July 23, 2012 •
Monday Campaign Finance and Lobbying News Roundup
Start your week off with these articles:
Campaign Finance
“Tallying Up Presidential Campaign Finances” in The New York Times.
Arizona: “Arizona campaigns often in gray area financially” by Mary Jo Pitzl in The Arizona Republic.
Montana: “Former Montana governor candidate wants political practices findings reversed” by Charles S. Johnson in the Missoulian.
New York: “Analysis: New York political money gushing to campaigns, but upstart Democratic group makes strides” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Syracuse Post-Standard.
Lobbying
“K Street’s continuing slump” by Anna Palmer in Politico.
“Blue Chips Mull Moves to K Street” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Chamber ups lobbying spending” by Erik Wasson in The Hill.
“Facebook lobbying sets record in Q2” by David Saleh Rauf in Politico.
Nevada: “Dems honor longtime women’s lobbyist” by Ray Hagar in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
New York: “Lobbyists in swing of things at political golf fundraisers” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo’s Office Releases 2,200-Word Letter on Lobbying Group” by Jon Campbell in State Politics Albany Watch.
Oklahoma: “Report: Lobbyists provided pols Thunder tickets” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
July 20, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 20, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
House Ethics Panel Has Track Record of Leniency
Son of Liberal Financier George Soros Launches Anti-Super PAC Super PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Alabama Casino Developer, Lobbyist, Ex-Lawmaker Sentenced to Prison in Statehouse Gambling Scheme
California
Battle Lines Drawn over Payroll Deductions
California
Feds Detail Scale of Graft in Cudahy
Michigan
Prosecutor: Bolger conspired with party switcher, but didn’t break law
Minnesota
Minnesota GOP, Former Chairman Face Fines Over Recount
Nevada
Felon Was a Lobbyist for Catholic Officials in Nevada
New Jersey
FBI Raids City Hall in New Jersey’s Capital
New York
NY Ethics Board Member Resigns from Lobbying Group
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.
Audits expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year
The Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board announced its plans to audit 10 randomly selected client lobbyists. All communicator lobbyists associated with the selected client lobbyists will also be audited. Client lobbyists are those who pay for lobbying services on their behalf, and communicator lobbyists are those who receive payment from a client lobbyist for lobbying services.
As part of its press release, the board noted that between January 1 and July 1, 2012, lobbying expenditures exceeded $31 million.
The selection will be made at the board’s meeting on July 19, 2012, and all audits are expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. The list of lobbyists to be audited will be available on the Office of State Ethics website after the random drawing.
July 18, 2012 •
Today’s Lobbying and Ethics News Roundup
Don’t miss these latest articles:
Lobbying
“NY ethics board member resigns from lobbying group” by The Associated Press in the Wall Street Journal.
The Hill’s “Lobbying World” news summary.
“Farm bill tops health care law in lobbying dollars” by Carolyn Lochhead in the San Francisco Gate.
Connecticut: “Attorney, lobbyist Albert Pirro arraigned on charges he attacked woman at Conn. Restaurant” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
District Columbia: “D.C. lawmakers, lobbyists talked nearly 600 times” by Alan Blinder in the Washington Examiner.
Ethics
“Ethics Committee launches probe of Dem Rep. Robert Andrews” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
“Blagojevich administration official Ali Ata is spared prison for lying” by Annie Sweeney in the Chicago Tribune.
“Ethics panel has track record of leniency” by Jordy Yager in The Hill.
July 17, 2012 •
Tuesday News Summary
Campaign finance, lobbying, ethics, and social media
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Vote to kill filibuster on campaign finance bill fails, despite Connecticut senators’ support” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Florida: “Unlimited campaign contributions finding a route to Florida lawmakers” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald.
Lobbying
“ALEC struggles to retain members” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“Tech lobbyists’ new mantra: Strength through unity” by Michelle Quinn in Politico.
Connecticut: “Lobbyists form SuperPAC to help Murphy in Senate race” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Government Ethics
“Former top state administrator fined for conflicts of interest” by Jennifer Gollan in the Bay Citizen.
