August 24, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying New York: “NY State Ethics Watchdog Investigating Nonprofit with Ties to Large Corporate Political Donor” by Larry Kaplan for Nonprofit Quarterly Campaign Finance “Sanders’ New Group Exempt from Campaign Finance Laws” by Jasper Craven for VTDigger.org Florida: “On 2nd […]
Lobbying
New York: “NY State Ethics Watchdog Investigating Nonprofit with Ties to Large Corporate Political Donor” by Larry Kaplan for Nonprofit Quarterly
Campaign Finance
“Sanders’ New Group Exempt from Campaign Finance Laws” by Jasper Craven for VTDigger.org
Florida: “On 2nd Try, Miami-Dade Commissioners Approve Petition Count” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Ethics
Connecticut: “Malloy Releases Funds Withheld from CT Watchdog Agencies” by Keith Phaneuf for CT Mirror
Indiana: “FBI Looking for Foul Play in Creation of Indiana Vaping Law” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Elections
“Hillary Clinton’s 15,000 New Emails to Get Timetable for Release” by Mark Lander and Steven Lee Myers for New York Times
“Racism and Talk of Religious War: Trump staff’s online posts” by Jeff Horwitz (Associated Press) for Philadelphia Inquirer
Virginia: “McAuliffe Restores Voting Rights to 13,000 Felons” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Inside the Conservative Push for States to Amend the Constitution” by Michael Wines for New York Times
August 23, 2016 •
Austin, TX Moves Closer to New Lobbying Law
On August 18, an ordinance revising the lobbying law for the city of Austin, Texas, met with preliminary approval from the City Council. The new proposed law repeals and replaces Chapter 4-8 of the city’s code relating to the regulation […]
On August 18, an ordinance revising the lobbying law for the city of Austin, Texas, met with preliminary approval from the City Council. The new proposed law repeals and replaces Chapter 4-8 of the city’s code relating to the regulation of lobbyists.
The draft ordinance was approved on a first reading only and will require at least two more approvals from the City Council to become law. The City Council is next meeting again on September 1, but the proposed ordinance is not yet on the council’s agenda for that date. The ordinance may be addressed later in the year following the adoption of the city budget in mid-September, according to the Austin Monitor.
If passed as currently drafted, the new ordinance would take effect on January 1, 2017.
Photo of the Austin, Texas skyline by Argash on Wikimedia Commons.
August 23, 2016 •
Lobbyist Registration Required in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s Lobbyist Act is officially effective today. Under the Act, people who are paid to lobby elected Saskatchewan government members and civil servants must register their activities. Lobbyists have 30 days to register with the new online database which launched […]
Saskatchewan’s Lobbyist Act is officially effective today. Under the Act, people who are paid to lobby elected Saskatchewan government members and civil servants must register their activities.
Lobbyists have 30 days to register with the new online database which launched today at https://www.sasklobbyistregistry.ca.
August 23, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Signs Suggest Hillary Clinton May Be More Open to Lobbyists in Her Administration” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post “The Lobbying Law at the Center of Manafort’s Trouble with Ukraine” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Missouri: “Republican Resigns […]
Lobbying
“Signs Suggest Hillary Clinton May Be More Open to Lobbyists in Her Administration” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
“The Lobbying Law at the Center of Manafort’s Trouble with Ukraine” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Missouri: “Republican Resigns from Missouri House to Avoid Waiting Period to Lobby” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
“FEC to Fight Fake Candidates Like ‘Deez Nuts’” by Mark Hensch for The Hill
California: “Little-Regulated Accounts Offer a Path to Political Clout in Sacramento” by Jessica Calefati and Kaitlyn Landgraf (Bay Area News Group) for Marin Independent Journal
Massachusetts: “Donors Behind Charter Push Keep to the Shadows” by Michael Levenson for Boston Globe
New York: “For 2017 Effect, Time Running Out for Campaign Finance Bills in Limbo” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Ethics
“Foundation Ties Bedevil Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign” by Amy Chozick and Steve Eder for New York Times
“Power Opens Door to Sexual Harassment” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Elections
“Trump’s Empire: A maze of debts and opaque ties” by Susanne Craig for New York Times
August 22, 2016 •
New York JCOPE Investigation Could Impact Lobbying Disclosure
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is investigating a series of donations to Manhattan nonprofit Pledge 2 Protect. Under current law, groups engaged in lobbying activities exceeding $50,000 annually must disclose donors of $5,000 or more. The investigation arose […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is investigating a series of donations to Manhattan nonprofit Pledge 2 Protect.
