April 27, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Bill Shuster Muscled Through Transportation Bill Pushed by Lobbyist Girlfriend” by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, and John Bresnahan for Politico “Taco Bell Lobbyists Thank Congressional Staff with 6,000 Tacos” by Lee Fang for The Intercept California: “For Statewide Change, […]
Lobbying
“Bill Shuster Muscled Through Transportation Bill Pushed by Lobbyist Girlfriend” by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, and John Bresnahan for Politico
“Taco Bell Lobbyists Thank Congressional Staff with 6,000 Tacos” by Lee Fang for The Intercept
California: “For Statewide Change, Advocates Are Making Their Battles Local” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times
Indiana: “Trinkets, Website Part of Gov. Pence’s Unique Lobbying Effort” by Ryan Cook for Indianapolis Star
New York: “Skelos Probe Sparks Competing Calls for Change in Nassau County” by James Galloway for Island Now
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “Council Moves to Illuminate Super PAC Money” by Tricia Nadolny for Philadelphia Inquirer
Rhode Island: “Raimondo Signs into Law New Campaign Finance Measures” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal
Ethics
Illinois: “Ex-State Rep. Smith, Who Pocketed $7,000 Bribe, Gets 5 Months in Prison” by Jason Meisner for Chicago Tribune
Elections
Missouri: “Resignations after Election of Black Mayor Put Missouri Hamlet in Spotlight” by John Eligon for New York Times
Procurement
Florida: “Inspector General Questions County Contractor Deals” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel
April 24, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 24, 2015
Federal: Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist Politico – John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman | Published: 4/16/2015 U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairperson of the House Transportation Committee, admitted he has a “close private and […]
Federal:
Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist
Politico – John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman | Published: 4/16/2015
U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairperson of the House Transportation Committee, admitted he has a “close private and personal relationship” with a female lobbyist for an airline association whose job is to influence his panel. Shuster acknowledged he has been dating Shelley Rubino, vice president of government affairs for Airlines for America, while the committee he leads has been working to overhaul the Federal Aviation Administration. The House Ethics Manual does not address lobbying by romantic partners but does urge “special caution” when a spouse or other immediate family member is a lobbyist. Shuster said his office consulted with legal counsel to establish its own internal policy on personal relationships that “goes further than required by law.”
House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors
Politico – Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn | Published: 4/16/2015
The U.S. House passed legislation that would protect major campaign donors from having to pay gift taxes on huge contributions to secretive political groups. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, is seen by fundraising operatives as removing one of the few remaining potential obstacles to unfettered big-money spending by nonprofit groups registered under a section of the tax code that allows them to shield their donors’ identities. While fundraising operatives say most donors do not pay taxes on their contributions to 501(c) groups, the law is somewhat ambiguous on whether gift taxes could be assessed. That has left donors fearing such gifts could bring scrutiny from the IRS.
Jeb Bush Prepares to Give Traditional Campaign a Makeover
AP.org – Thomas Beaumont | Published: 4/21/2015
A report that Jeb Bush will delegate much of his presidential campaign’s work to a super PAC is prompting criticism from reform advocates and the threat of legal action. Bush has spent months developing a plan to give Right to Rise the authority to run activities such as advertising, phone banking, and data analysis for his campaign. Such groups can raise unlimited money to participate in campaigns but legally are not supposed to coordinate with a candidate’s operations. While super PACs have played major roles in campaigns before, supporting candidates who have fallen out of favor with voters, they have never served as the overt drivers of a candidate’s campaign operations, said Bill Allison, a senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Ariz. Court: Groups can’t conceal attack-ad funding sources
East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 4/21/2015
The Arizona Supreme Court refused to overturn an appeals court ruling against a political group that spent about $1.5 million during the state’s 2010 attorney general race. The high court left in place the ruling that found a television commercial by the Committee for Justice and Fairness advocated for the defeat of then-candidate Tom Horne and was not exempt issue advocacy. The association claimed its ad confronted issues of child safety. But the appellate court said – and now the state Supreme Court has agreed – that any commercial or mailer must be examined in its entirety, including its timing, to determine its real purpose.
Arkansas – 30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel
Arkansas Online – Michael Wickline | Published: 4/18/2015
The Arkansas Ethics Commission discussed new laws that came out of this year’s legislative session, including one that gives elected officials a 30-day grace period to return improper gifts from lobbyists and correct reporting errors. Commissioners asked Executive Director Graham Sloan a number of questions about Act 1280, which allows a state elected official to avoid sanctions if the official unwittingly receives an improper gift from a lobbyist and returns it, or pays the donor an amount equal to or greater than the value of the gift, within 30 days of the discovery of the violation.
California – Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show
Los Angeles Times – Marc Lifsher | Published: 4/21/2015
After many complaints about ties between the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the state’s largest utility fired its chief lobbyist, Brian Cherry, his boss, and another vice president. PG&E also released a flood of documents that has sparked the biggest investigation of a state agency in the last decade. The documents, including emails between the utility and regulators, portrayed questionably cozy relations between then-PUC President Michael Peevey and top PG&E executives. “Cherry’s job was to know everybody and be on good terms with everybody,” said John Geesman, former executive director of the California Energy Commission. “You make friends so that your friends could help you.”
Florida – Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers
Tampa Bay Times – Michael Van Sickler | Published: 4/17/2015
Powerful Florida lawmakers in both parties still get special interests to cover personal expenses, even after the gift ban and a subsequent reform in 2013. Committees set up by some legislators are legally allowed to reimburse their host lawmakers for expenses, as long as they can show it is related to the political mission of their committees. But a review of 84 committees operated by 75 state legislators show a handful of politicians routinely used their committees for reimbursements that could not easily be explained.
Kansas – Kobach PAC Embroiled in Naming-Law Issue; ‘Stupid’ PAC Gets Letter from Ethics Panel
Wichita Eagle – Dion Lefler | Published: 4/22/2015
A new PAC in Kansas filed to organize under the name “It’s Time to Fix Stupid.” They got a letter from the state Governmental Ethics Commission saying: “The name of your political action committee, It’s time to fix stupid, must be changed or expanded upon to more clearly reflect your interest.” KCTU news director R.J. Dickens, chairperson and treasurer of the PAC, said the name is directly reflective of what the group wants to do. It bought a website, itstimetofixstupid.com, and plans to use it to hold a “Stupid Tuesday” primary in August to identify what are deemed to be the stupidest state legislators and to direct campaign donations to those lawmakers’ opponents.
Kentucky – Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 4/20/2015
John Steffen, executive director of the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission, is leaving the post to become head of the state Registry of Election Finance. Steffen will replace Sarah Jackson, who retired from the registry last fall. During his seven years as executive director, Steffen has been involved in several widely publicized cases, including investigations of former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, the state Fish and Wildlife Department, nepotism involving property valuation administrators, and the state merit hiring system.
Missouri – Resignations after Election of Black Mayor Put Missouri Hamlet in Spotlight
New York Times – John Eligon | Published: 4/23/2015
Before being sworn in to office on April 14, Tyus Byrd never could have imagined the national headlines she would grab as the first black mayor of Parma, Missouri. Upon her taking office, several employees of the rural hamlet, including the chief of police and two full-time police officers, resigned. All are white. Adding to the intrigue was that the man whom Byrd defeated, Randall Ramsey, mayor for more than three and a half decades during two separate stints, offered a cryptic reason for the resignations: “safety concerns.” With the nation roiled in a debate over law enforcement in minority communities, many Internet commenters wondered whether this was all about race. Many residents seem to believe what happened was because of tensions between an old government and the new one, not between the races.
Montana – Bullock Signs Campaign Finance Bill into Law
The Missoulian – Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) | Published: 4/23/2015
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed a bill into law that is meant to expose “dark money” in elections. Senate Bill 289 will require groups that spend money on elections at the state level to disclose their donors, including those that have been previously exempt from the practice. Organizations have been able to skirt laws requiring disclosure if their purpose and federal tax designation categorizes the group as dedicated to education or advocacy.
New York – Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling
New York Times – Russ Buettner and David Chen | Published: 4/20/2015
The New York Times reported that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie appears to have benefited from his mother’s past embezzlement. Heastie’s mother in 1998 pleaded guilty to writing checks from the nonprofit where she worked, using some of the money to buy a family home. As part of her restitution, she and her son, who also lived in the home, were to sell it and pay back the former employer. Heastie’s mother died shortly after her plea. Heastie did not sell the apartment until six years later, and pocketed a $200,000 profit, according to the report.
