The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved an increase of the state’s biennial lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $300. The additional revenue will help cover the Department of State’s costs of maintaining the lobbyist registration and disclosure database.

The Department of State unsuccessfully sought increases on two prior occasions, to $700 and $400 every two years, but the IRRC believed this latest proposal was more reasonable.

The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General must approve the committee’s decision before it can be implemented for the 2015-2016 legislative session.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists Mobilize on Ebola Virus” by Megan Wilson for The Hill.

“Some Lobbyists Play Key Role in Washington Campaign Finance” by Austin Jenkins for KUOW.org.

Campaign Finance

“Super PACs Exploit Disclosure Loophole” by Dave Levinthal for The Center for Public Integrity.

“Big Spending by Parties, Independent Groups Drowns Airwaves in Negative Attacks” by Matea Gold for Washington Post.

“Campaign Cash Crackdown OK’d” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune.

“Campaign Mailings Fuel Dispute between Parties over Campaign Finance Law” by Jenny Wilson for Hartford Courant.

“Why Las Vegas Chamber Can Give Only $10K to Candidate but $1M to Anti-Margin Tax Campaign” by Connor Shine for Las Vegas Sun.

“Former Aide Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $1.8 Million from Dewhurst Campaign Funds” by Lauren McGaughey for Houston Chronicle.

“Court Finds Republican Governors Association Violated Vermont Campaign Finance Law” by Dave Gram (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic.

Ethics

“City Council Watchdog Sues Emanuel, Aldermen” by Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune.

“Panel Presents Guidelines for Pa. Turnpike Commission” by Paul Nussbaum for Philadelphia Inquirer.

Elections

“Why House Republicans Alienate Hispanics: They don’t need them” by Nate Cohn for New York Times.

Lobbying

“Lobby Firms Beat the Midterm Blues” by Megan Wilson for The Hill.

“Legislators’ Trips Abroad Apparently Above Board” by Tess Townsend for New London Day.

Campaign Finance

“Record Public Financing Amounts Awarded to Candidates” by Gregory Hladky for Hartford Courant.

“Donors Use Loophole to Pour Money into Governor’s Race” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier.

“Campaign Coordination Suit Filed in a Way to Get Favorable Judge” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

“Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard Indicted” by Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) for USA Today.

“Legislators Need Stricter Disclosure Rules, Advocate Tells Panel” for Indianapolis Business Journal; Staff

“In William Galvin’s Contracts, Little Public Process” by Waltyer Robinson for Boston Globe.

Elections

“Health Scare in Texas Also Sends Political Ripples” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times.

“Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use Voter ID Law” by Adam Liptak for New York Times.

Political Advertising

“Environmental Issues Become a Force in Political Advertising” by Coral Davenport and Ashley Parker for New York Times.

Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is offering her expertise today in Washington, D.C. at the Association of Government Relations Professionals Lobbying Certificate Program session on State Lobbying. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

One of the attendees gives this reaction on Twitter:

If you would like to know more about today’s training, here is a decription from the AGRP website:

The states are a breeding ground for new legislation and regulations that will affect your stakeholders and can potentially lead to federal action. Influencing legislators and policy makers at the state level can be a critical component to your overall lobbying efforts. In this upcoming AGRP LCP course, you will learn:

• How to successfully identify whether or not you need to engage at the state level
• Best practices in finding and working with state lobbyists
• How to evaluate your state lobbying efforts
• Making sure that your efforts are compliant with state rules and regulations

Federal:

Campaign Finance Forty Years Later

New York Times; Staff –   | Published: 10/13/2014

Forty years after Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act, many of the provisions have been struck down as unconstitutional and U.S. Supreme Court rulings have paved the way for outside groups to raise and spend more money. The New York Times, in its “Room for Debate” feature, asked seven experts on the issue to give their opinions on the state of campaign finance reform today.