Under current law, groups engaged in lobbying activities exceeding $50,000 annually must disclose donors of $5,000 or more. The investigation arose from a series of donations nearing $700,000 from unknown sources to a newly founded law firm, Marquart & Small. These donations were ultimately given to Pledge 2 Protect, with only Marquart & Small disclosed as Pledge 2 Protect’s donor.
Depending on the outcome of the case, Marquart & Small may be required to name their undisclosed third-party donors, and similarly situated groups would have to do the same moving forward.
August 22, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “How One Family’s Deep Pockets Helped Reshape Donald Trump’s Campaign” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times “Rep. Ami Bera’s Father Sentenced to Prison for Funneling Money to His Son’s Campaigns” by John Myers and Sophia Bollag for […]
Campaign Finance
“How One Family’s Deep Pockets Helped Reshape Donald Trump’s Campaign” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
“Rep. Ami Bera’s Father Sentenced to Prison for Funneling Money to His Son’s Campaigns” by John Myers and Sophia Bollag for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “South Florida Politicians Repeatedly Fined for Failing to Disclose Donors on Time” by Alex Daugherty for Miami Herald
Maryland: “Grass Roots Group Eyes Launch of ‘Citizen-Funded’ Campaign System” by Fatimah Waseem for Baltimore Sun
New Jersey: “ELEC Unable to Meet Because of Vacancies” by Briana Vannozzi for NJTV News
Ethics
“No Record That Clinton, Aides Took Required Ethics Training” by Anita Kumar for McClatchy DC
“Ex-Officials Use Court Ruling to Attack Bribery Convictions” by Maryclaire Dale (Associated Press) for Washington Times
Florida: “County Estimate to Search for Nine Days of Correspondence: $22,000” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Idaho: “Idaho lawmakers Guthrie, Perry Face Investigation Over Alleged Affair” by Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) for Idaho Statesman
New Jersey: “Judge in Newark Blasts U.S. Attorney for Seeking Light Sentences in Corruption Cases” by Salvador Rizzo for Bergen Record
Elections
“Clinton Foundation to Restrict Foreign, Corporate Donations If Hillary Clinton Wins” by Abby Phillip and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
“Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Resigns” by Robert Costa, Dan Balz, and Jose DelReal for Washington Post
August 19, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 19, 2016
National: Will Donald Trump Hand State Capitols to Democrats? The Atlantic – Russell Berman | Published: 8/12/2016 With Donald Trump’s falling poll numbers, some Democrats see an opportunity to not only put Hillary Clinton in the White House, but wrest control […]
National:
Will Donald Trump Hand State Capitols to Democrats?
The Atlantic – Russell Berman | Published: 8/12/2016
With Donald Trump’s falling poll numbers, some Democrats see an opportunity to not only put Hillary Clinton in the White House, but wrest control of the U.S. Senate and shrink the party’s gap in the House, if not flip it entirely. There could also be a Trump effect that could shape the political landscape further into the future: the elections for control of state Legislatures. With more states in play, Democrats are now aiming to flip at least 10 and as many as 13 legislative chambers. The stakes for control of state governments are all the higher because unlike Congress, Legislatures outside Washington, D.C. have been hotbeds of activity rather than gridlock.
Federal:
Obama Facing Pressure to Rip Up His Lobbyist Rules
Politico – Sarah Wheaton | Published: 8/12/2016
Some are calling on President Obama to revoke the executive order that restricts lobbyists from serving in the White House. “There are political optics reasons why there’s a lot of attractiveness to make the ethics bars really strict, but in governing, you’ve got to be careful that you’re not losing on actual talent,” said Max Stier, the head of a nonprofit that is working to facilitate an orderly transition of power after the election. But ending the order could be seen as an acknowledgment Obama failed to uphold one of the major pledges of his 2008 campaign, or the change he brought was not enduring. The debate also reveals a broader disagreement among watchdogs about how effective his administration has been at filling the government with knowledgeable public servants who deserve the voters’ trust.
