June 13, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – June 13, 2014

National: What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014 According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on […]

National:

What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On

Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014

According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on highways and construction. The study found those projects and police programs provide the most opportunities for lawmakers to enrich themselves, and are positively correlated with state levels of corruption. Meanwhile, highly corrupt states also spend relatively less on health, education, and welfare, categories that were less susceptible to graft and bribery, found the report.

Federal:

Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books with Citizens United Ruling

National Journal – Shane Goldmacher | Published: 6/8/2014

Sources said a bipartisan coalition of FEC commissioners is finally moving to update its regulations in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling after years of stalemate. The proposed rules under consideration by commissioners are narrow in scope, mostly seeking to strip unconstitutional provisions from the books; the revisions would not include the stricter disclosure requirements that some Democrats have sought, said people involved in the matter. But the very fact the FEC is undertaking the effort at all is a significant development for an agency that has become synonymous with Washington gridlock and dysfunction.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Calif. Senate Adopts New Ethics Standards, Rejects Others

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/9/2014

The California Senate passed new rules that will create an ethics ombudsman, update the chamber’s code of conduct, and ban senators from collecting campaign checks during the last four weeks of the legislative session. But the Senate also shot down a bill that sought a broader campaign fundraising ban, and passed a watered-down ethics bill striking out an attempt to limit the value of travel that officials may take at the expense of interest groups who lobby them.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Denies Citizens United’s Press Pass

Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 6/5/2014

A request by conservative political group Citizens United to be treated as a media organization under Colorado election law was denied. The secretary of state’s office ruled an upcoming documentary featuring state politicians “is an electioneering communication” and does not fall under any of the exemptions to state laws requiring political groups to disclose financial donors when running ads that mention candidates within 60 days of an election.

Connecticut – Judge Rules for State’s Campaign Finance Law

Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahony | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal judge dismissed part of a Democratic Governors’ Association (DGA) lawsuit and denied the group’s bid for a preliminary injunction against Connecticut’s campaign finance laws that it said limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The DGA maintained that under laws adopted in 2013, the state unfairly treats independent money spent on ads and other political messages by the national group as contributions to particular candidates, and thus subject to donation limits.

Idaho – Ethics Proposal Would Stop Lobbyists from Lying to Lawmakers

Utah Policy – Brian Schott | Published: 6/10/2014

Idaho law prohibits lobbyists from intentionally giving false information to officials. The punishment is up to $100 fine and a one-year suspension of their lobbying license. But the law is basically unenforceable because it is nearly impossible to prove whether a lobbyist provided false information on purpose. State Sen. Daniel Thatcher wants to put more teeth into the statute.

Illinois – State Rep. Derrick Smith Found Guilty in Bribery Trial

Chicago Sun-Times – Kim Jansson | Published: 6/10/2014

A federal jury found Rep. Derrick Smith guilty of taking a $7,000 bribe to support a state grant for a day-care center. He was charged following an FBI undercover investigation that caught him talking about the payoff on tape. Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in 2012 after he was charged with taking the bribe. He won his seat back the same year, but lost the Democratic primary in March.

Maryland – City Chides Developer for Listing Campaign Contributions as Project Cost

Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 6/11/2014

Baltimore officials approved a deal to sell a pier for the development of a luxury hotel after reprimanding a developer for trying to include campaign contributions to local politicians as part of the project’s costs. Recreation Pier Developers listed donations to city Councilperson James Kraft and state Del. Peter Hammen as part of the more than $3 million it has spent on the project. “The developers believe campaign contributions buys access and helps build a relationship …,” said Maryland Common Cause Director Jennifer Bevan-Dangel.

Maryland – Hershey v. Hershey: Chocolate company sues state senator over campaign signs

Baltimore Sun – Ian Duncan | Published: 6/9/2014

In a federal lawsuit, the Hershey Company asked a judge to stop Maryland Sen. Stephen Hershey, Jr. from using campaign materials that it believes are too similar to its own logo and packaging. The senator’s name, in block capital letters over a brown Maryland flag, looks strikingly similar to the wrapper of a certain confection, the chocolate maker says, an impermissible use of what it calls its “trade dress.”

