Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Clark Hill adds two in public affairs” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“#Modernlobbying: Why bankers are tweeting for regulatory relief” by Mark Holan in Washington Business Journals.

Virginia: “Taxicab industry has history of lobbying, donations” by Kathryn Watson on Watchdog.org.

Campaign Finance

“Shedding New Light on Dark Money” by Timothy Karr on The Huffington Post.

“Campaign finance laws vary widely from state to state, report says” by Patrick Marley in the Journal Sentinel.

“How Cozy Can Candidates Be With Political Groups? It All Depends” by Rachel Baye (Center for Public Integrity) on NBC News.

Massachusetts: “Gubernatorial candidates back campaign disclosure bill” by Jim O’Sullivan in The Boston Globe.

Montana: “Super PAC spending $1.7M in Montana Senate race” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin among several states with dust-ups over campaign coordination with outside groups” by Bill Leuders in WisconsinWatch.org.

Ethics

“Congress Quietly Deletes a Key Disclosure of Free Trips Lawmakers Take” by Shane Goldmacher in National Journal.

“Pelosi to Ethics panel: Require lawmakers to report free trips” by Mike Lillis in The Hill.

Missouri: “Streetcar ethics complaint goes away — for now” by Austin Alonzo in the Kansas City Business Journal.

New York: “New York State Senator Indicted” by Erica Orden and Sean Gardner in The Wall Street Journal.

West Virginia: “Tomblin names members of new Ethics Commission” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Governments Struggling to Get Social Media Right” by Jonathan Walters in Governing.

“DigitalGov rolls out 3 new social media toolkits in quest for ‘social government’” by Greg Otto in FedScoop.

“The Looming Crisis in Voting Technology” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Lobbying

Florida: “Florida lobbyists to hold annual industry summit Sept. 3-5 in Tampa” in Saint Peters Blog.

Minnesota: “Capitol Chatter: Greater Minnesota cities’ group leads in lobbying costs” by Don Davis in the Morris Sun Tribune.

Rhode Island: “State postpones hearing into possible lobbying violations against lawyer” on WJAR NBC News.

Campaign Finance

“Candidates Rush to Collect Funds by June 30th Deadline” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “FPPC hands down fines for area campaign finance violations” in Los Angeles Wave News.

California: “Oakland tries to close campaign finance loophole” by Matthew Artz in the Contra Costa Times.

Delaware: “Campaign-finance bills go to governor” by Jon Offredo in The News Journal.

Maryland: “Does increased campaign spending sway odds of winning?” by Phil Davis on DelmarvaNow.com.

Massachusetts: “Super PAC aims to end all other super PACs” by Akilah Johnson in The Boston Globe.

Ohio: “Jury deliberations to begin in Ben Suarez campaign finance case” by Phil Trexler in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Wyoming: “Wyoming group sues over campaign finance laws” on KGWN CBS News.

Ethics

“Rangel wrangled in potential ethics probe?” by Tim Devaney in The Hill.

Arizona: “Horne hires political backers to investigate his office” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Arkansas: “Arkansas judge fined in campaign-gifts case” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

California: “O.C. Grand Jury again calls for ethics commission” by Adolfo Flores in the Daily Pilot.

Florida: “Ex-partner of Ponzi schemer gets 2 ½ years” by The Associated Press in the Connecticut Post.

Virginia: “Changing laws in Virginia take effect Tuesday” by Bill Sizemore in The Virginian-Pilot.

Government Tech and Social Media

Oregon: “Oregon website breach: State officials failed to patch ‘high risk’ software problem” by Yuxing Zheng in The Oregonian.

Texas: “City Responds to Negative Tweets with Humor” by Kristi Dalton on Government Technology.

National:

Wisconsin Governor Scandal Shows States as New Front in Fight for Dark Money Disclosure

Sunlight Foundation – Stan Oklobdzija | Published: 6/25/2014

As prospects for any regulations at the federal level seem murky at best, it appears the fight against clandestine political donors may be leaving Washington, D.C. and entering statehouses around the country. The Sunlight Foundation reported that at least 18 bills introduced during the most recent legislative sessions in various states would impose new disclosure rules or amend existing regulations regarding independent expenditures.

Federal:

Thousands of Missing Emails at IRS: What’s it all about?

