Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“Anthony Weiner and the Revolving Door” by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in The Huffington Post.

“Eric Cantor’s out, Wall Street’s still in” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Lyft hires Gephardt’s K Street firm” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Ontario, Canada: “McGuinty’s gig as a lobbyist problematic” by Andrew Coyne in the Leader-Post.

Campaign Finance

“Dems Getting Stingier With Campaign Cash to Colleagues” by Lalita Clozel on Open Secrets Blog.

Colorado: “Citizens United wants press exemption from CO campaign finance disclosure” by Tess Cheek in The Colorado Independent.

Georgia: “Atlanta City Council weighs in on campaign finance issue” by Dave Williams in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Rhode Island: “Law professors debate campaign finance reform” by Aliza Reisner in the Brown Daily Herald.

Ethics

Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission dismisses complaints against Mayor Brown and Clay County School Board officials, not so Rep. Fullwood case” by David Bauerlein in The Florida Times-Union.

Elections

“Bigger and Better Things: Staffers Who Run for Office” by Rebecca Gale in Roll Call.

“Dems, GOP hone messages for final campaign push” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.

“5 States Put Voting Reform to the Voters” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Ohio: “John Kasich, Ed FitzGerald won’t debate, a first in Ohio gubernatorial contests since the late ’70s” by Robert Higgs in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

State Legislatures

California: “Governor signs much-debated ridesharing bill” by Allen Young in the Sacramento Business Journal.

Nevada: “Education called top priority for Nevada Legislature” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Nevada: “Tesla triumphs: Sandoval signs off on$1.3 billion untax package” by Dennis Myers in the Reno News & Review.

North Dakota: “Western ND lawmakers want $800 million for development” by Jessica Holdman in the Bismarck Tribune.

Virginia: “Va. House of Delegates plans to vote on Medicaid expansion” by Laura Vozella in The Washington Post.

Tech and Social Media

“Tweets made easy for bankers lobbying lawmakers” by Greg Edwards in the St. Louis Business Journal.

“Twitter’s new guide for campaigners” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

Tennessee: “Chattanooga Launches Website to Track City Goals” by Joy Lukachick Smith in Government Technology.

The State Ethics Commission has issued a reminder of changes to the Public Ethics Law taking effect on October 1, 2014. Several of the changes will affect the lobbyist registration process.

Signed paper registrations will no longer be required since the requirement to submit an employer authorization with signature has been replaced by a lobbyist certification with electronic signature. The commission also is working to implement an electronic payment option to allow a completely online registration process.

The Maryland Capitol Police will accept an email confirmation of the online registration for purposes of issuing the lobbyist state identification badge.  Paper registration will continue to be available, but will require the lobbyist to sign forms under oath before a notary and to submit the $100 registration fee by paper check.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyist Thomas H. Boggs Jr. Dies at Age 73” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.

“Tommy Boggs helped create modern world of D.C. lobbying” by Byron Tau and Anna Palmer in Politico.

“Franchise owners flock to DC in defense of McDonald’s” by Ben Goad in The Hill.

“Lobbyist Pawlenty Rankles Banks in Consumer Bureau Battle” by Carter Dougherty in Bloomberg.

“Health tracker Fitbit hires lobbying muscle” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Senate candidates differ on overturning Citizens United ruling” by Peter Hancock in the Lawrence Journal-World.

Louisiana: “Ethics complaint filed against Sen. David Vitter, alleging improper campaign fund transfer” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “Hollywood moguls boosting Cuomo campaign coffers” by Martin Z. Braun (Bloomberg News) in the Chicago Tribune.

Ethics

“Ethics committee investigating Rep. Broun” by Scott Wong in The Hill.

California: “Convicted California Senator Resigns” by Patrick McGreevy and Jean Merl in Governing.

Elections

“Good election year for bad boys of Congress” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Rocking the vote, again” by Kevin Cirilli in The Hill.

Kentucky: “Battles for eight open seats could determine control of Kentucky House this fall” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Lobbying

“Lobbying on the ‘Internet of Things’” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Still Awaiting Decision on Alleged 38 Studios Lobbying Violations” by Adam Vaccaro in the Boston Globe.