The Psychiatric Question: Is it fair to analyze Donald Trump from afar?
New York Times – Benedict Carey | Published: 8/15/2016
The American Psychiatric Association in 1973 declared it unethical for any psychiatrist to diagnose a public figure’s condition “unless he or she has conducted an examination and has been granted proper authorization for such a statement.” Now, Donald Trump’s incendiary, stream-of-consciousness pronouncements have strained that rule to the breaking point, exposing divisions in the field over whether such restraint is appropriate today. Supporters of the guideline have cited three main rationales for adhering to it: most diagnoses made from a distance turn out to be wrong; the labels themselves can cause real harm to the person and family members; and the practice undermines the field’s credibility. But the psychoanalyzing of public figures by commentators, columnists, and pop psychologists has a bipartisan history.
Trump Chair Routed Ukrainian Money to D.C. Lobbyists
Politico; Associated Press – | Published: 8/17/2016
Donald Trump’s campaign chairperson, Paul Manafort, helped a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine secretly funnel more than $2 million to two lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C., the Associated Press reported. Citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the effort, the AP reported the payments were concealed in order to mask the party’s efforts to influence U.S. lawmakers. Lobbyists in the U.S. are required by law to register as foreign agents if they receive funding from other nations’ leaders. The New York Times has reported that Manafort’s name was found in a secret ledger in Ukraine, which listed more than $12 million in cash payments to the political operative, which he has since denied receiving.
Trump Shakes Up Campaign, Demotes Top Adviser
Washington Post – Robert Costa and Jose DelReal | Published: 8/17/2016
Donald Trump has shaken up his presidential campaign for the second time in two months, hiring a top executive from the conservative website Breitbart News and promoting a senior adviser in an effort to right his faltering campaign. Paul Manafort, the campaign chairperson, will retain his title. But the staffing change was seen by some as a demotion for Manafort. People briefed on the move said it reflected Trump’s realization that his campaign was at a crisis point. But it indicates that Trump, who has chafed at making the types of changes his current aides have asked for, even though he had acknowledged they would need to occur, has decided to embrace his aggressive style for the duration of the race.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Ethics Commission Schedules Special Meeting to Address Backlog
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 8/15/2016
Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton said the agency has a backlog of requests for advisory opinions and will hold a special meeting on September 1 to address them. Albritton said the meeting was not specifically about requests related to former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s trial. But he said the commission received a large number of opinion requests in July. Hubbard was convicted of 12 felony ethics violations in June. The commission normally meets every 60 days, and its next regular meeting will be in October. Albritton said he did not want those requesting opinions to have to wait until then.
District of Columbia – ‘Shadow Campaign’ Donor and Mastermind Sentenced to Three Months Behind Bars
Washington Post – Ann Marimow, Mike DeBonis, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 8/15/2016
A District of Columbia businessperson who poured millions of illegal dollars into city, state, and federal elections was sentenced to three months in jail. Jeffrey Thompson acknowledged setting up a slush fund to help Vincent Gray get elected mayor of Washington in 2010. He also gave more than $600,000 in illegal funds to help Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential bid. Prosecutors had asked for six months of home confinement, in part because of Thompson’s cooperation in the case. But U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said home confinement was “not sufficient” punishment. The judge also ordered Thompson serve 36 months’ probation and pay a $10,000 fine.
Missouri – Faith Leaders Go on Trial for Protesting Missouri Senate for Medicaid Expansion
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Celeste Bott | Published: 8/15/2016
Prosecutors are moving forward with a case against 23 clergy members arrested after participating in a Missouri Senate protest. Authorities charged the clergy with obstructing government operations and first-degree trespassing after they and a few hundred others in 2014 protested lawmakers’ refusal to accept federal dollars to expand the state’s Medicaid program. Protesters filled the Senate’s public galleries, and chanted and sang before police arrested the clergy members. Typically, charges for these kind of political demonstrations are dropped or not pursued by prosecutors, making this trial unusual.
