October 25, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Supervisors Order Destruction of Campaign Money Enforcement Emails” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC Maine: “Crowdfunding of Collins Opponent in 2020 Likely Faces Legal Challenge” by Kevin Collins (Portland Press Herald) for Lewiston Sun Journal Maryland: […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Supervisors Order Destruction of Campaign Money Enforcement Emails” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Maine: “Crowdfunding of Collins Opponent in 2020 Likely Faces Legal Challenge” by Kevin Collins (Portland Press Herald) for Lewiston Sun Journal
Maryland: “Prince George’s Approves Matching Funds for Local Candidates – Starting in 2026” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Allentown Mayor Gets 15 Years in Prison on Corruption Charges” by Associated Press for Philadelphia Inquirer
Washington: “Corporate Dollars Gushing into Washington’s Initiative Campaigns Spur Push for New Campaign-Finance Laws” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Elections
Federal: “U.S. Begins First Cyberoperation Against Russia Aimed at Protecting Elections” by Julian Barnes (New York Times) for MSN
Michigan: “Lack of Precedent Clouds Brenda Jones’ Bid for Conyers Seat” by Melissa Nann Burke for Detroit News
Ethics
Alabama: “Former Drummond V.P. and Balch Lawyer Sentenced to Federal Prison” by Ivana Hrynkiw for AL.com
Colorado: “Ethics Commission Votes to Investigate Complaint Against Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper” by Anna Staver for Denver Post
Lobbying
Florida: “Text Messages Raise New Questions Over Andrew Gillum’s Lobbyist Connections” by Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) for WRAL
October 24, 2018 •
Baltimore City Council Passes Lobbying Act
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen. Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, requires lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify […]
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen.
Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, requires lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify their clients when approaching city government officials. Additionally, any lobbyist violating the act may be banned for a period of three years.
An amendment was adopted delaying the effective date of the reporting provisions. As a result, lobbyists will file the annual report due January 31, 2019.
Following the 2019 annual report, lobbyists will likely report semi-annually beginning with a report due on July 31, 2019. The bill will become effective 90 days from the signature of Mayor Catherine Pugh.
October 24, 2018 •
Wednesdays LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Colorado: “Opponents Say Amendment 75 Wrong Way to Take on Colorado’s Millionaire Candidates” by Michael De Yoanna for KUNC Maine: “Portlanders Will Vote on Requiring More Campaign Finance Transparency” by Randy Billings for Portland Press Herald Elections Federal: […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Opponents Say Amendment 75 Wrong Way to Take on Colorado’s Millionaire Candidates” by Michael De Yoanna for KUNC
Maine: “Portlanders Will Vote on Requiring More Campaign Finance Transparency” by Randy Billings for Portland Press Herald
Elections
Federal: “Special Counsel Examines Conflicting Accounts as Scrutiny of Roger Stone and WikiLeaks Deepens” by Carol Leonnig, Manuel Roig-Franzia, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune
National: “Three Secretaries of State Are Refereeing the Election While Running in the Field” by Tim Johnson for McClatchy DC
Ethics
Federal: “Supreme Court Shields Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross from Answering Questions in Census Controversy” by Robert Barnes and Tara Bahrampour (Washington Post) for MSN
Indiana: “Indiana Attorney General Won’t Be Charged in Alleged Groping” by Rick Callahan (Associated Press) for Chicago Sun-Times
Missouri: “Clean Missouri Proposition Puts Redistricting Front and Center, Limits Lobbyist Influence” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Pennsylvania: “Four Years Later, Pa. Lawmaker from Philly Charged in Sting Case Faces Trial” by Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
South Carolina: “Ex-SC Rep. Harrison ‘Trampled’ on Ethics Law, ‘Lied’ About Quinn, Prosecutor Says” by John Monk for The State
October 23, 2018 •
Kentucky Campaign Finance Revisions Case Debates Restrictions on Speech
On October 18, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard arguments to keep or overturn the permanent injunctions prohibiting certain portions of state campaign finance and ethics law from being enforced. In 2017, U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman ruled […]
On October 18, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard arguments to keep or overturn the permanent injunctions prohibiting certain portions of state campaign finance and ethics law from being enforced.
In 2017, U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman ruled the prohibition on lobbyists providing gifts and campaign contributions to lawmakers was unconstitutional.
