Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Jack Abramoff resurfaces:“Former Lobbyist Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Washington Deal Making” on WZTV Fox 17.

“Second lobbyist leaves Roundtable” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

New York: “NYPIRG Wants NYS Ethics Agency To Get Tough On Lobbying By Political Parties” by Glenn Blain in the New York Daily News.

Campaign Finance

California: “FPPC accuses Mono State Senator of ‘money laundering’” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.

Maryland: “Gansler spending ‘pledge’ problematic as written, Maryland elections official says” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Vermont: “Groups Pay $60,000 In Campaign Finance Disputes” by Taylor Dobbs in Vermont Public Radio.

Ethics

Freehold Borough, New Jersey: “Pay-to-play law enacted” by Clare Marie Celano in the News Transcript.

Michigan: “Prosecutors: Kwame Kilpatrick should pay $195,404 in back taxes” by Robert Snell in the Detroit News.

North Carolina: “John Edwards Is Opening A Law Firm With His Daughter To Tackle ‘Social Inequalities’” by Colleen Jenkins in the Business Insider.

Elections

“Nate Silver announces new hires” by Dylan Byers in Politico.

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The Ontario, Canada, Legislature’s Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills is considering changes to the province’s Lobbying Act. Bill 115, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2013, introduced last month, makes several amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. These changes include requiring consultant lobbyists to register within five business days of beginning to lobbying, requiring lobbyists to file monthly reports when lobbying high-level public officeholders, and requiring consultant lobbyists to report political contributions if the Election Finance Act applies.

This bill also provides a new definition of grassroots communication and amends the definition of in-house lobbyist. Additional requirements and changes regarding penalties, revolving-door restrictions, and protections are also a part of Bill 115.

According to a bulletin by Fasken Martineu, LLP, the Progressive Conservatives are critical of the bill and the Liberal Government “would prefer to introduce its own lobbying law reforms.”

Lobbying

“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.

California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.

Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.

Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.

Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.

Ethics

Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Redistricting

“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Lobbying

“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington Post.

“D.C. awash in contracts, lobbying wealth” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Canada: “Don Cayo: A lobbyist’s job combines analysis and action” by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.

Colorado: “Boulder to hire full-time state lobbyist” by Erica Meltzer in the Daily Camera.

Missouri: “Area lawmakers – except for one – take few lobbyists’ gifts” by Jonathan Shorman in the News-Leader.

Campaign Finance

“The Influencers 50: Enforcers” in Campaigns & Elections.

“‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections” by Alan Suderman in The Center for Public Integrity.

Massachusetts: “House calls for penalties on local campaign-finance violations” by Bob Katzen in the Lowell Sun.

Michigan: “Mich. Republicans split over disclosing ad funders” by The Associated Press in the Grand Haven Tribune.

Minnesota: “An accuracy challenge in election spending” by the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune.

Ethics

Hawaii: “What’s Going on Between Ethics Commission and Caldwell Administration?” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

South Carolina: “Government watchdog group insists Haley repays taxpayers for NC trip” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in GoUpstate.

West Virginia: “W.Va. commission to hold ethics training session in Moorefield” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Elections

“Parties focus on special election for Senate seat” by Catherine Lucey in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.

Procurement

“5 New Approaches to Government Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

Tech and Social Media

“How to Make Your Government Agency Cool Via Social Media” by Rachelle Chong in TechWire.

Following the November 13, 2013 meeting, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission issued an order to deny lobbyist renewal for the calendar year of 2014 for each lobbyist with outstanding registration, supplemental registration, identification card, and/or badge fees.

The commission will also deny lobbyist renewal for each lobbyist with unpaid fines or unfiled disclosure reports.

The 2014 fees for the lobbyist identification badge ($20) and supplemental registration ($10) will remain unchanged from 2013 amounts.

National:

Initiative Spending Booms Past $1 Billion as Corporations Sponsor Their Own Proposals

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/7/2013

The initiative process, originally aimed at giving citizens the chance to break industry’s hold on state Legislatures, is increasingly becoming the domain of corporations and wealthy individuals who advance new laws for their own advantage, bypassing reluctant lawmakers and spending millions of dollars along the way. More than $1 billion has been spent in the past 18 months on ballot initiatives in just 11 states.

