February 16, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Florida: “Lobbying firms pull in cash as year ends” by Jim Saunders in the Tallahassee Democrat Hawaii: “Lobbying Law Proposed For Kauai” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat Idaho: “Bill would make university, state agency lobbyists report […]
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbying firms pull in cash as year ends” by Jim Saunders in the Tallahassee Democrat
Hawaii: “Lobbying Law Proposed For Kauai” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat
Idaho: “Bill would make university, state agency lobbyists report their spending” by Betsy Russell in the Spokesman Review
New Hampshire: “Political Wrangling Over ‘People’s Pledge’ in New Hampshire” by Simone Pathé in Roll Call
New Mexico: “Campaign finance fix bill triggered by KOB investigation 1 step away from clearing legislature” by Ryan Luby in KOB 4
Ethics
New Mexico: “Ethics commission proposal faces scrutiny in Senate panel” by Dan Boyd in the Albuquerque Journal
Virginia: “Senators vote to undo parts of ethics reform law” by Jim Nolan in the Richmond Times-Dispatch
Elections
“DCCC Names First 16 Candidates to ‘Red to Blue’ Program” by Simone Pathé in Roll Call
Florida: “With Safe Districts Gone, Two Florida Lawmakers Taking Their Time on 2016 Decision” by Eli Yokley in Roll Call
Ohio: “Bill would ban switching political parties in Ohio primary elections” by Robert Higgs in the Plain Dealer
Procurement
Texas: “Some contractors say new Texas disclosure law confusing” by The Associated Press in KXAN
Legislative Issues
Alaska: “Longtime Alaska Lawmaker Max Gruenberg Dies” by Nathaniel Herz in Governing
Arizona: “Arizona lawmakers seek ability to more easily overturn ballot measures” by Howard Fischer in the Daily Courier
February 15, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “DNC Rolls Back Restrictions on Lobbyist Donation” by Tom Hamburger and Paul Kane for Washington Post “Apopka’s Hired Lobbyist Not Registered to Lobby for City in 2014, 2015” by Bethany Rodgers for Orlando Sentinel “Senate Rules Panel Redoing Rules […]
Lobbying
“DNC Rolls Back Restrictions on Lobbyist Donation” by Tom Hamburger and Paul Kane for Washington Post
“Apopka’s Hired Lobbyist Not Registered to Lobby for City in 2014, 2015” by Bethany Rodgers for Orlando Sentinel
“Senate Rules Panel Redoing Rules on Ethics Disclosures” by Jim Nolan for Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Amid Federal Gridlock, Lobbying Rises in the States” by Liz Essley Whyte and Ben Weider for Center for Public Integrity
“Two Nonprofits Face More Than $47,000 in Fines over L.A. Lobbying Forms” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Md. Lawmakers Run Afoul of Fundraising Ban on Online Donations” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
“Agency Says Inauguration Money Can’t Go to Politics” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
“SEIU 925 to Pay $31,715 Regarding Allegations of Campaign Finance Law Violations” by Mark Iandolo for Legal Newsline
Ethics
“Alan Grayson’s Double Life: Congressman and hedge fund manager” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
“Michele Fiore, the Gun-Toting, Calendar-Posing Politician Who Negotiated the Ore. Occupiers’ Surrender” by Michael Miller for Washington Post
“Chicago Aldermen Water down Watchdog Ordinance, Avoid Some Scrutiny” by Hal Dardick and John Byrne for Chicago Tribune
“N. Kingstown Senator Tries to Address Ethics Bill Critiques” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
February 12, 2016 •
DNC Now Accepting Contributions from Lobbyists and PACS
Political contributions from federal lobbyists and political action committee (PACs) are now being accepted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). A self-imposed ban on receiving contributions from lobbyists and PACs began in 2008 during the presidential campaign. Lobbyists and PAC […]
Political contributions from federal lobbyists and political action committee (PACs) are now being accepted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). A self-imposed ban on receiving contributions from lobbyists and PACs began in 2008 during the presidential campaign. Lobbyists and PAC representatives are still prohibited from attending events featuring the president or vice-president or their spouses, according to The Hill.
