November 14, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 14, 2014
National: Democrats Create an ALEC-Killer Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/9/2014 Liberal activists at the annual winter meeting of the Democracy Alliance will ask top donors to support a plan to reverse the Democratic decline in state governments. […]
National:
Democrats Create an ALEC-Killer
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 11/9/2014
Liberal activists at the annual winter meeting of the Democracy Alliance will ask top donors to support a plan to reverse the Democratic decline in state governments. The goal of the State Innovation Exchange – SiX for short – is to compete with a well-financed network of conservative groups, including the American Legislative Exchange Council, that for years have dominated state policy battles, advancing pro-business, anti-regulation bills. SiX ultimately plans to raise as much as $10 million a year to boost progressive state lawmakers and their causes while also using tactics like opposition research and video tracking to derail Republicans and their initiatives.
Federal:
Mitch McConnell’s Triumph Strikes Worry in the Hearts of Campaign Finance Reformers
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 11/8/2014
The U.S. Senate will likely be led next year by Mitch McConnell, the primary antagonist to campaign finance reformers. Over three decades, he has made it a top priority to disrupt and degrade campaign finance regulations. Believing that limits on campaign funds are a direct impediment to the First Amendment right of free speech, he has opposed past reform efforts. With McConnell’s ascendance and with Republicans increasingly unified in opposition to campaign finance reform, its advocates expect an assault on the few areas where they had hoped to enact new rules in the post-Citizens United world.
Outside Groups with Deep Pockets Lift G.O.P.
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 11/5/2014
The midterm election was not only a major victory for the Republican Party, but a pivotal moment for the super PACs and political nonprofit groups that helped the party defeat Democrats across the country. Over the last year and a half, the conservative outside groups retooled and revamped, using lessons in how to exploit voter data, opposition research, and advertising learned from their less moneyed but more effective Democratic counterparts during 2012. As federal courts opened new avenues of influence for the wealthy and lenient enforcement effectively neutered what few legal and regulatory restraints remained on big-money politics, they took advantage of every available tool.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 11/13/2014
Arizona Gov.-elect Doug Ducey is asking for private contributions to fund his transition team. That is in addition to the donors he will be looking to tap to pay for the ceremonial parts of his inauguration. Spokesperson Daniel Scarpinato said Ducey has placed a $15,000 limit on money from any one source, at least for the transition fund. Scarpinato said there will be no limits on how much anyone can give to the separate fund to pay for the formal inaugural and any parties that might be planned for afterward.
California – California Legislators Flying to Maui to Meet with Special Interests
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 11/12/2014
Two dozen California lawmakers will travel to Hawaii for conferences subsidized and attended by interests that lobby the Legislature, such as oil companies, public employee unions, drug and tobacco firms, and others. Conference organizers said the events, on the island of Maui, provide a relaxed setting in which elected officials and issue experts can discuss solutions to some of the state’s most vexing problems. Watchdogs say it is wrong for corporate executives to pick up the tab so they can meet with lawmakers out of public view just before the next legislative session begins. Sarah Swanbeck of Common Cause said the timing of this year’s event is especially poor because several state senators were hit with criminal charges this year, two of them involving allegations of corruption.
California – Prison Guard Union Failed to Report $24,603 in Gifts to Lawmakers
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 11/11/2014
The state prison officers’ union agreed to a $5,500 fine for failing to disclose gifts it gave to California lawmakers from 2009 to 2011 and a corresponding failure to give gift notifications to the recipients. The gifts include lodging, meals, wine, and spa bags for legislators at the annual Governor’s Cup Foundation golf tournament in Pebble Beach. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association said the failure to report $24,603 in gifts was inadvertent.
California – Sacramento Political Consultant Richie Ross Agrees to Pay Lobbying Fines
Sacramento Bee – Laural Rosenhall | Published: 11/10/2014
Lobbyist Richie Ross agreed to pay $5,000 in fines to the Fair Political Practices Commission for not collecting campaign consulting fees from two lawmakers, thus improperly putting them under the personal obligation to a lobbyist. Ross, who agreed to write off the debt owed by the legislators, is one of a few individuals who serve in dual roles as lobbyist and campaign consultant in California. While state law allows a person to hold both positions, Ross ran into trouble because of his practice of carrying debt for successful candidates who agreed to pay him a “win bonus.”