New Jersey – ELEC Unable to Meet Because of Vacancies
NJTV News – Briana Vannozzi | Published: 8/17/2016
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has been unable to meet for the past five months. Three out of the four seats are vacant, and because ELEC needs at least two members to hold a quorum, the sole member has been left waiting on the sidelines. It is up to the governor’s office, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, to make the appointments. Historically speaking, the makeup of the commission has been non-partisan with two Democrats and two Republicans. But with political gridlock in Trenton becoming the new norm, the process has stalled.
New York – For Cuomo, Passing Ethics Bill Was Urgent, Signing It Was Not
Gotham Gazette – David Howard King | Published: 8/12/2016
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has yet to request the Legislature send him an ethics reform package he personally designed and pushed lawmakers to pass. Announced by Cuomo late in the legislative session, the actual bill was then a mystery for days before being introduced in the wee hours of the morning on the final day of the session. Thanks to the governor’s message, legislators were able to pass it within hours despite mostly not being familiar with the bill. While the governor has not even called the bill to his desk, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics approved a series of emergency regulations prompted by the bill that will go into effect 30 days after Cuomo does sign it.
Pennsylvania – Gifts to Seth Williams Create Conflicts
Philadelphia Inquirer – Tricia Nadolny, Aubrey Whelan, and Chris Brennan | Published: 8/18/2016
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams amended his annual financial disclosure reports to include $160,050 in gifts from 2010 to 2015 that he had failed to list. Among them are four family vacations at the Key West beach house of Philadelphia lawyer Richard Hoy. During the same period, Hoy represented scores of defendants facing charges brought by Williams’ office. Observers see it as one of several red flags scattered among the newly disclosed gifts. Williams received $800 in cash for Christmas from members of his security detail; $6,000 in tickets, trips, and gift cards from a defense attorney who later was elected judge with Williams’ backing; and sideline passes from the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has seen former and current players investigated by Williams’ office.
Pennsylvania – Jury: A.G. Kane guilty of perjury, obstruction, all other charges
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy, Angela Couloumbis, and Laura McCrystal | Published: 8/15/2016
A jury found Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane guilty on perjury and obstruction charges, leaving the state’s top prosecutor facing a potential prison term for what was called a case of political retribution at her trial. One day after the verdict, Kane announced her resignation. Prosecutors painted a picture of Kane trying to “go on the offensive” after a newspaper article criticized her for shutting down an undercover investigation into possible corruption by state representatives. Prosecutors say she believed former Chief Deputy Attorney General Frank Fina was behind the story. Kane was accused of leaking secret grand jury documents to the news media in an effort to discredit Fina, and then lying to cover it up.
South Dakota – Charles Koch’s Network Launches New Fight to Keep Donors Secret
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 8/16/2016
Americans for Prosperity, the largest activist group in the policy and political empire founded by Charles and David Koch, launched a coalition this year to fight South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 22, which calls for public disclosure of donors who fund advocacy efforts, the creation of a state ethics commission, and public financing of campaigns. It also limits lobbyists’ gifts to elected officials and lowers the amount of campaign contributions to candidates, parties, and political action committees. The South Dakota campaign marks the latest in a string of battles the Koch network has waged around the country to block efforts to disclose contributors’ identities.
Texas – Pool Offers Changes to Lobby Ordinance
Austin Monitor – Jo Clifton | Published: 8/17/2016
City Councilperson Leslie Pool revised her legislation that would reform Austin’s lobbying ordinance after her initial proposal met with resistance. The new ordinance requires registration only for lobbyists who earn at least $2,000 in compensation during a quarter and work at least 26 hours on lobbying during that quarter. The current ordinance requires a person to register if he or she earns just $200 a quarter, with no hourly requirements. The revised measure also would eliminate the term “incidental lobbying,” a phrase included in current city regulations. If the ordinance passes as Pool is proposing, lobbyists will also have to report their compensation within ranges, which is not required under current law. Pool is also seeking to do away with Austin’s antiquated reporting system.