Los Angeles Times – Joseph Tanfani | Published: 6/24/2014

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen disclosed that emails sent by Lois Lerner, the former director of the agency’s division that oversaw tax-exempt groups, were lost when her computer hard drive crashed in 2011. Koskinen told Congress that eight other hard drives from potential recipients had crashed as well. Republicans have seized on the missing emails, alleging in hearings that their disappearance is evidence of a cover-up by the IRS over a scheme to target conservative nonprofits seeking tax exempt status.

Venture Capital Firm Settles S.E.C. Charges over ‘Pay-to-Play’

New York Times – William Alden | Published: 6/20/2014

TL Ventures agreed to pay almost $300,000 to settle charges it violated the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “pay-to-play” rules. The SEC prohibits investment firms from providing paid services to a government client for two years after a contribution by the firm or an employee to candidates or officials who could influence the management of public assets. The agency said TL Ventures continued to receive advisory fees from the city and state pension funds immediately following campaign donations made by an associate in 2011 to the Pennsylvania governor and a candidate for mayor of Philadelphia.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida – Unknown Candidate for Governor with Questionable Donations Asks State for Public Campaign Money

Naples Daily News – Matt Dixon | Published: 6/20/2014

Obscure Florida gubernatorial candidate Yinka Adeshina has received 12 campaign contributions worth $3,000 from an address listed as 400 West Park in Tallahassee. But that address would fall in the middle of Tallahassee’s Old City Cemetery. Another six contributions worth $1,500 came from donors who share an address with a Best Buy. Adeshina lists a total of $182,080 in donations, which would make her eligible to receive nearly $100,000 in public funds for her campaign.

Georgia – Changes Ahead for Ga. Ethics Commission

Macon Telegraph – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 6/21/2014

The Georgia ethics commission has been mired in staffing issues, lawsuits, and allegations of outside influence. Now that the commission has opted to avoid what could have been a lengthy court battle and settle with three former employees, a key question is whether the agency will finally begin to make progress on more than 100 cases that have remained opened for months and sometimes years. The commission hopes to jumpstart the process of resolving cases by hiring up to two staff attorneys in the next month or two.

Hawaii – An Inside Look at the Hawaii Super PAC That Helped Defeat Cayetano

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 6/19/2014

PRP, an advocacy group for the Hawaii Carpenters Union and contractors, spent more than $3 million in 2012 to dismantle Ben Cayetano’s Honolulu mayoral campaign and keep the city’s $5.26 billion rail project on track. Emails obtained as part of Cayetano’s defamation lawsuit against the group provide an unprecedented glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of one of Hawaii’s most powerful independent expenditure committees. Such groups are allowed to receive and spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.

Illinois – Event Honoring Quinn Raises ‘Pay to Play’ Issues

Washington Times – Carla Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 6/20/2014

The Roosevelt Group, a lobbying firm with close ties to a key subcontractor hired to promote the nation’s health care law in Illinois, hosted a fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) “honoring Pat Quinn,” according to an invitation that lists suggested sponsorship levels of between $2,500 and $20,000. The DGA formed a PAC last fall to support Quinn’s re-election as governor. Critics said the event raises questions about “pay-to-play” in the state’s highly competitive governor’s race.

Indiana – IEDC Contractor Steers Indiana Investment Funds to Firms Run by Its Chairman and His Son

Indianapolis Star – Alex Campbell | Published: 6/19/2014

In 2011, Indiana hired the private nonprofit Elevate Ventures to choose startup companies to receive taxpayer dollars. An Indianapolis Star investigation has uncovered possible conflicts-of-interest in the arrangement, which has triggered a federal probe. The newspaper discovered a company run by Elevate founder Howard Bates received $500,000 in state money from an Elevate-run fund. Elevate was authorized to distribute the money to the companies connected to Bates without state approval, despite the fact it was public money.

Massachusetts – House Supports Super PAC Disclosure Bill, Boosts Donation Limits

MassLive.com – Colleen Quinn (State House News Service) | Published: 6/25/2014

The Massachusetts House passed legislation that would require corporations, labor unions, and other entities to disclose expenditures in statewide, county, or local races, as well as the sources of their funding, within seven days. The top five donors to an independent expenditure group would also have to be listed in the organization’s television or newspaper advertisement. House Bill 4226 raises the individual limits on annual campaign contributions for any one candidate from $500 to $1,000.

