January 2, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 2, 2015
National: A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/26/2014 A series of articles in The New York Times examined how lawyers and lobbyists – from major corporations, energy companies, and […]
National:
A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/26/2014
A series of articles in The New York Times examined how lawyers and lobbyists – from major corporations, energy companies, and even plaintiffs’ law firms – have increasingly tried to influence state attorneys general. These outside players have tried to shut down investigations, enlist the attorneys general as partners in litigation, or use their clout to try to block or strengthen regulations emerging from Washington, found the investigation. A debate has started among state attorneys general, even those who believe the problem is more about the perception of a possible conflict-of-interest, over steps that could be taken to insulate them from outside influence.
Cuomo and Christie, Defying Legislatures, Reject Bill to Overhaul Port Authority
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 12/27/2014
Governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo vetoed legislation passed unanimously in both of their state Legislatures that would change the management structure at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Instead, Christie and Cuomo said they accepted revisions recommended by a special panel to reorganize the agency. The veto came as prosecutors continue to investigate the politically motivated lane closings at the bridge last year, a scandal that marred Christie’s reputation. The bi-state agency has also faced ethical questions over its reputation for rewarding politically connected officials with patronage jobs and allies with lucrative contracts.
What We Learned about the American Voter in 2014
Politico – Jonathan Topaz | Published: 12/31/2014
The Republican landslide in the midterm elections has both parties poring over voting data, hoping to glean insights about the current state of the electorate before the 2016 election. But it might take until the next presidential cycle to answer the most pressing question of whether the GOP’s success in 2014 is the result of significant changes in how voters view the two parties, or the structural difference between the electorates in presidential and midterm years so great that Democrats still maintain a strong demographic advantage going into 2016.
Federal:
Big Money Breaks Out
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 12/29/2014
Billionaires Michael Bloomberg, Sheldon Adelson, and David Koch were among the top 10 largest contributors to federal political campaigns in the 2014 midterm elections, according to Politico. The 100 biggest campaign donors gave $323 million in 2014, almost as much as the $356 million given by the estimated 4.75 million people who gave $200 or less. The trajectory is pointing to a heyday of mega-donors, asserted political consultant Mark McKinnon. “When 100 big donors give as much almost 5 million small donors, with whom do we expect candidates to spend their time, and whose interests do we think they will represent?” asked McKinnon.
Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016
New York Times – Jonathan Martin and Jackie Calmes | Published: 12/30/2014
U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, acknowledged he spoke to a white supremacy group in 2002, though he said he did not realize what kind of organization it was, is not affiliated with it, and does not agree with its beliefs. The group was the European-American Unity and Rights Organization, founded by David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The controversy erupted as Republicans were making a renewed effort to reach out to black voters. It threatened to cloud their agenda after capturing control of the Senate and adding to their House majority in the midterm election.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times
USA Today – John Wagner (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/24/2014
An administrative judge upheld the dismissal of the director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system in Phoenix for accepting more than $13,000 in airline tickets and other gifts from a consultant for the health care industry and for failing to disclose some of the gifts. The former director, Sharon Helman, had also been implicated in the falsification of the hospital’s waiting lists for care, a problem at Phoenix and other veterans’ hospitals that roiled the VA. But the administrative judge, Stephen Mish, concluded the department had not provided sufficient evidence to justify firing Helman for the manipulation of waiting lists, which concealed delays in providing care to veterans.
California – New FPPC Chair Takes Low-Profile Approach
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 12/24/2014
As Jodi Remke takes the mantle as chairperson of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, she said she is mainly focused on beating bureaucracy at the agency. Her predecessor, Ann Ravel, brought national attention to the sometimes-obscure commission that polices California’s lobbying and campaign finance laws. Remke said she wants to continue Ravel’s work going after serious violations of the state’s Political Reform Act. But she has her own vision for the position, too, one that involves increasing the FPPC’s use of technology and streamlining the requirements involved for officials to follow the law.
California – Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to Fight Specter of Lost Funds
San Francisco Chronicle – John Wildermuth | Published: 12/25/2014
California election law requires candidates to close their campaign accounts and disburse the money within two years after losing an election or being termed out of office, unless they are planning to run for another office. Plenty of out-of-work politicians want to hang on to their campaign cash for as long as they can, however, and the rule has forced some veteran officeholders into some unusual political contortions. At age 82, former state Sen. John Burton is head of the California Democratic Party, but he has opened a not-especially-active campaign for state superintendent of public instruction four years from now.
Georgia – University System of Georgia Spent More Than $48,000 on Perks for State Lawmakers
Columbus Republic; Associated Press – | Published: 12/28/2014
A state law passed in 2013 prohibits Georgia legislators from receiving gifts worth more than $75. But that law also excludes public employees from being considered lobbyists. University System of Georgia officials spent tens of thousands of dollars in 2014 on football tickets, meals, and events for state lawmakers. Some lawmakers say University System officials acting in a lobbying capacity should have to register as such and report their spending to the state.
Massachusetts – State Campaign Contributions Set to Double
Boston Globe – Joshua Miller | Published: 12/27/2014
Candidates for all municipal, county, and state elected offices in Massachusetts can now raise $1,000 per year from individuals, double the old limit of $500. The change, part of a multifaceted campaign finance package signed into law this summer, is certain to be a boon to campaign accounts. Beyond that, there is dispute about what the increase might mean. Some believe the increase will simply make campaigns more expensive. Others think it might allow politicians to raise the money they need in less time, and spend their newly free hours with regular voters, building support.
Missouri – With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City
PoliticMo.com – Eli Yokely | Published: 12/30/2014
In Jefferson City, where the statehouse is governed by no limits on personal gifts and campaign contributions to lawmakers from lobbyists, it is common practice for legislators to get their meals, lodging, and drinks paid for by lobbyists, according to records maintained by the Missouri Ethics Commission. But on a recent trip to Las Vegas trip attended by three lobbyists and eight lawmakers, the only thing that was reported to the commission was an $8.50 expense from Noranda Aluminum executive Charles Skoda to Rep. Don Gosen. Though no exchange of gifts was reported, the episode reveals the close ties lobbyists form with state lawmakers and the extent to which they can legally go to push their agenda.
New York – U.S. Said to Investigate Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Over Payments
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Thomas, Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 12/29/2014
Federal authorities are investigating the sources of income of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The probe stems from an inquiry U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara began in April after Gov. Andrew Cuomo disbanded a panel examining corruption in the state Legislature. Among the areas the panel looked into was lawmakers’ sources of income, which must be disclosed. In addition to his $121,000 salary from the state, Silver has for years listed income from acting as “of counsel” to Weitz & Luxenberg, though he has declined to say what he does for the law firm. In 2013, Silver said he made from $650,000 to $750,000 from outside work including, though not limited to, Weitz & Luxenberg.
North Carolina – Opinion Says Lawmakers Can Raise Money for Political Nonprofits
WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 12/29/2014
The Legislative Ethics Committee issued an opinion saying North Carolina lawmakers are allowed to raise money for political nonprofits that collect cash to lobby or elect members to the General Assembly. Raising money for political nonprofits is frequently easier than gathering cash into campaign accounts because the same fundraising limits do not apply and nonprofits are often not required to disclose the names of donors. Nonprofits also can raise money from interested groups when an important legislative decision is approaching, rather than having to wait like lawmakers until after the session ends.
Oklahoma – Ethics Agency Fails To Collect Most Fees
KGOU – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 12/29/2014
As of early 2014, candidates, their campaigns, and other organizations owed the Oklahoma Ethics Commission more than $200,000 in unpaid fees for late or no filing of statements of income and spending. The commission’s executive director said many fees probably will never be collected because of a lack of resources. The agency decided to stop assessing late fees this year partly because it needed to establish new rules for imposing fees. Dozens of political groups and campaigns in the 2014 election failed to meet deadlines for filing their statements.