Federal:

FEC Poised to Allow Bitcoin Campaign Donations

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 11/7/2013

A draft proposal from the FEC would allow campaigns to accept, but not spend, the digital currency Bitcoin. According to the proposal, the currency will count as an in-kind contribution to a campaign, like a stock or bond. The agency will not consider them currency.

Pro-Democratic Super PACs Outspend Conservatives

USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 11/12/2013

Liberal super PACs have spent $10.8 million on federal races this year, twice as much as conservative super PACs. Much of the money has flowed to a handful of elections to fill congressional vacancies. Liberal money also makes up 70 percent of the election-related federal spending by so-called dark money groups – politically active non-profits that do not have to disclose the sources of their money.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – FBI Capitol Sting Shines Light on Latino Caucus

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/10/2013

The details of the most recent leadership fight at the California Legislature’s Latino Caucus caught the attention of FBI agents investigating one caucus member, state Sen. Ron Calderon, for allegedly taking bribes. The emerging case has exposed caucus decisions to public view just as the group’s influence is peaking. The 25 members constitute more than a fifth of the Legislature, control hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, and wield influence that affects millions of Californians.

Florida – Sweetwater Mayor, Lobbyist Plead Guilty

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 11/13/2013

Suspended Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño and lobbyist Jorge Forte pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to commit honest services fraud. Two others facing similar charges resulting from the same FBI sting operation are former Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia. The two corruption cases were remarkable even by South Florida’s standards as the crackdown snared two mayors and two lobbyists on the same day.

Georgia – Ga. Governor Suspends Indicted Lawmaker Accused of Illegally Claiming Expense Pay

Columbus Republic – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 11/13/2013

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal suspended state Sen. Don Balfour from office. A review committee recommended the action after a grand jury indicted Balfour on felony charges of illegally claiming legislative expense pay and double-billing the state and his private employer for some expenses. He previously agreed to pay a $5,000 fine issued by the Senate Ethics Committee for accepting pay for in-state work and travel on days when he was elsewhere.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel to Propose Ordinance Forcing Contractors to Report Corruption

Chicago Sun Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 11/12/2013

Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed a measure that would require city contractors to immediately report knowledge of corruption to Chicago’s inspector general or risk losing their contract. Emanuel’s office said the measure, if approved, would be incorporated into all future city contracts.

Illinois – Rauner’s $500,000 Donation to Lift Fundraising Limits in Gov. Race

Chicago Sun Times – Natasha Korecki and Dave McKinney | Published: 11/13/2013

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner is adding $500,000 of his own money to his campaign, an amount that will trigger a provision allowing his opponents to raise unlimited amounts of cash. Under the law, candidates can only accept contributions of up to $5,300 from individuals and $52,600 from PACs. But those caps are lifted if any statewide candidate or member of the candidate’s immediate family donates or loans more than $250,000 to his or her campaign during the 12 months prior to an election.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board’s Focus on Small Offenses Lets Larger Violations Go Unnoticed, Observers Say

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/12/2013

Critics say the Louisiana Board of Ethics spends too much of its time going after candidates who file late, essentially ignoring more serious violations. Board of Ethics Administrator Kathleen Allen said her agency does not have enough personnel or a legal mandate to regularly audit even a small percentage of the thousands of campaign finance reports filed every year.

Massachusetts – Campaign Bill Would Order Fast Disclosure of Donors

Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 11/12/2013

Outside political committees pumped nearly $4 million into the Boston mayoral election this year, most of it to help elect Martin Walsh. But current law does not require those groups to reveal their donors until January. Secretary of State William Galvin and several lawmakers are preparing legislation that would require outside groups to disclose their donors in real time.

Minnesota – Minnesota Campaign Finance Regulators’ Database Isn’t Adding Up

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Glenn Howatt and Rachel Stassen-Berger | Published: 11/9/2013

An analysis by the Minneapolis Star Tribune shows online data from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board are rife with mistakes, leading to errors that total as much as $20 million over the past decade. The flaws are enough to hamper any comprehensive attempt to examine the flow of political money in the state, at a time when that spending has soared to record heights.