Mississippi – How Cochran Bounced Back from Disaster

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 6/25/2014

Following Mississippi’s June 3 Republican primary, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s staff members were crestfallen at the results of an election that deprived the incumbent of an electoral majority. With Cochran forced into a run-off against an aggressive and energetic challenger, a dark mood shadowed his backers in Washington and Mississippi. Yet almost immediately, the Cochran coalition began bouncing back. One aide paraphrased Cochran adviser Stuart Stevens’ primary-night message: “We’re going to figure this out and it’s going to be something you remember for the rest of your life.”

Nebraska – Lobbying Report Shows Millions Spent to Influence State Senators

Lincoln Journal Star – JoAnne Young | Published: 6/20/2014

A report by Nebraska Common Cause said special interests spend nearly $14 million a year to influence state lawmakers. But the watchdog maintains it is difficult to measure the full impact of lobbying money on the Legislature. Senators must report only gifts valued over $100. The companies and organizations that hire lobbyists only report total expenditures; food and beverages are exempt. And golf outings, luncheons, holiday gifts, birthday gifts, wedding presents, and tickets to events are difficult to track to specific senators, said the report.

South Carolina – SC Ethics Reform Bill Dies

The State – Andrew Shain | Published: 6/19/2014

South Carolina’s legislative session ended without the Senate voting on an ethics reform measure that Republicans who took the podium to run out the clock denounced as too watered down. The bill’s key components required officeholders to disclose all of their income sources, though not the amounts, and required third-party groups raising money to defeat or elect candidates to disclose their donors and expenses. An ethics bill can be reintroduced in January when a new session begins.

Virginia – Va. Officials Skeptical of U.S. Interest in Phillip Puckett’s Resignation from State Senate

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Matt Zapotosky, and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 6/19/2014

Federal investigators have interviewed officials and sought documents in connection with the resignation of then-state Sen. Philip Puckett, which handed Republicans control of the Virginia Senate at a critical time and was connected to job prospects for him and his daughter. Puckett said there was no quid pro quo but withdrew his name from consideration for a top job with the state tobacco commission. But even some of Puckett’s most prominent critics expressed mixed feelings about a federal inquiry into a matter that many considered unseemly but not criminal.

Wisconsin – Conservative Group Targets State’s Political Committee Donation Limits

Wisconsin State Journal – Matthew DeFour | Published: 6/24/2014

A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging a Wisconsin law that limits the aggregate amount of money candidates can collect from PACs. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) filed the lawsuit on behalf of the political arm of conservative group CRG Network. CRG argues its First Amendment rights to free speech and free association have been denied because of the limits. The institute’s legal team previously won a case challenging the cap on aggregate donations by individuals.

Wisconsin – Scott Walker Case Shows Growing Closeness between Politicians and Wealthy Allies

Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 6/23/2014

The investigation of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his allies over alleged illegal coordination has been challenged as unconstitutional, and it is unclear if it will proceed. Still, the inquiry is being watched closely by campaign strategists and legal experts as a major test of what practices cross the line in the loosely governed and increasingly murky area of big-money politics. The growing influence of super PACs and politically active nonprofits, which can raise unlimited funds, has eroded the once-thick wall between official campaigns and outside interest groups.

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.

Lobbying

“From Milwaukee to Milan, Uber’s Battles Are Mostly Local” by Tom Curry in Roll Call.

Texas: “State regulators set for conservative activist’s lobbying trial” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.

Campaign Finance

“Senate Dems float campaign finance bill” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Democrats Reintroduce DISCLOSE Act” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“Kenneth Vogel on Campaign Finance” video on C-SPAN.

“Millionaires Keep Shoveling Money Into Politics” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“California Lawmakers Back Amendment Overturning Citizens United” by Mollie Reilly in The Huffington Post.

North Carolina: “House OKs bill allowing more electronic filings” by The Associated Press in WWAY ABC News.

Wisconsin: “State lawmakers collect most money from outside spenders” by Adam Rodewald in the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Ethics

California: “California Senate panel shelves GOP ethics bill” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Elections

“Live election results: June 24” in The Washington Post.