New York – New York State Elections Board Retains a Corporate Donation Loophole
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 4/16/2015
New York’s State Board of Elections split along party lines on closing the so-called LLC loophole in campaign finance rules, leaving it intact. Two commissioners proposed treating limited liability companies like partnerships, subject to more complete disclosures and donation restrictions. That would reverse the board’s 1996 decision. The board now treats LLCs as individuals, who can give up to $60,800 to a statewide candidate. Corporations, meanwhile, have much lower limits. Reform advocates say certain wealthy individuals use LLCs to hide their identities and donate large amounts to politicians in support of particular causes or interests.
Rhode Island – Campaign Finance Measures Sent to Governor
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 4/16/2015
The Rhode Island General Assembly approved a series of bills to tighten campaign finance reporting. If signed into law, the measures will require candidates and PACs to create a separate bank account for campaign funds and file bank statements for it with the state elections board. Candidates also could not serve as their own campaign treasurers if their accounts reach or expend $10,000 or more annually.
Virginia – Legislature Approves Ethics Bill with $100 Aggregate Gift Cap
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Jim Nolan and Markus Schmidt | Published: 4/17/2015
Virginia lawmakers gave final approval to an ethics reform package that includes an aggregate $100 annual cap on gifts. Legislation that passed at the close of the regular session would have meant officials could receive an unlimited number of gifts from the same source as long as none exceeded $100. Gov. Terry McAuliffe sought to close the loophole and put in place an aggregate $100 annual cap on gifts from a single source. But it got bogged down when it was discovered the language of the governor’s amendment could be interpreted to be a lifetime limit, rather than an annual one. Lawmakers returned to Richmond for an abbreviated session to resolve the issues with the bill.
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.
April 23, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Very Simple Reason More Money Is Spent on Lobbyists than on Congress” by Philip Bump for Washington Post “Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show” by Marc Lifsher for Los Angeles Times Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
“The Very Simple Reason More Money Is Spent on Lobbyists than on Congress” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
“Drinks, Dinners, Favors Helped PG&E Lobbyist Build PUC Ties, Emails Show” by Marc Lifsher for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Jeb Bush Prepares to Give Traditional Campaign a Makeover” by Thomas Beaumont for AP.org
“Feds Face New Pressure on Corporate Giving” by Lydia Wheeler for The Hill
“Ariz. Court: Groups can’t conceal attack-ad funding sources” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for East Valley Tribune
“Kansas to New Political Group: Fix your ‘stupid’ name” by Dion Lefler for Wichita Eagle
“Gov. Signs Campaign Finance Bill into Law” by Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) for Flathead Beacon
“Campaign Finance Reform: Kate Brown urges lawmakers to pass donation limits” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
“Ethics Board Looks to Strengthen City Campaign Finance Laws” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Free Golf Tickets OK’d by Legislative Ethics Board” by Chad Sokol (Murrow News Service) for Spokane Spokesman-Review
April 22, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “What We Get Wrong about Lobbying and Corruption” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post “Lobbyists Slow to Cash in on Republican-Led Congress” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Campaign Finance “Campaign Finance System Is Broken Says GOP Super-Lawyer Jim […]
Lobbying
“What We Get Wrong about Lobbying and Corruption” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post
“Lobbyists Slow to Cash in on Republican-Led Congress” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance System Is Broken Says GOP Super-Lawyer Jim Bopp” by Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity
Kansas: “Ex-Lawmaker Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail for Bank Fraud” by Nicholas Clayton (Associated Press) for Kansas City Star
Ethics
“Storm Gathers around Clinton Finances” by Niall Stanage for The Hill
Illinois: “Judge Says Berrios Doesn’t Have to Pay $10,000 Ethics Fine” by Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune
Montana: “Montana Senate Committee Tables Confirmation of Political Practices Commissioner” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian
Texas: “Texas House OKs Change in Investigating Public Corruption” by Eva Ruth Moravec (Associated Press) for Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Virginia: “Ex-Virginia First Lady McDonnell Tries to Get Corruption Convictions Tossed” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Procurement
Texas: “House Launches Contracting Inquiry at 11 State Agencies” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
April 21, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online Campaign Finance “House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico “Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Campaign Finance
“House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico
“Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue in 2016 Campaign” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Panel Recommends Fining Former Lawmaker David Rivera $58K” by Kathleen McGrory for Miami Herald
Florida: “Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Kentucky: “Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
New Jersey: “Ferriero Convicted on Racketeering Count; Ex-Democratic Chief Used Political Clout for Profit” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record
New York: “Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling” by Russ Buettner and David Chen for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Montco Businessman Charged in PennDot Graft Probe” by Ben Finley for Philadelphia Inquirer
Redistricting
North Carolina: “US Supreme Court Tosses NC High Court Decision on State’s GOP-Drawn Electoral Maps” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
April 20, 2015 •
Arkansas Ethics Commission to Administer New Lobbying and Campaign Laws
The state Ethics Commission is discussing how to administer new lobbying and campaign laws signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Senate Bill 967 (now Act 1280) limits lobbyists to one “planned activity” per week and provides a 30-day grace period for […]
The state Ethics Commission is discussing how to administer new lobbying and campaign laws signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Senate Bill 967 (now Act 1280) limits lobbyists to one “planned activity” per week and provides a 30-day grace period for officials to return improper gifts. Political contribution limits from individuals and PACs to a candidate have been raised from $2,000 to $2,700 per election.