Nevada – In Nevada, Nobody Wins (Sort-Of)

Politico – Steven Shepard | Published: 6/11/2014

More Democratic primary voters cast ballots for “None of these candidates” than for any actual candidates for governor in Nevada, a testament to a weak field looking to challenge popular Gov. Brian Sandoval and a unique state election law that allows voters the none-of-the-above option. “None” led the way with 30 percent of the vote. Finishing second was former state economic development director Robert Goodman, who won 25 percent of the vote.

North Carolina – N.C. Investigating Donations by Sweepstakes Industry

The Virginian-Pilot – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 6/11/2014

The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal probe into campaign contributions from the video sweepstakes industry to some of North Carolina’s top elected officials. The Associated Press reported last year that donations from gaming software magnate Chase Burns, who was pushing for legalization of his industry in North Carolina, may have violated state laws prohibiting corporate money from “directly or indirectly” funding political campaigns.

Pennsylvania – A Bad Bet: GOP Governors Assn. crossed state law with donation

Philadelphia Daily News – Chris Brennan | Published: 6/11/2014

The Republican Governors Association transferred nearly $1 million to its Pennsylvania PAC – the largest donor to Gov. Tom Corbett’s re-election bid – from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a blunder that appears to breach the state’s gaming act. State law bars casino owners and executives from giving to candidates, political parties, or committees. Adelson chairs the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns a casino in Bethlehem.

South Carolina – South Carolina Senate Postpones Vote on Ethics Compromise after House Grudgingly Passes

Columbus Republic – Andrew Coffman Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 6/5/2014

The South Carolina General Assembly was on the cusp of passing its first attempt at ethics reform in 20 years when Sen. Lee Bright filibustered a vote on the bill. The House had passed the legislation but the Senate chose to wait until June 17 to consider the measure. The reform bill raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200, and super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.

Virginia – Cantor Loss Throws Congress into Disarray

Washington Post – Paul Kane | Published: 6/10/2014

In one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was soundly defeated by a tea party-backed economics professor who had hammered him for being insufficiently conservative. The result delivered a major jolt to the Republican Party as Cantor had widely been considered the top candidate to succeed Speaker John Boehner, and it has the potential to change both the debate in Washington on immigration and, possibly, the midterm elections.

Virginia – GOP Has Claimed Control of Va. Senate, Forced Democrats to Cave over Medicaid Impasse

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella and Michael Laris | Published: 6/9/2014

The resignation of a Democratic senator in Virginia that flipped control of the chamber to Republicans set off charges of an unseemly deal and threatened Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s chances of expanding Medicaid under the president’s health care law. State Sen. Phillip Puckett’s sudden decision to step down from his seat may tip a stalemate in favor of Republicans opposed to expanding Medicaid to 400,000 poor and disabled residents. Democrats accused Republicans of masterminding Puckett’s resignation by promising him a plum job and speeding the appointment of his daughter to a state judgeship.

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.

June 12, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Lobby groups hunker down for storm” by Bernie Becker and Benjamin Goad in The Hill. “Cantor’s K Street value: Off the charts” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Tech firm looks to bring bitcoins to campaigns” […]

June 11, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Sallie Mae spin-off registers to lobby” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Amplifyd: Crowd-Sourced Lobbying Launches Website” by Annie Spiegelman in The Huffington Post. “Politico: Wall Street Loses an Ally With Cantor’s Defeat” […]

June 10, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Koch brothers add to K Street force” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Washington Redskins Improve Defense With K Street Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. Campaign Finance California: “Fremont nonprofit group […]

June 9, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “ALEC Goes Local” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing. Illinois: “Andy Shaw: Lobbying by ex-U.S. rep doesn’t violate law, just our trust” by Andy […]

June 6, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – June 6, 2014

National: Betting on a Brand When Politics Is the Family Business New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 5/29/2014 Surveys have shown past experiences with a product or memories of family and friends using it shaped consumers’ buying decisions. […]

National:

Betting on a Brand When Politics Is the Family Business

New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 5/29/2014

Surveys have shown past experiences with a product or memories of family and friends using it shaped consumers’ buying decisions. Democrats’ hopes of holding the U.S. Senate this fall rest significantly on the political equivalent of that “brand capital.” In four states that usually lean Republican, Democrats will be running candidates from families with multigenerational records of political success. If at least two of the four legacy candidates can eke out victories, the Democrats’ chances of holding the Senate will be better than even.