The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance and the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission argued the campaign finance revisions are critical and do not eliminate speech but merely channel speech.
The plaintiffs argued the judgement was proper because the Legislature determined restrictions based on who the speaker was.
October 23, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance North Carolina: “Citing Missing Contributions, Elections Board Refers Charlotte Lawmaker to Prosecutors” by Jim Morrill and Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News and Observer Elections Federal: “GOP War Room Blasts Endless Stream of Criticism at Democrats, with Warren Its […]
Campaign Finance
North Carolina: “Citing Missing Contributions, Elections Board Refers Charlotte Lawmaker to Prosecutors” by Jim Morrill and Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News and Observer
Elections
Federal: “GOP War Room Blasts Endless Stream of Criticism at Democrats, with Warren Its Latest Target” by Michael Scherer for Washington Post
Federal: “Justice Dept. Accuses Russians of Interfering in Midterm Elections” by Adam Goldman (New York Times) for WRAL
Alaska: “Alaska Governor Says He Quit Reelection Race to Boost Democrat” by The Associated Press for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
Federal: “Trump Appointee Tapped Days Ago to Run Interior Department’s Watchdog Office Resigns Amid Controversy” by Lisa Rein, Josh Dawsey, and Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
Idaho: “Does Idaho Need to Drain the Swamp? State Lags in National Anti-Corruption Ranking” by Kelly Browning for McClatchy DC
Oregon: “Lawmakers Ignored Subpoenas in Sex Harassment Case, Labor Commissioner Says” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “Should SC Roads Be Named After Lawmakers Who Have Pleaded Guilty to Corruption?” by Avery Wilks for The State
October 22, 2018 •
Boston Mayor Signs Lobbying Ordinance
Mayor Marty Walsh signed an ordinance last week requiring lobbyist registration and reporting for individuals and entities attempting to influence city action. The ordinance was passed by city council in late September and requires registration by every person retained, employed […]
Mayor Marty Walsh signed an ordinance last week requiring lobbyist registration and reporting for individuals and entities attempting to influence city action.
The ordinance was passed by city council in late September and requires registration by every person retained, employed or designated by any client or lobbying entity to engage in lobbying or lobbying activities.
This comes after two years of Mayor Walsh calling for increased transparency through the implementation of a lobbying ordinance.
In July, Mayor Walsh vetoed a lobbying ordinance passed by council as it failed to define and regulate lobbying and did not create an adequate enforcement mechanism.
The new ordinance, effective April 13, 2019, creates a quarterly reporting requirement and penalties for late registration and reporting.
October 22, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Kentucky: “Kentucky AG Defends Campaign Finance Reform in Sixth Circuit” by Kevin Koeninger for Courthouse News Service National: “How a Billionaire from Another State Could Influence Your Elections” by Liz Essley Whyte for Center for Public Integrity Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Kentucky: “Kentucky AG Defends Campaign Finance Reform in Sixth Circuit” by Kevin Koeninger for Courthouse News Service
National: “How a Billionaire from Another State Could Influence Your Elections” by Liz Essley Whyte for Center for Public Integrity
Ethics
Federal: “Interior Secretary Zinke’s Approach to Wife’s Travels Raised Red Flags, Report Finds” by Juliet Eilperin, Lisa Rein, and Josh Dawsey for Washington Post
Florida: “Andrew Gillum, a Florida Insider Running as a Progressive Outsider” by Matt Flegenheimer and Patricia Mazzei for New York Times
Washington: “No Swamp Here: Washington tops all states in anti-corruption ranking” by Kellen Browning (McClatchy DC) for Bellingham Herald
Lobbying
Alaska: “State Regulators to Alaska Lobbyist: Stop helping candidates raise money” by Nathaniel Hertz for Alaska Public Media
Federal: “Saudi Lobbying in the U.S. Has Tripled Since Trump Took Office” by Alana Abramson for Time
Hawaii: “Why Are City Lawmakers Involved in This Lobbyist’s Backyard Tiff?” by Natanya Friedheim for Honolulu Civil Beat
New Hampshire: “N.H. Legislators Look to Lobbyists for Reliable Source of Re-Election Cash” by Casey McDermott for New Hampshire Public Radio
October 17, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “An L.A. Councilman Held an $800-Per-Person Fundraiser. The Next Day, He Announced He Was Stepping Down” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times Ethics National: “Donors to Dark-Money Groups Mostly Hidden Despite Court […]
Campaign Finance
California: “An L.A. Councilman Held an $800-Per-Person Fundraiser. The Next Day, He Announced He Was Stepping Down” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
National: “Donors to Dark-Money Groups Mostly Hidden Despite Court Ruling” by Maggie Severns for Politico
California: “Emails Show California Agency’s Cozy Ties to Gas Tax Backers” by Sophia Bollag (Associated Press) for San Diego Union Tribune
Colorado: “Ex-Secretary of State Gessler Appeals Ethics Case to U.S. Supreme Court” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Springs Gazette
Iowa: “Capitol Harassment: Iowa lawmakers admit they lag on curbing sexual misconduct. They’re not alone” by Jason Clayworth for Des Moines Register