Gov 2.0
“Despite Cuomo’s Vow of Sunlight, a Bid to Keep Aides’ E-Mail in the Dark” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
“What Social Media Do Government Officials Use Most?” by Matt Williams in Government Technology.
July 16, 2012 •
Monday Lobbying News Roundup
Keep up with the latest lobbying news with these articles:
“50 politicos to watch: Lobbyists” by Abby Phillip in Politico.
California: “Calif. lobbyist believes his attempt to buy sports team sparked identity theft scheme” by Dale Kasler in the Boston Herald.
Connecticut: “Connecticut businesses, lawmakers, keep ties to controversial group” by Ana Radelat by the CT Mirror.
Kansas: “Lobbyist spending in Topeka grows 14 percent” by Brad Cooper in the Kansas City Star.
North Carolina: “Brubaker’s resignation last week allows him to begin lobbying sooner, Fitzsimon notes” by Rob Christensen in the News Observer.
Pennsylvania: “New website tracks lobbying money in Philly politics” by Zack Seward in WHYY Newsworks.
July 13, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 13, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Campaign Donations by Text? Not So fast, Wireless Carriers Say
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
Ethics Measure Falls Short of Signature Goal
California
Bill Would Hire Commission to Enforce County’s Campaign Finance Ordinance
California
Pass the Canapés: Now, lobbyists can serve appetizers, not report it
Colorado
Colorado Public Trustee Spending Raises Red Flags
Connecticut
Feds Indict Braddock, Claim Conspiracy Began Last Year
District of Columbia
Vast ‘Shadow Campaign’ Said to Have Aided Gray in 2010
Florida
Miramar Commissioners Approve $2,500 Stipend for Themselves
Illinois
Quinn Abolishes Legislative Scholarships
Illinois
Quinn Signs Super PAC Campaign Finance Law
New York
Cuomo Turns to Campaign Finance
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.
July 12, 2012 •
Thursday News Roundup
Jack Abramoff gets a radio show and more lobbying and campaign finance news.
Lobbying
“Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who spent years in prison, gets radio show for Clear Channel” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Senate Dems offer new version of DISCLOSE Act to fight Citizens United ruling” by Pete Kasperowicz in The Hill.
“Democrats push for campaign finance disclosure, again” by Tomer Ovadia in Politico.
“FEC Gridlock No Help to Obama Campaign” by Justin Worland in Roll Call.
Connecticut: “Feds indict Braddock, claim conspiracy began last year” by Mark Pazniokas in the CT Mirror.
District of Columbia: “Mayor Vincent C. Gray knew of campaign finance violations in January, sources say” by Mike DeBonis and Nikita Stewart in The Washington Post.
Montana: “Mont. ballot initiative advocates ban on corporate money in elections” by Jessica M. Karmasek in LegalNewsline.
July 11, 2012 •
Ottawa to Create Lobbyist Registry
and more news in our Wednesday lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics roundup!
Lobbying
Ottawa, Ontario: “Council endorses lobby registry, integrity commissioner” by Errol McGihon in the Ottowa Sun.
The Hill’s “Lobbying World” staff report.
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Assembly to weigh resolution on campaign finance” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.
District of Columbia: “Vast ‘shadow campaign’ said to have aided Gray in 2010” by Mike DeBonis and Nikita Stewart in The Washington Post.
New York: “Cuomo turns to campaign finance” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Pennsylvania: “SEPTA found to violate federal lobbying rules” by Mark Fazlollah in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
West Virginia: “W.Va. group wants contribution limit blocked” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Panel Seated in Ethics Inquiry Into Nevada Lawmaker” by Eric Lipton in The New York Times.
July 10, 2012 •
Hawaii Passes Law to Increase Government Participation
Revolving door provisions relaxed
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie signed House Bill 2175 into law, exempting certain people from the state’s revolving door provisions.