Washington – PDC Finding It Hard to Get Money to Make Upgrades to Its Campaign-Finance Web Site
Tacoma News Tribune – Brad Shannon (The Olympian) | Published: 12/26/2014
The budget for the Public Disclosure Commission is cut by two percent in Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed spending plan for 2015-17, including elimination of three employees that would leave staffing at fewer than 17 full-time equivalent positions. The agency had suggested the staffing cuts, including elimination of a vacant in-house legal counsel position. But it also wanted to invest potentially $200,000 into upgrades making it easier for candidates and lobbyists to file reports and for the public to find and understand them.
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.
December 31, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City” by Eli Yokely for PoliticMo.com Campaign Finance “Jackson: Senate’s strict rule on donors used once” by Herb Jackson for Bergen Record California: “Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City” by Eli Yokely for PoliticMo.com
Campaign Finance
“Jackson: Senate’s strict rule on donors used once” by Herb Jackson for Bergen Record
California: “Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to Fight Specter of Lost Funds” by John Wildermuth for San Francisco Chronicle
Kansas: “Judicial Retention Elections Becoming More High Profile in Kansas” by Brad Cooper (Kansas City Star) for Wichita Eagle
North Carolina: “Opinion Says Lawmakers Can Raise Money for Political Nonprofits” by Mark Binker for WRAL
Ethics
“GSA Loses Appeal in Firings of Top Officials; Appeals Board Orders Them Reinstated” by Lisa Rein for Washington Post
“Michael Grimm, in a Reversal, Will Resign From Congress” by Jason Horowitz for New York Times
“Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016” by Jonathan Martin and Jackie Calmes for New York Times
“U.S. Said to Investigate Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Over Payments” by William Rashbaum, Thomas, Kaplan, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Procurement
Mississippi: “Task Force: Ban no-bid contracts in Mississippi prison system” by The Associated Press for Gulflive.com
December 30, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Arizona: “Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times” by John Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today Florida: “London’s […]
Lobbying
“A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Arizona: “Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times” by John Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today
Florida: “London’s Dual Role as Commissioner, Lobbyist Has Mayor Demanding Client List” by Susannah Bryan for Orlando Sentinel
Georgia: “University System of Georgia Spent More Than $48,000 on Perks for State Lawmakers” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic
Campaign Finance
“Big Money Breaks Out” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Massachusetts: “State Campaign Contributions Set to Double” by Joshua Miller for Boston Globe
Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to Reveal Donors” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Ethics
California: “New FPPC Chair Takes Low-Profile Approach” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee
New Jersey: “North Haledon Mayor Fined $100 for Post-Sandy Generator Use” by Minjae Park for Bergen Record
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Agency Fails to Collect Most Fees” by M. Scott Carter (Oklahoma Watch)
for the Enid News & Eagle
South Carolina: “SC Ethics Attorney to Join Spearman’s Education Team” by Jamie Self for The State
Washington: “PDC Finding It Hard to Get Money to Make Upgrades to Its Campaign-Finance Web Site” by Brad Shannon (The Olympian) for Tacoma News Tribune
December 24, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics “PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post “Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser […]
Lobbying
“Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics
“PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post
“Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe
Campaign Finance
“Wall Street Money Can Predict How Democrats Vote. Here’s How” by Chris Wilson and Pratheek Rebala for Time
“National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Ethics Panel Wants State Agencies, Employees to Disclosure Campaign Activity” by Mario Moretto (Bangor Daily News) for Lewiston Sun Journal
Ethics
“Languid, Lax Congressional Ethics Disciplinary System May Pick Up Pace in 2015” by David Hawkins for Roll Call
“‘Boss’ Gifts to Pittsburgh Employees from Peduto Raise Questions” by Bob Bauder for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
“The Tortoise and the Hare” by Maggie Haberman for Politico
Redistricting
“Panel Adopts Ideas for Changing Virginia’s Redistricting Process” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
December 22, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “Santa Monica Could Require Lobbyists to Register” by Nikki Cervantes for Santa Monica Lookout Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic Rhode Island: “Mollis […]
Lobbying
California: “Santa Monica Could Require Lobbyists to Register” by Nikki Cervantes for Santa Monica Lookout
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic
Rhode Island: “Mollis Concludes Former R.I. Attorney General Lynch Did Not Violate Lobbying Rules” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Rhode Island: “Ruling Says Zaccagnino Lobbied for 38 Studios without Registering” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“New Software Helps Connect the Money Dots in Politics” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New York: “Hotelier Avoids Prison for Violating Campaign Finance Laws” by Stephanie Clifford for New York Times
Ethics
“Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New Jersey: “New Jersey Paying Fees to a Financial Firm That Employs Christie’s Wife” by Kate Zernike for New York Times