New York: “Email Shows Cuomo Donor Contacted Officials During Grant Process” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
West Virginia: “W.Va. Supreme Court Justice Loughry Guilty on 11 Counts, Not Guilty on 10 Counts; Jury Hangs on 1 Count” by Brian McElhinny for West Virginia MetroNews
Lobbying
Maryland: “Baltimore City Council Tightens Restrictions on Lobbyists, Require Forms Go Online” by Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun
October 16, 2018 •
Anne Arundel County Passes Public Ethics Bill
On October 15,2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh. Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires […]
On October 15,2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh.
Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires employee ethics training, and creates changes to comply with state ethics laws, among other provisions. The bill also updates who is required to file financial disclosure statements.
The bill will become effective 45 days from the signature of the County Executive.
October 16, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Connecticut: “Former Democratic Legislator Ernie Newton Wins New Trial in Campaign Finance Case” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant Massachusetts: “Mass. Fiscal Alliance Sues State Over Its Campaign Finance Law” by Bob Katzen for Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise […]
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Former Democratic Legislator Ernie Newton Wins New Trial in Campaign Finance Case” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant
Massachusetts: “Mass. Fiscal Alliance Sues State Over Its Campaign Finance Law” by Bob Katzen for Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise
Elections
National: “Now for Rent: Email addresses and phone numbers for millions of Trump supporters” by Kenneth Vogel and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
National: “In Senate Battleground, Native American Voting Rights Activists Fight Back Against Voter ID Restrictions” by Gabriel Pogrund and Felicia Sonmez for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “First Came a Flood of Ballot Measures from Voters. Then Politicians Pushed Back.” by Timothy Mitchell for New York Times
National: “Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints” by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill
National: “Wilbur Ross Changes Story on Discussions of Citizenship Question for Census” by Glernn Thrush and Adam Liptak for New York Times
Colorado: “Gov. Hickenlooper Jet-Sets Across the Globe on Private Planes Paid for By Others, New Ethics Complaint Alleges” by David Migoya for Denver Post
New Mexico: “Long Road Brings NM Ethics Commission Proposal to Ballot” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
October 15, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections Georgia: Voting Rights Become a Flashpoint in Georgia Governor’s Race by Ben Nadler (Associated Press) for WRAL Ethics National: Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill October National: Facebook Purged […]
Elections
Georgia: Voting Rights Become a Flashpoint in Georgia Governor’s Race by Ben Nadler (Associated Press) for WRAL
Ethics
National: Watchdog: Issues with IRS processing of improper political activity complaints by Naomi Jagoda for The Hill October
National: Facebook Purged Over 800 Accounts and Pages Pushing Political Messages for Profit by Elizabeth Dwoskin and Tony Romm for Washington Post
New York: Assemblyman Joe Errigo Charged with Accepting a Bribe to Eid a Development by Gary Craig and Steve Orr for Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
South Carolina: Will SC Lawmakers Close Loopholes Exposed by State House Corruption Probe? by Maayan Schechter for The State
Lobbying
National: From Wall Street to K Street, Companies Gauge the Risks of Doing Business with Saudi Arabia by Mark Landler, Kenneth Vogel, and Kate Kelly for New York Times
Alaska: Alaska Law Says Lobbyists Can’t Fundraise for Candidates. But the Invitations Keep Coming by Nathaniel Hertz for Alaska Public Media
Procurement
Louisiana: Louisiana’s Lucrative Voting Machine Contract Award Canceled by Melinda Deslatte (Associated Press) for Washington Times
October 12, 2018 •
News You Can Use – October 12, 2018
National: Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races Center for Public Integrity – Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi | Published: 10/10/2018 Nationwide, many Democrats running for state-level offices from governor to state representative are also collecting a significant amount […]
National:
Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races
Center for Public Integrity – Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi | Published: 10/10/2018
Nationwide, many Democrats running for state-level offices from governor to state representative are also collecting a significant amount of money from across state lines. Though Democrats still trail Republicans in the overall fundraising tally, they have so far raised at least $101 million from out of state, about $29 million more than their GOP counterparts have taken in. The influx of out-of-state contributions comes from a mix of companies with local interests, networks of contacts scattered across the country, and newly emboldened national groups that are mobilizing to influence state-level elections, mindful that the outcomes will have an impact on politics at the state and national levels lasting well into the next decade.