Mark Paustenbach, deputy communications director for the DNC, explained the change to The Washington Post by saying, “The DNC’s recent change in guidelines will ensure that we continue to have the resources and infrastructure in place to best support whoever emerges as our eventual nominee.” Last year it was announced the DNC would accept contributions from lobbyists and PACs for its party conventions.
February 12, 2016 •
Public Hearing Scheduled to Discuss Changes to Columbus, OH Ethics Laws
Columbus City Council President Zach Klein will hold a public hearing on proposed ethics legislation on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. The proposed changes enhance transparency and accountability for lobbyists, strengthen ethics disclosure laws, and amend campaign finance reporting requirements. Public […]
Columbus City Council President Zach Klein will hold a public hearing on proposed ethics legislation on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. The proposed changes enhance transparency and accountability for lobbyists, strengthen ethics disclosure laws, and amend campaign finance reporting requirements.
Public testimony will be accepted. Comments will be limited to three minutes. Those wishing to comment must fill out a speaker slip at Columbus City Hall on the day of the hearing.
February 12, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 12, 2016
National: Amid Federal Gridlock, Lobbying Rises in the States Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White and Ben Weider | Published: 2/11/2016 The number of business and interest groups lobbying in state Capitols has risen nearly 11 percent in recent […]
National:
Amid Federal Gridlock, Lobbying Rises in the States
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White and Ben Weider | Published: 2/11/2016
The number of business and interest groups lobbying in state Capitols has risen nearly 11 percent in recent years as organizations have shifted some efforts away from the stalemates in Washington, D.C. to statehouses, which are more apt to act on key policy initiatives, according to a new study. The Center for Public Integrity found 101 businesses, associations, or interest groups had lobbyists in at least two-thirds of the states between 2010 and 2014. That includes 21 entities registered to lobby in every state at some point during that period.
Michele Fiore, the Gun-Toting, Calendar-Posing Politician Who Negotiated the Ore. Occupiers’ Surrender
Washington Post – Michael Miller | Published: 2/11/2016
The remaining occupiers of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon tentatively agreed to turn themselves in, largely thanks to Nevada Assemblyperson Michele Fiore’s intervention. Fiore acted as act as the de facto negotiator for the occupiers, at times agreeing with their radical views and at others, calming them down. If the standoff ends peacefully, Fiore will emerge as the most unlikely of saviors. The brash lawmaker is one of the most colorful, controversial political people in the country.
Federal:
IRS Grants Long-Delayed Tax Exempt Status to Crossroads GPS
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 2/9/2016
Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS has been granted tax-exempt “social welfare” status. After deliberating for more than five years, the IRS sent a letter to Crossroads GPS in November telling the group that it qualifies under section 501(c)4 of the tax code that allows it to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money while keeping its donors’ identities secret. During the 2012 election cycle, Crossroads GPS technically abided by the social welfare requirement, reporting it spent only 39 percent of its total $189 million spending on “direct political activities.” But millions of the non-political expenditures involved issue advocacy without expressly advocating for or against a candidate. Campaign finance reformers are incensed by the decision, which they believe validates “dark money” spending on a huge scale.
Line Blurs Between PR, Lobbying
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 2/9/2016
Many on K Street say that offering public relations services has become a necessity in an era when controlling the media message is just as important to clients as cultivating relationships, especially with the explosion of information online. “I think lobbying is changing,” said lobbyist Steve Elmendorf. “People realize that decision makers get their information in so many different ways than they used to, and there are more channels of information. You need to do more than just [direct] lobbying.”