‘Colbert Report’ Taught Viewers More about Super PACs than Cable News

U.S. News & World Report – Tierney Sneed | Published: 6/2/2014

Leading up to the last presidential election, the faux conservative host of ‘The Colbert Report” created a super PAC and a secretive “dark money” group on his show. Viewers who saw those satirical segments were significantly better informed about the role of money in politics than viewers of any other news channels, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Stephen Colbert created Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow with the help of former FEC Chairperson Trevor Potter. “The Colbert Report” was particularly effective because of the detail the show went into, and the narrative arc of its examination that lasted many months throughout the election cycle.

Federal:

Exodus Hits Patton Boggs

Politico – Anna Palmer and Byron Tau | Published: 6/4/2014

After Patton Boggs’ recent merger with Squire Sanders was finalized, so many lawyers and lobbyists fled the firm that moving trucks lined up in front of its K Street headquarters. One Patton Boggs insider estimated 200 attorneys, lobbyists, and staff, through layoffs, buyouts, and departures, will have left the firm by the time everything settles down. At its peak in recent years, the firm had about 500 lawyers and lobbyists.

The New Landscape of Lobbying

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 6/1/2014

The lobbying industry, once dominated by a handful of big, powerful personalities, has given way to a broader and more grassroots business that has more voices – and must influence more decision makers – than ever before. The Washington Post highlighted some of the lobby firms that are shaking things up, either by starting anew, transforming their structure to do business differently, or experimenting with new ways to broker change through social media and other outlets.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – After 17 Years at Helm, Executive Director Announces Retirement from Alabama Ethics Commission

Columbus Republic – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 6/4/2014

Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director James Sumner is retiring on October 1, ending more than 17 years as the agency’s top staff member. Sumner made note of his efforts to strengthen the ethics code, which culminated in lawmakers passing legislation that included reducing the amount a lobbyist could spend on entertaining a public official, giving subpoena power to the Ethics Commission, and guaranteeing an annual appropriation to the commission so it would not be subject to legislative whims.

California – Indicted Yee Gets a Quarter-Million Votes for Secretary of State

Los Angeles Times – Phil Willon | Published: 6/4/2014

Charges of corruption and gun-running conspiracy notwithstanding, almost 10 percent California voters thought suspended state Sen. Leland Yee should become secretary of state. He was arrested in March and indicted several days later as part of a sweeping investigation into organized crime. Yee had dropped out of the race, but not before a deadline to remove his name from the ballot had passed.

Colorado – Colorado Mulls Forcing Citizens United to Disclose Donor Identities

Colorado Independent – Tessa Cheek | Published: 6/4/2014

Political-advocacy group Citizens United is asking for its upcoming film on Colorado politics to be exempt from the state’s campaign finance laws. The group plans to release the film shortly before the upcoming November election, containing images of and messages about Colorado politicians, though it will not expressly advocate a position on races. If the group gains status as a news media organization, it will not be required to disclose its donors or file campaign finance information around the launch and promotion of its film.

District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Michael A. Brown Gets More Than 3 Years in Bribery Case

Washington Post – Ann Marimow and Mike DeBonis | Published: 5/29/2014

Former District of Columbia Councilperson Michael Brown was sentenced to more than three years in prison for taking bribes in an undercover FBI sting, a comparatively stiff sentence from a judge who said “we cannot have city government run this way.” In the sting operation, Brown took $55,000 in cash payments, handed to him in rolls and stacks of $100 bills transmitted in coffee mugs and duffel bags. The undercover FBI agent was posing as a businessperson seeking preferential treatment on government contracts.

District of Columbia – Vultures on K Street? Yes, Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Washington Post – Theresa Vargas | Published: 6/2/2014

Tell people two vultures have made a home at the intersection of K and 11th streets in Washington, D.C. and they will likely ask the same question Charlie Dewitt did. “The bird variety?” he wondered. K Street is renowned for office buildings filled with highly paid, powerful lobbyists who, along with others in the city’s political food chain, are often called scavengers – and worse. “We have vultures and turkeys and other kinds of creatures here,” joked Dewitt, a lobbyist who has worked in Washington for 25 years.

