March 3, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbyists Could Make a Comeback after Obama” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Michigan: “Michigan Lobbyist Spending Hits Record High in 2015 with Loopholes Galore” by Josh Hakala for Michigan Public Radio Campaign Finance Colorado: “Court: Colorado GOP’s creation […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Could Make a Comeback after Obama” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Michigan: “Michigan Lobbyist Spending Hits Record High in 2015 with Loopholes Galore” by Josh Hakala for Michigan Public Radio
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Court: Colorado GOP’s creation of super PAC was legal” by James Anderson (Associated Press) for The Coloradoan
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmaker Charged in Illegal Gambling Probe” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Ethics
“Meet the ‘Nones,’ the Democratic Party’s Biggest Faith Constituency” by Michelle Boorstein for Washington Post
Arizona: “Ex-Phoenix VA Hospital Exec Failed to Disclose Yearly Gifts” by for Arizona Daily Star; Associated Press
California: “Ethics Reforms Proposed for San Diego Council” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune
New Mexico: “Former Sen. Phil Griego Charged with Nine Crimes” by Deborah Baker for Albuquerque Journal
Elections
“Chris Christie Goes Viral” by Michael Catalini (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
“Ben Carson Tells Supporters He Sees No ‘Path Forward’ for Presidential Campaign” by Robert Costa and Ben Terris for Washington Post
March 1, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying California: “Budding Marijuana Lobby Gains Influence at California Capitol” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee Colorado: “Colorado Lobbying Law Offers Murky Picture of Influence on Politics” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post Massachusetts: “Marty Walsh’s Friends with Benefits” by […]
Lobbying
California: “Budding Marijuana Lobby Gains Influence at California Capitol” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
Colorado: “Colorado Lobbying Law Offers Murky Picture of Influence on Politics” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post
Massachusetts: “Marty Walsh’s Friends with Benefits” by Mark Arsenault and Andrew Ryan for Boston Globe
Missouri: “Alleged Intern Harasser among Those in Lobbying Grey Area” by Kurt Erickson and Alex Stuckey for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Nebraska: “Lawmakers Criticize Bill That Seeks to Slow Revolving Door into Lobbying” by Martha Stoddard for Omaha World-Herald
Ohio: “Attorney General: Wright State’s $1M consultant not a lobbyist” by Josh Weigart for Dayton Daily News
Campaign Finance
Missippi: “Lobbyists: Campaign finance system ‘disgusting’” by Geoff Pender, Kate Royals, and Mollie Bryant for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
New Mexico: “NM Deals with Campaign Finance Warnings Backlog” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for Farmington Daily Times
Ethics
Ohio: “Ohio Mayor Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges, Remains in Office” by Kim Palmer for Reuters
Elections
Wisconsin: “With Fewer Members, a Diminished Political Role for Wisconsin Unions” by Monica Davey for New York Times
July 14, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “A Year after Rocky Merger, Patton Boggs Aims to Re-Establish K Street Dominance” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Colorado: “Spend, Don’t Tell: Special interests influence lawmakers, but remain tight lipped” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
“A Year after Rocky Merger, Patton Boggs Aims to Re-Establish K Street Dominance” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Colorado: “Spend, Don’t Tell: Special interests influence lawmakers, but remain tight lipped” by Arthur Kane for Colorado Watchdog
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Some Republicans Not Cashing Checks from Rauner” by Kurt Erickson and Joshua Maddox for Bloomington Pantagraph
Nebraska: “As Cost of Running for State Office Increases, Some Say It’s Time for a Fresh look at Campaign Spending” by Paul Hammel for Omaha World-Herald
Ethics
Georgia: “Gift Rules for State Employees Mostly Ignored, Observers Say” by Walter Jones (Morris News Service) for Savannah Morning News
New York: “Trial to Begin for Thomas Libous, New York Senator Whose Son Was Convicted” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “FBI Raid on Reading City Hall Is Second in a Week” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Wisconsin: “Vos: Time to ‘double down’ on GAB reform in wake of reported IRS links” by M.D. Kittle for Wisconsin Watchdog
Elections
“One of the Last In, Scott Walker Enters 2016 Presidential Race near the Top of the GOP Field” by Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
March 13, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 13, 2015
Federal: Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015 Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of […]
Federal:
Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015
Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of state, saying she had turned over to the Obama administration all correspondence about government business but had erased records of communications about private matters, like yoga routines and her daughter’s wedding. In a news conference about her exclusive use of a private email account while secretary, Clinton sought to squelch the furor about those communications. She acknowledged it would have been wiser to use a government email for official business, but said she had “fully complied with every rule” and was going “above and beyond” what was required of her in asking the State Department to make public much of her email correspondence. Clinton said she had only convenience in mind in choosing to use just a personal email account.