Virginia: “Va. Del. Joseph Morrissey to Resign in Wake of Conviction but Run Again for His Seat” by Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
South Carolina: “S.C. House, Senate Clash over Ethics Reform” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post and Courier
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Traffic Court Judge Sentenced to Prison in Bracelet Case” by Julie Shaw for Philadelphia Daily News
Redistricting
Ohio: “Redistricting Reform Plan Passes House, Needs Voter Approval” by Jackie Borchardt (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
December 18, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Republican Congress Lures Lobbyists Back to Capitol Hill” by Megan Wilson for The Hill “Mollis Adopts Hearing Officer’s Decision that Corso Engaged in Unregistered Lobbying Related to 38 Studios” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “Secretive Nonprofits […]
Lobbying
“Republican Congress Lures Lobbyists Back to Capitol Hill” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
“Mollis Adopts Hearing Officer’s Decision that Corso Engaged in Unregistered Lobbying Related to 38 Studios” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Secretive Nonprofits Flourished – and Succeeded – in 2014 State Elections” by Reity O’Brien for The Center for Public Integrity
“Who Wants to Buy a Politician?” by Binyamin Appelbaum for New York Times
“New FEC Chief on ‘Dark Money’ Mission” by Dave Levinthal for The Center for Public Integrity
“Ethics Commission Hits Former Candidate, Treasurer with $43,000 Fine” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
“PA Supreme Court: Law firm can forgive U.S. Rep. Bob Brady’s 2007 debt” by Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Daily News
“State High Court to Take up Doe Cases Centered on Walker’s Campaign” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ethics
“Payouts to McCrory, Sanford from Mortgage Broker Raise Ethical Questions” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer
Elections
“Jeb Bush’s Decision to Explore Presidential Bid Scrambles the 2016 GOP Field” by Matea Gold and Philip Rucker for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Message to Lawmakers: Say what you really think” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing
December 17, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Foreign Lobbying Enforcement ʹLaxʹ” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Why Big Spending on Political Campaigns Makes Racial Inequality Worse” by Emily Badger for Washington Post “Charities Risked Tax-Exempt Status with Political Ads” by Rachel Baye for […]
Lobbying
“Foreign Lobbying Enforcement ʹLaxʹ” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Why Big Spending on Political Campaigns Makes Racial Inequality Worse” by Emily Badger for Washington Post
“Charities Risked Tax-Exempt Status with Political Ads” by Rachel Baye for Center for Public Integrity
“G.O.P. Angst Over 2016 Led to Provision on Funding” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
“Every Election Is the Most Expensive Election. Or Not.” by Derek Willis for New York Times
New Mexico: “SIC Settles with Consultant in Pay-to-Play Case” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
Ohio: “Akron City Council Raises Contribution Limits for Council, Mayoral Candidates by $100” by Stephanie Warsmith for the Akron Beacon Journal
Ethics
Missouri: “Ethics Bills Filed to Open Debate on Lobbying and Campaign Finance Rules” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Two Philadelphia Lawmakers Charged in Sting Probe” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Former PHA Chief Greene Fined $75,000” by Mark Fazlollah for Philadelphia Inquirer
December 16, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Uber Pressures Regulators by Mobilizing Riders and Hiring Vast Lobbying Network” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post Campaign Finance “A Crowded GOP Field for 2016 Encounters Donors Reluctant to Commit Early” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger for Washington […]
Lobbying
“Uber Pressures Regulators by Mobilizing Riders and Hiring Vast Lobbying Network” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“A Crowded GOP Field for 2016 Encounters Donors Reluctant to Commit Early” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
“CO High Court Denies Gessler Appeal, Ending Campaign Finance Disclosure Case” by Tessa Cheek for Colorado Independent
“New York Panel Approves Fine for Group against Carriage Horses” by Nikita Stewart for New York Times
Ethics
“A State Guide to Political Corruption, According to the Reporters Who Cover It” by Niraj Chokshi for Washington Post
“Questions Surround Constitutional Amendment on Ethics, Term Limits” by John Lyon (Arkansas News Bureau) for Arkansas News
“State Ethics Commission Belatedly Completes Review of NC Fracking Board” by John Murawski for Raleigh News & Observer
“Work of FBI Squad Evident in Columbus Payday Probe” by The Associated Press for Marietta Times
“John Kitzhaber Stalls on Cylvia Hayes Records; the Few Documents Released Raise Questions” by Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian
“Republicans Seize on Audit Critical of State Elections Board” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
December 15, 2014 •
Vermont Launching Online System for Lobbyist Filings
The Office of the Secretary State announced lobbying registration and reporting in Vermont is going digital. Beginning with the 2015-2016 biennium, registration and reporting will be accomplished solely through a new online management system. Lobbyist disclosure reports due on January […]
The Office of the Secretary State announced lobbying registration and reporting in Vermont is going digital. Beginning with the 2015-2016 biennium, registration and reporting will be accomplished solely through a new online management system.