Connecticut – Election Highlights Flaws In Campaign Finance System
CTNewsJunkie.com – Christine Stuart and Hugh McQuaid | Published: 11/10/2014
On one hand, 2014 was a banner year for Connecticut’s public campaign finance system. Both candidates for governor, all the candidates for constitutional office, and more than 80 percent of the candidates for General Assembly seats participated. On the other hand, outside groups spent $15.9 million on the governor’s race, outpacing the $13 million the two candidates received from the clean election program. The public financing program has been on the books since 2005, but the midterm election was the first test of the law as it was reshaped by the state Legislature last year.
Florida – Link Shows How Lobby Firm Cultivates Influence
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 11/9/2014
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi invited Lori Kalani, a lobbyist and lawyer from Dickstein Shapiro, to stay at Bondi’s Tampa home while Kalani recovered from surgery. Dickstein Shapiro, a Washington, D.C.-based firm that specializes in building personal relationships with state attorneys general to help corporate clients avoid becoming targets of investigation, paid for Bondi’s travel to a resort island in Michigan in 2013. The Florida Commission on Ethics is reviewing a complaint asking it to investigate whether Dickstein Shapiro violated state law by not registering as a lobbying firm.
Georgia – Audit Reveals Systemic Problems at Ethics Commission
Gainesville Times – Joshua Silavent | Published: 11/6/2014
A review of the operations of the Georgia ethics commission by state auditors found inconsistent treatment of complaints, lack of formal procedures that results in unequal application of the law, and questionable expenditures. The report lists management problems, such as underqualified staff, poor documentation, and inadequate data controls. The commission requested the review in hopes of ending a string of scandals stemming from agency operations, according to Chairperson Hillary Stringfellow. There have been four executive secretaries heading the commission staff since 2006 and a 46 percent employee turnover rate in the last two years.
Louisiana – Feds Investigating Arson Attack on Political Operative’s Uptown Home
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Ken Daley | Published: 11/8/2014
The home and two cars of a campaign finance director for a pro-solar energy candidate running for the Louisiana Public Service Commission were firebombed on November 6. No one was injured in the explosions, and authorities have yet to establish a direct link between the apparent attacks and the campaign’s efforts to promote solar energy. The finance director targeted, Mario Zervigon, is a well-known political operative in the state. Zervignon worked for Forest Bradley-Wright, who is campaigning on a program that allows solar-panel users to continue to sell their excess electricity to utility companies. He is facing incumbent Eric Skrmetta in the December 6 run-off election.
Louisiana – Louisiana Politicians Spent Lavishly on Meals, Golfing, Gifts, Other Perks in 2013
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Lee Zurdik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2014
Records show Louisiana politicians spent millions of dollars in 2013 on meals, golf rounds and club dues; gifts to unnamed recipients; tickets to Louisiana State University and New Orleans Saints football games; and other events. State law prohibits using campaign money for personal expenses, according to the Board of Ethics, but allows expenses “related to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position.” Lawmakers last year failed to clearly define what that means, despite calls by watchdogs and the ethics board for stricter rules.
Mississippi – Christopher Epps, Former Chief of Prisons in Mississippi, Is Arraigned
New York Times – Timothy Williams | Published: 11/6/2014
Mississippi’s former prisons chief pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he accepted cash and mortgage payments in exchange for awarding prison contracts to companies tied to a local businessperson. Christopher Epps, who resigned as commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections on November 5, was indicted on charges he and co-defendant Cecil McCrory were involved in a kickback scheme that started in 2007 and continued for seven years.
Nevada – With a $10,000 Cap on Political Contributions, How Did Caesars Give Gov. Brian Sandoval $215,000?
Las Vegas Sun – Conor Shine | Published: 11/12/2014
In more than a dozen cases, one company or person used multiple companies to donate to a single candidate in excess of Nevada’s standard limit, according to a Las Vegas Sun analysis. The practice stems from the way the law is written. Political contributions are capped at $10,000 per donor, whether it is an individual or a business. But for businesses that operate subsidiaries, each subsidiary or affiliate is eligible to make a $10,000 contribution, even if they are all controlled by the same person or group of people. The result is a gap in the law that allows mostly large companies in Nevada’s gaming, mining, and taxi industries to direct tens of thousands of dollars to their preferred candidates.
