Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Jack Abramoff resurfaces:“Former Lobbyist Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Washington Deal Making” on WZTV Fox 17.

“Second lobbyist leaves Roundtable” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

New York: “NYPIRG Wants NYS Ethics Agency To Get Tough On Lobbying By Political Parties” by Glenn Blain in the New York Daily News.

Campaign Finance

California: “FPPC accuses Mono State Senator of ‘money laundering’” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.

Maryland: “Gansler spending ‘pledge’ problematic as written, Maryland elections official says” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Vermont: “Groups Pay $60,000 In Campaign Finance Disputes” by Taylor Dobbs in Vermont Public Radio.

Ethics

Freehold Borough, New Jersey: “Pay-to-play law enacted” by Clare Marie Celano in the News Transcript.

Michigan: “Prosecutors: Kwame Kilpatrick should pay $195,404 in back taxes” by Robert Snell in the Detroit News.

North Carolina: “John Edwards Is Opening A Law Firm With His Daughter To Tackle ‘Social Inequalities’” by Colleen Jenkins in the Business Insider.

Elections

“Nate Silver announces new hires” by Dylan Byers in Politico.

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The Ontario, Canada, Legislature’s Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills is considering changes to the province’s Lobbying Act. Bill 115, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2013, introduced last month, makes several amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. These changes include requiring consultant lobbyists to register within five business days of beginning to lobbying, requiring lobbyists to file monthly reports when lobbying high-level public officeholders, and requiring consultant lobbyists to report political contributions if the Election Finance Act applies.

This bill also provides a new definition of grassroots communication and amends the definition of in-house lobbyist. Additional requirements and changes regarding penalties, revolving-door restrictions, and protections are also a part of Bill 115.

According to a bulletin by Fasken Martineu, LLP, the Progressive Conservatives are critical of the bill and the Liberal Government “would prefer to introduce its own lobbying law reforms.”

Lobbying

“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.

California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.

Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.

Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.

Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.

Ethics

Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Redistricting

“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Lobbying

“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington Post.

“D.C. awash in contracts, lobbying wealth” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Canada: “Don Cayo: A lobbyist’s job combines analysis and action” by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.

Colorado: “Boulder to hire full-time state lobbyist” by Erica Meltzer in the Daily Camera.

Missouri: “Area lawmakers – except for one – take few lobbyists’ gifts” by Jonathan Shorman in the News-Leader.

Campaign Finance

“The Influencers 50: Enforcers” in Campaigns & Elections.

“‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections” by Alan Suderman in The Center for Public Integrity.

Massachusetts: “House calls for penalties on local campaign-finance violations” by Bob Katzen in the Lowell Sun.

Michigan: “Mich. Republicans split over disclosing ad funders” by The Associated Press in the Grand Haven Tribune.

Minnesota: “An accuracy challenge in election spending” by the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune.

Ethics

Hawaii: “What’s Going on Between Ethics Commission and Caldwell Administration?” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

South Carolina: “Government watchdog group insists Haley repays taxpayers for NC trip” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in GoUpstate.

West Virginia: “W.Va. commission to hold ethics training session in Moorefield” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Elections

“Parties focus on special election for Senate seat” by Catherine Lucey in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.

Procurement

“5 New Approaches to Government Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

Tech and Social Media

“How to Make Your Government Agency Cool Via Social Media” by Rachelle Chong in TechWire.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call.

“Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists.

Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius Melnitzer in the Financial Post.

Ohio: “Lobbyist known as ‘The Chief’ gets laughs — and respect — at Statehouse” by Joe Hallett in the Columbus Dispatch.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania hires DC lobbyists with state ties” by Colby Itkowitz in The Morning Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Hearing begins on campaign violation case against Sen. Berryhill” by Patrick McGreevy in The Los Angeles Times.

Colorado: “How to cut corporate, union influence on elections? DU panel has plan” by Ed Sealover in BizJournals.

Ohio: “Group calls for campaign finance reform” by Gary Seman, Jr. in This Week Community News.

Ethics

Alaska: “APOC asked to weigh in on independent campaign” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Florida: “Sweetwater mayor, lobbyist to plead guilty” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.

New York: “Ex-Bronx GOP boss pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

New York: “Critics say DAs should not lead campaign finance panel” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.