Campaign Finance

“Judge mulls SEC limits on political donations” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

“Begich votes for campaign finance measure” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.

“The Future of Campaign Finance Reform May Rest With Silicon Valley” by Jamie Lovegrove in National Journal.

“Campaign-finance amendment not a voter passion” by James R. Carroll in The Courier-Journal.

Maryland: “Md. campaign finance complaints stack up as Election Day nears” by Lejla Sarcevic in The Star Democrat.

Maryland: “Political Donors Spend Big In Loophole’s Last Days” by Christopher Connelly in WYPR.

Massachusetts: “Casino cash floods campaign spending” by Gerry Tuoti on WCVB.

Ethics

“Landrieu pays back nearly $34K for charter flights” by Deborah Barfield Berry in USA Today.

Georgia: “Help wanted: Ethics commission needs a new chief” by Chris Joyner in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Georgia: “Monday ethics hearing canceled; Court of Appeals next step” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

New York: “Money in New York Politics: Despite Federal Indictments, State Senators Win Primaries” by Eric Petry in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

South Carolina: “Mayor’s Florida trip could add fuel to SC ethics reform” by Clif LeBlanc in The State.

Texas: “Campaigns, consultants disregard Ethics Commission resolution” by David Saleh Rauf in the San Antonio Express-News.

Elections

“50 days left until midterms, and Republicans keeping troops in line” by Scott Wong in The Hill.

Mississippi: “After close Senate race, Mississippi considers elections changes” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

“North Dakota is the Best State in America” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Ohio: “Federal judge strikes down Ohio’s campaign statements law” by Kurtis Lee in the Los Angeles Times.

Legislative Sessions

Missouri: “The Missouri legislature’s veto session hands the state’s governor an historic defeat” in South County Mail.

Pennsylvania: “12 days left in session, and legislators are checking their lists” by Karen Shuey in Lancaster Online.

The Suffolk County Legislature introduced an ordinance amending the county’s lobbying law. Resolution No. 1658-2014 expands the definition of lobbying to include attempts to influence county agencies with respect to the procurement of goods, services, or public works. The ordinance also changes the overseeing body of lobbyist filings from the Clerk of the Legislature to the Board of Ethics.

The ordinance would further require the Board to develop a protocol to review sources of information that may assist the Board in identifying non-complying lobbyists. This provision is similar to a recent change made to New York City’s lobbying law aimed at identifying non-complying lobbyists.

If passed, the ordinance will take effect January 1, 2015.

Federal:

FEC Strikes Deal to Revise Campaign Finance Regulations

The Hill – Benjamin Goad | Published: 9/11/2014

The FEC agreed to amend its campaign spending regulations in response to a pair of U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Commissioners plan to formally approve the new guidelines during an October 9 meeting. One rule would further clarify the parameters of the court’s Citizens United decision and codify them into law. A second rule is meant to reconcile the agency’s regulations with the ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC, which scrapped aggregate contribution limits for individual donors in an election cycle. The FEC will also solicit public comment on various implications of the McCutcheon ruling.

State of Political Consulting: Rapid growth, long hours, new approaches

Politico – Tarini Parti | Published: 9/10/2014

Whether it is polling, media relations, fundraising, direct mail, or digital outreach, political consultants said the permanent nature of campaigns, the growing number of outside groups involved in races, and the different ways voters are now consuming information have transformed the industry, making it not just more profitable than ever but also more challenging. There is a survival-of-the-fittest mind-set within the industry, where consultants are quickly adapting to the evolving political landscape – expanding their staff and capabilities at a rapid pace to stay competitive.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Clean Elections Commission Determines Horne Used $300,000 Worth of State Employee Time for Campaign

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 9/9/2014

Citizens Clean Elections Commission Executive Officer Thomas Collins recommended the commission officially rule that Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne violated campaign finance laws by failing to report more than $300,000 worth of state employee time and office space he used for his re-election as contributions to his campaign. If the commission adopts the recommendation, Horne has the chance to explain why Collins was wrong, repay the money, or negotiate a settlement. The commission may initiate enforcement action if the case is not settled. That could include civil penalties and, at worst, the removal of Horne from office.