Act 1280 also authorizes the commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the commission authority to administer the constitutional changes.
Earlier this year lawmakers passed House Bill 1002 (now Act 47), but that law only authorized the commission to issue advisory opinions concerning the amendment.
Act 1280 further provides the commission with statutory authority to administer the changes by issuing rules and investigating complaints. Act 1280 became effective upon Hutchinson’s signature.
April 20, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist” by John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman for Politico Campaign Finance “Clinton Campaign Will Accept Donations from Lobbyists and PACs” by Sam Stein and Paul Blumenthal for Huffington […]
Lobbying
“Bill Shuster Admits ‘Private and Personal Relationship’ with Airline Lobbyist” by John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer, and Jake Sherman for Politico
Campaign Finance
“Clinton Campaign Will Accept Donations from Lobbyists and PACs” by Sam Stein and Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
New York: “New York State Elections Board Retains a Corporate Donation Loophole” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Rhode Island: “Campaign Finance Measures Sent to Governor” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Ethics
“Clinton Foundation to Restrict Foreign Donations” by Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Alabama: “Hubbard Defense Claims Prosecutorial Misconduct in Ethics Case” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Georgia: “Ga. Ethics Commission Search for Leader Down to 4 Finalists” by Kathleen Foody (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Indiana: “Ethics Legislation Gets Closer to Becoming Law” by Alec Gray for Indianapolis Business Journal
Virginia: “Legislature Approves Ethics Bill with $100 Aggregate Gift Cap” by Jim Nolan and Markus Schmidt for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Washington: “Washington Auditor Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Indictment” by Gene Johnson and Derrick Nunnally (Associated Press) for The Sun Herald
April 17, 2015 •
Deadline Extended for Illinois Lobbyist Expenditure Reports
The Illinois Secretary of State Index Department has extended the filing deadline for the Lobbyist Expenditure Report covering the period of April 1 to April 15, 2015. Due to an ongoing service issue on the website, the Lobbyist Registration and […]
The Illinois Secretary of State Index Department has extended the filing deadline for the Lobbyist Expenditure Report covering the period of April 1 to April 15, 2015.
Due to an ongoing service issue on the website, the Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System has been inaccessible to some users.
The April 20 deadline has been extended to April 22, 2015, at 11:59 p.m.
April 17, 2015 •
Change to New York Legislative Law Now in Effect
Senate Bill 2006 was enacted this week and effective immediately upon Gov. Cuomo’s signature. The bill amends lobbyist registration requirements by expanding the definition of municipality to include jurisdictional subdivisions with a population of 5,000 or more as well as […]
Senate Bill 2006 was enacted this week and effective immediately upon Gov. Cuomo’s signature. The bill amends lobbyist registration requirements by expanding the definition of municipality to include jurisdictional subdivisions with a population of 5,000 or more as well as school districts.
This change will have a large impact on interactions with local officials throughout the state of New York, potentially requiring lobbyist registration at the state level for interactions with local officials from municipalities with populations of 5,000 or more as well as with school district officials.
The registration threshold of $5,000 has not changed; however, Senate Bill 2006 has vastly broadened the spectrum of activity considered lobbying.