Washington – Can State Lawmakers Use GoFundMe to Attend National Conventions – and Not Report Donors?
Tacoma News Tribune – Melissa Santos | Published: 8/16/2016
A few Washington lawmakers were chosen to attend the Democratic National Convention as delegates, and some solicited donations online to help cover their cost of attendance. Legislative attorneys issued informal advice that such donations do not violate state ethics rules and do not need to be reported. But members of the Legislative Ethics Board questioned that reasoning during a recent meeting, wondering whether contributions made through crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe provide a covert way for lobbyists to influence state lawmakers while evading normal reporting requirements. The board asked for a report on whether lawmakers must disclose who helps them attend national conventions.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
August 18, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Trump Chair Routed Ukrainian Money to D.C. Lobbyists” by The Associated Press for Politico Texas: “Pool Offers Changes to Lobby Ordinance” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor Campaign Finance “Pro-Trump Super PAC Hire Tests Federal Election Rules” by Andrew […]
Lobbying
“Trump Chair Routed Ukrainian Money to D.C. Lobbyists” by The Associated Press for Politico
Texas: “Pool Offers Changes to Lobby Ordinance” by Jo Clifton for Austin Monitor
Campaign Finance
“Pro-Trump Super PAC Hire Tests Federal Election Rules” by Andrew Perez for MapLight
South Dakota: “Charles Koch’s Network Launches New Fight to Keep Donors Secret” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
Tennessee: “Durham Campaign Investigation Hints at ‘Serious Violations’” by Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Elections
“Early Voting Limits Donald Trump’s Time to Turn Campaign Around” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Trump Shakes Up Campaign, Demotes Top Adviser” by Robert Costa and Jose DelReal for Washington Post
Ethics
Washington: “Can State Lawmakers Use GoFundMe to Attend National Conventions – and Not Report Donors?” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Nutter Calls Controller ‘a Snake’ After Report Alleging ‘Slush Fund’” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
August 17, 2016 •
Los Angeles, CA City Councilman to Resign Early
City Councilman Felipe Fuentes will resign on September 11, nearly 10 months before his term ends, to become a lobbyist with the Apex Group in Sacramento. In his new role, Fuentes will advocate for Associated General Contractors of California, a […]
City Councilman Felipe Fuentes will resign on September 11, nearly 10 months before his term ends, to become a lobbyist with the Apex Group in Sacramento.
In his new role, Fuentes will advocate for Associated General Contractors of California, a statewide trade association.
The council could call for a special election to fill his seat, but the 2017 city election schedule makes the scenario unlikely. The municipal election is already scheduled for March; if no candidate receives a majority in the March election, a May runoff will be held.
August 16, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Obama Facing Pressure to Rip Up His Lobbyist Rules” by Sarah Wheaton for Politico Campaign Finance District of Columbia: “‘Shadow Campaign’ Donor and Mastermind Sentenced to Three Months Behind Bars” by Ann Marimow, Mike DeBonis, and Rachel Weiner for […]
Lobbying
“Obama Facing Pressure to Rip Up His Lobbyist Rules” by Sarah Wheaton for Politico
Campaign Finance
District of Columbia: “‘Shadow Campaign’ Donor and Mastermind Sentenced to Three Months Behind Bars” by Ann Marimow, Mike DeBonis, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
Montana: “Groups Change Ad Strategies before Campaign Finance Deadline” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for McClatchyDC
New Mexico: “Legal Loophole Allows Last-Minute Money in Bernco Race to Remain Hidden” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Texas: “Texas Ethics Commission Chases ‘Campaign in a Box’ Spending” by Ross Ramsey for Texas Tribune
Ethics
“Secret Ledger in Ukraine Lists Cash for Donald Trump’s Campaign Chief” by Andrew Kramer, Mike McIntire, and Barry Meier for New York Times
Alabama: “Ethics Commission Schedules Special Meeting to Address Backlog” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Massachusetts: “City Employees Undergo Ethics Refresher Course” by Meghan Irons for Boston Globe
Elections
“Will Donald Trump Hand State Capitols to Democrats?” by Russell Berman for The Atlantic
“Inside the Failing Mission to Tame Trump’s Tongue” by Alexander Burns and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
August 12, 2016 •
NYCU Video Digest – August 12, 2016
Here is our latest edition of the News You Can Use Video Digest. Have a great weekend! NYCU Video Digest was produced by 2016 interns Brittany Anderson and Clémence Besnard for State and Federal Communications.