K Street Aims for Global Expansion
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/12/2015
After dropping the word “lobbyist” from its name in 2013, the Association for Government Relations Professionals (AGRP) has added hundreds of new members as the group looks to boost its clout and extend its reach, both geographically and in terms of the professionals it represents. Leading the makeover of the organization formerly known as the American League of Lobbyists is Jim Hickey, who was elected as AGRP’s president in December. Hickey wants to break out of Washington and establish an industrywide database that would connect government affairs professionals at the state, federal, and international levels. If a corporation or grassroots firm, for example, needs to find an advocate with a certain policy expertise within a specific state capital, Hickey wants to be able to provide that resource.
Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus
Politico – Lauren French | Published: 3/10/2015
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on “Meet the Press” that he has never sent a single email in his life. Graham’s complete aversion to email might be an extreme case even in the technologically antiquated Senate, where lawmakers still file their campaign finance reports on paper, but he certainly has plenty of company in the Luddite Caucus. The email habits of lawmakers are suddenly in the spotlight after it was reported that Hillary Clinton used a personal email account as her official correspondence while serving as secretary of state and stored the emails on a private server in her home.
Menendez Is to Face Corruption Charges, U.S. Official Says
New York Times – Kate Zernike and Matt Apuzzo | Published: 3/6/2015
The Justice Department is likely to file criminal charges against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly accepting gifts and lavish vacations in exchange for political favors for a longtime friend and political benefactor. Menendez has been the subject of an investigation for two years centering on his relationship with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a South Florida ophthalmologist. According to court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed, prosecutors have been examining whether Menendez improperly tried to persuade Medicare officials in recent years to change reimbursement policies in a way that would make millions of dollars for Melgen, one of the country’s biggest recipients of Medicare funds.
Pope Weighs in on Campaign Finance, but Will He Go Before the FEC?
Washington Post – Al Kamen and Colby Itkowitz | Published: 3/11/2015
Pope Francis warned that campaign donations lead elected officials to act against the interests of the people. “In the financing of electoral campaigns, many interests get into the mix, and then they send you the bill,” said .Francis. He also called for transparency in fundraising for political campaigns. His comments caught the attention of Ellen Weintraub of the FEC, who mentioned it before the panel’s most recent meeting. They joked that maybe the pope would like to testify at an FEC hearing when he visits Washington this fall. “I am happy for anyone to recognize campaign finance; this might be even better than Stephen Colbert,” said Weintraub.
From the States and Municipalities:
Idaho – Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward
Idaho Statesman – Bill Dentzer | Published: 3/5/2015
The head of Idaho’s pro-business lobby has been placed on temporary leave after sending a profanity-laden email criticizing a state senator and suggesting the group introduce retaliation legislation. The board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry made the decision regarding President Alex LaBeau. “The president of the organization said some very inappropriate things about impacting the process over here just to spite a specific senator, which is completely and absolutely inappropriate,” said Sen. John Tippets.
