santa Fe New Mexican) for New Mexico Political Report

New York: “Preet Bharara Shunned Politics. His End Was Tinged by Them.” by Benjamin Weiser, Ben Protess, Matthew Goldstein, and William Rashbaum for New York Times

Utah: “Shurtleff Sues State for at Least $1.1M, Alleges Utah A.G. Sean Reyes Interfered in His Case” by Jennifer Dobner for Salt Lake Tribune

Elections

California: “Seeing Red: Membership triples for the Democratic Socialists of America” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “Lawmakers Clash Over Ethics of Real ID Letter to the Editor” by Don Davis (Forum News Service) for St. Paul Pioneer Press

Redistricting

Texas: “Texas Congressional Maps Are Struck Down for Discrimination” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times

The Florida House passed a bill today to create greater separation between lawmakers and lobbyists.

House Bill 7003 increases the time former public officials must wait before lobbying from two to six years.

The measure continues a trend set by the new House Speaker, Richard Corcoran, who began the session by implementing new rules to change lobbying practices and increase public confidence in the legislature.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Larry Metz, believes the new restriction will prevent legislators from favoring lobbyists in order to land high-paying jobs after leaving office.

Federal:

‘Big Candy’ Is Lobbying the Trump Administration. It’s Also Holding Events at Trump Hotels.
Washington Post – Amy Brittain and Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 3/7/2017

The National Confectioners Association, which represents Hershey, Mars, and Jelly Belly, among other companies, is doing a lot of business with President Trump’s company. In addition to its gathering of 600 attendees for an industry conference at the Trump National Doral resort near Miami, the group has booked two upcoming meetings, in September and again in 2018, at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. At the same time, the organization is optimistic about scoring policy wins from the Trump administration. The matter illustrates a repercussion of Trump’s decision to retain ownership of his business during his time in the White House, that he can become financially intertwined with a special interest that is simultaneously seeking to influence policy decisions by his administration.

Ethics Questions Dogged Agriculture Nominee as Georgia Governor
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Steve Eder | Published: 3/7/2017

Sonny Perdue, who is awaiting confirmation to serve as President Trump’s agriculture secretary, became a target of frequent criticism that he was failing to honor his ethics pledge to reform state government during his eight years as Georgia governor. The criticism centers on the fact that, as Trump has, he continued to own or help run his family business ventures – four farming-related companies – while serving as governor. His confirmation is on hold as the Office of Government Ethics office must examine Perdue’s proposal to avoid conflicts while running the department, which may include selling off some of his farming assets. Before his tenure as governor ended in 2011, 13 complaints had been filed against Perdue with Georgia’s ethics commission, which on two occasions ruled he violated state ethics laws.

Iraq’s Lobbyists Mobilized after Travel Ban, Documents Reveal
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/7/2017

Lobbyists for the Iraqi government were in contact with Trump administration officials and lawmakers ahead of the decision to remove the country from the travel ban. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, a law and lobby firm, sent letters to senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, requesting the officials meet with Iraq’s new ambassador, Fareed Yasseen, and Naufel Alhassan, the deputy chief of staff to Iraq’s prime minister. The letters came about two weeks after President Trump signed an executive order temporarily banning individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iraq, from entering the U.S.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Ex-Arkansas Senator Indicted by U.S.; 2 Others Accused in Kickbacks Case
Arkansas Online – Doug Thompson | Published: 3/3/2017

Former Arkansas Sen. Jon Woods and two others were named in a federal indictment alleging corruption involving state funds intended for economic development in a case in which another former state lawmaker has already pleaded guilty. Woods of Springdale is charged with mail and wire fraud in the 13-count indictment that also names Oren Paris III and Randell Shelton, Jr. The indictment alleges Woods and former Rep. Micah Neal directed the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District to distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state’s general improvement fund that is intended for economic development to specific, unnamed entities. Neal pleaded guilty in January to arranging kickbacks with a then-unnamed former state senator. Neal said he received $38,000 from funds awarded to two entities by the district.