Here is our latest edition of the News You Can Use Video Digest. Have a great weekend!
NYCU Video Digest was produced by 2016 interns Brittany Anderson and Clémence Besnard for State and Federal Communications.
August 12, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 12, 2016
National: The Crusade of a Democratic Superlawyer with Multimillion-Dollar Backing Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 8/7/2016 Marc Elias, a go-to lawyer for Democrats in recount fights and redistricting battles, has now taken a prominent and somewhat controversial place among […]
National:
The Crusade of a Democratic Superlawyer with Multimillion-Dollar Backing
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 8/7/2016
Marc Elias, a go-to lawyer for Democrats in recount fights and redistricting battles, has now taken a prominent and somewhat controversial place among the coalition of groups challenging a wave of state election laws that were rewritten in recent years. With a multimillion-dollar commitment from George Soros, Elias is challenging laws that, he argues, diminish the impact of important Democratic Party constituencies of African Americans, Latinos, and young people. The states say they are seeking to combat voter fraud and protect confidence in the electoral process. But in the past month, a long list of judges, appointed by both Democrats and Republicans, have found the threat either negligible or nonexistent. Instead, the judges said, there is evidence the laws hinder minority participation in the process.
Federal:
How Think Tanks Amplify Corporate America’s Influence
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Brooke Williams | Published: 8/7/2016
Think tanks have power in government policy debates because they are seen as researchers independent of moneyed interests. But in the chase for funds, think tanks are pushing agendas important to corporate donors, at times blurring the line between researchers and lobbyists. And they are doing so while reaping the benefits of their tax-exempt status, sometimes without disclosing their connections to corporate interests. On issues as varied as military sales to foreign countries, international trade, highway management systems, and real estate development, think tanks have frequently become vehicles for corporate influence and branding campaigns.
Think Tank Scholar or Corporate Consultant? It Depends on the Day
New York Times – Eric Lipton, Nicholas Confessore, and Brooke Williams | Published: 8/8/2016
The New York Times found an array of researchers at think tanks who had simultaneously worked as registered lobbyists, members of corporate boards, or outside consultants in litigation and regulatory disputes with only intermittent disclosure of their dual roles. With their expertise and authority, think tank scholars offer themselves as independent arbiters. But the analysis identified examples of scholars conducting research while corporations were paying them to help shape government policy. Many think tanks also confer “nonresident scholar” status on lobbyists, former government officials, and others who earn their primary living working for private clients. Largely free from disclosure requirements, the researchers’ work is often woven into elaborate corporate lobbying campaigns.
Trump’s Long Dalliance with Violent Rhetoric
Politico – Michael Crowley | Published: 8/10/2016
Even before Donald Trump’s remark that “Second Amendment people” might stop Hillary Clinton’s Supreme Court appointments, his associates and supporters had repeatedly called for violence against Clinton and Barack Obama, while right-wing leaders and militia groups that support Trump speak of an armed response to federal gun control efforts. Trump’s campaign said his remark was merely a call for gun owners to vote against Clinton this fall. But Democrats said Trump had, at a minimum, made a horribly ill-advised joke about mounting armed resistance. Some analysts said whatever Trump’s intended meaning, the comment was dangerous in a campaign already colored by violence, from assaults on protesters at Trump rallies to talk of rebellion and civil war among his far-right supporters.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – How the University of Alabama System Funneled $1.4 Million Through a ‘Dark Money’ Web
AL.com – Connor Sheets | Published: 8/7/2016
Established and managed by current and former University of Alabama System officials, the Alabama Association For Higher Education operates outside public view as a “dark money” nonprofit. By funneling more than $1.4 million through the group, the UA System has been able to influence state government without illegally donating directly to candidates or having to report its spending on campaign finance disclosures. It is an approach that experts describe as either unique among the nation’s universities or the local representation of a growing but unnoticed national trend.