Maine – Maine Nixes Cap That Limits How Much Individuals Can Give to Campaigns

Lewiston Sun Journal – Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 6/4/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will not enforce the state’s $25,000 aggregate limit on campaign contributions by individuals, based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. The change means anyone can donate as much as they want across a range of candidates, though caps on how much each campaign can receive from an individual remain in place. “The commission has determined that it will not enforce the … aggregate limit … during 2014 unless and until it receives further guidance from the … Legislature or a court …,” according to the opinion.

New York – Ex-Brooklyn Prosecutor Charles J. Hynes Accused of Misuse of Funds

New York Times – Stephanie Clifford and William Rashbaum | Published: 6/2/2014

A report by New York City’s Department of Investigation accuses former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes of using money seized from drug dealers and criminal defendants to pay for a political consultant. Barry Kamins, the administrative judge for the city’s criminal courts, was also implicated in the case. The report said Kamins violated the judicial code of ethics by advising Hynes on his campaign, offering legal advice, and discussing matters the district attorney’s office was actively prosecuting.

North Carolina – Patrick Cannon Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charge

Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo and Elizabeth Leland | Published: 6/3/2014

Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An FBI sting recorded him accepting more than $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room, and the use of a luxury apartment from undercover agents posing as estate developers who wanted to do business in the city. Cannon was arrested on March 26 and resigned the same day, less than six months after taking office.

South Carolina – SC Lawmakers Agree on Ethics Reform but ‘Most Important Part … Not Getting Done’

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 6/4/2014

A conference committee in the South Carolina Legislature agreed to drop a proposal to establish an independent commission to investigate ethics violations. The compromise reform bill, which is expected to be approved before the legislative session adjourns, raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200. Super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.

Utah – Johnson: Swallow had me launder donations to Lee’s campaign

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 6/4/2014

Indicted businessperson Jeremy Johnson told investigators he helped launder tens of thousands of dollars to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s 2010 campaign at the request of former Utah Attorney General John Swallow, according to an affidavit. Johnson said gave about $50,000 to other people who then donated to Lee’s campaign, circumventing election law that sets maximum individual donations to candidates.

West Virginia – Ethics Commission Fires Executive Director

Charleston Daily Mail – Dave Boucher | Published: 6/5/2014

The West Virginia Ethics Commission fired Executive Director Joan Parker after a lengthy executive session. Commission members gave no reason for their decision. “If you, commissioners, choose to end my employment, I will leave with my head held high knowing that throughout my tenure I have dedicated my efforts to maintaining the integrity of the Ethics Commission and have done everything within my power, even when it was unpopular, to promote compliance with the ethics act,” Parker said before the vote.

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.

June 5, 2014 • Written by Allyson Smith

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Caterpillar hires Ray LaHood as a consultant” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Stephen Colbert exults in Colbert-crowning study” by Erik Wemple in The Washington Post. California: “The Election’s Over, Where Does The Money Go?” by […]

June 4, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “A lifetime ban on lobbying for lawmakers?” by Cristina Marcos in The Hill. Campaign Finance “FEC Summarizes Campaign Activity of the First 12 Months of the 2013-2014 Election Cycle” news release on the Federal […]

June 3, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Exodus grows at Patton Boggs” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Wyden-World Comes to GPhA Government Affairs | Downtown Moves” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call. Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance and Free Speech: Panelists talked about Supreme Court […]

June 2, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “The new landscape of lobbying” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post. “Lobbyists group backs disclosure reforms” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Reid, McConnell to Testify at Campaign Finance First Amendment Hearing” by Niels Lesniewski […]

June 2, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Anne Arundel County, Maryland to Restrict Lobbyist Campaign Activities

A bill restricting the political activities of lobbyists registered with the county is set for public hearing on June 2, 2014. Bill No. 39-14 would prohibit registered lobbyists from soliciting campaign contributions, serving on a fundraising committee, acting as a […]

May 30, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

GAO Report on Lobbying Compliance Released

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its audit of federal lobbying compliance for 2013. For the audit, the GAO reviewed a random sample of 104 quarterly disclosure reports filed for the third and fourth quarters of calendar year 2012 […]