FEC Votes Suggest Gridlock Is Easing

Politico – Byron Tau and Kyle Cheney | Published: 10/9/2014

After some five years of ties and gridlock, the FEC approved several measures as part of a compromise brokered between its two newest members: Republican Chairperson Lee Goodman and Democratic Vice Chairperson Ann Ravel. Goodman and Ravel were both appointed at the same time by President Barack Obama in 2013, and they have forged a bipartisan alliance to help the commission function better. The FEC has long been a bastion of gridlock, and the recent votes have no practical impact on campaign finance laws. But the FEC’s action suggests further movement is possible on what has been seen as a hopelessly dysfunctional panel.

Secret Money Fueling a Flood of Political Ads

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 10/10/2014

Fifty-five percent of broadcast advertising in the midterm elections has been paid for by groups that do not fully disclose their donors, compared with 45 percent from super PACs, which are required to file regular financial disclosures, according to an analysis by The New York Times. The preponderance of secretly funded advertising defies one of the assumptions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allowed outside groups to raise and spend more money, so long as they did not coordinate with candidates and parties. In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy envisioned campaigns in which unlimited independent spending by unions and corporations would be paired with robust real-time disclosure.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Kevin de León Becomes State Senate Leader in $50,000 Event

Los Angeles Times – Seema Metha and Patrick McGreevy | Published: 10/15/2014

Kevin de Leon was sworn in as the first Latino to head the California Senate in more than a century with an expensive soiree. The event at Walt Disney Concert Hall with an estimated price tag of $50,000 resembled a presidential inaugural more than the low-key affairs at the Capitol held by past Senate leaders. The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation, which receives donations from special interests seeking influence in the Legislature, picked up the tab for the event. Some suggested it was an inappropriate extravagance at a time when the state Senate is struggling to shake off the taint of corruption scandals and regain public trust.

Colorado – Citizens United Can Make Movie without Disclosing Donors, Court Says

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 10/14/2014

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Citizens United can air a movie it has produced about Colorado politics without identifying its donors. Citizens United sued after Secretary of State Scott Gessler said the movie fell under Colorado’s campaign finance laws. A federal judge agreed the movie was electioneering that required disclosure. But Citizens United argued the film deserved the same free-speech protections as traditional media. The appeals court said while the movie is exempt from disclosure, the secretary of state’s office could require it for ads if the ads name a candidate and make a case for support or defeat.

Georgia – Once Again, a Carter Aims to Govern in Georgia

New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 10/15/2014

The most famous name in Georgia gubernatorial race belongs to state Sen. Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter. But rather than a referendum on the Carter legacy, the contest remains focused to a large extent on the record of incumbent Nathan Deal. One hurdle for Deal, said Merle Black, a political science professor at Emory University, is the possibility that conservative voters, soured by continuing ethics controversies tied to Deal’s 2010 campaign, may see him as “a candidate that they cannot get really excited about,” and sit out the election.

Illinois – Campaign Contribution Limits Off in Chicago Mayor’s Race

Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 10/14/2014

William Kelly gave $100,000 of his own money to his Chicago mayoral campaign. In doing so, he has also lifted the cap for campaign donations in the race. State law mandates that the $5,300 individual campaign contribution limit be lifted in a municipal race in one of two instances: a candidate donates at $100,000 or more to their campaign fund or an outside organization puts that much into a race to support or attack a candidate in the race.

Kentucky – Top Lobbyists Make More than Governor – a LOT More

Louisville Courier Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 10/16/2014

Through the first eight months of 2014, Kentucky’s top lobbyists have made more money in fees than Steve Beshear will make in salary all year as governor. Lobbyist Bob Babbage, for example, has been paid $562,433 through August 31. Beshear is paid an annual salary of $138,012.

Missouri – Ethics Complaint Filed over Lobbyist Gifts to Missouri Lawmakers

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/15/2014

A complaint was filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission over a $3,000 dinner held at a Dallas steakhouse in August for five state legislators during the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual convention. While five lobbyists reported the gifts to the commission as going to the individual lawmakers who attended, seven other lobbyists reported the gifts to “the entire General Assembly.” Missouri law states that a gift can be reported to a group – such as a committee, legislative chamber, or the entire Legislature – if all of the members of that group are “invited in writing.”