New York – NY Democratic Committee’s Pro-Cuomo Ads Questioned as Skirting Lobbying Law, Public Disclosure

Columbus Republic; Associated Press –   | Published: 11/14/2013

Watchdogs contend television ads by the state Democratic Committee that urge residents to contact lawmakers in support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ethics and jobs legislation violate New York’s lobbying law. The law requires those seeking to influence legislators be registered as lobbyists so they are publicly identified and disclose their funding and spending. Political parties and committees have long believed they were exempt.

Pennsylvania – Lobbyist Penalty Reforms Pass Pa. House

WHTM – Myles Snyder | Published: 11/13/2013

The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a bill that would increase penalties for lobbyists who break the law. House Bill 744, which now moves to the Senate, would raise the maximum fine the state Ethics Commission can impose from $2,000 to $10,000, and it would up the current five-year ban on lobbying to 10 years, among other provisions.

Vermont – Democratic PAC Must Pay $30,000 Penalty

Burlington Free Press – Nancy Remsen | Published: 11/13/2013

Green Mountain Future, a PAC created by the Democratic Governors Association, will pay the state of Vermont a $20,000 civil penalty for not including its address on its website or television ads against Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Dubie during the 2010 campaign. The group also must pay $10,000 for not registering as a PAC or filing campaign finance reports.

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

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call.

“Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists.

Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius Melnitzer in the Financial Post.

Ohio: “Lobbyist known as ‘The Chief’ gets laughs — and respect — at Statehouse” by Joe Hallett in the Columbus Dispatch.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania hires DC lobbyists with state ties” by Colby Itkowitz in The Morning Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Hearing begins on campaign violation case against Sen. Berryhill” by Patrick McGreevy in The Los Angeles Times.

Colorado: “How to cut corporate, union influence on elections? DU panel has plan” by Ed Sealover in BizJournals.

Ohio: “Group calls for campaign finance reform” by Gary Seman, Jr. in This Week Community News.

Ethics

Alaska: “APOC asked to weigh in on independent campaign” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Florida: “Sweetwater mayor, lobbyist to plead guilty” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.

New York: “Ex-Bronx GOP boss pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

New York: “Critics say DAs should not lead campaign finance panel” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.

Utah: “Lawmakers Ready Bills Targeting Elections and Ethics in 2014” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.

Rep. Hagan introduced HB 339 last week. HB 339 would enact section 105.43 of the Revised Code and require the capitol square review and advisory board to issue identification badges to all lobbyists seeking entrance to capitol square. Each badge would show a lobbyist’s name, a photograph of the lobbyist, clearly state the term “lobbyist” on the face of the badge, and list the lobbyist’s employer or employers.

The bill also requires each lobbyist to carry a card stating the name of the person or persons whose interest the lobbyist actually represents; said card must be shown to any member of the general assembly requesting to see it.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal.

“Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today.

“Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers in Politico.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry glitches being worked out, integrity commissioner says” by Derek Spalding in the Ottawa Citizen.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry ‘useful,’ watchdog reports” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.

Campaign Finance

“FEC poised to allow Bitcoin campaign donations” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Bitcoins Could Prove to Be Windfall — or Bust — for Political Campaigns” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Massachusetts: “Campaign bill would order fast disclosure of donors” by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe.

Michigan: “Michigan proposal would double limits on individual donations to political candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in MLive.com.

Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign finance regulators’ database isn’t adding up” by Glenn Howatt and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Former Mo. Rep. McGeoghegan fined by Ethics Commission for 2012 campaign materials” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Montana: “Montana judge considers fine for political group as attorney asks to be removed” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

New Hampshire: “New Hampshire lawmaker may seek higher campaign spending limits” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “Refigure campaign financing” editorial by Cynthia DiBartolo in the Times Union.

Virginia: “Leftover campaign money can fund almost anything in Virginia” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.

Ethics

Alaska: “Legislative Ethics Committee Says Senator Hoffman Failed To Disclose Income” by Ben Matheson in Alaska Public Media.

Mississippi: “Newspaper wants ruling from Ethics Commission on emails” by The Associated Press in the Mississippi Business Journal.

Ohio: “Lack of oversight over JobsOhio raises concerns for ethics commission, auditor, now high court” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

Iowa: “Libertarian Mayor in Iowa Re-Elected Despite His Wishes” by Richard Winger in Ballot Access News.