The Politico 100: Billionaires dominate 2016
Politico – Kenneth Vogel and Isaac Arnsdorf | Published: 2/6/2016
The 100 biggest donors of 2016 election cycle have spent $195 million trying to influence the presidential election, more than the $155 million spent by the two million smallest donors combined. The analysis found the leading beneficiaries of checks from the top 100 donors were Jeb Bush’s floundering campaign for the Republican nomination, Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, and Ted Cruz’s insurgent GOP campaign. The intensifying courtship of ultra-rich political partisans, which is occurring in private on both sides of the aisles in luxury resorts and phone calls, stands in contrast to the public discussion on the campaign trail, which is dominated by the concerns of the lower- and middle-class just struggling to get by.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Two Nonprofits Face More Than $47,000 in Fines over L.A. Lobbying Forms
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 2/10/2016
Los Angeles Ethics Commission staffers have proposed a fine of $30,000 for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and $17,500 for the Hospital Association of Southern California for not properly reporting their lobbying at City Hall. The Los Angeles Times reported a year ago that LAANE had failed to fill out key parts of city forms that are supposed to publicly reveal its lobbying activities. Several of its employees had registered as lobbyists, but the nonprofit did not report any payments to those employees or any related expenses for years at a time. Nor did LAANE report any issues that its employees were lobbying about. Commission investigators found similar gaps in the lobbying forms filed by the Hospital Association of Southern California.
Florida – Manatee Judge John Lakin Says Inexperience Led Him to Take Baseball Tickets
Bradenton Herald – Kate Irby | Published: 2/8/2016
Facing possible disciplinary action by the Florida Supreme Court, a Manatee County circuit judge has apologized for using Tampa Bay Rays tickets supplied by a firm with a case pending in his court. Judge John Lakin acknowledged violating canons of judicial conduct but denied baseball tickets influenced his decision in the case. A notice of formal charges says Lakin in June presided over a personal injury case in which a client of the firm Kallins Delgado & Little sued Wal-Mart. A jury found Wal-Mart was not liable, and a day later, Lakin’s judicial assistant contacted the firm about tickets for a Rays game. Lakin used two tickets and did not advise Wal-Mart’s attorneys, despite the case not being final. In August, Lakin issued an order setting aside the jury’s verdict and granting a new trial.
Hawaii – ‘Good Government’ Measures Take another Go at Hawaii Lawmakers
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nathan Eagle | Published: 2/10/2016
Watchdogs in Hawaii have championed ethics reform legislation for years, along with the state ethics and campaign spending commissions. But the Legislature often balks, and in some cases even works contrary to them. It is early yet in the 2016 session, which runs until May. Many reform measures are still alive, and a handful are moving forward. In a few instances, bills that stalled last year have been resurrected.
Maine – Why it’s Hard to Figure out Who’s Influencing Maine Lawmakers
Bangor Daily News – Darren Fishell | Published: 2/10/2016
For the 50 lobbyists in Maine who spent the most in 2015, The Bangor Daily News attempted to link together what those entities spent with the legislation they sought to influence and what has, so far in this ongoing session, happened with those bills. It is an exercise the state ethics commission also is going through as it prepares for another update to its website that Jonathan Wayne, the agency’s executive director, said will bring “significant improvements in the next year.” Maine has a relative abundance of information about lobbying activity, albeit self-reported and unaudited. The problem is presenting that information in a way that is understandable.
Michigan – Judge Puts Michigan ‘Gag Order’ Election Law on Hold
Detroit Free Press – Kathleen Gray and Lori Higgins | Published: 2/5/2016
A federal judge has put a temporary stop on a controversial part of a recently passed campaign finance bill. Senate Bill 571, which included significant changes in Michigan’s election law, contained a provision prohibiting the use of public resources by public entities such as schools and libraries in the 60 days before an election. The provision was found to be unconstitutionally vague by the judge, as it did not clarify what was permissible. While several bills to fix the provision have subsequently been introduced, it is likely none of them will be passed by the upcoming March 8 election.
New Hampshire – Sanders Defeats Clinton in Decisive New Hampshire Primary Victory
Washington Post – John Wagner and Anne Gearan | Published: 2/9/2016
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders notched his first win of the 2016 presidential race, defeating Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire Democratic primary by a large margin. The win for Sanders amounted to a forceful rejection of Hillary Clinton, who has a deep history with New Hampshire voters and offered policy ideas that seemed to reflect the politics of the state. But Sanders, who has proposed an emphatically liberal agenda, drew support from a wide cross-section of voters, even edging her out among women, boosted by his appeal among the young. The outcome provides a fresh burst of momentum for Sanders in a race that will soon broaden to more challenging terrain and that is widely expected to grow more combative as Clinton tries to regain her footing.