“Election night: Key House primaries” by Steven Shepard, Elizabeth Titus and Tarini Parti in Politico.

Colorado: “2014 Colorado primary election results” on ABC News Denver.

Maryland: “Brown, Hogan win gubernatorial nominations; Democrat Frosh wins attorney general contest” by John Wagner and Jenna Johnson in The Washington Post.

“2014 Maryland Primary Election results” on WBAL TV News.

Mississippi: “Inside the Thad Cochran comeback” by Alexander Burns in Politico.

New York: “Charles Rangel leads; Adriano Espaillat won’t concede” by A;ex Isenstadt in Politico.

New York: “Tea Party doesn’t sway New York GOP voters in primary” by David Robinson in the Albany Business Review.

Oklahoma: “Tuesday’s Election Results” in Tulsa World.

Government Tech and Social Media

“NCSL Launches Elections Administration Research Database” by Michael D. Hernandez on The NCSL Blog.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics has created a tip line and website allowing the public to report alleged ethical violations by state officials and lobbyists, including improper gifts, conflicts of interest, nepotism, abuse of power, and sexual harassment.

To report violations, call 1-800-87-ETHICS or visit http://reportmisconduct.ny.gov.

On June 20, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed the state’s two-year budget with a series of line-item vetoes. With plans to introduce stronger ethics reform legislation in next year’s General Assembly session, he vetoed all funding for the Virginia Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.

The council, established to oversee state ethics provisions related to lobbying, gifts, and conflicts of interest, is a product of the recent omnibus ethics reform bill signed by the governor in April.

Lawmakers needed two-thirds of the votes in each legislative body to override the veto; the House overrode the veto on Monday but the closely divided Senate lacked enough votes to follow suit. The veto of funding for the ethics commission was sustained.

Photo of Gov. McAuliffe courtesy of Kate Wellington on Wikimedia Commons.

Gov. Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 846 into law on Friday, June 20, 2014. The ethics bill takes effect July 1, 2014 and requires lobbyists at Florida’s five water management districts to register and file periodic reports with the Lobbyist Registration Office of the Florida Legislature.

The original version of the bill would have required lobbyist registration for individuals seeking to influence any of the 136 independent special districts statewide. Such independent special districts include water management districts, hospital districts, and any other independent special district that exercises ad valorem taxing authority. The final version, however, only requires lobbyist registration for individuals seeking to influence Florida’s water management districts.

Rep. Kathleen Passidomo considered the original version of the bill too broad, thus revising the bill in committee to only impose lobbyist registration on water management districts. Passidomo has said if registration works smoothly at the water districts, the Legislature may consider requiring more special districts to register lobbyists.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“In the trenches of global trade” by Vicki Needham in The Hill.

Minnesota: “Local government lobbying costs increased to $8 million in 2013” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in The Star Tribune.

New York: “NY ethics and lobbying commission creates tip line” by The Associated Press in the Utica Observer Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

“A New Era for Pay-to-Play” by Jason Abel on Rick Hasen’s Election Law Blog.

“Scott Walker case shows growing closeness between politicians and wealthy allies” by Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger in The Washington Post.

District of Columbia: “Smith, former Ward 1 D.C. Council candidate, pleads guilty in campaign finance scheme” by Keith Alexander in The Washington Post.

Mississippi: “Outside Spending, Dark Money Pour into Mississippi Runoff” by Ian Vendewalker in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Honolulu Ethics Commission Complains of Affronts to Its Independence” by Sophie Cocke in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Virginia: “Va. House tosses out Gov. McAuliffe’s vetoes on Medicaid, judges; GOP reorganizes state Senate” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“6 Things to Watch in Tuesday’s Primaries” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

Arkansas: “Arkansas Legislature: Special Session Discussions Down To Lottery” by John Lyon in the Times Record.

Hawaii: “Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he intends to veto 10 bills” by Braelyn Wood in Pacific Business News.

New York: “Winners and Losers in NY State’s 2014 Legislative Session” by The Associated Press in the Epoch Times.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Google+ is Here to Stay, Company Exec Says” in Government Technology.

House Bill 735, signed by the governor on June 16, 2014, made changes to the lobbyist fee structure. Effective July 1, 2014, the initial registration fee for lobbyists and lobbyist employers will increase from $25 to $60. The employer fee for each additional lobbyist will increase from $5 to $15. The lobbyist fee for each additional employer will also increase from $5 to $15.