April 17, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 17, 2015
National: Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report BBC – Damian Grammaticas | Published: 4/14/2015 Lack of control over lobbyists threatens to undermine European democracies, said Transparency International, which is calling for new regulations. In a report assessing legal […]
National:
Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report
BBC – Damian Grammaticas | Published: 4/14/2015
Lack of control over lobbyists threatens to undermine European democracies, said Transparency International, which is calling for new regulations. In a report assessing legal and other safeguards against opaque lobbying practices in 19 of the 28 European Union (EU) states and three EU institutions, it found only two countries – Slovenia and Lithuania – had even half the level of protection that the organization thought was necessary to protect against “undue influence” by vested interests. Among Transparency International’s concerns were lack of public documentation of who is lobbying whom, with what resources, and for what purpose. Others included failure to control the “revolving door” of staff moving between government institutions and private enterprises.
Federal:
Florida Mailman Lands a Gyrocopter on Capitol Lawn, Hoping to Send a Message
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis and Marc Fisher | Published: 4/15/2015
A postal worker from Florida delivering a protest message to Congress landed a lightweight gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Doug Hughes was taken into custody, with possible charges pending. He guided his aircraft at low speed through protected airspace and landed it on Congress’s front lawn to raise awareness about the amount of money spent on elections. “I have no intention of hurting anyone,” Hughes wrote on his website. The U.S. Secret Service denied anyone had tipped off its Tampa field office to Hughes’s intentions. Air defense systems did not detect the copter as it entered restricted airspace above Washington, D.C. No one tried to stop the gyrocopter.
Hillary Clinton’s Goal: Keep Bill Clinton happy, involved
Politico – Annie Karni | Published: 4/13/2015
When Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2008, her campaign staff was intimidated by her husband’s star power, concerned that she would be seen only in relation to him. Bill Clinton’s role during that campaign was an ongoing frustration for him and his team. The feeling within his inner circle, sources said, was that if he had been allowed to have a bigger say in strategy from the beginning, the campaign would not have ended up where it did. Now, after four years as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton is more firmly established as independent figure. Her new team has more confidence that she will be seen by voters as her own woman, with an identity separate from her husband. Thus they will not be afraid to place him in the spotlight when the time is right, while taking full advantage of his skills as a strategist behind the scenes.
In Accepting Bitcoin, Rand Paul Raises Money and Questions
New York Times – Eric Lichtblau | Published: 4/9/2015
In announcing his candidacy for president, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul waded into new waters when he said he would accept campaign contributions in Bitcoins, a largely untraceable virtual currency, in amounts up to $100. While some state and federal candidates in California, Colorado, New Hampshire, and elsewhere have started accepting Bitcoins, Paul is the first presidential candidate to do so. The novelty of the payment method is likely to help Paul highlight his edgy appeal to other libertarians, tech-savvy voters, young people, and others who favor Bitcoin. But it also raises questions about whether illegal contributions could make their way into campaigns more easily.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Gov. Doug Ducey Signs Elections-Related Measures
Arizona Capitol Times – Bob Christie (Associated Press) | Published: 4/14/2015
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a series of bills into law that address campaign finance, voter initiatives, third parties, and political committees. House Bill 2415 allows candidates to take up to $6,250 from an individual donor per election cycle, up from $5,000. House Bill 2649 modifies the definition of “political committee.” State Elections Director Eric Spencer said he crafted the legislation to specify that groups only need register as a political committee if they are organized for the purpose of affecting elections.
Missouri – Though Petition Seeks His Ouster, Ferguson Mayor Says He Is Best Leader for City
New York Times – John Eligon | Published: 4/12/2015
Ever since a white Ferguson police officer fatally shot an unarmed black teenager eight months ago, the city’s mayor, James Knowles, has been thrust into the spotlight in a national debate over race, class, and law enforcement. Among some activists who have taken to the streets, Knowles is viewed as a tone-deaf public official who allowed a racist and corrupt government to operate under his nose. Knowles has defended himself by saying that concerns about racial bias had not been raised on his watch as a public servant, and now that big problems had been laid bare, he was the person best qualified to help the city usher in vital reforms. But that is not enough for a handful of residents who, with support from outside groups, are trying to have Knowles recalled.
Montana – Legislature Clears Campaign Finance Bill; Headed to Governor
The Missoulian; Associated Press – | Published: 4/15/2015
Montana lawmakers gave final approval to a bill requiring more disclosure for so-called dark money spending. Under Senate Bill 289, certain groups would be required to publicize reports on political donations and expenditures if they spend money supporting or opposing candidates or ballot issues. The measure aims to shed light on anonymous money that began flowing into elections after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling.