Pennsylvania – Sending Signals: Gov.-elect Tom Wolf bans gifts, limits no-bid legal work
Philadelphia Inquirer – Tom Fitzgerald and Amy Worden | Published: 11/12/2014
A code of conduct for Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Wolf’s transition team foreshadows something he plans to impose on his first day on office: a gift ban on his appointees and executive branch employees. Wolf plans to sign an executive order to prohibit gifts, even though state law allows officials to accept gifts worth up to $250 without reporting them, or gifts worth more than that amount if disclosed. Wolf also said he would curb the practice of giving no-bid contracts to private law firms when he takes office.
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.
November 6, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Sacramento Report: Five questions for a lobbyist” by Brian Joseph for Voice of San Diego “Lobbying Fee Increase Drawing Criticism in Harrisburg” by John Kennedy for Legal Intelligencer “Schilling a No-Show at Lobbying Hearing on 38 Studios, Declared in […]
Lobbying
“Sacramento Report: Five questions for a lobbyist” by Brian Joseph for Voice of San Diego
“Lobbying Fee Increase Drawing Criticism in Harrisburg” by John Kennedy for Legal Intelligencer
“Schilling a No-Show at Lobbying Hearing on 38 Studios, Declared in Default” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“New Jersey’s Most Generous Donors to Political Causes and Super PACs” by Collen O’Dea for NJ Spotlight
Ethics
“Arkansas Voters Approve Extended Term Limits” by J.B. Wogan for Governing
“City Ethics Amendment Passes by Wide Margin” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Elections
“Republicans Gain Big in State Legislative Elections” by Karen Pierog for Reuters
“Republicans Hold the Top 2 Prizes in Governor Races” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
“As New Rules Take Effect, Voters Report Problems in Some States” by Erik Eckholm and Richard Fausset for New York Times
“Republicans Extend House Control as Democratic Holdouts Fall” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
“Republicans First Step was to Handle Extremists in Party” by Jeremy Peters and Thomas Hulse for New York Times
“Ted Kennedy Jr. Wins State Senate Race in Connecticut” by Alison Leigh Cowen for New York Times
November 5, 2014 •
Ask the Experts – Service on a State Board or Commission
Q. I am a registered lobbyist and have been asked to serve on a state board. Are there any laws preventing me from serving? A. Generally, there are no laws preventing a registered lobbyist from serving on a state board […]
Q. I am a registered lobbyist and have been asked to serve on a state board. Are there any laws preventing me from serving?
A. Generally, there are no laws preventing a registered lobbyist from serving on a state board or commission. However, many states have laws regulating the board service of registered lobbyists.
For example, in South Carolina a lobbyist is prohibited from serving as a member on any state board or commission. Illinois also has a general prohibition; however, their prohibition extends to the spouses and immediate family members of a lobbyist who are living at home. Such individuals are prohibited from serving on a board, commission, authority, or task force authorized by state law or executive order.
Other states only prohibit a registered lobbyist from serving on certain boards or commissions. In Ohio, both legislative and executive branch lobbyists are prohibited from serving on the Ohio Elections Commission. In New York, lobbyists are prohibited from serving as a member of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and the Legislative Advisory Council.
Some states only prevent lobbyists from serving on boards that could possibly benefit themselves or their employers. In Tennessee, lobbyists are prohibited from serving as a member of a board, commission, or governmental entity with jurisdiction to regulate the business endeavors or professional activities of any employer of the lobbyist. In Wisconsin, lobbyists are prohibited from serving on a state board or commission related to who and what they are lobbying.
Every jurisdiction’s rules on lobbyists serving on state boards and commissions is different. Before agreeing to serve on a board or commission, you should consult that jurisdiction’s ethics commission.
You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@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.
March 4, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Wyden’s rise starts K Street bidding war” by Megan R. Wilson and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Hollywood’s Top Lobbying Group Is Sponsoring CPAC” by Nikki Schwab in U.S. News & World Report. Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Wyden’s rise starts K Street bidding war” by Megan R. Wilson and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Hollywood’s Top Lobbying Group Is Sponsoring CPAC” by Nikki Schwab in U.S. News & World Report.
Campaign Finance
Florida: “More Ads in Florida Push Independent Expenditures above $7.5 million” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Ethics
California: “California lawmakers report meals, sports tickets, other gifts” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
New Jersey: “Port Authority chairman hit with ethics complaint by NJ Working Families Alliance” by Steve Strunsky in The Star-Ledger.