Senate Bill 86 was amended this year to include additional changes to the state’s lobbying law. Effective July 1, 2014, the Secretary of State’s Office will no longer mail disclosure forms to lobbyists and employers. Forms will be made available on the website no later than 30 days prior to the deadline.

Additionally, contracts with legislators or administrative officials are no longer treated as a type of expenditure and will be reported on their own line on the form.

Lobbying

“K Street powerhouse loses founding partner” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Is Akin Gump the New King of K Street?” by Marisa M. Kashino in the Washingtonian.

“Lobbyists want spot on Team Scalise” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“K Street hits the jackpot with casino magnate” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Study Examines Role Of Citizens United Ruling On Politics” by Jim Letizia on WCBE.

“National Party Committees Report May Financial Figures” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Alaska: “APOC staff says Anchorage mayor broke campaign finance law, proposes $187.50 fine” by Nathaniel Herz in the Anchorage Daily News.

Oklahoma: “Election Records: ‘Dark-Money,’ Campaign Groups Have Close Connections” by Oklahoma Watch & Clifton Adcock in KGOU.

Ethics

“‘Ms. Ethics’ Carol Dixon Remembered Fondly (Video)” by Colin Diersing in Roll Call.

“Don Young Must Repay $59K for Improper Trips/Gifts” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Florida: “New Miami-Dade task force to target state public corruption” by David Ovalle in the Miami Herald.

Georgia: “Ethics commission to get new member” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Virginia: “Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe vetoes funds for ethics commission” by Rachel Weiner in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Report: Scott Walker Accused of Campaign Finance ‘Criminal Scheme’” by Mark Murray in NBC News.

Wisconsin: “Scott Walker and campaign-finance law: Just how dodgy?” in The Economist.

Elections

“Democrats Playing Defense in 2014 State Legislative Races” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

Oklahoma: “Is Oklahoma Senate headed for a runoff?” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.

Government Tech and Social Media

“How the White House’s We the People E-Petition Site Became a Virtual Ghost-Town” by Dave Karpf in TechPresident.

“Awareness, Tech Projects are Top Crowdsourced Goals in Government, Study Says” in Government Technology.

EU: “Lobbyists increasingly look online to influence EU policy” in Euractiv.

The Board of Supervisors passed amendments to the city’s lobbying law at a meeting on June 17, 2014. Ordinance 130374 expands the definition of “lobbyist” and requires random audits of lobbying reports.

The lobbying exemption for contractors and their attorneys will be limited to in-house officers and employees. Meeting the definition of a lobbyist will now depend on the number of compensated contacts with a covered official rather than the level of compensation received. Outside consultants communicating with public officials regarding contract bidding and negotiating will be subject to the registration and reporting requirements of lobbying.

The ordinance will be effective 30 days following Mayor Ed Lee’s signature.

On June 18, the Kansas Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint accusing a candidate of soliciting contributions from lobbyists through social media, according to the Kansas City Star.

On May 1, while the Legislature was still in session, a Facebook page for former state Sen. Jean Schodorf’s campaign was posted seeking help to raise money for her political campaign for secretary of state. Clay Barker, the state GOP executive director, made a complaint after a lobbyist “liked” the page. State law prohibits candidates from seeking contributions from lobbyists while the Legislature is in session.

Schodorf told the Star the commission informed her they found no probable cause to believe she violated the law and dismissed the complaint.

National:

Population Shifts Turning All Politics National

New York Times – Ashley Parker and Jonathan Martin | Published: 6/15/2014

For all the talk about how partisan polarization is overwhelming Washington, there is another overlapping force at play: voters who are not deeply rooted in an area increasingly view politics through a generic national lens. It was newcomers from other parts of the country and even abroad to Virginia and Mississippi, more than any other voters, who most crucially rejected two influential Republican incumbents – House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran – in recent primaries.