Indiana – Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Mark Alesia | Published: 3/5/2015
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma revealed he has done legal work for the Indy Eleven soccer team for the past two years. But he did not publicly disclose that work until after the House voted in favor of the $82 million stadium funding proposal for the team, and even then, he did so only after being pressed by reporters to comment on the measure. House Ethics Committee Chairperson Greg Steuerwald said he has done legal work for Keystone Construction Corp., which is owned by Ersal Ozdemir, who also owns Indy Eleven. The revelations come as Bosma and Steuerwald lead a push for ethics reforms in the wake of several high-profile scandals involving state officials.
Kentucky – Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 3/10/2015
Anthony Wilhoit is stepping down as executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, a post he has held since November 1997. Wilhoit, who will turn 80 this year, said “it’s time for new blood” for the agency that enforces ethics laws and regulates conduct by legislators, lobbyists, and employers of lobbyists. He will remain on the job until the commission finds a replacement. It is taking applications for the job until April 1.
New Jersey – N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor
Newark Star-Ledger – NJ Advance Media | Published: 3/5/2015
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), which oversees the state’s 984 registered lobbyists, is proposing to increase the fee they have to pay to register each year from $425 to $575. The fee for lobbyists has not been increased since 2004. The proposed amendment was published in the latest New Jersey Register. The 60-day comment period now begins, and ELEC will hold a public hearing on May 19.
Pennsylvania – 3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy | Published: 3/10/2015
Two state lawmakers from Philadelphia and an ex-legislator have been charged with pocketing cash in an influence-peddling case taken up by District Attorney Seth Williams after being dropped by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee, and former Rep. Harold James, who last served in 2012, face conspiracy, bribery, and other counts. The arrests raised to six the number charged in the case. They are all accused of improperly accepting cash or gifts from informant Tyrone Ali, a lobbyist working undercover for prosecutors. Kane rejected the case in 2013, saying it was flawed by witness credibility problems, entrapment issues, and allegations of racial targeting.
Rhode Island – New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) | Published: 3/5/2015
A task force formed by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea working to clarify and strengthen Rhode Island’s lobbying laws met for the first time recently. Gorbea said the executive and legislative lobbying statutes are unnecessarily complicated. Her transition committee recommended raising registration fees for lobbyists and increasing fines for those who do not register. Although the Department of State oversees lobbyists, it cannot independently oversee and enforce the laws and charge offenders, said Gorbea. The secretary of state is not granted subpoena powers for administrative hearings, and the penalties for breaking the lobbying laws are minimal. “Stronger laws discourage bad behavior and penalize those who willfully break the law, and renew people’s faith and trust in government,” said Gorbea.
Virginia – McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella | Published: 3/9/2015
A group of 44 former state attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting ex-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. The brief argues the charges filed against McDonnell set dangerous precedents surrounding corruption law. In particular, the attorneys general argued the case federalized what should be state public corruption charges and sought to criminalize what they believe should be considered innocuous behavior. A jury determined McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, used the governor’s office to help businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. promote his dietary supplement company in exchange for $177,000 in loans, personal gifts, and luxury goods. McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to a year and a day.
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.