North Carolina – Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon Sentenced to 44 Months in Federal Prison

Charlotte Observer – Mark Washburn, Michael Gordon, Ames Alexander, and Rick Rothacker | Published: 10/14/2014

Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon was sentenced to 44 months in prison after admitting to using his public positions in North Carolina’s largest city for personal financial gain, including taking at least $50,000 in bribes. A nearly four-year investigation resulted in his arrest and resignation in March. Prosecutors said Cannon accepted bribes from a strip club owner and two undercover federal agents posing as investors in exchange for helping them navigate city government and zoning issues through his elected positions. Prosecutors said he took cash, paid travel to Las Vegas, and use of a luxury apartment from the undercover agents.

Oregon – Oregon’s Embattled First Lady Faces Ethics Probe over Business Activity

Washington Post – Jose DelReal | Published: 10/14/2014

After admitting to a sham marriage to help an immigrant remain in the U.S., Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancée said she lived on a property in 1997 that was intended to be used for a marijuana growing operation. Cylvia Hayes issued a statement saying the plan “never materialized” on the remote property. She is also under fire for earning money as a consultant from organizations seeking to influence state policy. Kitzhaber asked the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for a formal opinion on whether Hayes is subject to state ethics laws and, if so, whether she has broken them in the consulting matter. It is not clear how much damage the reports about Hayes could do to Kitzhaber’s re-election campaign.

Pennsylvania – Phila. Ethics Board Tightens Campaign-Finance Rules

Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 10/15/2014

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics approved a series of amendments to the city’s campaign finance law, the most significant aimed at tightening restrictions on what constitutes a third party’s support of a candidate. The board approved an amendment to address the reuse of campaign materials produced by a candidate, but then picked up and distributed by an individual or PAC independent of the candidate. Under the new rule, such reuse would be considered an in-kind campaign contribution and would fall under the city’s donation limits.

Texas – An Ad with a Wheelchair Shakes up the Texas Governor’s Race

New York Times – David Montgomery | Published: 10/13/2014

Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis defended her campaign television ad that highlights opponent Greg Abbott’s use of a wheelchair, denying it exploits his disability while attacking his record. The 30-second ad begins with a shot of an empty wheelchair. It criticizes Abbot, the state’s attorney general, for receiving millions from a 1984 lawsuit after a falling tree injured his spine, then working to limit the legal rights of other victims. The spot has provoked a nationwide debate over its tone and the boundaries of political attack ads.

Washington – Ethics Panel Votes to Limit Number of Free Meals Lawmakers Can Accept from Lobbyists

Columbus Republic – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 10/14/2014

Beginning January 1, Washington lawmakers could accept as many as a dozen free meals from lobbyists each year under a new rule adopted by the Legislative Ethics Board. The rule also defines a meal as a sit-down meal such as breakfast or lunch, even if the meal is served at a private residence. Receptions hosted by lobbyists would not count as a meal. The board planned to meet again before the end of the year to consider draft legislation to change the current law that only requires meals worth $50 or more to be reported to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Wisconsin – Federal Judge Orders State to Stop Enforcing Anti-‘Coordination’ Law

WiscNews.com – Dee Hall | Published: 10/14/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa blocked enforcement of a Wisconsin election law that is at the center of an investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s 2012 recall campaign and more than two dozen conservative organizations. The ruling allows candidates to coordinate and work closely with independent groups that do not explicitly tell people how to vote. State prosecutors cited the coordination law in launching a so-called John Doe investigation into Walker’s campaign. A federal appeals court overturned a ruling from Randa in May that stopped the probe, but also said the issue needs to be resolved in state courts.

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.

Lobbying

“Aereo registers lobbyist as it seeks new classification” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

Arizona: “Arizona attorney general candidate faces lobbying complaint” by Phil Villarreal on KGUN ABC News.

New Jersey: “N.J. lawmakers considering restricting lobbyists working for state” by John Reitmeyer in The Record.

Campaign Finance

“Senate Races: Where Outside Groups Spend Their Money” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.

“Anti-big money super PAC reels in big money” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.