Federal:

Justices Say Public Workers Can Testify about Corruption

USA Today – Richard Wolf and Mary Orndorff Troyan | Published: 6/19/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that public employees are protected from retaliation when they testify in court about misconduct they observed on the job. Public employees who are called to testify are protected by the First Amendment just as other citizens are, and should not have to between “the obligation to testify truthfully and the desire to avoid retaliation and keep their jobs,” wrote Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The decision clarified previous rulings in which the court has said public employees have free-speech rights when they are acting as citizens, not when they are testifying to what they learned in their jobs or are required to speak about because of their specific duties.

Obama to Sign Order Barring U.S. Contractors from Job Bias Based on Sexual Orientation

Washington Post – Zachary Goldfarb and Juliet Eilperin | Published: 6/17/2014

President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order barring federal contractors from hiring or firing employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama is not expected to sign the order for weeks, as the White House finalizes details, including possible exemptions for religious nonprofit organizations. Administration officials said the president decided to act unilaterally in the absence of momentum for legislation with broader protections.

Soft Money’s Squishy Political Influence

New York Times – Derek Willis | Published: 6/18/2014

A report by Daniel Tokaji and Renata Strause of Ohio State University surveys the state of campaign finance and finds the relationship between candidates and like-minded independent groups is characterized by subtle cooperation, not outright coordination. For campaigns targeted by super PACs and other outside groups, the feeling is often one of helplessness. “It was like a giant poker game and I wasn’t even sitting at the table,” said a Senate campaign manager quoted in the report.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – School Superintendent Huppenthal Acknowledges Anonymous Blog Posts

Arizona Republic – Cathryn Creno | Published: 6/19/2014

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal said he is the author behind several anonymous blog posts that referred to welfare recipients as “lazy pigs” and Planned Parenthood as the cause of abortions among African-Americans. The comments date back to 2011 and were posted on political blogs. Huppenthal said he wrote them under different pseudonyms so he could have a more open dialogue without his position influencing the debate. Some experts say it is an ethical problem when elected officials do not state their opinions publicly.

Georgia – Ga. Settles with 3 Ex-Ethics Commission Employees

Washington Times – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 6/13/2014

The state has settled whistle-blower complaints by three former Georgia ethics commission employees for a total of $1.8 million. The settlements follow a jury verdict that awarded more than $1 million to a fourth employee, former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman. The state will pay $1 million to the panel’s former deputy, Sherry Streicker, $410,000 to former IT specialist John Hair, and $477,500 to former staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein.

Illinois – Billionaire Ken Griffin Gives Rauner Record-Breaking $2.5 Million

Chicago Sun-Times – Sandra Guy and Art Golab | Published: 6/13/2014

Billionaire hedge-fund founder Ken Griffin’s $2.5 million donation to the campaign of Republican Bruce Rauner has been termed the largest single donation in an Illinois governor’s race in the post-Watergate era. The limit on individual contributions is usually $5,300 in Illinois. But the law allows those caps to be lifted when contributions or loans from a candidate or candidate’s family surpass $250,000. Rauner gave $500,000 to his own campaign in November.

Massachusetts – Bill Would Increase PAC Disclosure

Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 6/18/2014

The Massachusetts Legislature is expected to pass a bill this summer that would increase disclosure requirements for super PACs. The bill would also double the amount of money individuals can give to state candidates from $500 to $1,000 a year, the first change to those limits in 20 years. The disclosure crackdown, also aimed at nonprofit advocacy groups that fund television ads, would go into effect immediately. The new individual donation limits would not take effect until next year.

Ohio – Lawmaker Might Face Charges over Gifts

Columbus Dispatch – Randy Ludlow | Published: 6/14/2014

Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory could face criminal charges for failing to disclose that lobbyist John Rabenold treated him to two meals and a Cincinnati Bengals game. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said Rabenold agreed to work with the FBI and Legislative Inspector General Tony Bledsoe in ongoing investigations into lawmakers who did not report gifts or accepted illegal gifts. The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee is expected to review the case and decide whether to make a referral to O’Brien for potential charges.

Ohio – U.S. Supreme Court Will Allow Constitutional Challenge of Ohio Law That Bars Campaign Lies

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Sabrina Eaton | Published: 6/16/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a challenge to an Ohio law banning lies in political campaigns to move forward. The court ruled two advocacy groups could challenge the state law that makes it a crime to make knowingly or recklessly false statements about political candidates that are intended to help elect or defeat them. Lower courts had dismissed the case, saying the organizations seeking to challenge it had not faced imminent harm sufficient to give them standing to sue. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the court, said the groups “have alleged a credible threat of enforcement” of the law and so were not barred from pursuing their challenge to it.