March 12, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica Campaign Finance “Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times West […]
Lobbying
New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica
Campaign Finance
“Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times
West Virginia: “House Committee Removes Financial Disclosure from Campaign Bill” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Ethics
“Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account” by Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker for Washington Post
Kentucky: “Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
Oregon: “Ex-Governor Scandal Prompts Ore. Ethics Overhaul Effort” by Tracy Loew (Salem Statesman Journal) for USA Today
Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Commission Endorses Bill on Expanding Jurisdiction over Lawmakers” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Panel Revives Ethics Reform bill, but for How Long is Uncertain” by Jamie Self for The State
Legislative Issues
“Cotton Storms the Senate” by Burgess Everett for Politico
Procurement
Texas: “Senate Leaders Want to Tighten Ethics Laws on State Contracts” by Robert Garrett for Dallas Morning News
February 2, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Missouri: “Missouri House to Halt Committee Meetings at Country Clubs and Restaurants” by Kevin McDermott for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Washington: “Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule” by Jordan Schrader for Tacoma News Tribune Campaign Finance “National Donors Pick Winners […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Missouri House to Halt Committee Meetings at Country Clubs and Restaurants” by Kevin McDermott for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Washington: “Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule” by Jordan Schrader for Tacoma News Tribune
Campaign Finance
“National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections” by Ben Weider for Center for Public Integrity
New Jersey: “Auditor Finds No Pay-to-Play Conflict in N.J. Pension Investment” by Andrew Seidman for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Amid Ethics Concerns, House Energy Chairman Drops Bill” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Massachusetts: “State Senator’s Lavish Gift Raises Concerns on Ethics” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
New York: “6 Days That Felled Sheldon Silver, the Speaker Who Ruled Albany for Decades” by Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, Susanne Craig, and William Rashbaum for New York Times
Elections
“Mitt Romney Decides against Running for President Again in 2016” by Philip Rucker and Dan Balz for Washington Post
January 19, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Two PACs Fined over Disclosure Failures” by Anita Wadhwani for The Tennessean Ethics California: “Alfred Villalobos, Fixture in CalPERS Corruption Scandal, Apparently Commits Suicide” by Dale Kasler for Sacramento Bee Florida: “Court Hears Case Challenging Constitutionality of Florida’s […]
Campaign Finance
“Two PACs Fined over Disclosure Failures” by Anita Wadhwani for The Tennessean
Ethics
California: “Alfred Villalobos, Fixture in CalPERS Corruption Scandal, Apparently Commits Suicide” by Dale Kasler for Sacramento Bee
Florida: “Court Hears Case Challenging Constitutionality of Florida’s Blind Trust Law” by Mary Ellen Klas for Tampa Bay Times
Florida: “Hialeah Mayor Hit with Ethics Charges Related to Ponzi Schemer” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald
Elections
California: “Online Announcements Replace Speeches in California Senate Race” by Sharon Bernstein for Reuters
January 16, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 16, 2015
National: How Campaigns Are Courting 16-Year-Olds Politico – Darren Samuelsohn | Published: 1/11/2015 Presidential campaigns are looking to target teenagers who are not yet 18 but will be by Election Day 2016. More than eight million people will become legal adults […]
National:
How Campaigns Are Courting 16-Year-Olds
Politico – Darren Samuelsohn | Published: 1/11/2015
Presidential campaigns are looking to target teenagers who are not yet 18 but will be by Election Day 2016. More than eight million people will become legal adults eligible to vote for the first time by the next general election. Campaigns are eager to find ways to get through to these 16- and 17-year-olds who are still minors and, in most cases, more likely to be concerned with making it to class on time than who should be elected president. Indeed, both Democrats and Republicans are desperate for any edge at the polls, and they say they will be employing data mining techniques in search of supporters from this ripe demographic that has little or no track record in politics.
Federal:
Rating 2016 Candidates by Donors Busts Conventional Wisdom
CNN – Chris Moody | Published: 1/14/2015
Crowdpac uses public campaign finance records, along with other data, to plot where potential White House contenders fall on the political spectrum. Crowdpac’s algorithm displays the contenders on a liberal–conservative spectrum, and rates each person on 15 issues. The third piece of the algorithm, which includes the ideology of donors and examines how the politicians spend their own money, makes Crowdpac’s analysis unusual, and helps provide a clearer picture of how those seeking the White House compare to their peers. The results can confound commonly held perceptions.