“Is Buying Influence a Right?” by David Earley in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

“Courting Corruption: The Auctioning of the Judicial System” by Norm Ornstein in The Atlantic.

“New Koch brothers PAC the biggest fundraiser of Q3” by Kathy Kiely, Peter Olsen-Phillips and Jacob Fenton on the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

Arizona: “Clean Elections boss says it appears schools chief John Huppenthal broke campaign finance laws” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) in The Republic.

California: “CalPERS board member stripped of leadership posts for campaign finance infractions” by Dale Kasler in The Sacramento Bee.

Illinois: “Governor race shattering campaign finance records” by Sara Burnett (Associated Press) in the Sun Herald.

Minnesota: “Fundraising-palooza: The latest on MN campaign money” by Brett Neely in Minnesota Public Radio’s Capitol View.

Missouri: “Ex-Missouri Gov. Blunt ends campaign committee” by The Associated Press in The Telegraph.

Oregon: “Michael Bloomberg gives $1.25M to Oregon’s ‘top two’ primary campaign” by The Associated Press on KATU.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “Phila. Ethics Board tightens campaign-finance rules” by Chris Hepp in The Inquirer.

Ethics

Georgia: “Ga. auditor slams state ethics commission” by The Associated Press in The Telegraph.

State Legislatures

“Two lawmakers involved in shoot-out with robbers near Capitol” by Amy Worden and Allison Steele in The Inquirer.

Elections

“Supreme Court leaves its mark on the midterms” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

“Courts Are Ruling on Voting Laws – Here’s Where They Stand” by Phil Mattingly in Bloomberg Politics.

“Battle of wits over Senate 2014 map” by James Hohmann in Politico.

Arkansas: “Arkansas’ Voter ID Law Struck Down Amid Confusion in Texas” by Lauren Raab in Governing.

Ohio: “Jerry Springer hits the road for Ohio candidate” by Ann Sanner (Associated Press) on Cincinnati.com.

Texas: “Meet Sam Houston, the Democrat Running a Lonely Campaign for Texas Attorney General” by Jay Root in Governing.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Democrats Try Moderation to Fight Gov. Scott Walker” by David Lauter in Governing.

Tech and Social Media

“Nonprofit Long Distance Voter Helped Provide Data for Google Voting Search Feature” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“Digital.NYC Launches to Spur Innovation and Economic Growth” by Hilton Collins in Government Technology.

“Accela Extends Platform with Government Outreach Acquisition” in Government Technology.

Tennessee: “Tennessee Releases App in Time for the Start of Early Voting” by Richard Locker in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Will All the GOP Lobbyists Please Stand Up?” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

Alabama: “Powerful Alabama teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert dies” by The Associated Press in The News Courier.

Campaign Finance

“Goldwater would have hated ‘Citizens United’” opinion piece by Ron Fein in The Washington Post.

“Renewal of the establishment, fueled by money” by Heath Brown in The Hill.

Colorado: “Citizens United can make movie without disclosing donors, court says” by Joey Bunch in the Denver Post.

Kentucky: “Pro-Grimes super PAC money also from out-of-state” by Tom Loftus in The Courier-Journal.

Maine: “State senator from Sanford used PAC money to pay himself and family $17,000” by Naomi Schalit in the Portland Press Herald.

Ethics

“FEC Rulemakings Roil Agency, Critics | Rules of the Game” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Michigan: “Terri Lynn Land held state meetings at family business” by John Bresnahan in Politico.

Missouri: “Ethics complaint filed over lobbyist gifts to Missouri lawmakers” by Jason Hancock in the Kansas City Star.

North Carolina: “Former Charlotte Mayor Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Prison” by Michael Gordon in Governing.

Washington: “No more free lunch: Washington sets limits on how often lobbyists can ply lawmakers” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Congress

“Laws plummet in post-earmark era” by Niki Papadogiannakis in The Hill.

Elections

“Four Republicans look to make comebacks” by Cristina Marcos in The Hill.