Federal:
FEC Guidance to Limit Impact of Dark Money Court Ruling
Associated Press – Brian Slodysko | Published: 10/5/2018
The FEC issued new guidance in response to a U.S. District Court ruling that found the agency improperly allowed “social welfare” nonprofits to skirt disclosure requirements for some donors. While the guidance answers some questions, it raises others. “A lot of people were very excited when [the case] first came out, but when you get into the weeds, one has to acknowledge that the opinion is not as broad some people had hoped,” said FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub.
Saluting the Trump Administration, Not So Nicely
Politico – Ben Schreckinger | Published: 10/9/2018
At the White House, the nearby Trump International Hotel, and wherever the presidential motorcade goes, Washingtonians are greeting Donald Trump’s presidency with an extended middle finger. As episodes like the separation of migrant families and the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court continue to inflame passions in Washington, D.C., these one-fingered salutes have become a pervasive marker of an administration under siege in its own city. Tourists posing for photographs, passengers in the cars that drive by the White House, and pedestrians caught unaware by motorcades have all made increasing use of the vulgar gesture since Trump came to town. Some do it subtly; others make a show of it.
Wall Street Is Booming Under Trump. But Many of Its Donors Are Embracing Democrats.
WRAL – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 10/7/2018
The stock market is booming, unemployment is hitting record lows, and Republicans pushed through $1.5 trillion in tax cuts. But despite all that, for the first time in a decade, the broader financial community is on pace to give more money to Democratic congressional candidates and incumbents than their GOP counterparts. Some of the same grassroots energy coursing through the Democratic Party, House candidates from Kentucky to Montana to New York are reporting record sums of small donations, has spilled into the corporate boardrooms of American finance, even amid increasingly hostile rhetoric from Democrats in Washington and on the campaign trail toward Wall Street.
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Are Political Swamps in California and Washington Mostly Drained? This Study Says They Are.
Sacramento Bee – Andrew Sheeler | Published: 10/9/2018
California ranks second in the nation for anti-corruption laws, according to a new report from the Coalition for Integrity. California share second-place Rhode Island; both states fell behind Washington state, which claimed the best score in the 2018 States With Anti-Corruption Measures for Public Officials (S.W.A.M.P.) Index. The index looks at eight metrics when assigning a score to a state, including whether there is an ethics agency with subpoena and sanction power, and whether elected and appointed executive branch officials are prohibited from accepting expensive gifts from lobbyists. At the other end of the spectrum, the S.W.A.M.P. Index rated North Dakota as worst in the nation for ethics and transparency laws.
Colorado: Wall Street Pumping Cash Through Loophole in Anti-Corruption Rule
Capital & Main – David Sirota and Chase Woodruff | Published: 10/4/2018
If Wall Street executive look to land a lucrative contract to manage Colorado retirees’ pension money, a federal “pay-to-play” rule is designed to deter them from trying to use campaign donations to influence state officials who oversee those investment decisions. Despite that regulation, however, state Treasurer Walker Stapleton’s gubernatorial campaign is being boosted by a political group partially sponsored by financial firms that receive investments from the pension fund Stapleton helps run. If Stapleton is elected governor, he will leave the pension fund’s board but will appoint three members of the board, potentially giving him even more influence over which financial firms get pension investments.