Who Needs Lobbyists? See What Big Business Spends to Win American Minds
The Center for Public Integrity – Erin Quinn | Published: 1/15/2015
When Washington, D.C.’s biggest trade associations want to wield influence, they often put more of their money into advertising and public relations. The Center for Public Integrity attempted to review spending by the nation’s most “politically active” trade groups, ones that spent more than $1 million on lobbying in 2012. The IRS requires the groups to report their top five contractors. Of $3.4 billion in contracts reported by trade groups from 2008 through 2012, more than $1.2 billion, or 37 percent, went toward advertising, public relations, and marketing services, more than any other category.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – L.A. Alliance for a New Economy Confirms Failure to Report Lobbying
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 1/9/2015
The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), an influential group that successfully advocated for hiking the minimum wage for hotel workers, confirmed it left off information on reports filed with the city about how much it had paid to employees who act as lobbyists. Between 2009 and 2014, LAANE did not report any payments to its registered in-house lobbyists or any related expenses, despite the fact that emails and calendars for city officials show those lobbyists met regularly with lawmakers and their aides and helped suggest wording to city lawyers for the hotel wage ordinance. The group also did not list any matters its representatives lobbied on.
Florida – Ethics Deadbeats: Debt collectors seek $500K in outstanding fines from Florida public servants
Miami Herald – Christina Veiga | Published: 1/12/2015
The Florida Commission on Ethics has hired debt collectors to chase $487,549.96 in late fees from public officials and employees that have accumulated, in some cases, for more than a decade. Financial disclosure forms, which list net worth, sources of income, real estate holdings, and debts have been the repeated source of trouble or controversy for politicians over the years. Scofflaws are fined $25 a day until they file or they hit the cap of $1,500 per year. After 60 days, unpaid debts get sent to collections. If the person is still in public office, and receives a salary, then the commission can garnish paychecks, a new power that was given to the agency last year.
Illinois – Illinois Inauguration Raises Questions of Corporate Influence
Reuters – Mark Guarino | Published: 1/11/2015
Watchdog groups say activities surrounding Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s inauguration are among the priciest of any incoming governor and take advantage of a loophole in campaign finance that allows wealthy special interests to gain access to those who hold political power. These groups say Rauner’s inauguration festival, with a total tab estimated to reach $10 million, is emblematic of a trend in other states. Critics say the costly celebrations, funded by private donors, skirt ethics laws and open conflicts-of-interest for elected officials.
Illinois – Rauner Spends 1st Full Day as Governor on Ethics, Reversal of Quinn Actions
Chicago Tribune – Monique Garcia, Rick Pearson, and Ray Long | Published: 1/13/2015
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an executive order banning some state employees from negotiating for a lobbying job while working for the state. The order also prohibits employees in state agencies and the executive branch from taking lobbying positions for one year after they leave their public sector job. The new rules prevent state employees from receiving any free meals, beverages, or gifts from lobbyists and government business interests, or have travel expenses covered to discuss state business. State workers could still receive food and beverages served at business meetings or receptions in the course of their official duties, subject to approval from the governor’s office or agency.
Kansas – Grand Jury Investigates Loans to the Re-Election Campaign of Gov. Sam Brownback
Kansas City Star – Roxana Hegeman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2015
Federal grand jurors are scheduled to hear testimony about loans made to the re-election campaign of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer made three $500,000 loans to the campaign in 2013 and 2014 and was repaid for two of them in days. Such large loans by candidates to campaigns are uncommon in Kansas, and the pattern of repaying one within days is a highly unusual move that has generated unanswered questions about where Colyer obtained such a large amount of cash. Brownback and his wife also lent the campaign $200,000 last year. No other loans are listed in public reports.
Kentucky – Draft of Report on Kentucky Legislature Remains Untouched, Unreleased after Nine Months
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 1/14/2015
In October 2013, the Kentucky Legislature faced a scandal: a lawmaker who resigned over accusations he sexually harassed women at the Legislative Research Commission (LRC); allegations that sexual misconduct and favoritism made the LRC a hostile workplace; and the abrupt departure of longtime Director Bobby Sherman, whom police investigated for shredding documents days after he quit. The Legislature gave a $42,410 contract to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to perform a performance audit of the LRC, the bureaucracy that runs the legislative branch of state government. NCSL submitted a draft report in April to Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker Greg Stumbo. But the leaders never responded, and rank-and-file lawmakers said they have not seen the report.