Colorado: “As Midterms Approach, Colorado Stands Out in Expanding Access” by Jonathan Brater in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

Tech and Social Media

“Twitter’s Most Popular Congressional Staffer Gets New Title” by Niels Lesniewski in Roll Call.

The Washington Legislative Ethics Board held a board meeting on October 14, 2014 to finalize rules defining “infrequent occasions” in the context of free meals accepted by state legislators. Section 42.52.150(5) of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials to accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions so long as attendance at such a meal is related to the performance of official duties. The Board voted unanimously to define infrequent occasions as up to 12 meals total per calendar year.

The scope of the rule is limited to food and beverage paid for by a registered lobbyist or lobbyist employer. A qualifying meal under the rule is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, regardless of cost, when the guest would normally be expected to sit down and eat, such as in a restaurant or private residence.

The Board was careful to maintain the exceptions in the Ethics Act permitting public officials to accept complimentary food and beverages at hosted receptions and in other limited circumstances.

This rule takes effect January 1, 2015.

Lobbying

UK: “Charities must record when employees use Twitter to campaign, Electoral Commission says” by Emily Corfe in Civil Society.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance 40 Years Later” in The New York Times’ Room for Debate.

“Koch donors uncloaked” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Mike Allen in Politico.

New Mexico: “Once again, it’s campaign finance day (officially at least)” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Ethics

Nevada: “Nevada gov’t ethics commission seeks new policies” by Emerson Marcus in the Reno Gazette-Journal.

New York: “Wrapped up in gift rules” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Ohio: “State ethics watchdog tracks 1,600 lobbyists’ activity and spending” by TC Brown in Columbus CEO.

Oregon: “Gov. Kitzhaber asks ethics commission to review fiancee’s contracts” by Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.

West Virginia: “West Virginia Ethics Commission committee interviews candidates for executive director’s job” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

Elections

“Who to watch in House Class of 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Why Republicans Must Win the Senate in 2014” by Stuart Rothenberg in Roll Call.

Tech and Social Media

“States Ascend Into the Cloud” by Jeffrey Stinson in Stateline.

“Follow the Money…” by Emily Jarvis in Govloop.

Lobbying

“Congressman presses Holder for review of think tank funding” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Burger King hires former members of Congress to work on inversion deal” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Pennsylvania: “Threatened with Pa. fee increase, lobbyists go to work” by Mary Wilson in NewsWorks.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Supreme Court denies request by 38 Studios defendant Wells Fargo” by Paul Grimaldi in the Providence Journal.

Campaign Finance

“FEC votes suggest gridlock is easing” by Byron Tau and Kyle Cheney in Politico.

“In the Senate, campaign finance is the new flag burning” by Gayle Trotter in The Hill.

“Midterm Voters Drown in Dark Money” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.

“Ads Paid for by Secret Money Flood the Midterm Elections” by Nicholas Confessore in The New York Times.

“Dark money threatens democracy” by Robert Maguire in The Hill’s Congress Blog.

Arkansas: “Some Arkansas candidates talk of limiting outside groups” by John Lyon in Arkansas News.

Ethics

Ohio: “Kasich appoints retired judge to state commission” on WKBN.

Oklahoma: “Financial interests of state officers will not be put online, Ethics Commission says” by Barbara Hoberock in Tulsa World.

Elections

“2014 Ballot Measures That Matter Most for States and Localities” in Governing.

“11 questions that will decide the Senate” by James Hohmann in Politico.

“Dems: Don’t trust the polls” by Niall Stanage in The Hill.

“Courts Strike Down Voter ID Laws in Wisconsin and Texas” by Adam Liptak in The New York Times.

Colorado: “Centrism Hurting Once-Popular Gov. Hickenlooper’s Re-Election Hopes” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Georgia: “Georgia Uses Big Data to Get Out the Vote” by Daniel Malloy and Kristina Torres in Governing.

Michigan: “As election nears, big names stump for state candidates” by Chris Gautz in Crain’s Detroit Business.

Redistricting

“Things to know about political mapmaking in Ohio” by Ann Sanner (Associated Press) in the Daily Journal.