New Hampshire – Trump Notches an Easy Victory in New Hampshire’s Republican Primary
Washington Post – Philip Rucker and Robert Costa | Published: 2/10/2016
Donald Trump won the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary by a decisive margin, claiming his first victory of the 2016 campaign and leaving the rest of the GOP field as murky as ever. Trump, whose blunt language and outsider image have electrified many Republicans, benefited from an unusually large field of candidates that split the vote among traditional politicians like Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who finished second, and Jeb Bush. Trump also galvanized voters with a visceral fixation on immigration and economic populism, affirming that even after the setback in the Iowa caucuses, his candidacy has genuine appeal with the GOP base as well as with the independent voters who were part of his winning coalition.
New York – Ethics Watchdog Clarifies Expanded Lobbying Definition
Albany Business Review – Marie French | Published: 2/5/2016
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics released answers to a list of frequently asked questions concerning a recent advisory opinion requiring the disclosure of more activities by political consultants that could be considered lobbying. Public relations firms are concerned about wording that could pull in activity ranging from talking with editorial boards to training sessions on how to advocate. Some have publicly declared they will not comply and questioned the rules’ clarity.
Ohio – Cleveland Council Approves Higher Caps on Campaign Donations
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Leila Atassi | Published: 2/8/2016
The Cleveland City Council voted to raise campaign contribution limits in mayoral races to $5,000 from an individual and $7,500 from PACs. Donations to council candidates will be capped at $1,500, with PACs donating up to $3,000. Council President Kevin Kelley, who sponsored the ordinance, has argued that increasing the limits could help newcomers run more robust campaigns against incumbents. But several council members said the legislation does nothing but widen the gap between incumbents and new candidates, setting up well-entrenched politicians to collect almost ten times more from their wealthiest donors.
Texas – FBI Arrests Nearly All The Top Officials of Crystal City, Tex.
Washington Post – Sarah Kaplan | Published: 2/8/2016
Federal agents arrested five current and former Crystal City officials – the mayor, city manager, mayor pro tempore, one of three current council members and a former councilperson – on bribery and kickback charges after a long-running public corruption probe in the low-income South Texas city. Long-suffering residents last year tried to recall three of those charged. How the city will function with only one city council member, Joel Barajas, not under federal indictment remains to be seen. The fifth council member, Marco Rodriguez, was charged recently with human smuggling in an unrelated case.
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.
February 11, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Maine: “Why it’s Hard to Figure out Who’s Influencing Maine Lawmakers” by Darren Fishell for Bangor Daily News Campaign Finance “Bernie Sanders’s Fundraising Prowess Boosts His Post-New Hampshire Efforts” by Matea Gold and John Wagner for Washington Post Ethics […]
Lobbying
Maine: “Why it’s Hard to Figure out Who’s Influencing Maine Lawmakers” by Darren Fishell for Bangor Daily News
Campaign Finance
“Bernie Sanders’s Fundraising Prowess Boosts His Post-New Hampshire Efforts” by Matea Gold and John Wagner for Washington Post
Ethics
Arizona: “Phoenix City Council Advances Ethics Policy after 3 Years of Talks” by Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic
Hawaii:”‘Good Government’ Measures Take another Go at Hawaii Lawmakers” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Kentucky: “Bevin’s Proposed Budget Cuts Threaten Watchdog Agencies, Elections” by Nick Storm for cn/2
New Mexico: “New Mexico House Approves Ethics Commission Plan” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union
“Ethics: Former House Speaker Harrell must pay $113,500” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) for The Island Packet
Elections
“How a Debate Misstep Sent Marco Rubio Tumbling in New Hampshire” by Jeremy Peters and Michael Barbaro for New York Times
“Fiorina Suspends Republican Presidential Campaign” by Jenna Johnson, Abby Phillip, and Robert Costa for Washington Post
“Chris Christie Plans to Drop out After New Hampshire Flop” by Alexander Burns and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
February 10, 2016 •
Federal Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold for Lobbyists Unchanged for 2016
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold in the Federal Register. The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold remains unchanged for 2016 and continues at the 2015 rate of $17,600. […]
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold in the Federal Register. The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold remains unchanged for 2016 and continues at the 2015 rate of $17,600. This threshold amount is adjusted annually. Federal law requires authorized committees of federal candidates, leadership political action committees (PACs), and political party committees to disclose contributions bundled by lobbyists and lobbyists’ PACs. Additionally, the FEC published its adjusted Coordinated Party Expenditure Limits for political parties for 2016.