May 30, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – May 30, 2014

Federal: Harry Reid’s Attacks on Koch Brothers Send GOP Donors into the Shadows Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 5/29/2014 Several prominent pro-Republican advocacy groups say they are benefiting from a burst of cash as some donors, fearful of […]

Federal:

Harry Reid’s Attacks on Koch Brothers Send GOP Donors into the Shadows

Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 5/29/2014

Several prominent pro-Republican advocacy groups say they are benefiting from a burst of cash as some donors, fearful of harsh public attacks such as those aimed at the billionaire Koch brothers by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, turn away from political committees required under federal law to reveal their contributors. Reid has escalated his criticisms of the Kochs and their influence within the GOP in recent months, lodging sharply personal attacks against the brothers, often from the Senate floor. “We’ve heard from donors that they don’t want to get ‘Koched,'” said one Republican operative who works with outside groups.

I.R.S. Delays New Rules on Taxation for Activists

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 5/22/2014

The IRS is rewriting new rules intended to clarify how the agency defines political activity and how much nonprofit groups are allowed to spend on it and still keep their tax exempt status. The IRS will delay a public hearing it planned to hold this summer until the controversial regulations are revised. The agency said it made the decision after receiving 150,000 comments about the changes, the biggest public response to any proposed rule in its history. The delay means new rules will not be in place before Election Day.

Patton Boggs Agrees to Merger with Squire Sanders

Washington Post – Catherine Ho and Holly Yeager | Published: 5/23/2014

Patton Boggs, a Washington, D.C. lobbying and legal powerhouse for decades, is merging with a larger firm, Squire Sanders, in a move that saves Patton Boggs from drift or dissolution. The new firm will be named Squire Patton Boggs. The merger is expected to take effect by June 1. The end of Patton Boggs as a standalone firm is a tale of a changing industry, where a firm’s ability to influence a few key powerbrokers is giving way to the need to sway larger groups of lawmakers and the public as a whole.

RNC Files Suit to Raise Unlimited Cash for Elections

San Gabriel Valley News; Associated Press – | Published: 5/22/2014

The Republican National Committee sued for the right to raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures that advocate for a candidate’s election. The suit seeks to eliminate an annual $32,400 per person limit on contributions to the party, making its independent spending similar that of a super PAC. The committee did not challenge limits on contributions made directly to campaigns.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Arkansas Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Electronic Campaign Contributions

The Times Record; Arkansas News Bureau – | Published: 5/23/2014

The Arkansas Ethics Commission said a national organization that accepts campaign contributions electronically does not have to require Arkansas donors to submit personal information each time they make a donation if the information is already recorded. The commission issued an advisory opinion at the request of ActBlue, a PAC that raises money for Democratic candidates across the country.

California – Chiu Lobbying Legislation Heads to Full Board of Supervisors Next Month

San Francisco Chronicle – Marisa Logos | Published: 5/27/2014

Proposed changes to San Francisco’s lobbying ordinance seek to close loopholes that critics say have allowed some of the city’s most prolific lobbyists to avoid registering. Current law exempts licensed attorneys from registering as lobbyists, even if they are not actually acting as a lawyer. The legislation also changes the definition of a lobbyist, basing it on the number of times a person contacts city officials instead of how much he or she is paid for lobbying activities.

California – Guiding Voters to Candidates with the Right Wallets

Los Angeles Times – Evan Halper | Published: 5/27/2014

Like so many other Silicon Valley startups, a project from two Stanford University professors, www.crowdpac.com, is rooted in an algorithm. This one is fueled by campaign money. The academics view campaign disclosure reports as a treasure trove of data that can be used to connect neophyte politicos with like-minded candidates. Crowdpac’s motto: “It turns out the best guide to what a politician will do is not what comes out of their mouth, but what goes into their wallet.”

Maine – Maine Ethics Panel Imposes Record Fine on National Organization for Marriage

Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 5/28/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices fined the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) more than $50,000 and ordered it to file a report that would reveal the donors behind the group’s 2009 effort to repeal the state’s gay marriage law, a decision that could affect how nonprofit organizations attempt to influence elections. The commission ruled NOM failed to properly register as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports in the referendum that struck down same-sex marriage before it was legalized by voters in 2012.