Political Advertising

“Campaigns Find Ad Space Finite, Even on the Web” by Ashley Parker in The New York Times.

A proposed constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2014, ballot will determine whether voters are willing to extend term limits for state lawmakers in exchange for strict ethics laws for lobbyists and corporations. Issue 3 will ban corporate and union gifts to political campaigns, ban lobbyist gifts to legislative and executive officials, and extend term limits for legislators to at least 16 years.

Under the current state constitution, lawmakers typically serve no more than six years in the House and eight years in the Senate. The ballot measure would allow lawmakers to serve 16 years in the same office, or even longer for senators winning special two-year terms after each decennial census and redistricting process.

Adding term limits to the bill helped the ethics package pass the Legislature, but has decreased the popularity of the ballot measure in pre-election polls.

Oklahoma’s Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules will go into effect at staggered intervals between December 2014 and February 2015. The new rules will affect the majority of lobbying and campaign finance laws.

Provisions pertaining to lobbyist registration are effective December 1. Registration expiration and renewal dates will not change, but electronic registration will be required.

Current provisions related to lobbyist reporting dates will remain in effect until January 31, 2015, to facilitate end of year filings. The new lobbyist reporting provisions are effective February 1 with the first report due electronically on February 6 for both legislative and executive lobbyists.

All campaign finance  provisions take effect January 1, 2015.

National:

Wave of Ethics Complaints Hits Top Races

National Journal – Sarah Mimms | Published: 10/8/2014

With Election Day approaching, the closest races in the country have become magnets for ethics complaints. Watchdog groups and political parties have filed dozens of complaints against Republicans and Democrats in tough contests, questioning fundraising tactics and accusing campaigns of improper coordination, among other allegations, just as voters begin to tune in to the election-year fight. Regardless of their merits, the likelihood that any of these ethics complaints will be acted on before Election Day is slim. But for many of these groups, the result of a complaint is not nearly as important as filing the complaint itself.

Who is Donating to Political Campaigns Now? Big Pot.

Raleigh News & Observer – Kristen Wyatt (Associated Press) | Published: 10/6/2014

The U.S. marijuana industry is making campaign contributions to support cannabis-friendly candidates and ballot questions that could bring legal pot to more states. Medical marijuana businesses have been giving to candidates since the late 1990s. With the arrival of recreational pot in Colorado and Washington, the industry and its political influence are expanding rapidly. Marijuana measures will be on the November ballot in Oregon, Florida, Alaska, and Washington, D.C, so many donations are being funneled into those campaigns and the candidates who support them.

Federal:

A Campaign Dollar’s Power Is More Valuable to a Challenger

New York Times – Lynn Vavreck | Published: 10/7/2014

Political scientists have found the relationship between campaign spending and election results is problematic. The difficulty stems from a general pattern in U.S. House and Senate elections. In congressional elections from 1992 to 2012, challengers who spent more money won more often than those who spent less. The opposite was true for incumbents, but correlation does not always imply causation. The question is not just whether spending affects election outcomes, but how spending might affect different kinds of candidates differently.

FEC Votes to Relax Campaign Finance Rules

The Hill – Benjamin Goad | Published: 10/9/2014

The FEC moved to formally relax campaign finance restrictions in response to a pair of U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The commission agreed on language that will amend its rules to conform to the Citizens United ruling, which struck down restrictions that previously barred corporations and unions from spending money from their general treasury funds to support or oppose candidates. The agency also approved of a second set of regulations in the form of an interim final rule responding to the ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC. The decision eliminated aggregate contribution limits for individual donors in a single election cycle.