February 10, 2016 •
New Mexico House of Representatives Approves Constitutional Amendment to Create Ethics Commission
The state House of Representatives have voted in favor of a house joint resolution to amend the state constitution to create an independent state ethics commission. The commission would be in charge of overseeing the conduct of executive and legislative […]
The state House of Representatives have voted in favor of a house joint resolution to amend the state constitution to create an independent state ethics commission. The commission would be in charge of overseeing the conduct of executive and legislative state officers, employees in the executive and legislative branches, government contractors, and lobbyists.
The resolution now moves to the Senate for approval. If the resolution passes, it will be placed on the November 8 ballot.
February 10, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Line Blurs Between PR, Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “IRS Grants Long-Delayed Tax Exempt Status to Crossroads GPS” by Julie Bykowicz (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star “Kentucky House Passes Bill to Boost Campaign Donations” […]
Lobbying
“Line Blurs Between PR, Lobbying” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“IRS Grants Long-Delayed Tax Exempt Status to Crossroads GPS” by Julie Bykowicz (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star
“Kentucky House Passes Bill to Boost Campaign Donations” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
“Money the Big Question in NLV Judge Challenger’s Campaign” by Bethany Barnes and Alexander Corey for Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Cleveland Council Approves Higher Caps on Campaign Donations” by Leila Atassi for Cleveland Plain Delaer
“WV Senate GOP Stalls Campaign Finance Bill after Dem Amendments” by David Gutman for Charleston Gazette
Ethics
“Manatee Judge John Lakin Says Inexperience Led Him to Take Baseball Tickets” by Kate Irby for Bradenton Herald
“Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney, Takes a Victory Lap in Albany after Winning Corruption Cases” by Vivian Yee and Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Elections
“The Movie That Foretold the Rise of Donald Trump” by Marc Fisher for Washington Post
“Sanders Defeats Clinton in Decisive New Hampshire Primary Victory” by John Wagner and Anne Gearan for The Washington Post
“Trump Notches an Easy Victory in New Hampshire’s Republican Primary” by Philip Rucker and Robert Costa for The Washington Post
February 9, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying New York: “Ethics Watchdog Clarifies Expanded Lobbying Definition” by Marie French for Albany Business Review Campaign Finance “O’Malley Campaign Secures Public Cash before Dropping Out” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun “Campaign Reform Group Calls White House Response to […]
Lobbying
New York: “Ethics Watchdog Clarifies Expanded Lobbying Definition” by Marie French for Albany Business Review
Campaign Finance
“O’Malley Campaign Secures Public Cash before Dropping Out” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun
“Campaign Reform Group Calls White House Response to Secret Money Petition ‘Offensive’” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
“The Politico 100: Billionaires dominate 2016” by Kenneth Vogel and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico
Kentucky: “Grand Jury Brings Fresh Scrutiny to Alison Grimes’ Campaigns” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader
Michigan: “Judge Puts Michigan ‘Gag Order’ Election Law on Hold” by Kathleen Gray and Lori Higgins for Detroit Free Press
Ohio: “Weak Controls Led to Corruption while Boyce Was State Treasurer, Report Says” by Jim Siegel and Randy Ludlow for Columbus Dispatch
Elections
California: “Finding Statewide Office Hard to Attain, Tea Party Stakes Claim to City, County Races” by Phil Willon for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Trone Fires Campaign Staffers Who Tried to Plant Themselves with Opponents” by John Fritze for Baltimore Sun
North Carolina: “Federal Court Invalidates Maps of Two NC Congressional Districts” by Anne Blythe, Craig Jarvis, and Jim Morrill for Raleigh News & Observer
February 8, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It” by Dipka Bhambhani for PRWeek Campaign Finance “Clinton Blasts Wall Street, but Still Draws Millions in Contributions” by Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger, and Anu Narayanswamy for […]
Lobbying
“Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It” by Dipka Bhambhani for PRWeek
Campaign Finance