California – ‘It Became a Price War’: Signature gatherers rake in top dollar with crowded field of ballot initiatives
Los Angeles Times – Christine Mai-Duc | Published: 8/9/2016
Some individuals in California have benefited from what consultants and petition-gathering firms are calling an unprecedented year in the signature business. The number of initiatives circulated combined with the top dollar that many campaigns were willing – or, in some cases, forced – to pay to get them qualified for the November ballot has surprised veterans of the craft. Angelo Paparella, president of National Petition Management, one of the biggest firms managing the signature-gathering process for statewide campaigns, and his competitors, who often deal directly with campaign consultants, usually employ petition coordinator firms and contractors, who in turn recruit, train, and manage street teams of signature gatherers. Carl Towe, who owns one such coordinating firm, said he has never seen pay like this in the 30 years he has worked in the field.
California – Santa Monica Lobbyists Required to Register with City Hall
Santa Monica Daily Press – Matthew Hall | Published: 8/11/2016
The Santa Monica City Council passed new rules that will require lobbyists to register and report their activities. Registration opens September 19 and all lobbyists will have to register within 10 days of any lobbying activity or by October 31, whichever is first. The fees are $40 for initial registration and $25 for amendments and annual renewal.
California – The Coliseum Case is the Latest Embarrassment for D.A.’s Corruption Unit
Los Angeles Times – Paul Pringle and Rong-Gong Lin II | Published: 8/6/2016
A case that grew out of a Los Angeles Times investigation in 2011 has become the latest embarrassment for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, which had already racked up a number of missteps in other high-profile, government corruption prosecutions. Two concert promoters accused in a bribery-and-embezzlement scheme involving raves at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will avoid serving any jail time under a plea bargain with prosecutors who acknowledged they mishandled evidence in the high-profile corruption case. Boston College Law School professor George Brown said the district attorney’s office, like other county prosecution agencies, might be better off leaving public corruption cases to their federal counterparts.
Connecticut – Documents: Feds’ interest in Democrats’ Malloy fundraising predated 2014 election
Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 8/9/2016
The federal investigation into Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy’s re-election campaign began even before Election Day 2014, emails between the U.S. attorney’s office and the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) show. The emails indicate federal prosecutors contacted the SEEC at around the time that Republicans first filed a complaint alleging Malloy and state Democrats were trying to circumvent the Connecticut’s clean election law. A grand jury has been meeting to examine the Democrats’ fundraising since late April and has a subpoenaed contractors and state Democratic staffers.
Hawaii – How Ethics Commission Upheaval Is Playing Out in The Mayor’s Race
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 8/8/2016
Mayoral candidates Charles Djou and Peter Carlisle have been sharpening their attacks in the weeks leading up to the August 13 primary, saying Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell does not care about ethics in government. Over the past several months, the city Ethics Commission has seen its longtime executive director, Chuck Totto, resign under pressure and its sole investigator quit while protesting the heavy-handed management practices of the political appointees who oversee the agency. Ethics investigations have lapsed, and the commission now finds itself fighting to maintain its credibility in an environment in which citizens across the country are becoming increasingly mistrustful of their government.
Illinois – Judge Denies Blagojevich’s Bid to Lighten 14-Year Sentence
ABC News – Michael Tarm (Associated Press) | Published: 8/9/2016
A federal judge resentenced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in prison for his corruption conviction, reaffirming the decision originally handed down more than four years ago. Blagojevich won a chance at resentencing after an appellate court vacated five of 18 charges related to a scheme in which he tried to use his power as governor to extract favors and campaign money from other politicians. The former governor had requested the judge to reduce his sentence to five years in prison. Prosecutors called on U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel to keep the 14-year prison term in place, arguing Blagojevich did not deserve leniency, noting his corruption eroded trust in public officials.