Connecticut – Case Dismissed, Even Though It’s Likely You’re Guilty – Ethics Agency Played It Both Ways

Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 9/7/2014

The Connecticut Office of State Ethics has at times sent a letter to some suspected of violating the ethics law saying the case is being dismissed even though the official likely violated the code, a practice known as a “loud dismissal.” Though the process at this level is confidential, the letter goes into the individual’s personnel file and could reappear in a background check. But now, that action has been curtailed. A lawyer representing an unnamed state employee who received a ‘loud dismissal” sent a letter earlier this year to the Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board, which advises the ethics office, questioning whether the agency had the statutory authority to issue such a penalty.

Florida – Was Miami-Dade Lobbyist a ‘Patriot’ or ‘Snitch’ in FBI Sting of Local Politicians?

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 9/6/2014

When the FBI mounted a sting operation targeting corruption in South Florida – dubbed “Miami Hustle” – it recruited lobbyist Michael Kesti as a key player. Kesti was willing to break ranks with his lobbying brethren, unheard of in Miami-Dade County, which has a long history of insider deals and graft. Kesti said he agreed to play the part as his “patriotic duty” to root out what he sees as systemic corruption in local government. Others, including one of the mayors he helped get indicted last year, describe him in less flattering terms, starting with “paid snitch.”

Georgia – Georgia Ethics Commission Fires Director

Rome News-Tribune – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

Holly LaBerge, the head of the Georgia ethics commission, has been fired. A Superior Court judge had fined LaBerge and the state attorney general’s office $10,000 each for not disclosing documents as part of a lawsuit filed by former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman, who said she was forced out of her job for investigating complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal. Commission Chairperson Hillary Stringfellow said the judge’s order shows LaBerge’s conduct “fundamentally conflicts with the specific mission and purpose of this commission and therefore with her own duties and responsibilities as executive secretary.”

Georgia – Rule Changes Proposed From State Ethics Commission

Peach Pundit; Staff –   | Published: 9/9/2014

The Georgia ethics commission proposed new rules that would affect the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws. Commissioners will discuss those possible changes at a September 30 meeting. The rules would, among other provisions, clarify that contributions to political parties and PACs do not count towards the $25,000 annual threshold that triggers registration and reporting. They also would allow one or more lobbyists to split an expenditure provided a single lobbyist does not exceed the limit of $75.

Montana – Nonprofit Wants Montana Campaign Finance Laws Ruled Unconstitutional

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Matt Volz (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2014

Montanans for Community Development filed a lawsuit asked a federal judge to strike down as unconstitutional major provisions of the state’s campaign finance law. The nonprofit group also wants to prevent the state from enforcing those laws before this year’s elections. The lawsuit argues the definitions of campaign contributions and expenditures are too vague, and the definition of a political committee is overly broad.

Nebraska – Lt. Gov. Lavon L. Heidemann of Nebraska Steps Down

New York Times – Mitch Smith | Published: 9/9/2014

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann resigned from office and ended his candidacy, one day after a judge granted a protection order to keep him away from his sister, who accused him of assault. But because the deadline for being dropped from the ballot has passed, his name might still be listed on the November ballot. Heidemann’s sister, Lois Bohling, said in a sworn statement her brother grabbed her wrists and pushed her out of their mother’s bedroom during a dispute involving farmland and their 84-year-old mother’s care.

New Jersey – ELEC Analysis: Top 25 NJ special interest groups spent $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending over 15 years

PolitickerNJ; Staff –   | Published: 9/10/2014

Labor unions, trade associations, political committees, and other special-interest groups have spent a combined $311 million over the last 15 years in New Jersey trying to influence elections and lawmaking, according to a report released by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission. Labor unions, with $171 million in expenditures, were responsible for much of the overall spending since 1999, the year the state started maintaining the records online. The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, spent a combined $57 million.