Lobbyist disclosure reports due on January 25, 2015, covering the period from July 1 to December 31, 2014, will be the last paper filings accepted.
The online system will be available for use no later than January 1, 2015.
December 15, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Dale Mallory Sentenced: ‘Nobody could ever buy my vote’” by Chrissie Thompson for Cincinnati Enquier Campaign Finance “The Special Powers of Super PACS, and Not Just for Federal Elections” by Derek Willis for New York Times “Registration Rule for […]
Lobbying
“Dale Mallory Sentenced: ‘Nobody could ever buy my vote’” by Chrissie Thompson for Cincinnati Enquier
Campaign Finance
“The Special Powers of Super PACS, and Not Just for Federal Elections” by Derek Willis for New York Times
“Registration Rule for Political Groups Ruled Too Vague” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Sun
“Koch-Backed Group Sues Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris Over Donor List” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
“Energy Firms in Secretive Alliance with Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“State Ethics Agency Faces More Changes” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) for Gainesville Sun
“Conviction of Kilpatrick Pal Beasley Likely End of an Era” by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press
“Port Authority Board Debates Ethics Rules as Ex-Chairman David Samson Sues” by Shawn Boburg for Bergen Record
“After Ethics Panel’s Shutdown, Loopholes Live On in Albany” by Thomas Kaplan, William Rashbaum, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
“Rep. Sandra Williams Gets Suspended Jail Time, Fine for Misusing Campaign Funds” by Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
“McAuliffe: No fundraising in special sessions” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press
Procurement
“Ex-Mayoral Aide Accused of Trying to Help Firm Get Camera Contract” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun
December 11, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Top 10 lobbying victories of the year” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “How often do former members of Congress lobby? Not as often as you might think.” by Philip Bump in The […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Top 10 lobbying victories of the year” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“How often do former members of Congress lobby? Not as often as you might think.” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.
Hawaii: “Hawaii Monitor: The Problem With Lobbyists — and Their Regulators” opinion piece by Ian Lind in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
Massachusetts: “Weld registers as a State House lobbyist” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.
Texas: “Two ex-Perry aides among latest to swing through lobbying revolving door” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.
Campaign Finance
“Parties cut deal to open spigot of campaign cash” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Campaign contribution limits are about to go way up. Here’s what that looks like, in one massive graph.” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.
“Fundraising expansion slipped into spending deal could power financial bonzana for parties” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
“A shutdown deal with extras: light bulbs, campaign finance and fishing tackle” by Domenico Montanaro, Lisa Desjardins, and Simone Pathe in PBS NewsHour.
“ʹThe Most Corrupting Campaign-Finance Provisions Ever Enactedʹ” by Russell Berman in The Atlantic.
“Democrats’ Discontent on ‘Cromnibus’ Bubbles to Surface” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.
“Outside Groups Set Spending Record in Midterms” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.
“Hedge Fund Founder Steve Cohen Gave Big to Boost Republican Governors” by Brody Mullins in The Wall Street Journal.