Indiana: Former Intern Says Brian Bosma Tried to Intimidate Her Over Alleged Sexual Encounter
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin | Published: 10/10/2018
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma investigated groping allegations against the state attorney general and is crafting a first-ever sexual harassment policy for legislators. He is also the same man who aggressively investigated the credibility of a former statehouse intern who said she had a sexual encounter with him decades ago. Family members of the woman claim Bosma’s attorney threatened to reveal the unfavorable information about her if her account became public and to expose her name even if news organizations withheld it. The former intern, Kandy Green, did not accuse Bosma of a crime. Bosma denies the encounter took place.
Kentucky: Amy McGrath Is Avoiding Attack Ads. Can a Congressional Candidate Win Without Them?
WRAL – Michael Tackett (New York Times) | Published: 10/10/2018
The race for Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District between U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and his Democratic challenger, Amy McGrath, has featured one of the highest concentrations of political ads in the country, almost 7,000 airings, in one of the most fiercely fought races. The contest also has one of the most lopsided ratios of negative-to-positive ads, with Barr and aligned Republican groups spending overwhelmingly on spots attacking his opponent. McGrath, so far, has not run attack ads, an approach that makes this contest a laboratory to test the proposition that while voters find negative ads distasteful, candidates use them because they work.
Missouri: Missouri Lobbying Rules Fought in Federal Court
Courthouse News Service – Joe Harris | Published: 10/8/2018
The Institute for Justice filed a lawsuit claiming an executive order that bans all gifts, including written materials, to certain government officials in Missouri violates its constitutional rights. At issue is Missouri Executive Order 17-02 which prohibits “anything of value” to be given to a member of the state’s executive branch by a lobbyist. The Institute for Justice claims that by prohibiting the distribution of two of its publications, “Bottleneckers: Gaming the Government for Power and Private Profit” and “License to Work 2,” to government employees, the executive order violates its First Amendment right to free speech and Fourteenth Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
New Mexico: New Mexico Legislators Eat, Lobbyists Treat, but Public Left Guessing Who
Santa Fe New Mexican – Andrew Oxford | Published: 10/8/2018
Because of a loophole in New Mexico law, lobbyists for the most part do not have to disclose which officials they have been attempting to influence. Although the latest round of filings by lobbyists points to tens of thousands of dollars spent on entertaining policymakers, the representatives of companies and special interests remain largely free to conceal the issues they are advocating for and the policymakers they are trying to sway. The Legislature has shown little appetite for requiring more disclosure from lobbyists.
Ohio: Workers Allege Campaign Donations Were Expected, Rewarded by Summit Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh
WKYC – Phil Trexler and Tom Meyer | Published: 10/10/2018
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh is accused of ignoring acts of bullying, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination in her office, while allowing political campaigning to take place by favored workers, sometimes on county time, and requiring campaign donations of her workers and denying pay hikes to those who did not. Walsh’s campaign finance reports reflect the cash flow, showing her employees contributed thousands of dollars, or about half of her entire campaign funds, in the past six filing periods. Five employees have filed complaints alleging mistreatment.
Oklahoma: Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases
Oklahoma Watch – Taylor Brown | Published: 10/8/2018
Judges in Oklahoma rarely recuse themselves voluntarily or on request because they received money from attorneys arguing before them. That is despite the fact that attorneys represent the largest number of donors to district judges’ campaigns. Court filings show many of those attorneys frequently have appeared before the candidates to whom they gave money; some donated to judges while the judge was still presiding over their case. No evidence has emerged that donations from lawyers gained them or their firms more favorable rulings or treatment from judges. But campaign finance reform advocates, along with some Oklahoma judicial candidates, say the state’s system of electing district judges poses a risk to the integrity of the system.
South Carolina: SC Attorney General Tried to Impede Statehouse Corruption Probe, Grand Jury Says
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith and Thad Moore | Published: 10/9/2018
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s inaction impeded a probe into statehouse corruption, according to a grand jury report. Wilson’s conduct after former House Speaker Bobby Harrell pleaded guilty and named two other lawmakers cost investigators 13 months and meant the statute of limitations on potential federal crimes like money laundering ran out, the grand jurors said. The report notes Wilson’s close relationship with political consultant Richard Quinn. The corruption inquiry focused mainly on Quinn’s consulting business, his clients, and whether he acted like a lobbyist without registering. The report gives a behind the curtain look at the blurry line between political consultants, lobbyists, and powerful businesses in the state.