Ohio: “Libertarians file legal challenge against Ohio’s new rules for minor political parties; Greens may follow suit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.

Tech and Social Media

Pennsylvania: “Website redesign shines more light on Capitol” by Melissa Daniels in The Tribune-Review.

Virginia: “Going Beyond the Boundaries of the Obama Digital Model in Virginia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

National:

G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing

New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013

Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government shutdown. They are pushing their party to rethink how it chooses nominees and advocating changes they say would result in the selection of less extreme candidates.

Federal:

Third Navy Official Arrested in Bribery Probe

Washington Post – Craig Whitlock | Published: 11/7/2013

A third U.S. Navy official, Commander Jose Sanchez, was charged with receiving bribes, including cash and prostitutes, from a contractor who provides port services for American ships in Southeast Asia. Another commander and a senior investigator for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were arrested in September, likewise on charges of providing inside information to Glenn Defense Marine in exchange for favors.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Attorney Asks AZ Supreme Court to Reinstate Increased Campaign Donations

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Service) | Published: 11/4/2013

Arizona’s Republican legislative leaders are asking the state Supreme Court to allow higher campaign contribution limits to be reinstated, citing confusion among candidates and donors. The filing is the latest in a legal volley over House Bill 2593, which raised contribution limits nearly 10-fold for candidates in all offices, from school board to governor.

California – California Donor Disclosure Case Exposes How Nonprofits Can Play in Politics

Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 11/4/2013

New revelations in California provide a glimpse at one national network of nonprofit groups that helped move $15 million into ballot-initiative campaigns last fall while working hide the identities of their donors. Two conservative nonprofits were together fined a record $1 million, while two political committees were ordered to repay the state for $15 million in donations they received.

California – San Diego City Attorney Maneuvered to Force Filner from Office

Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry | Published: 11/3/2013

For six weeks, San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith maneuvered to force then-Mayor Bob Filner out of office by squeezing him financially, bluffing him about state law, embarrassing him by releasing documents showing the anger of his staff, and threatening to force a trial on his alleged misuse of public funds. On the eve of a court hearing, Filner finally resigned.

Connecticut – State Parties Unable to Wean Themselves off Special Interest Money

The News Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/2/2013

A loophole in Connecticut’s campaign finance law allows the state’s major political parties to accept money from contractors and lobbyists. It has drawn scrutiny since a California fundraising trip by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is the subject of a complaint filed by the state Republican Party with the Election Enforcement Commission.

Florida – Lawmakers-Turned-Lobbyists Help Tip Scales for Large Lobbying Firms

St. Augustine Record – Matt Dixon (Morris News Services) | Published: 11/4/2013

Florida’s lobbying corps includes former governors, agency heads, House and Senate leaders, and lawmakers and executive branch officials. Opponents say the practice amounts to elected officials and agency staff using taxpayer-funded jobs to later cash in on high-paying lobbying positions. Lobbying firms say former insiders are needed to help clients navigate a complex state government.

Florida – Tallahassee Lobbyists Won’t Be Audited until 2015

Orlano Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 11/4/2013

A Florida legislative committee adopted rules for the long-delayed auditing of lobbyists’ financial reports. Sen. Joe Abruzzo said no reviews will be done next year but auditors will begin studying the 2014 reports in 2015. The draft guidelines allow for lobbying firms to keep some documentation confidential, but also will allow lawmakers critical of the mandate to repeal it during the next legislative session.

Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Gets Five Years’ Probation

Louisville Courier-Journal – Mike Wynn | Published: 11/1/2013

Rhonda Monroe, the sister of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, received five years’ probation for her role in a campaign finance scheme that allowed her brother to take money from his 2007 re-election fund. Monroe was accused of using her position as assistant executive director of the state Registry of Election Finance to help Farmer pocket leftover campaign cash with phony expense claims.

Louisiana – Louisiana’s Top 400 Campaign Donors Get Around Legal Limits to Magnify Political Influence

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2013

Searching the mountain of state and local records, reporters identified hundreds of donors who gave from tens of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million to campaigns across Louisiana in the four years that ended in 2012. The journalists said the records show wealthy special interests and businesses are able to magnify their influence through loopholes, lax enforcement, and weak penalties to take advantage of the system.