Utah: “Lawmakers Ready Bills Targeting Elections and Ethics in 2014” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.

Rep. Hagan introduced HB 339 last week. HB 339 would enact section 105.43 of the Revised Code and require the capitol square review and advisory board to issue identification badges to all lobbyists seeking entrance to capitol square. Each badge would show a lobbyist’s name, a photograph of the lobbyist, clearly state the term “lobbyist” on the face of the badge, and list the lobbyist’s employer or employers.

The bill also requires each lobbyist to carry a card stating the name of the person or persons whose interest the lobbyist actually represents; said card must be shown to any member of the general assembly requesting to see it.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal.

“Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today.

“Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers in Politico.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry glitches being worked out, integrity commissioner says” by Derek Spalding in the Ottawa Citizen.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry ‘useful,’ watchdog reports” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.

Campaign Finance

“FEC poised to allow Bitcoin campaign donations” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Bitcoins Could Prove to Be Windfall — or Bust — for Political Campaigns” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Massachusetts: “Campaign bill would order fast disclosure of donors” by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe.

Michigan: “Michigan proposal would double limits on individual donations to political candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in MLive.com.

Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign finance regulators’ database isn’t adding up” by Glenn Howatt and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Former Mo. Rep. McGeoghegan fined by Ethics Commission for 2012 campaign materials” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Montana: “Montana judge considers fine for political group as attorney asks to be removed” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

New Hampshire: “New Hampshire lawmaker may seek higher campaign spending limits” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “Refigure campaign financing” editorial by Cynthia DiBartolo in the Times Union.

Virginia: “Leftover campaign money can fund almost anything in Virginia” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.

Ethics

Alaska: “Legislative Ethics Committee Says Senator Hoffman Failed To Disclose Income” by Ben Matheson in Alaska Public Media.

Mississippi: “Newspaper wants ruling from Ethics Commission on emails” by The Associated Press in the Mississippi Business Journal.

Ohio: “Lack of oversight over JobsOhio raises concerns for ethics commission, auditor, now high court” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

Iowa: “Libertarian Mayor in Iowa Re-Elected Despite His Wishes” by Richard Winger in Ballot Access News.

Ohio: “Libertarians file legal challenge against Ohio’s new rules for minor political parties; Greens may follow suit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.

Tech and Social Media

Pennsylvania: “Website redesign shines more light on Capitol” by Melissa Daniels in The Tribune-Review.

Virginia: “Going Beyond the Boundaries of the Obama Digital Model in Virginia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

National:

G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing

New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013

Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government shutdown. They are pushing their party to rethink how it chooses nominees and advocating changes they say would result in the selection of less extreme candidates.

Federal:

Third Navy Official Arrested in Bribery Probe

Washington Post – Craig Whitlock | Published: 11/7/2013

A third U.S. Navy official, Commander Jose Sanchez, was charged with receiving bribes, including cash and prostitutes, from a contractor who provides port services for American ships in Southeast Asia. Another commander and a senior investigator for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were arrested in September, likewise on charges of providing inside information to Glenn Defense Marine in exchange for favors.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Attorney Asks AZ Supreme Court to Reinstate Increased Campaign Donations

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Service) | Published: 11/4/2013

Arizona’s Republican legislative leaders are asking the state Supreme Court to allow higher campaign contribution limits to be reinstated, citing confusion among candidates and donors. The filing is the latest in a legal volley over House Bill 2593, which raised contribution limits nearly 10-fold for candidates in all offices, from school board to governor.

California – California Donor Disclosure Case Exposes How Nonprofits Can Play in Politics

Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 11/4/2013

New revelations in California provide a glimpse at one national network of nonprofit groups that helped move $15 million into ballot-initiative campaigns last fall while working hide the identities of their donors. Two conservative nonprofits were together fined a record $1 million, while two political committees were ordered to repay the state for $15 million in donations they received.

California – San Diego City Attorney Maneuvered to Force Filner from Office

Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry | Published: 11/3/2013

For six weeks, San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith maneuvered to force then-Mayor Bob Filner out of office by squeezing him financially, bluffing him about state law, embarrassing him by releasing documents showing the anger of his staff, and threatening to force a trial on his alleged misuse of public funds. On the eve of a court hearing, Filner finally resigned.