New York – Just Don’t Call These Consultants Lobbyists

Crain’s New York Business – Chris Bragg | Published: 9/7/2014

There is a growing industry of strategic consultants who do not register as lobbyists yet nonetheless have close ties with New York politicians and represent clients with interests before government. These non-lobbyists get many of the lucrative paychecks accorded their registered peers without the scrutiny that comes with mandatory disclosure reports, and it is legal. “It’s a very fine line to walk; you end up having to trust that person, and you put your trust in how they are representing themselves,” said Viveca Novak of the Center for Responsive Politics.

North Carolina – Ethics Disclosure Statements Offline after Privacy Complaints

WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 9/9/2014

A North Carolina law requires both elected officials and certain appointed policymakers to file forms with the state disclosing their financial interest as a way of avoiding, or at least exposing, potential conflicts between private and public actions. Paper and electronic copies of those forms have long been available upon request, but the state ethics commission’s staff began making them available online July 1. But now, the commission has temporarily shut down the Internet portal due largely to complaints from some of those who have to file the disclosures.

South Carolina – House Speaker Bobby Harrell Indicted on Nine Counts in Corruption Probe

Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Kropf | Published: 9/10/2014

South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell was indicted on a slate of campaign finance violations, including allegedly claiming reimbursement for private flights he did not take and using campaign donations to hire an employee for his private insurance business. Harrell faces nine counts, including misconduct in office, false reporting on campaign disclosures, and using campaign funds for personal expenses. The charges endanger Harrell’s reign as speaker, which is among the most powerful roles in a state like South Carolina, where the legislative branch has more power to spend money and set the agenda than the executive branch.

Wisconsin – Judge Orders State Not to Enforce PAC Limits Law

Wisconsin Law Journal – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa ordered the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board not enforce the law limiting how much money candidates can collect from PACs. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the CRG Network, a PAC that works to elect conservative candidates. The group argued the limits were a violation of its free speech rights. Randa, in issuing the preliminary injunction, said the group was likely to succeed on that claim.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

Illinois: “Lobbyists banned from doing business at county board meetings” by Brian Slodysko in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign-Finance Amendment Drives Wedge Between ACLU, Public Citizen” by Daniel Fisher in Forbes.

“Campaign Money Debate Won’t Help Hill’s Reputation” by David Hawkins in Roll Call.

“Too strong for McConnell to resist” by Robert Weissman in The Hill.

“State of political consulting: Rapid growth, long hours, new approaches” by Tarini Parti in Politico.

“How campaigns are losing the mobile war” by Daniel Lippman and Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

“Former Connecticut governor secretly paid to advise congressional campaign, staff testify” by Richard Weizel in Reuters.

New Jersey: “NJEA Spent Nearly $60M on Campaigns and Lobbying in Past 15 Years” in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

South Carolina: “S.C. House Speaker Indicted on Campaign Finance Violations” by Valerie Bauerlein in The Wall Street Journal.

Ethics

Arkansas: “Why Some Say Arkansas’ Ethics Reform Is a Trojan Horse” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Elections

Massachusetts: “Baker, Coakley to square off for control of Corner Office” by Matt Stout in the Boston Herald.

New Hampshire: “Tech-Funded Mayday PAC’s Candidate Loses Big in New Hampshire” by Amy Schatz in Re/code.

New York: “Cuomo survives revolt” by Matthew Hamilton in the Times Union.

Ohio: “Early voting hours should be set by counties, Democrats say” by Jackie Borchardt in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

State Legislatures

Nevada: “Tesla-related bills argued in Nevada Legislature” by Charles Fleming in the Los Angeles Times.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a new ordinance banning registered lobbyists from attempting to communicate with commissioners, for purposes of discussing any matter of county business, while the commissioners are present on the floor during public meetings.

The ordinance does not affect lobbying outside of county chambers or lobbying in the boardroom after a meeting is brought to a close.

Moreover, the new rule applies only to registered lobbyists, and makes no mention of those engaged in lobbying activity who are not yet registered with the county.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Inside NFL’s lobbyist draft drama” by Anna Palmer and John Bresnahan in Politico.