Nationals are Champs for Fundraisers

Politico – Byron Tau and Kevin Robillard | Published: 10/3/2014

Candidates, parties, and PACs have spent at least $245,000 on Washington Nationals tickets, gear, and seats during this election cycle. Most of that money went to hosting fundraising events at Nationals Park or buying tickets for donors, constituents, and lobbyists. Even more political cash goes to the Major League Baseball team in the form of corporate skybox rentals that often used to host members of Congress for fundraising events, money that is not always identified in campaign finance reports. The Nationals are in a league of their own when it comes to collecting political dollars; according to CQ Moneyline, the other seven teams in this year’s playoffs barely merit a mention as venues to collect political money or host wealthy donors.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – As Energy Boom Ends, a Political Identity Crisis in Alaska

New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 10/8/2014

Economic anxiety in Alaska is roiling an already sharp-edged political season, focused on one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races in the country: an endangered Democratic incumbent, Mark Begich, against Republican challenger, Dan Sullivan, a former state attorney general and natural resources commissioner. Alaska might appear politically conservative, and measured by election results, especially on the presidential level, it is. But many Alaskans say ideology is in fact a shallow measure of the political climate, and hard-nosed practicality – what does Alaska need from Washington and who is best at getting it – can often hold as much sway.

Colorado – Republicans Win Super PAC Lawsuit

Law Week Colorado – Hannah Garcia | Published: 10/2/2014

A District Court judge sided with the Colorado Republican Party in its efforts to establish its own Super PAC, while a local watchdog group is decrying the ruling as an erasure of state law surrounding political contributions. The GOP argued it was entitled to form the PAC because independent expenditures made by any person is permissible under the state constitution, and those expenditures are not subject to contribution limits and are permissible as long as there is no coordination with the party. Colorado Ethics Watch argued the committee is controlled and coordinates with the Republican Party, and because of that, is subject to the same contribution limits as political parties.

Illinois – When Interests Overlap for Durbin, Lobbyist Wife

Insurance News Net – Katherine Skiba and Kim Geiger (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/5/2014

A Chicago Tribune investigation found instances in which Loretta Durbin’s lobbying clients have received federal funding promoted by her husband, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, raising questions about whether the power couple have done enough to avoid inherent conflicts-of-interest as they go about their jobs. Sen. Durbin acknowledged occasional “overlap” in which his wife’s clients received his help, but both insisted she limited her lobbying to Illinois and never sought federal funds. The couple said once the decision had been made not to lobby the federal government, Sen. Durbin was not consulted when she considered new clients.

Missouri – Gifts to Missouri Lawmakers Are Not Always Easy to Track

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/6/2014

Seven lobbyists, representing businesses ranging from Hallmark to Peabody Energy, paid the lion’s share of the $3,000 cost of an evening for Missouri lawmakers at an expensive Dallas steakhouse this summer and reported the gifts as going to “the entire General Assembly.” The dinner was part of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual convention. Critics of Missouri’s ethics laws have long complained that reporting gifts to groups instead of individuals violates the spirit of the disclosure requirements by making it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to tell who is getting gifts from whom.

Nevada – Judicial Candidate Resigns from Nevada Ethics Commission

Reno Gazette-Journal – Emerson Marcus | Published: 10/6/2014

The executive director of the Nevada Commission on Ethics has resigned amid a complaint that she used her office to advance her campaign to become a Washoe County Family Court judge. Caren Cafferata-Jenkins stepped down on October 9. Former commission investigator Michael Lawrence filed a complaint against her in June, saying she turned the commission office “into her own personal Kinko’s” for her campaign. Cafferata-Jenkins has denied the allegations and said Lawrence is bitter after losing his job in April. She said she is resigning because the complaint is bringing negative attention on the commission.

New Jersey – N.J. Lawmaker Tries to Limit New Bills … by Introducing a New Bill

Newark Star Ledger – Matt Friedman | Published: 10/6/2014

New Jersey Assemblyperson Anthony Bucco, who has looked on as his colleagues have introduced thousands of bills, sometimes on seemingly frivolous subjects and usually with little chance of passage, says he has had enough. And to come up with a solution, Bucco introduced a bill. Bucco, proposed legislation that would limit state senators to being the top prime sponsor on just 25 bills or resolutions per two-year session, and keep Assembly members to just 15 bills. At the end of the term, each bill would have to include an estimate by the Office of Legislative Services of how much it cost to draft it, process it, and consider it.