Connecticut – State Parties Unable to Wean Themselves off Special Interest Money

The News Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/2/2013

A loophole in Connecticut’s campaign finance law allows the state’s major political parties to accept money from contractors and lobbyists. It has drawn scrutiny since a California fundraising trip by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is the subject of a complaint filed by the state Republican Party with the Election Enforcement Commission.

Florida – Lawmakers-Turned-Lobbyists Help Tip Scales for Large Lobbying Firms

St. Augustine Record – Matt Dixon (Morris News Services) | Published: 11/4/2013

Florida’s lobbying corps includes former governors, agency heads, House and Senate leaders, and lawmakers and executive branch officials. Opponents say the practice amounts to elected officials and agency staff using taxpayer-funded jobs to later cash in on high-paying lobbying positions. Lobbying firms say former insiders are needed to help clients navigate a complex state government.

Florida – Tallahassee Lobbyists Won’t Be Audited until 2015

Orlano Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 11/4/2013

A Florida legislative committee adopted rules for the long-delayed auditing of lobbyists’ financial reports. Sen. Joe Abruzzo said no reviews will be done next year but auditors will begin studying the 2014 reports in 2015. The draft guidelines allow for lobbying firms to keep some documentation confidential, but also will allow lawmakers critical of the mandate to repeal it during the next legislative session.

Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Gets Five Years’ Probation

Louisville Courier-Journal – Mike Wynn | Published: 11/1/2013

Rhonda Monroe, the sister of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, received five years’ probation for her role in a campaign finance scheme that allowed her brother to take money from his 2007 re-election fund. Monroe was accused of using her position as assistant executive director of the state Registry of Election Finance to help Farmer pocket leftover campaign cash with phony expense claims.

Louisiana – Louisiana’s Top 400 Campaign Donors Get Around Legal Limits to Magnify Political Influence

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2013

Searching the mountain of state and local records, reporters identified hundreds of donors who gave from tens of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million to campaigns across Louisiana in the four years that ended in 2012. The journalists said the records show wealthy special interests and businesses are able to magnify their influence through loopholes, lax enforcement, and weak penalties to take advantage of the system.

Nevada – Nevada Judge Dismisses Suit against AFP

San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/6/2013

A District Court judge ruled Americans for Prosperity was not required to register with the state or file contribution reports as argued in the civil lawsuit filed by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller. The group is funded by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch.

New York – New York City Takes Left Turn

Wall Street Journal – Sophia Hollander | Published: 11/6/2013

Political analysts say the election of Democrat Bill de Blasio as mayor of New York City could become the biggest test yet of a recent revival of liberalism in American political life that is occurring in urban areas. In 2000, Republicans led five of the nation’s largest dozen cities. By the end of 2012, they no longer led any.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lawmakers Question Conduct after Convictions

Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2013

Last year, former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan was convicted of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. This year, state Rep. Randy Terrill was convicted of offering a legislative colleague a state job in exchange for her promise not to seek re-election. Lawmakers are considering whether the way they conduct the people’s business and the multiple prosecutions will chill legislative debate and action.

South Carolina – State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions

The State – Jeff Wilkinson | Published: 11/2/2013

Scores of companies have donated to the campaigns of individual South Carolina candidates in a melding of corporate money and public policy that is banned in 21 states and in federal elections. Corporate officials say those contributions are not an effort to buy legislative votes on a particular issue. Watchdogs maintain corporate donations are just the tip of the iceberg in a political system that favors big business over others.

Texas – Candidates to Lead Texas Accept Meals, Gifts, More from Lobbyists

Dallas Morning News – Christy Hoppe | Published: 11/2/2013

All of the major candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Texas have, to varying degrees, kept company with lobbyists, show dozens of disclosure reports examined by The Dallas Morning News. In the last five years, they have received tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, gifts, and help holding campaign fundraisers, all from representatives of companies and industries with major business before the state.

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

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly.

It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 for repeat offenses.

Prior attempts to create a lobbyist registry failed in 2007 and 2011.

Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions and my reports are timely filed. Do I have to complete a training course?

A. Depending on where you are registered, you may be subject to a state mandated training requirement. Requiring the completion of a lobbyist training course has been an emerging trend as states expand their ethics and disclosure provisions.