Pennsylvania – Improvements Seen in Phila. Lobbying Web Site

Philadelphia Inquirer – Alisha Green (Sunlight Foundation) | Published: 6/12/2014

The story of Philadelphia’s lobbying website highlights some of the problems that governments face with sharing this crucial data. Providing the information with enough detail and in a format that is easy to analyze and reuse is something few local jurisdictions have been able to accomplish so far. Philadelphia knew what it needed to do to improve lobbying transparency, but finding a way to implement those changes was the problem, according to an analysis by the Sunlight Foundation.

South Carolina – An Ethical Mess in South Carolina

The Center for Public Integrity – Corey Hutchins | Published: 6/17/2014

An ethics scandal involving the House speaker and difficulty in passing reform legislation are raising concerns about South Carolina’s legislatively dominated government structure, the efficacy of self-policing lawmakers, and the integrity of the state’s institutions. South Carolina earned an ‘F’ from the State Integrity Investigation, which graded states on their transparency, accountability, and risk for corruption. But despite calls for substantive reform from media, public interest groups, and the governor, the status quo remains.

Washington – Election Fallout: Judge says AG’s lawsuit against Grocery Manufacturers can move ahead

The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 6/13/2014

A Thurston County judge rejected efforts by the Grocery Manufacturers Association to squelch a lawsuit in which Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson accuses the trade association of laundering millions of dollars in last fall’s campaign. Ferguson has accused group of setting up a special fund to disguise the source of money spent to defeat Washington’s Initiative 522. But the judge scrap the state’s requirement that political committees collect at least $10 from 10 different registered voters in state before spending in a Washington campaign.

Washington – Legislative Ethics Board Weighs Limit on Free Meals from Lobbyists

The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 6/17/2014

How often is “infrequent” when it comes to state lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists? Washington’s Legislative Ethics Board spent nearly two hours recently taking testimony on the issue and then grappling with the answer. So far, the board has considered several proposals, from as few as three meals annually to as many as 52 per year. It is currently taking comment from the public, lobbyists, and lawmakers before settling on a limit.

Wisconsin – Prosecutors Accuse Scott Walker of Running ‘Criminal Scheme’

Wisconsin State Journal – Mary Spicuzza | Published: 6/19/2014

Newly released documents show prosecutors allege Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was at the center of a nationwide “criminal scheme” to illegally coordinate with outside conservative groups. Prosecutors say Walker, his chief of staff, and others who worked for him were discussing illegal coordination with a number of national organizations and prominent figures, including Republican strategist Karl Rove, to fend off recalls targeting the governor and GOP state senators in 2011 and 2012.
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.

Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“MPAA’s Michael O’Leary steps down – Big 12 hires a lobbying firm” by Byron Tau in Politico.

Missouri: “Lobbyists’ gifts to Missouri lawmakers exceed $500,000” by Angela Mueller in the St. Louis Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

“BitPay, CoinVox Team Up to Allow Politicians to Accept Bitcoin” by Eric Calouro in NewsBTC.

Delaware: “Campaign finance reform bills languish in legislature” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.

Massachusetts: “Bill would increase PAC disclosures” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe.

New York: “Blame Game After Push to Revamp Campaign Financing Ends” by Mike Vilensky in The Wall Street Journal.

North Carolina: “N.C. election laws ‘stuck in pre-computer age’” by Jim Morrill in the Charlotte Observer.

Vermont: “Advocacy group turns sights to money in politics” by Neal P. Goswami in the Rutland Herald.

Ethics

“Prosecutor asks court: Reinstate DeLay convictions” by Juan A. Lozano (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.

“Grand Jury Probes Capitol Knowledge & Stock Trading” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Hawaii: “Ethics Commission Tells Lawmakers How They Should Spend Allowances” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Elections

New York: “This is what happens when a campaign finance scholar runs for governor” by Max Ehrenfreund in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Jon Erpenbach drops appeal in email open records case” in the Journal Sentinel.

State Legislatures

South Carolina: “SC House OKs $12,000 pay raise for lawmakers, overriding Gov. Haley’s veto” by Cassie Cope in The State.