“Jim Nussle lands credit union job” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“These 2 Billionaires Spend More on Lobbying for Their Pet Issues Than Most Industries” by Tess VandenDolder in InTheCapital.

“Former Sen. John Breaux says he and Trent Lott are not lobbying for Russian bank” by Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune.

“Lobbyists ‘who know what’s good for them’ lose ball game to lawmakers” by Crystal Hill in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Clean Elections chief: Horne broke campaign law” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) in the Arizona Daily Sun.

Maryland: “Maryland Democratic Party targets use of campaign bus by GOP’s Hogan” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin prosecutors seek ruling to restart campaign finance probe” by Brendan O’Brien and Mary Wisniewski in Reuters.

Ethics

Ohio: “Senate ethics allegations stir prosecutor’s interest” by Jeremy Pelzer in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Virginia: “Va. voters agree with McDonnells’ guilty verdict, want stronger ethics laws, poll finds” by Jenna Portnoy in The Washington Post.

Virginia: “Top Virginia lawmakers back stiffer ethics law after ex-governor’s conviction” by Gary Robertson in Reuters.

Elections

“2014 Election Primary Results” in Politico.

“2014 Governors Races: The Tossups” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

“2014 Governors Races: Where Republicans Are Likely to Win” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

“2014 Governors Races: Where Democrats Are Likely to Win” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

“Scott Brown cruises in NH Senate primary” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

Legislative Sessions

Missouri: “Missouri Veto Session starts today in Jefferson City” by Korey Johnson in the Daily Journal.

Nevada: “Sandoval issues proclamation, calls special session for Tesla deal” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Tech and Social Media

“Breaking Government’s Cloud Procurement Gridlock” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

The state ethics commission is preparing to amend rules regarding campaign finance and lobbyist reporting. The campaign finance changes include allowing the commission to raise or lower campaign contribution limits at the end of four-year election cycles rather than every calendar year. The rules would also clarify only contributions to candidates can trigger the $25,000 annual registration and reporting threshold for individuals or entities making contributions.

Lobbying amendments would require reporting for gifts to family of officials and permit gift splitting by multiple lobbyists so long as a single lobbyist does not exceed the $75 limits.

A public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for September 30, 2014.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“The billionaires who bailed out K Street” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“K Street’s Russian bonanza” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Wall Street floods feds with proposals to cut red tape” by Ben Goad in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign finance debate a partisan flashpoint as it moves to Senate floor” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“Senate advances constitutional amendment” by Burgess Everett in Politico.

“Constitutional Amendment Debate Roils ACLU | Rules of the Game” by Elizabeth Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Wisconsin: “Judge orders state not to enforce PAC limits law” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) in Bloomberg Businessweek.

Wisconsin: “Mega-donors rush in after campaign-giving cap removed” by Patrick Marley and Kevin Crowe in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

“Spurned Staffer Sends Email Accusing Top Republican of Ethics Violations” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

Congress

“September Congressional Agenda: Must-Pass Bills and Messaging Gambits” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.

“Lameness of Post-Election Session Could Hinge on Results” by Niels Lesniewski and Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

Missouri: “Battle over money anticipated during Missouri veto session” by Alex Stuckey in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Nebraska: “Women will remain minority in Nebraska Legislature” by The Associated Press in the Omaha World-Herald.

Elections

“The Final Primary Elections: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island and New York Vote” by Shushannah Walshe on ABC News.

“7 questions for final primary night” by Kyle Cheney, James Hohmann, Elizabeth Titus and Steven Shepard in Politico.

“4 Things to Watch in the Final Primaries of 2014” by Emily Cahn in Politico.

Tech and Social Media

“Livestream: Nextgov Prime 2014” on Nextgov.

“Why Can’t Government Websites Be More Like Amazon?” by Rebecca Carroll in Nextgov.

On September 4, 2014, Gov. Jack Markell signed House Bill 13 into law.

Under the bill, any person who served as a member of the Delaware General Assembly is prohibited from acting as a lobbyist for one year after the person’s term of office is completed.

The bill takes effect January 1, 2017.

Lobbying

“Nonprofit puts Federal Lobbying Database on the Internet for everybody” by Mark Tapscott in the Washington Examiner.