Nevada – Bill to Toughen Nevada Campaign Finance Rules Clears Senate
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Sandra Chereb | Published: 4/9/2015
The Nevada Senate passed legislation that would bar lawmakers from accepting gifts from lobbyists and would require candidates file more frequent campaign finance reports. Senate Bill 307, which now goes to the Assembly, also would require lobbyists to report any expenditures made to lawmakers for educational trips, informational meetings, or events, though they would not constitute a gift or political contribution. The bill would require candidates to file campaign finance reports more than twice as often as they do now.
New York – Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, and His Son Are Said to Be Focus of Corruption Inquiry
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Susanne Craig, and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 4/15/2015
The New York Times reported a federal grand jury is considering evidence in a possible case against New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son. The focus is on the business dealings of Adam Skelos, including his hiring by an Arizona company that won a local government contract in New York although it was not the low bidder, and a $20,000 signing bonus he received from a title insurance company that never employed him. Investigators are trying to determine whether the elder Skelos used his political influence to help the company, AbTech Industries, which won a $12 million storm-water treatment contract from Nassau County, the senator’s home district.
Rhode Island – Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under R.I. Ethics Code, Commission Says
Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 4/14/2015
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission said ethics rules do not prohibit state Rep. Daniel McKiernan from forming a law partnership with two other attorneys who are registered lobbyists. The commission noted the code generally allows public officials to enter into most private business associations. It then limits their ability to use their office to benefit themselves or their partners by requiring them to not participate in matters that would financially affect the business. The ethics panel lost its jurisdiction over the General Assembly following a 2009 state Supreme Court decision.
Tennessee – Tennessee House Votes Bible as Official State Book
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher | Published: 4/15/2015
The state House passed a bill to make the Bible the official book of Tennessee, despite opposition from Republican leaders and an attorney general’s opinion that the measure would violate the state and federal constitutions. Rep. Jerry Sexton, a former pastor, argued his proposal reflects the Bible’s historical, cultural, and economic impact in Tennessee. But several opponents raised concerns about putting the Bible on par with other more innocuous state symbols like the official salamander, tree, and beverage. The measure would need to be approved by the Senate before heading to the desk of Gov. Bill Haslam, who opposes it.
Texas – Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 4/15/2015
Two bills aimed at requiring disclosure of lobbyist spending on Texas lawmakers and officials are on the verge of expiring in the Senate State Affairs Committee, according to the sponsor of the measures. Sen. Kirk Watson said he has been told not to expect even a public hearing on the bills, let alone a committee vote. Technically, under current law, a lobbyist who spends more than $114 on any one state official has to report the name of the person who is being entertained with food and drink. But that almost never happens. Watson wants to reduce the reporting threshold to $50, and he would require a detailed disclosure even if multiple lobbyists banded together to get around that lower limit.
Utah – Gay Rights, Religious Rights and a Compromise in an Unlikely Place: Utah
Washington Post – Niraj Chokshi | Published: 4/12/2015
A federal judge in 2013 struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, giving a lift to activists who had been pushing the state to adopt legislation protecting gay men and lesbians against discrimination in areas such as housing and employment. And as the question of same-sex marriage worked its way through the courts, ultimately winning a date before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew eager to reach an amicable compromise on gay and religious rights. It was determined to avoid what church officials saw as a polarized debate in several other states. Eight days after a compromise bill on the issue was introduced, it was signed into law with support from the gay rights group Equality Utah, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, and the church, uniquely influential in a state where about three in five residents are Mormon.
Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Vote on Gifts Must Wait until Friday
Roanoke Times – Markus Schmidt and Jim Nolan (Richmond Times-Dispatch) | Published: 4/15/2015
Virginia lawmakers delayed a vote on ethics reform legislation over concerns the measure could be interpreted as putting a $100 lifetime limit on gifts to public officials from lobbyists and others who have financial interests with the state. The General Assembly instead decided to reconvene on April 17 to clarify that the $100 gift limit was per year. Legislators were expected to go along with that change as well as one intended to make it clear they cannot accept trips to widely attended events.
West Virginia – Ethics Commission Grapples with Trinkets Ban
Charleston Gazette – Eric Eyre | Published: 4/9/2015
The West Virginia Ethics Commission will refine its guidance for a soon-to-be enacted law that prohibits elected officials from using public funds to feature their name or likeness on specific items. House Bill 2457 prevents “public officials, their agents or anyone on public payroll” from using their name or likeness on any publicly owned vehicles, in advertising, or on trinkets – small items such as magnets and cups. Commissioners said there needs to be clarification on are what exactly a trinket is and what type of advertising is prohibited.