Minnesota – Minnesota Sen. Tomassoni Takes Job with Group That Lobbies Legislature
Minneapolis Star Tribune – J. Patrick Coolican | Published: 1/12/2015
Minnesota Sen. David Tomassoni was hired as executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, an organization funded in part by public money that lobbies for those interests at the Capitol. His hiring immediately raised questions about whether the two roles would clash. Tomassoni said his role will be administrative, so he will not be lobbying his fellow lawmakers; the group will hire an independent lobbyist if it feels it needs to. He also promised to recuse himself from any votes where the association stands to benefit. Tomassoni’s work will not start until after the 2015 legislative session ends in late May, and he will take an unpaid leave of absence during every session.
North Carolina – Lobbyists, Not Just Lawmakers, Descend on Raleigh as New Session Begins
Raleigh News & Observer – Lynn Bonner | Published: 1/14/2015
North Carolina lawmakers filled the chambers of the Legislative Building for the start of a new session. But the day also launched the intense work of lobbyists. With 443 registered so far, lobbyists outnumber lawmakers by a ratio of more than two-to-one. While the state’s part-time legislators get much of the attention and cast the deciding votes, many ideas for new laws come from the lobbyists and their employers, which cover all sorts of interests. With permission from lawmakers, lobbyists can submit suggested bill language to legislative staffers.
Texas – House Panel Recommends Texas Legislature Take Action on Dark Money
Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 1/8/2015
Labeling “dark money” spending a corrupting force in the democratic process, the House Committee on State Affairs released a series of recommendations in a report that suggests the Texas Legislature take action to require disclosure of contributors to 501(c)(4) nonprofits. 501(c)(4)s are allowed to make independent expenditures to influence elections without having to disclose donors and have become a hot topic for state lawmakers after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a dark money disclosure measure last session. The state Ethics Commission passed new rules intended to define when a 501(c)(4)’s political activity crosses the line and should have to disclose donors like a traditional PAC. The regulation is currently being challenged in court.
Texas – Judge Blocks City Campaign Fundraising Rule
Houston Chronicle – Theodore Schleifer | Published: 1/9/2015
A federal judge temporarily blocked a law limiting when candidates in Houston municipal elections can raise money. An ordinance prevented city candidates from raising money prior to February 1. The lawsuit against the city, filed by candidate Trebor Gordon, argued his First Amendment right to political expression authorized him to raise money for his campaigns whenever his contributors wished to donate.
Virginia – Jailed Lawmaker’s Return Brings Virginia Capitol More Unwanted Attention
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Laura Vozzella | Published: 1/14/2015
A newly re-elected Virginia lawmaker hitched a ride from the jailhouse to the statehouse to be sworn in, even as legislative leaders discussed how to throw him out. Del. Joseph Morrissey, who spends his nights in jail because of a conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resigned his seat when he was convicted but won it back in a January 13 special election. He was back in his familiar legislative arena as the session convened, but with a whole new set of circumstances: colleagues ignored him, he was stripped of committee assignments, he had to give up his old office, and his desk on the House floor was put in a far corner.
West Virginia – In Unusual Arrangement, W.Va. Party Chairmen Double as Lobbyists
Charleston Gazette – David Gutman | Published: 1/11/2015
Larry Puccio left then-West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin’s staff in early 2010 and became a lobbyist a week later. He was elected as state Democratic Party chairperson five months after that. Now, he is not alone in serving in the dual roles. West Virginia GOP Chairperson Conrad Lucas registered as a lobbyist with the state Ethics Commission in early December. While this might not be unusual in West Virginia – former Democratic Party Chairpersons Nick Casey, Chuck Smith, and Steve White all lobbied while they were leading the party – it is very unusual nationwide. Other than Puccio and Lucas, there are only two other party chairs anywhere in the country who are active registered lobbyists.
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.