Vermont: “Vermont House working on ethics rules” by Nancy Remsen in the Burlington Free Press.
Congress
“Snow Delays Senate Votes for Another Day” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.
State Legislative Sessions
Florida: “A viewers’ guide to the 2014 Florida Legislature session” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald.
Kansas: “Kansas lawmakers taking a break from session” by The Associated Press on KAKE News.
Utah: “Nine days remain in productive legislative session” by Billy Hextra in the Daily Herald.
Wyoming: “Bill on special legislative session to deal with fallout from Supreme Court decision dies” by Bob Moen (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Elections
Texas: “What to Watch in the Texas Primary” by Ross Ramsey in Governing.
December 13, 2013 •
Friday Government Relations News Roundup
Lobbying “New lobbying business slows to a trickle” by Byron Tau in Politico. “For K St., nowhere to go but up” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Under contract” in The Hill. “Major Dem fundraiser closes […]
Lobbying
“New lobbying business slows to a trickle” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“For K St., nowhere to go but up” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Under contract” in The Hill.
“Major Dem fundraiser closes lobby shop” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“ʹLobbyistʹ Not Curse Word to All Influencers” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
“Ex-congressman lobbies for group he used to fund” by Paul Singer in USA Today.
“SpaceX Launches Second Lobbying Team” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
San Francisco: “S.F. lobbying laws due for tightening” in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Campaign Finance
“Deals on campaign finance, corruption likely in Albany” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.
“All Senate Freshmen Now Have Personal PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Maine: “Use of ‘large, untraceable expenditures’ to influence Maine elections jumps 600 percent, report says” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.
Michigan: “Legislature approves increase in campaign contributions, but says some donors can stay anonymous” by The Associated Press in Crain’s Detroit Business.
Missouri: “Nixon urges Missouri campaign contribution limits” by Bill Draper (Associated Press) in the Columbian Missourian.
Vermont: “Ruling on super PACs may ripple in Vt.” by Neal Goswami in the Times Argus.
Ethics
“The Year in Congressional Ethics | A Question of Ethics” by Simon Davidson in Roll Call.
Alabama: “Alabama ethics Director Jim Sumner wins national award for his work” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Georgia: “Subpoenas related to Ga. gov’s ethics complaints” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Kentucky: “Former lawmaker won’t face sanctions from House” by Roger Alford (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
West Virginia: “W.Va. ethics panel admits open meetings violation” by The Associated Press in The Herald Dispatch.
West Virginia: “For first time in years, Ethics Commission full” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.
Open Government
“This Group Could Make (or Break?) FOIA Reform” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Government Tech and Social Media
“The Future of Election Monitoring” by Jessica McKenzie in TechPresident.
May 22, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K Street lobbyists say their near-term priorities are scandal-proof” by Erik Wasson and Russell Berman in The Hill.
“Immigration push is bonanza for lobbyists” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“There is a lobbying organization for Superyachts” by Timothy P. Carney in the Washington Examiner.
Missouri: “Missouri’s lobbying system isn’t as open as you’d think” by Chris McDaniel in KBIA.org.
Texas: “House OKs disclosure, lobbying rules for lawmakers” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “State debuts new electronic, searchable campaign finance filing system” by Kim Chandler in the Birmingham News.
“Calif. to post raw campaign filings online daily” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) in the San Jose Mercury News.
“Common Cause decries ‘soft money’ housekeeping ‘slush funds’” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capitol Confidential.
New Hampshire: “State’s political-spending rules fail to make the grade — again” by Brian Wallstin in NPR’s State Impact.
Ethics
“IRS hearing: Lois Lerner pleads the Fifth” by Lauren French and Kelsey Snell in Politico.
“Alaska: Lawmaker plans bill on conflict of interest rules” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
South Carolina: “Haley urges SC Senate to pass ethics reform” by Adam Beam in the Rock Hill Herald.
From the State Legislatures
“Minnesota Capitol scorecard — what did lawmakers do and leave undone in the 2013 session?” in the Star Tribune.