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.
April 16, 2015 •
Virginia General Assembly Will Reconvene Friday for Ethics Bill Vote
The General Assembly reconvened Wednesday to review several proposed legislative amendments offered by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, including changes to the ethics reform bill. The bill, as sent to the governor, changes the lobbyist gift limit from $250 per year from […]
The General Assembly reconvened Wednesday to review several proposed legislative amendments offered by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, including changes to the ethics reform bill. The bill, as sent to the governor, changes the lobbyist gift limit from $250 per year from any one source to $100 per gift.
The governor, fearing this would allow legislators to accept an unlimited number of gifts as long as they were less than $100 each, suggested a $100 per year limit from any one source. Lawmakers voiced their own concerns with the amendment, stating its wording could be construed to create a $100 lifetime limit.
Much to the dismay of some members, the General Assembly will meet again on Friday, April 17 to clarify the issue and hold a vote.
Photo of the Virginia State Capitol by Anderskev on Wikimedia Commons.
April 16, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report” by Damian Grammaticas for BBC “Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune Campaign Finance “REBNY Members Gave a Tenth of all N.Y. […]
Lobbying
“Europe at Risk of Corruption from Lobbying – Report” by Damian Grammaticas for BBC
“Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
“REBNY Members Gave a Tenth of all N.Y. Campaign Money” by Bill Mahoney for Capital New York
Ethics
“Postal Worker Lands Helicopter on U.S. Capitol Grounds to Make Special Mail Delivery” by Eric Katz for GovExec.com
“Kate Brown Takes Questions as Lawmakers Air Ethics Proposal” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
“Senate Urged to Restore Ethics Powers” by Jennifer Bogdon and Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
“John Doe Reform Bill Stalls in Legislature” by M.D. Kittle for Watchdog.org
Elections
“In Perception Primary, It’s Folksy Hillary Clinton vs. Statesmen-Looking Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Chelsea’s Invisible Hand” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Legislative Issues
“Tennessee House Votes Bible as Official State Book” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
“Lack of Virginia’s General Assembly Openness Is Criticized” by Dave Ress for The Daily Press
April 15, 2015 •
Bill Proposes Lifetime Ban on Federal Lobbying for Members of Congress
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would permanently close the revolving door allowing members of Congress to become lobbyists once they leave office. House Resolution 1740 removes the cooling off periods currently in the statutes. […]
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would permanently close the revolving door allowing members of Congress to become lobbyists once they leave office.
House Resolution 1740 removes the cooling off periods currently in the statutes. These periods require former House members to wait one year and former Senate members to wait two years before becoming lobbyists.
The bill’s sponsor Rep. Rod Blum states in his press release, “This bill would finally close the revolving door between Congress and special interest groups, restoring integrity to our political system and ensuring that politicians focus on representing their constituents instead of catering to lobbying groups who offer a lucrative post-electoral career.”
Photo of the United States Capitol at night by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
April 15, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Pillow Talk Tests Ethics When K Street Marries Capitol Hill” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call “Ex-Lawmakers Swing through the Revolving Door” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today Rhode Island: “Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under […]
Lobbying
“Pillow Talk Tests Ethics When K Street Marries Capitol Hill” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call
“Ex-Lawmakers Swing through the Revolving Door” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
Rhode Island: “Lawmaker McKiernan Allowed to Work with Lobbyists under R.I. Ethics Code, Commission Says” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Gov. Doug Ducey Signs Elections-Related Measures” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Capitol Times
District of Columbia:”Treasurer of Former D.C. Council Campaign Is Sentenced to Prison” by Julie Zauzmer for Washington Post
Maine: “Bill Seeks to Tax PAC-to-PAC Transfers in Maine” by Scott Thistle for Maine Sun Journal
Maryland: “Senate Passes Disclosure Bill for Inauguration Donors” by The Associated Press for WMDT
Ethics
New York: “Fervent Preet Bharara Gets a Judicial Scolding” by Peter Henning for New York Times
Elections
“Hillary Clinton’s Goal: Keep Bill Clinton happy, involved” by Annie Karni for Politico
Legislative Issues
Utah: “Gay Rights, Religious Rights and a Compromise in an Unlikely Place: Utah” by Niraj Chokshi for Washington Post
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