January 15, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance Federal: “In 2014, Outside Groups Spent More Than the Candidates in Most Top Races” by Jamie Fuller for Washington Post Federal: “Rating 2016 Candidates by Donors Busts Conventional Wisdom” by Chris Moody for CNN Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Elections Board […]
Campaign Finance
Federal: “In 2014, Outside Groups Spent More Than the Candidates in Most Top Races” by Jamie Fuller for Washington Post
Federal: “Rating 2016 Candidates by Donors Busts Conventional Wisdom” by Chris Moody for CNN
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Elections Board Recommends Lawmakers Overhaul Campaign Finance Laws” by Todd Richmond for Greenfield Reporter
Lobbying
Hawaii: “Ex-Chief of Staff Negotiates Revolving Door as Lobbyist” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat
Washington: “Check, Please: Lawmaker would ban free meals for state officials” by Jordan Schrader for Bellingham Herald
Washington: “From State Job to Lobbying Gig? Officials Want ‘Cooling-Off’ Year First” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
Ethics
California: “Ex-Schools Boss Sent to Prison” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union Tribune
Illinois: “Rauner Spends 1st Full Day as Governor on Ethics, Reversal of Quinn Actions” by Monique Garcia, Rick Pearson, and Ray Long for Chicago Tribune
South Carolina: “Ex-Sen. Ford Pleads Guilty Then Says ‘I Ain’t No … Crook’” by John Monk for The State
Virginia: “Ethics Issues Loom over General Assembly’s Start” by Patrick Wilson for The Virginian-Pilot
January 14, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “New Rules Target House Witnesses” by Megan Wilson for The Hill “Minnesota Sen. Tomassoni Takes Job with Group That Lobbies Legislature” by J. Patrick Coolican for Minneapolis Star Tribune “W.Va. Ethics Commission to Hold Lobbyist Training Course” by The […]
Lobbying
“New Rules Target House Witnesses” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
“Minnesota Sen. Tomassoni Takes Job with Group That Lobbies Legislature” by J. Patrick Coolican for Minneapolis Star Tribune
“W.Va. Ethics Commission to Hold Lobbyist Training Course” by The Associated Press for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Bill Seeks to Toughen Disclosure Rule” by Bill Salisbury for St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Ex-Missouri Lawmaker Fined $100,000 by Ethics Commission” by Marie French (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal
“Supreme Court Declines to Review VT Campaign Law” by David Gram (Associated Press) for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
“Mike Hubbard Wins 2nd Term as Ala. House Speaker” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
“Ethics Deadbeats: Debt collectors seek $500K in outstanding fines from Florida public servants” by Christina Veiga for Miami Herald
“HHSC Revamping Rules after Paying for Janek Aide’s MBA” by Terri Langford for Texas Tribune
“Legislators Push Deadline on Ethics Training” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
January 13, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “L.A. Alliance for a New Economy Confirms Failure to Report Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times “In Unusual Arrangement, W.Va. Party Chairmen Double as Lobbyists” by David Gutman for Charleston Gazette Campaign Finance “Brian Foley Gets […]
Lobbying
“L.A. Alliance for a New Economy Confirms Failure to Report Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
“In Unusual Arrangement, W.Va. Party Chairmen Double as Lobbyists” by David Gutman for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
“Brian Foley Gets 3 Months in Halfway House in Rowland Case” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror
“Illinois Inauguration Raises Questions of Corporate Influence” by Mark Guarino for Reuters
“Judge Blocks City Campaign Fundraising Rule” by Theodore Schleifer for Houston Chronicle
Ethics
“Christie Ethics Adviser’s Law Firm Does Work for Port Authority” by Matt Friedman for Newark Star Ledger
Elections
“How Campaigns Are Courting 16-Year-Olds” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
“Vermont Governor Re-Elected After Failing to Win Majority” by David Gram (Associated Press) for ABC News
Legislative Issues
“G.O.P. Governors Face Test in Shift on Ideological Agendas” by Campbell Robertson and Trip Gabriel for New York Times
“Expenses Quietly Inflate S.C. Legislators’ Salaries” by Jamie Self for The State