“David Plouffe joins Uber as lobbyist” by Thomas Lifson in American Thinker.

“Saab registers lobbyist to work on drone policy” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Delaware: “Lawmakers must wait to lobby under new law” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.

Florida: “Was Miami-Dade lobbyist a ‘patriot’ or ‘snitch’ in FBI sting of local politicians?” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.

New York: “Just don’t call these consultants lobbyists” by Chris Bragg in Crain’s New York.

Pennsylvania: “Lawyer wants to stop convicted Pa. lawmakers from lobbying” by Brad Bumsted in the Tribune-Review.

Campaign Finance

“GOP mulls campaign finance debate” by Burgess Everett in Politico.

District of Columbia: “Former Gray Campaign Driver Pleads Guilty to Role in ‘Uncle Earl’ Conspiracy” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call.

Louisiana: “Campaign finance money starts rolling in” by Vickie Welborn in The Shreveport Times.

Michigan: “Money talks in the shadows: How lawmakers, lobbyists quietly bypass state’s murky political spending rules” by Chris Gautz in Crain’s Detroit.

Montana: “Nonprofit wants Montana campaign finance laws ruled unconstitutional” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) in The Missoulian.

Ethics

“Sunlight Foundation picks new chief” by Daniel Lippman in Politico.

Florida: “Commission vote on ethics sparked ballot initiative” by Jeff Burlew in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Georgia: “Ga. ethics agency chief placed on administrative leave with pay after being fined by judge” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

New York: “For New York Legislators, Indictments Are No Obstacle to Seeking Re-election” by Matt Flegenheimer in The New York Times.

West Virginia: “Ethics commission searches for permanent leader” by Dave Boucher in the Logan Banner.

West Virginia: “West Virginia ethics panel requests more funding as complaints nearly quadruple over 3 years” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

National:

Voting Restrictions Are Key Variable in Midterm Elections

New York Times – John Harwood | Published: 9/3/2014

After decades of expansion in American voting methods, an estimated one-third of all ballots this year will be cast before the traditional Election Day on November 4. Yet this year, the trend collides with a Republican-led pushback in some states – for reasons of cost-cutting and election integrity or, as the Obama administration and civil rights groups suggest, crimping turnout by Democrats. Various new restrictions on voting, which range from more stringent identification requirements to fewer registration opportunities to curbs on early voting, have been put in place. A critical election variable is whether the new limits will tilt close races.

Federal:

Wealthy Political Donors Seize on New Latitude to Give to Unlimited Candidates

Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 9/2/2014

Wealthy political donors have more access than ever to candidates since the ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, which did away with the aggregate contribution limit for congressional candidates. More than 300 donors have seized the opportunity, writing checks at such a furious pace that they have exceeded the old limit of $123,200 for this election cycle, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Together, 310 donors gave a combined $11.6 million more by this summer than would have been allowed before the ruling.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – John Carroll Appointed Acting Ethics Commission Director

Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 9/2/2014

John Carroll, a retired federal judge and former law school dean, will serve as acting director of the Alabama Ethics Commission beginning October 1, succeeding Jim Sumner. The commission is still seeking a permanent director for the position, and plans to accept applications until September 30. Any individual selected for the position will have to be confirmed by the state Senate, which is not expected to reconvene until next March.

California – California Lawmakers Send Governor New Gift Rules after Scandals

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 8/29/2014

California lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that reduces to $200 from $440 the value of gifts officials can receive from a single source each year. Senate Bill 1443, which was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown, also bans all gifts from lobbyists. The legislation prohibits officials from accepting certain kinds of gifts from anyone, including tickets to concerts, sports events, and amusement parks; spa services and rounds of golf; and cash and gift cards.

California – Legislative Session Ends with Campaign-Finance Bills Growing out of Senate Corruption Cases

Columbus Republic – Fenit Nirappel (Associated Press) | Published: 8/30/2014

California lawmakers approved two bills aimed at addressing a string of recent scandals. Senate Bill 1442 would increase the frequency of detailed campaign spending reports from twice a year to quarterly. Senate Bill 831 would ban elected officials from requesting payments on their behalf to nonprofit organizations run by family members, a tactic sometimes used in place of campaign contributions. It would also require nonprofit groups that pay for politicians to go on trips to disclose the donors who fund the travel. Both bills now head to the governor’s desk.