Tennessee: Taylor Swift’s Stunning Statement: Famously apolitical star slams Tennessee Republican, endorses Democrats
Washington Post – Emily Yahr | Published: 10/7/2018
Taylor Swift, the pop music star who has been notably apolitical in turbulent political times, endorsed two Democratic candidates running for election in Tennessee. In a post on Instagram, Swift said she planned to vote for Phil Bredesen, who is competing in a close U.S. Senate race against a Republican candidate backed by President Trump, and U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, an incumbent who represents the Nashville area. Swift’s political views had previously been left up to interpretation, and at times her silence was viewed as support for Trump as well as the alt-right movement.
West Virginia: As 1 Supreme Court Justice Survives Impeachment in West Virginia, Others Face Trial
Governing – Phil Kabler (Charleston Gazette) | Published: 10/3/2018
One West Virginia Supreme Court justice has survived an impeachment scare. Beth Walker will remain in office after state senators rejected an impeachment article against her after a two-day trial. Senators later adopted a resolution by voice vote to issue a public reprimand of Walker. She was accused of abusing her authority. The impeachment charge stated Walker and other justices failed to control office expenses and maintain policies over matters such as working lunches and the use of state vehicles and office computers at home.
October 11, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races” by Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi for Center for Public Integrity National: “The Hidden Money Funding the Midterms” by Derek Willis and Maggie Severns for ProPublica New York: “Democratic […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Out-of-State Donors Pour Cash into Democrats’ State Races” by Rui Kaneya and Joe Yerardi for Center for Public Integrity
National: “The Hidden Money Funding the Midterms” by Derek Willis and Maggie Severns for ProPublica
New York: “Democratic Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Setting Up Illegal Donation” by Barbara Leonard for Courthouse News Service
South Dakota: “Free Speech Group Sues State Ahead of November Election” by Jonathan Ellis for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Elections
National: “Amy McGrath Is Avoiding Attack Ads. Can a Congressional Candidate Win Without Them?” by Michael Tackett (New York Times) for WRAL
Ethics
National: “Rosenstein Faces Congressional Confrontation Amid New Claim He Seriously Suggested Wiretapping Trump” by Matt Zapotosky, Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) for Danbury News-Times
National: “Saluting the Trump Administration, Not So Nicely” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico
Michigan: “Detroit City Councilman Leland Indicted in Bribery Conspiracy” by Robert Snell and Christine Ferretti for Detroit News
South Carolina: “SC Attorney General Tried to Impede Statehouse Corruption Probe, Grand Jury Says” by Glenn Smith and Thad Moore for Charleston Post and Courier
West Virginia: “As 1 Supreme Court Justice Survives Impeachment in West Virginia, Others Face Trial” by Phil Kabler (Charleston Gazette) for Governing
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbying Restrictions Set to Go Before Voters” by Lloyd Dunkelberger (News Service of Florida) for WJXT
Washington: “Kimberly-Clark Lobbyist, Wife Gave Republicans $4K” by Todd Richmond (Associated Press) for Seattle Times
October 10, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “LA City Council Favors Reducing Barriers to Campaign Matching Funds” by Craig Clough for Los Angeles Daily News Oklahoma: “Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases” by Taylor Brown for Oklahoma Watch Elections National: […]
Campaign Finance
California: “LA City Council Favors Reducing Barriers to Campaign Matching Funds” by Craig Clough for Los Angeles Daily News
Oklahoma: “Attorneys Help Bankroll Campaigns of Judges Who Hear Their Cases” by Taylor Brown for Oklahoma Watch
Elections
National: “Trump Campaign Aide Requested Online Manipulation Plans from Israeli Intelligence Firm” by Mark Mazzetti, Ronan Bergman, David Kirkpatrick, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Struggles Getting State Help with Anonymous Facebook Survey” by Taylor Whetstone for Knoxville News Sentinel
Ethics
National: “Amid Kavanaugh Uproar, Changes to Congress’s Sexual Harassment Rules Stall” by Elise Viebeck and Gabriel Progrund (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Ethics Rule Gets Arkansas Panel’s Support; Senate’s Lobbyist Ties at Issue” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Missouri: “Missouri Lobbying Rules Fought in Federal Court” by Joe Harris for Courthouse News Service
New Mexico: “New Mexico Legislators Eat, Lobbyists Treat, but Public Left Guessing Who” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican
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.