Missouri – Contribution Limits, Tobacco Tax Increase Gain Enough Signatures to Appear on Missouri Ballot
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 8/9/2016
Secretary of State Jason Kander certified four ballot initiatives to go before voters in November, including two a limit on campaign contributions. The effort to reinstall contribution limits would amend the state constitution to cap donations to statewide candidates at $2,600. It also seeks to ban political committees from obscuring the source of their money, a tactic that has become more prevalent in recent years.
New York – Cuomo Cabinet Boat Trip Highlights Campaign Finance Law Concerns
Gotham Gazette – David Howard King | Published: 8/11/2016
The highest ranking members of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration recently boarded a boat in Columbia County and embarked for New York City. It was formally called a cabinet retreat, and the stated purposes for the trip was government related, separate from any strategizing for Cuomo’s 2018 re-election bid. And yet the administration says the cost of the boat trip was paid from the governor’s campaign funds. The use of campaign money to pay for government staff to take a working field trip appears to be completely legal under the state’s campaign finance law, but critics of the system say the law is too loose. Those who want to see reform say the current system allows elected officials to take in significant donations, including from entities with government business, and enhance their lifestyles by paying for extravagant meals, cars, and trips.
New York – Sparks at JCOPE Over Retroactive Donor Disclosure
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 8/9/2016
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) passed regulations that will govern the state’s lobbying disclosure rules should New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sign an ethics reform package, as expected. Under current law, issue-oriented lobbying groups designated as 501(c)(4)s that spend more than $50,000 annually on lobbying must report donors of more than $5,000. The new law would lower those limits to capture groups that spend just $15,000 a year, and require their disclosure of donors of more than $2,500. Under the revised rules, the new, lower contribution limits would apply to donations and lobbying spending between July and December of this year, assuming Cuomo signs the bill.
Tennessee – Tennessee Lawmaker Convicted of Felony Tax Fraud
ABC News; Associated Press – | Published: 8/8/2016
A federal jury found Tennessee Rep. Joe Armstrong guilty on one count of filing a false tax return and an acquitted him on two other related felonies. Armstrong made roughly $321,000 when he used tobacco wholesaler Tru Wholesale to buy cigarette tax stamps for him at the 2006 rate of 20 cents per pack and then sell them after a 42-cent hike went into effect in 2007. Armstrong voted for the tax hike. It was not a crime for Armstrong to profit from a law on which he voted, nor was it a crime for Tru Wholesale owners Boyd Wyatt and Roger Cox to cut Armstrong in on the deal to hoard tax stamps until the hike went into effect. Hiding the money from the IRS, however, is criminal.
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August 11, 2016 •
JCOPE Extends Lobbyist Amnesty Program
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has extended the deadline for the lobbyist amnesty program through September 30. The program is meant to encourage nonfiling lobbyists and employers to comply with the Lobbying Act by disclosing activity, as […]
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has extended the deadline for the lobbyist amnesty program through September 30. The program is meant to encourage nonfiling lobbyists and employers to comply with the Lobbying Act by disclosing activity, as required by law.
The program remains open only to those who have never been contacted by JCOPE for noncompliance with filing requirements and have never been the subject of a criminal proceeding for a Lobbying Act violation. The parallel New York City program was not extended.
August 11, 2016 •
Reno, NV Charter Committee Recommends Lobbying Law
On August 10, the Reno, Nevada City Council and the City Charter Committee met to discuss a possible new lobbying law. The City Charter Committee recommended adding a new lobbying law to the city charter unless the City Council passes […]
On August 10, the Reno, Nevada City Council and the City Charter Committee met to discuss a possible new lobbying law.
The City Charter Committee recommended adding a new lobbying law to the city charter unless the City Council passes a lobbying law through an ordinance before this fall’s November general election. While the City Council considered adopting an ordinance earlier this year, the Charter Committee “feels that the remaining three months until the general election is ample time for Council to formally approve a lobbyist registration system,” according to the Charter Committee’s Final Report and Recommendations presented at the meeting.
Also addressed at the meeting were the filing frequency of campaign finance reports by candidates for public office; ward-only voting for primary, general, and special elections; and other city issues.
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