“Clinton Blasts Wall Street, but Still Draws Millions in Contributions” by Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger, and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post
“Ted Cruz, a Public Firebrand on Social Issues, Is Cooler When Wooing Donors” by Jeremy Peters and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Minnesota: “Does Minnesota’s Constitution Need a Campaign Finance Amendment? DFL Thinks So” by Rachel Stassen-Berger for St. Paul Pioneer Press
Virginia: “Panel Punts on Bill to Limit Personal Use of Campaign Funds” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for WTOP
Ethics
“Senate Ethics Panel Has Issued No Punishments in 9 Years” by Paul Singer and Jenny Ung for USA Today
California: “San Jose Mayor Cancels Calls with His ‘Kitchen Cabinet’” by Ramona Giwargis for San Jose Mercury News
Colorado: “Michael Hancock Seeks Guidance on City Money for Super Bowl Trip” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Michigan: “Amid the Flint Water Crisis, Journalists Are Calling for Changes to Michigan’s FOIA Law” by Annie Byrnes for Poynter.org
Texas: “Federal Corruption Case Snares Leaders of South Texas City” by Nomaan Merchant (Associated Press) for ABC News
Elections
“Young Democrats Flock to Bernie Sanders, Spurning Hillary Clinton’s Polish and Poise” by Amy Chozick and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
February 5, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 5, 2016
National: How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 1/29/2016 The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was rightly convicted of corruption for his efforts on […]
National:
How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 1/29/2016
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was rightly convicted of corruption for his efforts on behalf of a businessperson who bestowed money and gifts on the governor and his family. Experts said if the court overturns the conviction, it could narrow what is considered criminal public corruption and halt investigations of politicians across the country. The McDonnell case strikes at the core issue of when, and to what extent, money should be allowed to influence politics. The justices are essentially being asked to clarify the line between a public official legally performing a routine courtesy for a benefactor, and a politician corruptly using government power in exchange for a bribe.
State Integrity Investigation Spurs Proposals for Reform
Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 1/29/2016
Many states are proposing ethics reform this year, in part because of the State Integrity Investigation, an evaluation of state government accountability and transparency, published by the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity. The best score, a grade of “C,” went to Alaska, while 11 states received failing grades. The project found that in most states, ethics and open records laws are riddled with loopholes while the government agencies meant to enforce them are often toothless and underfunded. Many states that earned poor grades could see improvement if the new proposals are enacted.
Will Online Polls Revolutionize Elections?
Governing – Louis Jacobson | Published: 2/1/2016
Most public-opinion surveys are conducted by phone, with pollsters calling a large enough sample of the population to ensure a statistically valid survey. To do this, pollsters have had to expand their reach to cellphone users, which adds to the already considerable operational costs of survey work. Pollsters have also had to grapple with the reality that many Americans no longer want to pick up calls from an unfamiliar phone number, much less spend 20 minutes sharing their personal opinions with a stranger (or a computer) on the other end of the line. Because of these trends, some polling has moved online. Still, this shift brings with it a series of other challenges, notably the fact that a fraction of Americans remain offline. That is where The American Panel Survey comes in.
Federal:
Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine | Published: 1/28/2016
Regardless of which presidential candidates win their parties’ nominations, partisan operatives view national conventions as prime networking opportunities. Corporate-and-lobbyist-sponsored events that happen alongside the conventions are classic venues for politicians and influencers to connect. Congress passed reform legislation that in part attempted to curb the convention-related mingling between lawmakers and the corporations and lobbyists that advocate before them. Still, there are loopholes that have allowed the parties to continue. Because of them, convention attendees, especially members of Congress, continue to have their pick of functions tailored to comply with the law.
Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 2/3/2016
An elite group of 50 companies and trade associations spent a combined $714 million to lobby Washington in 2015. The total represents a quarter of all the money spent on federal advocacy, and it includes some of the biggest names in corporate America, including Boeing, Exxon Mobil, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The total does not purely encompass lobbying. Several groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Realtors, notably, included campaign and political spending in their totals. Still, a look at the top 50 provides a snapshot of where lobbying dollars went in 2015, with many corporate interests significantly boosting their spending in response to legislative and regulatory battles.
N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role
New York Times – Eric Lichtblau | Published: 1/28/2016
Chris Cox, the National Rifle Association’s chief lobbyist, has emerged as the group’s point man in pushing to defeat new gun control laws, expand existing gun rights measures, and gain even more lobbying clout for an organization he calls “the greatest political force in America.” He has also been instrumental in working on one of the association’s biggest political priorities this year: defeating Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House. Cox leads the NRA’s PAC, which took in $31.3 million in the last three years to dole out on gun rights candidates and causes, and he is the ultimate arbiter of the coveted “grades” the group gives political candidates, which can make or break a campaign.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – San Jose Mayor Cancels Calls with His ‘Kitchen Cabinet’
San Jose Mercury News – Ramona Girwagis | Published: 2/3/2016
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will no longer hold weekend calls with his “kitchen cabinet” after the hidden Saturday conversations with advisers and lobbyists were reported in the media. While it is not unusual for mayors to chat with a cabinet of close advisers, Liccardo’s group drew some criticism for being mostly white, male, and business-oriented and including two registered lobbyists who have lucrative projects before the city council.
Iowa – Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third
Washington Post – Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson | Published: 2/1/2016
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, powered by a surge of support from evangelical Christians, dealt a humbling loss to Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses, throwing into question the depth of support for Trump’s unconventional candidacy. In the first contest of what so far has been more a populist revolt against the political order than a traditional Republican primary, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio finished a strong third, bolstering his case to consolidate the support of Republicans uneasy about the two top finishers.
Iowa – Iowa Count: Clinton nudges past Sanders in photo-finish race
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and John Wagner | Published: 2/2/2016
Hillary Clinton eked out a win over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Iowa caucuses, but the razor-thin margin suggested the Democratic contest is headed toward a protracted wrestling match between its progressive and pragmatic wings. The virtual tie between the two candidates instantly raised the stakes for their next face-off, in the New Hampshire primary. Sanders holds a solid lead in polls there and has the advantage of being from Vermont; candidates from neighboring states have won the state’s primary in recent decades. Nevada holds its Democratic caucuses on February 20 and the South Carolina Democratic primary is a week later and Clinton could fare better in those more diverse electorates.
Michigan – Amid the Flint Water Crisis, Journalists Are Calling for Changes to Michigan’s FOIA Law
Poynter.org – Annie Byrnes | Published: 2/2/2016
Under fire for his administration’s role in Flint’s lead-tainted water emergency, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released his government emails related to the crisis. But Snyder withheld the emails of everyone else in the 70-person executive office along with his own emails from his first three years in office. Also left out were an unknown number of messages the public sent to the governor’s office about Flint through the state website and his staff’s responses. Michigan is one of only two states that exclude the governor’s office from public records searches. In the absence of those emails, it is still unclear when and to what extent the Snyder administration was involved in and aware of the decision to switch water sources and the resulting public health emergency.
New Mexico – Report: Perceptions of cronyism hurt state’s bottom line
NMPolitics.net – Bruce Krasnow (Santa Fe New Mexico) | Published: 1/28/2016
A new report says the perception in New Mexico that moneyed interests gain more advantage through lobbying and tax subsidies is a subtle but negative factor as businesses decide where to expand or relocate. “No question that education and infrastructure and things like broadband matter, but corruption and cronyism matter as well,” said Michael Rocca, a political scientist at the University of New Mexico. To curb cronyism in the state, the report suggests three changes that are already under consideration: a statewide ethics commission, greater transparency in campaign financing and lobbying, and a more detailed review of tax breaks given to businesses.