Massachusetts: “State heightens focus on cash in local campaigns” by Christian M. Wade in The Daily News of Newburyport.
Ethics
“The Year in Government Ethics | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Roll Call.
“House Ethics: An Isolating Gavel to Hold” by Hanna Hess in Roll Call.
Florida: “Judge Lets Lawsuit Allege Florida Governor Intentionally Violated Law” by Mary Ellen Klas in Governing.
Florida: “Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan admits to ethics violations” by Rich Shopes in the Tampa Bay Times.
New Jersey: “David Samson seeks to block state ethics investigation” by Michael Symons in Asbury Park Press.
South Carolina: “SC House panel: Let State Ethics Commission investigate lawmakers” by Cassie Cope in The State.
Tech and Social Media
“A 2015 Federal Technology Forecast” eBook on NextGov.
Massachusetts: “Boston Overhauls Licensing and Permitting System with Civic Tech” by Jason Shueh in Government Technology.
December 10, 2014 •
South Carolina Ethics Bills Prefiled
A state House study panel considering ethics reforms has endorsed legislation to remove lawmakers’ ability to police themselves on legal issues. A similar bill failed in the Senate during the last legislative session. The draft proposal unanimously approved by the […]
A state House study panel considering ethics reforms has endorsed legislation to remove lawmakers’ ability to police themselves on legal issues. A similar bill failed in the Senate during the last legislative session.
The draft proposal unanimously approved by the panel would create a new independent commission to investigate allegations against public officers. Opponents to last year’s proposal believed the measure to be unconstitutional since the state constitution explicitly requires the House and Senate to discipline their own members.
Additional ethics bills have been prefiled to increase lobbying fees, change reporting dates, and remedy the unconstitutional definition of “committee” for campaign finance purposes. The decision to push several separate bills rather than an overall ethics reform measure is a significant difference from last session.
December 10, 2014 •
Ontario Passes Bill Amending Lobbying Laws
On December 9, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed an omnibus bill that includes changes to the province’s Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. Schedule 8 of Bill 8, the Accountability and Transparency Act, gives the Ontario Integrity Commissioner as Lobbyist Registrar […]
On December 9, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed an omnibus bill that includes changes to the province’s Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998.
Schedule 8 of Bill 8, the Accountability and Transparency Act, gives the Ontario Integrity Commissioner as Lobbyist Registrar more enforcement power for violations. Individuals found in violation can be prohibited from lobbying for up to two years. Among other changes, the bill creates a 50 hour per year threshold of lobbying activity to meet the Act’s definition of in house lobbyists.
Schedule 8 comes into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.
Photo of the Ontario Legislative Assembly Building by Andrijko Z. on Wikimedia Commons.
December 9, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. California: “Groups merge to form big California biotech lobbying group” by Stephanie M. Lee in the San Francisco Chronicle. North Carolina: “Former GOP official joins lobbying firm” by Craig Jarvis in the News & […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
California: “Groups merge to form big California biotech lobbying group” by Stephanie M. Lee in the San Francisco Chronicle.
North Carolina: “Former GOP official joins lobbying firm” by Craig Jarvis in the News & Observer.
North Carolina: “NC League of Municipalities has new top lobbyist” by Colin Campbell in the News & Observer.
Campaign Finance
“McConnell Pushes Campaign Finance Changes” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
Arizona: “Judge tosses key Arizona campaign finance law” by Mary Jo Pitzl in The Arizona Republic.
Missouri: “Koster urges Missouri lawmakers to take up ethics reform” by Alexandra Stuckey in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Missouri: “Attorney General of Missouri Denies Doing Favors for Lobbyists” by Eli Yokley in The New York Times.
Ethics
Missouri: “Lawmakers to weigh new rules on lobbyist’s gifts, donations” by Collin Reischman in The Missouri Times.
Utah: “Utah Government Launches New Ethics Website” by Bob Bernick in Utah Policy.
Political Campaigns
“GOP senator introduces bill to ban political robocalls” by Kathy Kiely in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Open Government
“Rockefeller Opposes Leahy FOIA Bill” by Humberto Sanchez in Roll Call.
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