For example, in Utah, a lobbyist must complete training, and obtain a perfect score on the examination, before their lobbying license is issued. In Louisiana, a registered lobbyist must complete one hour of training by December 31 of each year. The state provides in-person training classes, as well as an online training course.

Some states, such as Maryland, require training on bi-annual basis. In New York, the lobbyist is only required to attend a training course once every three years.

Failure to complete the required training can result in penalties to the lobbyist. Louisiana imposes a personal liability requirement on the lobbyist. Failure to complete the mandatory training class may result in a fine of up to $10,000.

While training is mandatory in some states, other states have optional training opportunities available to lobbyists who want to enhance their understanding of the state’s ethics and disclosure provisions. Colorado and Georgia are two of the states currently offering optional training courses.

To obtain additional information about the jurisdictions where you are registered, please visit www.stateandfed.com. Our new website premiered on November 1, 2013.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Lobbying

“Lobbing World” in The Hill.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“TechAmerica Lobbyists Jump Ship for Rival Outfit” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

Campaign Finance

“Secret Persuasion: How Big Campaign Donors Stay Anonymous” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.

“From Social Welfare Groups, A River Of Political Influence” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.

“‘Unobtainium’ and the blurry lines of campaign finance law” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“The Dirty Business Of Tax-Exempt Campaign Money Laundries” by Howard Gleckman in Forbes.

Arizona: “State Supreme Court asked to restore increased campaign contributions” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Louisiana: “Database: Search Louisiana campaign finance contributions” by Dmitriy Pritykin, in The Times-Picayune.

Louisiana: “Louisiana’s top 400 campaign donors get around legal limits to magnify political influence” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.

Massachusetts: “Attorney General Martha Coakley’s campaign funds in disarray” by Frank Phillips in The Telegraph.

Minnesota: “Campaign Finance Questions Still Unanswered” by The Associated Press in KAAL TV News.

Ethics

“Twitter IPO Makes House Ethics Nervous” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

Tech and Social Media

“What NASA Can Teach the Rest of Government About Using Social Media” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.

Lobbying

“Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.

Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.

Campaign Finance

California: “Assemblyman Alejo to return $21,092 in excess campaign contributions” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Ethics

“Hacking Attempts on Federal Election Commisison Website” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

California: “Ex-Senate leader Dean Florez faces fines for misusing campaign funds” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Florida: “Suspend ethics commission, state audit committee tells Palm Beach County” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts: State Ethics Commission conflict plan could have ‘huge effect on towns’” by Andy Metzger in The Republican.

Elections

“Roll Call’s 10 Most Vulnerable House Members Revealed” by Shira T. Center and Emily Cahn and Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Alabama: “Alabama Special Election Is Proxy Battle for National GOP” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Mississippi: “3 special elections for House seats Tuesday” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.

South Carolina: “Dozens of cities are holding elections in SC” by The Associated Press in GoUpstate.com.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Redistricting board withdraws request for delay” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Lobbying

“Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Florida: “As lawmakers consider audits, documents show how lawmakers-turned-lobbyists help tip the scales for large lobbying firms” by Matt Dixon in The Florida Time-Union.

Texas: “Candidates to lead Texas accept meals, gifts, more from lobbyists” by Christy Hoppe in The Dallas Morning News.

Campaign Finance

California: “Disgorgement Fight Could Shape Dark Money’s Future in CA” by Ben Adler in Capital Public Radio.

California: “California probe of campaign donations sheds light on ‘dark money’” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.

Washington: “Washington elections draw big out-of-state donations” by Brian M. Rosenthal in The Spokesman-Review.

Ethics

California: “Gifts and elected officials” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.

New York: “JCOPE leader ballot splits commission 9-5” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

South Carolina: “State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions” by Jeff Wilkinson in The State.

Elections

“Federal Election Commission Lists 2014 Election Dates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Iowa: “Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races” by John Eligon in The New York Times.

New York: “N.Y. to run voter hotline on Election Day” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh filed a bill to be considered during the Alabama Legislature’s upcoming session, beginning January 14, 2014.

The bill would ban a former legislator for a period of two years from lobbying members of either chamber of the Legislature. The current law allows former members of the Legislature to lobby members of the other chamber without any waiting period, and imposes a two year waiting period on lobbying members of the former legislator’s chamber.

If passed, this bill would take effect immediately.