California – California Lawmakers Report Accepting $518,000 in Gifts, Including Travel and Expensive Meals
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy, Melanie Mason, and Chris Megerian | Published: 3/2/2017

Three years after Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have severely restricted gifts to public officials – limiting their value to $200 per giver, and banning amusement park and sports tickets – veteran lawmakers continue to rake in such gifts, many from special interest groups seeking favors from state government. The flood of 2,312 gifts totaling $518,000 to 114 lawmakers is troubling to former state Sen. Sam Blakeslee, who tried unsuccessfully four times to pass a bill that would have prohibited gifts from interests that employ lobbyists. “I believe these gifts are corrosive to the public trust and create an appearance of an unhealthy intimacy between legislators and moneyed interests,” said Blakeslee.

Colorado – Denver Council Approves New Ethics Rules, Including $300 Gift Limit
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 3/6/2017

The Denver City Council adopted a series of changes to the ethics code that, for the first time, puts a monetary cap on the value of meals and event tickets council members and other city officials can accept from people over whom they have decision-making authority. That cap replaces a loose four-item limit that does not set a maximum value. Critics argued it was vulnerable to abuse. The new ordinance also creates an independent body to establish the list of people who are eligible to be appointed to the Denver Board of Ethics. It also expands the list of family members in the conflict-of-interest rules who cannot benefit from contracts or official action, among other provisions.

Maryland – Former Md. Del. Michael Vaughn Charged with Selling His Vote in Bribery Scheme
Washington Post – Linh Bui | Published: 3/8/2017

A federal grand jury indicted Former Maryland Del. Michael Vaughn on charges he took bribes to support a liquor license bill in the General Assembly and misused his campaign finance account. Vaughn is accused of accepting more than $10,000 in cash bribes from liquor store owners in exchange for his support of a 2015 bill that allowed some businesses in Prince George’s County to sell liquor on Sundays. With that bill passed, authorities say Vaughn worked during the 2016 session to block legislation that would have created more licenses to protect the liquor store owners. The indictment also alleges Vaughn siphoned money from his campaign account and used it for his personal benefit. He allegedly filed fraudulent campaign finance reports to cover up how he was using the money.

Massachusetts – Healey Hands Thornton Law Case to Independent Prosecutor
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 3/4/2017

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey will appoint a special prosecutor and recuse herself from any investigation into alleged campaign finance violations by Boston’s Thornton Law Firm, whose lawyers donated to her political campaign. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance said it has evidence the firm, a major Democratic funder, illegally reimbursed the firm’s partners and their spouses for up to $175,000 in campaign contributions. Thornton officials have said they did nothing wrong and the reimbursements, termed “bonuses” in the firm’s payroll records, were not really bonuses at all, but the partners’ own money, taken out of each’s equity in the firm.

New Jersey – David Samson Avoids Jail in United Airlines Bribery Scandal
NJ.com – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/6/2017

David Samson, a former attorney general of New Jersey and longtime friend of Gov. Chris Christie, avoided prison time during his sentencing for pressuring executives of United Airlines into operating a weekly flight to South Carolina for his personal convenience. Instead, he was ordered to serve one year of home confinement. Samson had pleaded guilty to bribery, admitting he had used his power as chairperson of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to coerce United into running the route even though it was not profitable. He had threatened to block the construction of a hangar that United needed at Newark Liberty International Airport if the airline did not provide the service. The route ended in Columbia, near one of Samson’s homes.

Ohio – Special Report: Politicians allowed freebies, favors under Ohio ethics laws
Dayton Daily News – Laura Bischoff | Published: 3/2/2017

Ohio’s ethics laws, which date to the Watergate scandal, exist to hold those in government accountable. The law covers 590,000 people, including 10,300 key officials who must file annual financial disclosure statements. State Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick said Ohio has a track record for enforcement that is equaled by only a handful of other states. Ohio is not shy about who it goes after either: the list of public officials who have been caught violating ethics laws includes then-Gov. Bob Taft. Others say the laws themselves keep government clean and its officials honest. But a Dayton Daily News investigation found loopholes in Ohio’s system for policing unethical activity.