May 17, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 17, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Lax State Rules Provide Cover for Sponsors of Attack Ads
Federal:
IG Report: ‘Inappropriate criteria’ stalled IRS approvals of conservative groups
SEC Pressed to Abandon Corporate Political Spending Disclosures Petition
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – GOP Considers Campaign Changes While Raising Money
Alabama – The Alabama Democratic Party: “We’re broke, broke, broke”
California – Cap on Political Party Contributions Moves Forward
Hawaii – Campaign Spending and Ethics Get Tech Upgrades
Missouri – Missouri Ethics Panel Fines Ex-Sen. Wright-Jones $270,000
New Jersey – Pay-to-Play Rollback Will Get One More Volley in Bergen, Pitting County Executive vs. Freeholders
New York – Ethics Panel Criticizes Assembly’s Response to Allegations against Lopez
Tennessee – Ethics Commission to Hold Hearing on Ingram Group ‘Oversight’
Tennessee – Lobbying Still Thriving Business in Nashville
Texas – House Sends Donor Disclosure Bill to Gov. Perry
Vermont – Campaign Finance Reform Failure Means Caps on Donations Unlikely to Occur until 2016 Campaign Cycle
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.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
April 2, 2013 •
U.S. Government Accountability Office Releases Observations on Lobbyists’ Compliance
2012 Audit
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its audit of federal lobbying compliance for 2012. For the audit, the GAO reviewed a random sample of 100 quarterly disclosure reports filed for the third and fourth quarters of calendar year 2011 and the first and second quarters of calendar year 2012.
Among its findings, the GAO concluded 97 percent of filers of lobbying disclosure reports were able to provide documentation to support reported income and expenses, 85 percent filed the required federal political campaign reports, and 74 percent of the reported income and expenses were properly rounded to the nearest $10,000. The audit also found at least 15 percent of all lobbying disclosure reports did not properly disclose formerly held covered positions.
The 47 page report, released on April 1, 2013, is titled “2012 Lobbying Disclosure Observations on Lobbyists’ Compliance with Disclosure Requirements” and can be found here.
March 27, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K St. winners and losers in budget votes” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“K Street Files: SEIU Launches Immigration Ads” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Georgia: “Drama over ethics reform builds toward session’s finale” by Aaron Gould Sheinin, Chris Joyner and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Nevada: “State Senate votes for more lobbyist transparency” by Ed Vogel in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
New York: “OFA joins New York campaign finance reform fight” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.
West Virginia: “Campaign financing bill advances” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.
Ethics
Maryland: “Dixon to give talk, consider return to politics” by Jena Marbella in the Baltimore Sun.
From the State Legislatures
“Committee recommends Brooks be expelled from Legislature” by Anjeanette Damon in the Las Vegas Sun.
Political Advertising
“Think Your Advocacy Group is Not Subject to FEC Rules? Think Again.” in Political Law Briefing via Eric Brown’s Political Activity Law Blog.
Open Government
“New Transparency Grades Issued for States” by Mike Maciag in Government Technology.
Arkansas: “Arkansas gets ‘C’ in spending transparency report” in Arkansas News.
Tennessee: “Rep. Glen Casada withdraws bill on open meetings law” by The Associated Press in The Tennessean.
West Virginia: “W.Va.’s spending transparency grade falls” by Eric Eyre in the Charleston Gazette.
Redistricting
Florida: “Legislators ask court to shield them from having to testify over maps” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
March 26, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
Georgia: “House makes ethics changes; Deal urges action” by Greg Bluestein, Aaron Gould Sheinin and Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Ex-lawmakers go to lobbying-related jobs” by Fredreka Schouten in USA Today.
“Facebook’s Zuckerberg to launch lobby group with Washington consultants” by Jennifer Martinez in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
Florida: “Friend of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan evades prison time for illegal fundraising” by Susan Taylor Martin in the Tampa Bay Times.
Montana: “Bill to overhaul campaign finance law passes” by Charles S. Johnson in the Billings Gazette.
Ethics
“Michele Bachmann under investigation for campaign finance violations” by John Bresnahan and Byron Tau in Politico.
Connecticut: “Today’s lesson: Politicians dislike being called corrupt” by Mark Pazniokas in the Connecticut Mirror.
Texas: “Donations to Judicial Campaigns Spur Ethics Worries” by Maurice Chammah in the Texas Tribune.
Elections
Alabama: “Election runoffs targeted; legislation would allow candidates to win nominations with just 35 percent to win in a primary vote” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Maine: “Bill would bar secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer from running for office” by Christopher Cousins in the Bangor Daily News.
From the State Legislatures
Idaho: “House targets Friday adjournment – barring mishaps” by The Associated Press in the Idaho State Journal.