Colorado – Federal Lawsuit Challenges McCain-Feingold Disclosure Law

Legal Newsline – David Yates | Published: 9/4/2014

The Center for Competitive Politics filed two lawsuits on behalf of a Colorado think tank, asserting that similar state and federal campaign finance disclosure laws are unconstitutional. The Independence Institute wants to run two ads, one asking U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennett to support a federal sentencing reform bill, and one asking citizens to urge Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to initiate an audit of the state Health Benefit Exchange. But the institute claims the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, along with a similar Colorado law, effectively prevents the group from raising money for the ads.

Florida – Tallahassee Voters Will Decide Ethics Proposal

Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 9/3/2014

Tallahassee voters will get to decide whether to add an ethics code to the city’s charter in November. The city commission approved the ballot measure after a judge ruled the amendment complied with state law. If approved by voters, the charter amendment would create an ethics and anti-corruption policy, require enactment of an ethics code, establish an ethics board, lower the cap on campaign donations, and allow for limited public financing of campaigns.

Georgia – Judge Issues $20,000 in Sanctions against AG, Ethics Commission Director over Trial Documents

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 9/3/2014

A judge fined the Georgia attorney general’s office and the executive secretary of the state ethics commission for neglecting to hand over key documents in a whistleblower lawsuit against the commission. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville ordered Holly LaBerge and the attorney general’s office to each pay $10,000 to cover the litigation expenses of the plaintiff, former ethics commission Executive Secretary Stacy Kalberman. “The court is extremely troubled by the behavior of … LaBerge, who has been dishonest and non-transparent throughout these proceedings,” wrote Glanville.

Illinois – Emanuel Signing Order to Boost Contractors’ Minimum Wage Rate

Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 9/3/2014

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel signed an executive order that requires city contractors and subcontractors to pay employees a $13-an-hour minimum wage. It will apply to city contractors advertised after October 1 and will affect about 1,000 contracted employees, typically landscapers, maintenance workers, security officers, concessionaires, and custodians.

Mississippi – Appeal May Revive Campaign-Spending Law

Courthouse News Service – Sabrina Canfield | Published: 9/4/2014

The state of Mississippi is asking the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court ruling that found part of a campaign finance law unconstitutional. Under the state law, groups seeking to support or oppose statewide ballot measures must register as a political committee if they receive contributions of more than $200 or spend more than $200 during a calendar year. Opponents argue the $200 threshold is so low it would be impossible for a group of people to run a quarter-page ad in their local newspaper without having to become a political committee.

Rhode Island – Convicted R.I. Hospital Executive Urciuoli Seeks $3.6M in Severance, Trial Costs

Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 9/3/2014

Robert Urciuoli, a former executive at Roger Williams Medical Center who was convicted on corruption charges, is seeking nearly $3.6 million in severance pay and legal costs from the Providence hospital. Urciuoli says in federal court papers he could only be terminated for “cause” under his contract as the hospital’s chief executive. He also said evidence shows his lawyers told him a deal to promote the hospital and a nursing home with former state Sen. John Celona was legal. Urciuoli served a three-year prison sentence for buying Celona’s influence. Celona pleaded guilty and also served prison time.

Virginia – Ex-Governor McDonnell and Wife Convicted After Corruption Trial

New York Times – Trip Gabriel | Published: 9/4/2014

A federal jury found former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption. Robert McDonnell was convicted of 11 corruption-related counts, though acquitted of lying on loan documents. The former first lady was convicted of eight corruption-related charges, along with obstruction of justice. Maureen McDonnell was acquitted of lying on a loan document. The jury found the McDonnells lent the prestige of the governor’s office to businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. in exchange for $177,000 in gifts and loans. The five-week trial at times resembled a soap opera, as the McDonnells endured an embarrassing dissection of their relationship.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.