Tennessee – Exclusive: Jeremy Durham may face $7 million in state penalties
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert | Published: 3/8/2017

Former Rep. Jeremy Durham may face almost $7 million or more in state fines as a result of at least 690 violations of Tennessee’s campaign finance law. The information, contained in a “show cause” notice issued by the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, also provides for the first time the names of prominent campaign donors and business owners who gave Durham thousands of dollars that the former lawmaker never reported on his campaign disclosures. The report also details nearly $76,000 in improperly disclosed campaign expenditures, on everything from Florida restaurants and airplane tickets to flowers and a Yankee Candle purchase. Among these findings are many of the more than $10,000 in illegal purchases Durham made that were included in a state audit.

Utah – Complaints Accuse Utah Lawmaker of Bullying, Berating School Officials in Front of Students
Salt Lake Tribune – Benjamin Wood | Published: 3/7/2017

Students who visit the Capitol during the legislative session get a civics lesson on state history and government, and, for at least one group of Utah County fifth-graders, a front-row view to rancorous politics. That is what Jenna Wood described in a letter to Senate President Wayne Niederhauser after witnessing an “agitated” Sen. Howard Stephenson threatening to sue Alpine School District administrators during a confrontation in the Capitol Rotunda with several of her daughter’s Foothill Elementary School classmates nearby. In a separate letter, Alpine Superintendent Sam Jarman complained about the incident and alluded to other confrontations with Stephenson, noting the most recent meeting was notable for occurring in a public place.

Utah – Jury Acquits John Swallow of All Charges
Deseret News – Dennis Romboy and McKenzie Romero | Published: 3/2/2017

Former Utah Attorney General John Swallow was acquitted of bribery and evidence tampering charges in one of the highest-profile scandals in state history. Jurors found Swallow not guilty of nine counts that also included obstruction of justice, falsifying government documents, and misuse of public funds. He had faced one to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors accused Swallow of hanging a virtual “for sale” sign on the door to the state’s top law enforcement office by taking campaign donations and gifts like beach vacations from fraudsters and businesspeople in exchange for favorable treatment. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said it was a complex case where jurors were asked to consider matters that were not black and white but “various shades of gray.”

Washington – Ferguson Delivers the Laundry Bill: Grocery Manufacturers told to pay $1.1 million
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Joel Connelly | Published: 3/1/2017

A Thurston County Superior Court judge ordered the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) to pay $1.1 million in legal fees after it violated Washington’s campaign finance disclosure laws. Those fees are on top of the $18 million in fines the food industry trade group was ordered to pay in November. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued the GMA in 2013, claiming it failed to register and report its political committee that opposed voter Initiative 522. The initiative would have required labeling of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, in food sold to consumers. Judge Anne Hirsch said the group “intentionally violated” state disclosure laws in its efforts to oppose the initiative.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“‘Big Candy’ Is Lobbying the Trump Administration. It’s Also Holding Events at Trump Hotels.” by Amy Brittain and Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

“GOP Commissioner: Trump poised to revamp election agency” by Rudy Takala for The Hill

Maryland: “Baltimore County Bill to Ban Developer Donations Fails” by Pamela Wood for Baltimore Sun

Tennessee: “Exclusive: Jeremy Durham may face $7 million in state penalties” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

Ethics

“Ethics Questions Dogged Agriculture Nominee as Georgia Governor” by Eric Lipton and Steve Eder for New York Times

Alabama: “Alabama’s Governor Was Recorded Having a Sexually Explicit Conversation. Is Impeachment Next?” by Amy Wang and Amber Phillips for Washington Post

New Jersey: “Mayor of Paterson, N.J., Is Indicted in Corruption Probe” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times

New York: “For Years, City Spent $300 an Hour Looking for $5,000” by Jim Dwyer for New York Times

Virginia: “For First Time, Va. Legislators’ Reports Showing Their Gifts and Stocks Are Now Online” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Legislative Issues

Utah: “Complaints Accuse Utah Lawmaker of Bullying, Berating School Officials in Front of Students” by Benjamin Wood for Salt Lake Tribune