January 7, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street” in the Center for Responsive Politics Vermont: “Lobbyists Can Now Register Online in Vermont, Condos Says System Gives Public Immediate Access” by The Associated […]
Lobbying
“All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street” in the Center for Responsive Politics
Vermont: “Lobbyists Can Now Register Online in Vermont, Condos Says System Gives Public Immediate Access” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Campaign Finance
“For the Wealthiest Political Donors, It Was a Very Good Year” by Annie Linskey and Julie Bykowitz for Bloomberg News
Pennsylvania: “City Council Candidate’s Use of Personal Funds Triggers Key Ruling from Philadelphia Ethics Board” by Mike Dunn for KYW
South Carolina: “McMaster Facing State Ethics Charges” by Andrew Shain for The State
Ethics
California: “State Ethics Agency Has Record Number of Enforcement Actions in 2014” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
California: “Ex-Water District Manager Agrees to Pay Fine over Accepting Gifts” by Ruben Vives for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Ethics Bills Proposed for 2015 Session” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Virginia: “Bob McDonnell, Ex-Governor of Virginia, Sentenced to 2 Years for Corruption” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
Legislative Issues
“Boehner Reelected as Speaker, but Control over GOP Majority Precarious” by Lisa Mascaro and Michael Memoli for Los Angeles Times
January 6, 2015 •
Ask the Experts – Goodwill Lobbying and Registration
Q. I will be having meetings with state legislators to introduce myself and my employer. I do not have any legislation of interest yet, though I anticipate that I will. Will this require lobbyist registration? A. Goodwill lobbying is covered […]
Q. I will be having meetings with state legislators to introduce myself and my employer. I do not have any legislation of interest yet, though I anticipate that I will. Will this require lobbyist registration?
A. Goodwill lobbying is covered in many jurisdictions. The following 19 states may require lobbyist registration for goodwill activities: Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont. Some jurisdictions have specifically addressed goodwill lobbying. Connecticut covers “door opening,” including such things as telephone calls that you make to set up informational meetings with officials. The Maryland State Ethics Commission has indicated generating goodwill or engaging in educational discussions with officials or employees is considered lobbying.
Some states consider additional activities in determining whether an activity is goodwill lobbying. In Pennsylvania, lobbying includes providing hospitality to a state official or employee for the purpose of advancing the interest of the lobbyist or principal. Kansas also includes entertaining or providing a gift to a state officer or employee in its definition of lobbying in certain circumstances.
Any time you interact with a state official or employee, you must consider whether your activities constitute lobbying, even if you are not engaging in lobbying in a traditional manner. Your activities may count toward the threshold requiring lobbyist registration.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: experts@stateandfed.com.
(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.
January 6, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today
California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Hogan’s Pick for Health Chief Says He’ll Avoid Conflicts” by Michael Dresser and Meredith Cohn for Baltimore Sun
Maryland: “Maryland Gov.-Elect Hogan Tries to Navigate Gifts Minefield” by Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
Missouri: “Publisher’s Parties Highlight Reporting Issues in Missouri Ethics Laws” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Rhode Island: “R.I. Secretary of State Mollis Ends Probe, Says Stokes Didn’t Have to Register as a Lobbyist for 38 Studios Meetings” by Kate Bramson for Providence Journal
Rhode Island: “Mollis’ Decision on Lynch Sets Bad Precedent, Says Leader of Common Cause” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Judge Candidates’ Free-Speech Rights at Issue before the Supreme Court” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
Ethics
New Jersey: “Dallas Owner Jerry Jones Paid for Chris Christie’s Trip to Root for Cowboys, Including Private Jet” by Matt Arco (NJ Advanced Media) for Newark Star Ledger
Procurement
Texas: “Audit: Texas Health Agency Mishandled AT&T Contract” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
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