South Dakota: “SD Legislature ends annual legislative session” in the Rapid City Journal.
Utah: “Utah Legislature passed record number of bills” by Lee Davidson in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Government Tech
“San Francisco Tells New York: Our Data Is Bigger Than Your Data” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
March 22, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Conflicts of Interest Run Rampant in State Legislatures
Democratic Women Eye City Hall Gains
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Supreme Court Hears Arguments over Whether States Can Ask for Proof of Citizenship to Register
California – Bell Trial Ends in Chaos
California – Judge Orders San Jose to Disclose Officials’ Messages on Private Devices
Florida – Gaming Committee Chairman Relies on Flights from Gaming Lobbyist for Travel to Tallahassee
Georgia – State Senate Offers $100 Lobbying Cap in Split Plan
Kansas – Kansas House Passes Bill on Union Pay Deductions
Kentucky – Richie Farmer Could Be Fined $210,000 over 42 Ethics Violations
Maryland – Campaign Finance Reform Passes House and Is Moving in Senate
Maryland – Former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold Gets Jail Time from Judge
New Mexico – Social Media Plays a Bigger Role in Legislative Session
New York – Artists Against Fracking May Not Be Registered As New York Lobbying Group
South Carolina – Former Governor Advances in South Carolina Race
South Carolina – Misuse of SC State Plane Alleged
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.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
March 18, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Street Talk: K Street Hiring Chill Leaves Members Cold” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Former Rep. Rehberg joins K Street firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Georgia: “House lobbyist gift ‘ban’ has loopholes” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Campaign Finance
“Russ Feingold on the Path to Campaign Finance Reform” by John Light on BillMoyers.com.
“Former Fla. Dem candidate pleads guilty to campaign finance fraud, claims he was ‘used’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
New York: “Eyes On Albany As State Considers Campaign Finance Changes” by The Associated Press in WHAM ABC News.
Ethics
“Lawmakers add relatives to campaign payrolls” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars in USA Today.
“Conflicts of interest run rampant in state legislatures” by Nicholas Kusnetz in The Center for Public Integrity.
“A year in prison, Rod Blagojevich in good spirits” by Mackenzie Weinger in Politico.
Florida: “Gaming committee chairman relies on flights from gaming lobbyist for travel to Tallahassee” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.
Minnesota: “Minn. Judges May be Required to Reveal Financial Ties” by Nick Winkler in KAAL TV ABC News.
Open Government
Missouri: “Push for exemptions adds to debate over Missouri’s open-records law” by Chris Blank in the Kansas City Star.
Vermont: “Vermont Senate advances open-records bill” by Nancy Resmen in the Burlington Free Press.
January 7, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics news articles:
Campaign Finance
“Obama Campaign Fined $375,000” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Supreme Court won’t hear campaign finance arguments from anti-abortion group” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Connecticut: “Former State Sen. Ernest Newton Arrested” by Mark Pazniokas in the Hartford Guardian.
Lobbying
“2013 Lobbying Certificate Program Calendar Released” on the American League of Lobbyists website.
“K Street Files: MPAA Casts Strahan” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Confessions of a Young Lobbyist on Capitol Hill” by Mickey Leibner in Roll Call.
“K Street Files: Airline Group Lands New Staffer, Lawsuit; Former Senators Lobbying” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Ethics
“Cynthia Bauerly, FEC Commissioner, To Resign On February 1” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
Idaho: “Idaho lawmakers could create ethics committee” by Justin Corr in KTVB News.
South Carolina: “S.C. lawmakers have packed 2013 agenda” by Stephen Largen in the Post and Courier.
Legislative Issues
“Utah lawmaker wants to dump must-vote rule” by Robert Gehrke in The Salt Lake Tribune.
August 23, 2012 •
California Raising Registration Fees for Lobbyists and Political Committees
Senate Bill 1001 awaits governor’s approval
Lobbyists and political committees will be paying more for registration when Governor Jerry Brown signs Senate Bill 1001 into law. The bill passed both houses with the two-thirds majority required to amend the state’s Political Reform Act. Political committees would pay $50 to register and lobbyists would pay $100 to register for a biennial session.
The increased revenue will help with maintaining California’s Cal-Access website, which tracks lobbying activity and campaign finance reports. Political committees currently have no registration fee and lobbyists currently pay $50 to register for the biennial session.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.