In an effort to increase participation amongst the state’s experts and those with special knowledge, the law exempts members of a state task force from the revolving door provisions. A task force is a group which is created to study a specific problem for a specified period of time.
The law will take effect immediately.
Photo of Governor Abercrombie courtesy of Wikipedia.
July 6, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 6, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Assets Offshore Raise Romney Wealth Questions
Do Election Laws Encourage Attack Ads in Campaigns?
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Arizona Lawmaker Files $10 Million Claim against Phoenix
Colorado
Gessler Hit with Another Campaign Finance Lawsuit – But This One He May Actually Like
Delaware
Delaware Business to Pay $500,000 in Campaign Probe
Florida
New Ethics Policy Toughens Rules for Lobbying Orange School Leaders
Illinois
Wrigley Renovation Plans Stalled by Political Flap
Maryland
Sports Tickets Banned as Gifts for Baltimore County Elected Officials
Michigan
Cap on Michigan Campaign Donations Survives Challenge
Missouri
Missouri Election Season Arrives without Ethics Law
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers Blackout Period for Filing Complaints
South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Cleared in Ethics Inquiry
Tennessee
Tim Burchett Subpoenas News Sentinel for Visitor Records, Surveillance Videos
Utah
Ruling Blocks Utah Ethics Initiative from Ballot
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.
July 5, 2012 •
Jack Abramoff Gives Advice
and other lobbying news today
“Jack Abramoff: Healthy ruling for lobbyists” by MJ Lee in Politico.
“Maryland lobbying totals led by gambling interests” by Annie Linskey in the Baltimore Sun.
“Groups Admit to Lobbying Illegally to Aid Mayor’s Plans” by Ray Rivera in The New York Times.
Take a look at The Hill’s “Lobbying World” news summary.
“Common Cause files complaint against Minnesota Majority” by Jennifer Brooks in the Star Tribune.
Video courtesy of Politico.
July 2, 2012 •
Monday Campaign Finance and Lobbying News Roundup
Don’t miss today’s articles:
Campaign Finance
“Political Perceptions: Email Fundraising, Too Forward?” by Peter Nicholas in The Wall Street Journal.
“The 2012 Congressional race and super PAC intermingling” by Stephen Wright in the Examiner.
Maryland: Editorial “Cleaning up Maryland politics” in The Washington Post.
Michigan: “Michigan Campaign Finance Network questions fundraising by lame-duck lawmakers” by The Associated Press in Crain’s Detroit Business.
Lobbying
“Bill Miller to head lobbying for Business Roundtable” by Mike Allen in Politico.
“Mining bill drew lobbyists’ attention” by Steve Mistler in the Portland Press Herald.
“Investment in lobbying not surefire in Maine” by Steve Mistler in the Kennebec Journal.
“Who is ALEC?” on CBS News.
“Former IRS Official Demands Investigation of ALEC” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Ethics Inquiry Exonerates Governor In Lobbying” by Robbie Brown in The New York Times.
Rhode Island: “Former Lawmakers Cash in Playing Revolving Door Game” by Dan McGowan in GoLocalProv.com.
June 29, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 29, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
After Winning Right to Spend, Political Groups Fight for Secrecy
Court Upholds Ban on Corporate Political Contributions
GOP Lawsuit Challenges Campaign Contribution Caps
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Cudahy Arrests Add Salt to L.A. County Area’s Civic Wounds
Connecticut: Malloy, Legislature Make Last Stab at Campaign Reform
Florida: Tom Lee Wants Back in the Senate, to the Chagrin of Some Lobbyists
Illinois: U of I Professor Relents, Will Take Ethics Training Developed by ‘Unwise Rulers to Annoy Us’
Montana: Supreme Court Reaffirms Citizens United, Tosses Montana Corporate Spending Ban
Nebraska: Special Interests Spent $14 Million to Influence State Government
New York: Supreme Court Declines to Hear NY Campaign Finance Case
South Carolina: State Ethics Law Has Disclosure Gaps
Vermont: Federal Judge Dismisses Vermont Campaign Finance Challenge
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.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