New York – Does Lobbying Involve Social Media Activity? New York Regulators Are Looking Into It
PRWeek – Dipka Bhambhani | Published: 2/4/2016
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) posted a solicitation for comments from the public on the extent to which social media activity could be considered lobbying. JCOPE is planning to accept feedback until February 19 when it will draft a proposal that could establish guidelines on the issue. Among the questions, JCOPE asked if communications must be made directly to a public official, such as via his or her social media pages, to be considered lobbying. JCOPE is also considering whether posts or tweets with hyperlinks to lobbying websites are reportable activity, and whether social media expenditures can be considered expenses under the lobbying law.
Tennessee – Tennessean Investigation Finds Inappropriate Text Messages
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Jill Cowan | Published: 1/24/2016
The Tennessean has been investigating inappropriate text messages from Tennessee House Majority Whip Jeremy Durham to three women who worked at the statehouse. Republican leaders were told of a potential sexual harassment complaint about Durham’s behavior about a week before an unprecedented GOP caucus meeting to decide the fate of his leadership role, but the specific concerns were never disclosed to his fellow legislators. The incidents point to a legislative sexual harassment policy experts have said is mired in secrecy and contributes to an environment where sexual harassment by the state’s elected leaders can go essentially unchecked.
Texas – As Ethics Panel Bars Guns in Meetings, Others Not So Lucky
Houston Chronicle – Lauren McGaughy | Published: 2/1/2016
The Texas Ethics Commission will ban guns from their meetings. State law allows those with a license to carry holstered handguns into the Capitol in Austin. The guns can be carried openly or concealed. But another state law allows governmental entities that hold certain public meetings to ban guns from their gatherings by posting signs to that effect. Texas Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw said the state House and Senate are also subject to these same open meetings laws, and therefore have the power to ban open and concealed carry in the gallery that overlooks the chambers and at legislative hearings. Before the open carry law went into effect on January 1, the Senate allowed concealed carry in its gallery and hearings.
Utah – Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1
Salt Lake Tribune – Mariah Noble | Published: 2/1/2016
There are 441 lobbyist registered in Utah, more than four for every one of the 104 state legislators. While a number of the registered lobbyists never make an appearance on Capitol Hill, some represent as many as 50 client organizations. “We’re an integral part of democracy,” said lobbyist Frank Pignanelli. “Elections are obviously the first and foremost key element, but for individuals and companies and organizations to have their interests represented in the law and policy-making process is absolutely imperative.”
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.
February 4, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance Alaska: “Political Groups That Supported Walker Violated Law, Settlement Says” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch Arizona: “Court Ruling Intensifies Ariz. ‘Dark Money’ […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying’s Top 50: Boeing, Amazon on the rise” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Political Groups That Supported Walker Violated Law, Settlement Says” by Alex DeMarban for Alaska Dispatch
Arizona: “Court Ruling Intensifies Ariz. ‘Dark Money’ Battle” by Mary Jo Pitzl for Arizona Republic
Florida: “Miami-Dade Commissioners Resist Greater PAC Disclosures” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
Ethics
New Mexico: “Despite Concerns, Ethics Commission Heads to House Floor” by Joey Peters for New Mexico Political Report
Pennsylvania: “FBI Probe Expands to Lehigh County” by Emily Opilo and Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call
Texas: “As Ethics Panel Bars Guns in Meetings, Others Not So Lucky” by Lauren McGaughy for Houston Chronicle
Elections
“Will Online Polls Revolutionize Elections?” by Louis Jacobson for Governing
“Rand Paul Drops Out of Presidential Race” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
Procurement
“Businesses Owned by Women Less Likely to Win U.S. Contracts, Study Shows” by Jackie Calmes for New York Times
February 3, 2016 •
FPPC Proposes Amendment to Lobbying Ride Along Exception
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has proposed an amendment to lobbying regulations with the goal of clarifying the “ride along” exception to the definition of direct communication for registration. The proposed amendment limits the ride along exception to employees […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has proposed an amendment to lobbying regulations with the goal of clarifying the “ride along” exception to the definition of direct communication for registration.
The proposed amendment limits the ride along exception to employees of the lobbyist employer who participate in the meeting or communication only as a subject matter expert.
The proposed amendment will be considered at a public hearing on March 17, 2016.
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