Nevada – Nevada Judge Dismisses Suit against AFP

San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/6/2013

A District Court judge ruled Americans for Prosperity was not required to register with the state or file contribution reports as argued in the civil lawsuit filed by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller. The group is funded by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch.

New York – New York City Takes Left Turn

Wall Street Journal – Sophia Hollander | Published: 11/6/2013

Political analysts say the election of Democrat Bill de Blasio as mayor of New York City could become the biggest test yet of a recent revival of liberalism in American political life that is occurring in urban areas. In 2000, Republicans led five of the nation’s largest dozen cities. By the end of 2012, they no longer led any.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lawmakers Question Conduct after Convictions

Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2013

Last year, former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan was convicted of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. This year, state Rep. Randy Terrill was convicted of offering a legislative colleague a state job in exchange for her promise not to seek re-election. Lawmakers are considering whether the way they conduct the people’s business and the multiple prosecutions will chill legislative debate and action.

South Carolina – State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions

The State – Jeff Wilkinson | Published: 11/2/2013

Scores of companies have donated to the campaigns of individual South Carolina candidates in a melding of corporate money and public policy that is banned in 21 states and in federal elections. Corporate officials say those contributions are not an effort to buy legislative votes on a particular issue. Watchdogs maintain corporate donations are just the tip of the iceberg in a political system that favors big business over others.

Texas – Candidates to Lead Texas Accept Meals, Gifts, More from Lobbyists

Dallas Morning News – Christy Hoppe | Published: 11/2/2013

All of the major candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Texas have, to varying degrees, kept company with lobbyists, show dozens of disclosure reports examined by The Dallas Morning News. In the last five years, they have received tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, gifts, and help holding campaign fundraisers, all from representatives of companies and industries with major business before the state.

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.

A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly.

It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 for repeat offenses.

Prior attempts to create a lobbyist registry failed in 2007 and 2011.

Lobbying

“Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

Campaign Finance

Illinois: “Feds send warning letter to Jackson Jr. over campaign fund” by Katherine Skiba in the Chicago Tribune.

Louisiana: “Louisiana law silent on whether candidates must return illegal contributions” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.

Louisiana: “Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have showered his campaign with cash” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.

Michigan: “Bill would double campaign donor limits in Michigan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.

Minnesota: “Independence question vexes Minn. campaign board” by The Associated Press in the Crookston Times.

Ethics

Missouri: “Mo. state representative faces stealing, finance charges” by Aja J Williams on KSDK News.

Elections

Ohio: “Ohio legislature passes new ballot-access rules for minor political parties; Libertarians promise lawsuit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.

Texas: “May 10 date for Texas Senate race special election” by The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle.

Redistricting

“Kentucky lawmakers disagree on which districts they represent” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

St. Louis Public Radio and NPR joined together to form a partnership recently. The result was a project aimed at educating the public regarding state lobbying.

Using information gathered from the Missouri Ethics Commission, they created an online database with the names of lobbyists, lawmakers, gifts, and transaction details. Also accessible are easy to understand charts and graphs.

See it all at LobbyingMissouri.org.

Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions and my reports are timely filed. Do I have to complete a training course?

A. Depending on where you are registered, you may be subject to a state mandated training requirement. Requiring the completion of a lobbyist training course has been an emerging trend as states expand their ethics and disclosure provisions.

For example, in Utah, a lobbyist must complete training, and obtain a perfect score on the examination, before their lobbying license is issued. In Louisiana, a registered lobbyist must complete one hour of training by December 31 of each year. The state provides in-person training classes, as well as an online training course.

Some states, such as Maryland, require training on bi-annual basis. In New York, the lobbyist is only required to attend a training course once every three years.

Failure to complete the required training can result in penalties to the lobbyist. Louisiana imposes a personal liability requirement on the lobbyist. Failure to complete the mandatory training class may result in a fine of up to $10,000.

While training is mandatory in some states, other states have optional training opportunities available to lobbyists who want to enhance their understanding of the state’s ethics and disclosure provisions. Colorado and Georgia are two of the states currently offering optional training courses.

To obtain additional information about the jurisdictions where you are registered, please visit www.stateandfed.com. Our new website premiered on November 1, 2013.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.