Pennsylvania – Fattah Nonprofits Paid Millions to Ex-Staffers

Philadelphia Daily News – William Bender | Published: 10/7/2014

Between 2001 and 2012, nonprofits founded or supported by U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah have paid out at least $5.8 million to his associates, including political operatives, ex-staffers, and their relatives, according to The Philadelphia Daily News. Three people who had ties to the organizations were later convicted of federal crimes. For the past seven years, criminal investigators have been looking at Fattah and the cottage industry of mostly taxpayer-funded nonprofits run by his political allies.

Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh’s Campaign Finance Law Called Flawed

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Chris Potter | Published: 10/5/2014

One of the key enforcement mechanisms of Pittsburgh’s campaign finance ordinance is defunct; other provisions are contradictory. In an apparent oversight, the law omits mayoral and city controller races from the definition of races it covers. “The law is completely meaningless; this is what you tend to get when you approach public policy from the position of public relations,” said city Controller Michael Lamb. Across the state, efforts to rein in political spending appear to have met with more success.

South Carolina – State and Federal Investigation Focuses on Political Action Committee Money, State Contracts

Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden | Published: 10/8/2014

Investigators from the State Law Enforcement Division and federal agencies have launched a broad inquiry into the actions of several members of the South Carolina House, focused at least in part on some members of the Ways and Means Committee. Sources in a position to know about the investigation said the probe revolves around allegations that lawmakers sold their votes, funneled money from the state budget into their own pockets, and misused money from a PAC.

Virginia – McAuliffe Aide Suggested Job for Senator’s Daughter If He Remained in His Seat

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 10/2/2014

Virginia Sen. Phillip Puckett abrupt exit from the Legislature, which flipped control of the chamber to the GOP and thwarted Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s goal of expanding health coverage, came amid accusations that Republicans had enticed him to leave with job offers for himself and his daughter, triggering an ongoing federal investigation. Now, a voice-mail message suggests Puckett fielded a similar overture from Paul Reagan, McAuliffe’s chief of staff, if he stayed in the Senate.

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.

Lobbying

“Leaner lobbying” by Tory Newmyer and Scott DeCarlo in Fortune.

“These 3 Corporations Have Spent the Most on Lobbying Since Obama Took Office” by Tess VendenDolder in InTheCapital.

Missouri: “Lobbyists give different stories to Missouri Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press in KBIA.

Ohio: “Large Ohio manufacturing employers form lobbying group” by Dan Gearino and Jim Siegel in The Columbus Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

“Dark money still a bit player” by Luke Wachob in The Hill.

“Political parties seek extra donor dollars after cancellation of federal money for political conventions” by Sabrina Eaton in The Plain Dealer.

Connecticut: “GOP accuses Kennedy of campaign finance violation” by Mark Pazniokas in The CT Mirror.

Florida: “How Campaign Finance Laws Make Florida Governor’s Race Unique” by Gina Jordan on WLRN.

Kansas: “In Kansas, funding of TV ads is one big mystery” by Philip Elliott (Associated Press) in the Chicago Sun-Times.

New Hampshire: “AG: Union broke campaign finance rules in donation to Hassan, must submit documentation” by Casey McDermott in the Concord Monitor.

Ethics

Maine: “Ethics commission to meet Friday on dueling complaints in Maine governor’s race” by Mike Russell in the Portland Press Herald.

Ohio: “JobsOhio appeared to avoid potential conflicts” by Randy Ludlow in The Columbus Dispatch.

South Carolina: “Reform advocate suggests abolishing SC ethics laws” by Cassie Cope in The State.

Virginia: “Virginia commission’s consideration of two-term governor ‘has nothing to do with ethics’” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.

Elections

“Court Decisions on Voting Rules Sow Confusion in State Races” by Trip Gabriel in The New York Times.

“Study: Voter ID laws hit minorities” by The Associated Press in Politico.

“Red or Blue, Politics Doesn’t Predict Where Women Win” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

North Carolina: “U.S. Supreme Court Upholds North Carolina’s Limits on Voting” by Anne Blythe in Governing.

Texas: “Texas Elections Don’t Have Many Debates” by Aman Batheja (Texas Tribune) in Governing.