Minnesota – Ritchie Cuts out Immunity Cards for Legislators

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Abby Simons | Published: 5/22/2014

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will no longer distribute “Get Out of Jail Free” cards to Minnesota lawmakers. The decision brings an end to the wallet-sized cards that say lawmakers “in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest” while the Legislature is in session. Historically, the cards were issued to keep adverse interests from arresting lawmakers to prevent them from voting, but have raised concerns among some who fear they literally put legislators above the law, including getting them out of drunken driving or other arrests.

Mississippi – For Tea Party, Senate Race in Mississippi Is the Last Chance to Oust an Incumbent

New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 5/28/2014

Mississippi politics has always had a rough edge under the veneer of Southern gentility, but the race for the U.S. Senate between incumbent Thad Cochran and state Sen. Chris McDaniel has reached another level. The race represents the last chance for tea party activists to topple an incumbent senator, and it appears that little is off limits in the campaign.

New Jersey – A Limit to Pension Investing Oversight as Political Donations from Executives Can Go Unchecked

Bergen Record – Melissa Hayes and John Reitmeyer | Published: 5/27/2014

New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law makes it clear that executives and their employees working on the state’s pension fund investments cannot donate to candidates and political committees. But those venture capital firms and hedge funds often take the state pension dollars and invest them in other companies whose executives do not have to disclose their campaign contributions. The complex nature of those investments, the inability of the law to cover all their financial relationships, and the lack of any public database like the one for state contractors make tracking political connections difficult.

New York – New York Elections Board: $150,000 campaign donation limit on individuals won’t be enforced

The Tribune – Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) | Published: 5/27/2014

The New York Board of Elections ruled the state’s $150,000 annual limit on aggregate campaign donations by individuals will no longer be enforced. The contributions would be restricted only by how much a politician, party, or group can receive under various limits set in election law. For example, a statewide candidate can accept no more than $41,100 from a single donor. The board agreed the $150,000 limit is unenforceable following recent court rulings.

Pennsylvania – How Philly’s Most Powerful Ed Reform Group Broke the Law

Philadelphia City Paper – Daniel Denvir | Published: 5/23/2014

The city ethics board levied a fine of $1,500 against the Philadelphia School Partnership for failing to register as a lobbying principal and not filing required disclosure reports. The partnership, a local nonprofit raising millions of dollars in a bid to improve public, private, and charter schools, said it was initially unaware that the city’s definition of lobbying was broader than those used by the state and federal governments.

Virginia – Ethics Law Addresses Virginia Officials’ Financial Dealings, But Database Is a Tall Order

Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 5/26/2014

Under a new law, the public should be able to scrutinize a wide variety of Virginia officeholders’ financial data and gifts they receive with a quick check online. But unanswered questions about how the electronic clearinghouse will be set up could make it harder, not easier, to see the information. Officials are struggling with the difficult and potentially expensive reality of carrying out the law. As a result, they are considering a simpler, less searchable system that would make it more difficult to scrutinize the records.

Virginia – McAuliffe Vetoes Ethics Bill after Amendments Rejected

Richmond Times Dispatch – Olympia Meoli | Published: 5/23/2014

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed identical ethics reform bills limiting certain gifts to him after the General Assembly rejected amendments he proposed to place that limit on lawmakers. The bills aimed to ban the governor from soliciting or accepting gifts worth more than $50 from those seeking grants or no-interest loans from a state economic development fund.

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.

May 28, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Wisconsin GAB Drafts New Lobbyist Contribution Guidelines

The Government Accountability Board (GAB) is seeking comment on new guidelines for lobbyist campaign contributions. Following changes to campaign fundraising rules pursuant to 2013 Wisconsin Act 153, GAB concluded a lobbyist may deliver or convey a campaign contribution on behalf […]

News You Can Use Digest – June 13, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – June 6, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Monday News Roundup

Anne Arundel County, Maryland to Restrict Lobbyist Campaign Activities

GAO Report on Lobbying Compliance Released

News You Can Use Digest – May 30, 2014

Wisconsin GAB Drafts New Lobbyist Contribution Guidelines

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