August 23, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 23, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Campaign Finance Advocates Sue IRS
The Hill – Bernie Becker | Published: 8/21/2013
U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and watchdog groups filed a lawsuit challenging the IRS’ interpretation of a law that governs whether groups qualify for tax-exempt status as so-called social welfare organizations. The suit addresses one of the main concerns that surfaced with the recent IRS targeting controversy: differences between federal law and IRS rules on eligibility for 501(c)(4) candidates.
U.S. Lawmakers Travel the World on Lobbyists’ Tab
Reuters – Richard Cowen | Published: 8/19/2013
Lately, the number of privately financed trips for federal lawmakers offered by corporate interests, lobbyists, universities, and foreign governments have been rising. Trips this year total 1,363, at a cost to the hosts of $3.2 million. Congress clamped down on such travel in 2007 after disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s influence-peddling scandal.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – After Ethics Fine, Paul Bookout Resigns from Legislature
Arkansas Business Journal; Associated Press – | Published: 8/21/2013
Sen. Paul Bookout resigned his seat in the Arkansas Legislature on the same day a special prosecutor was assigned to investigate his campaign finances. His resignation came days after the state Ethics Commission fined and reprimanded the veteran lawmaker for converting thousands of dollars in political contributions to his personal use.
California – Filner Could Be Out by Friday
San Diego Union Tribune – Craig Gustafson and Mark Walker | Published: 8/21/2013
A tentative deal has been reached in the sexual harassment lawsuit against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner that is likely to oust him from office. City Attorney Jan Goldsmith announced the plan after three days of settlement talks, but said he could not divulge any details until the proposed resolution is approved by the city council, which could happen on August 23. Filner has been under siege for weeks amid allegations he repeatedly sexually harassed women.
California – Hansen Revealed as Arena Petition Backer
Sacramento Bee – Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak | Published: 8/17/2013
Weeks after billionaire Chris Hansen lost a bid to move the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, he made an undisclosed donation to a group trying to defeat plans to build a new facility for the National Basketball Association team in California. The Fair Political Practices Commission said the money was used to gather signatures for a ballot initiative designed to put to a citywide vote the council’s planned $258 million subsidy for a downtown arena.
Maine – For Maine Governor, Issue Is What They Said He Said
New York Times – Katharine Seelye and Jess Bidgood | Published: 8/20/2013
Maine Gov. Paul LePage denied he said President Barak Obama “hates white people.” Two Republican lawmakers said they heard the governor make the comment during a state Republican Party fundraiser. The problem for LePage, as even some of his allies acknowledge, is whether or not he made this particular comment, he has made so many other blunt assertions that while one more may not matter, the accumulation of such comments could.
Massachusetts – In Mass., Political Lobbying a $100M-a-Year Industry
Lowell Sun – Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) | Published: 8/19/2013
In 2005, there were just over 800 lobbyists registered in Massachusetts. By 2012, that number had soared to more than 1,600. In part, the increase is due to a change in the definition of a lobbyist. The broadened definition, prompted by a 2009 ethics law, forced many individuals who had avoided the label to officially register.
New York – Nonprofits Are Balking at Law on Disclosing Political Donors
New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 8/20/2013
New York has emerged as a central battleground for efforts to mandate greater disclosure. Two years after a law was enacted that required tax-exempt groups lobbying state government to reveal where they got their money, a growing number of nonprofit organizations are seeking exemptions, arguing their donors could be endangered if their names were released to the public.
New York – Utility Officials Fined on Freebies
Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 8/15/2013
A year after national grid paid the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) $1.67 million to settle charges of providing illegal gifts to state regulators, the utility has agreed to pay $25,000 to settle the same charges with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). The PSC fined National Grid for violating the public service law; JCOPE penalized the utility for violating state lobbying law.
Ohio – Ohio Ethics Chief: Kasich made clean company break
Miami Herald – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 8/15/2013
Ohio Ethics Commission Chairperson Merom Brachman said there is no need for an ethics probe of Gov. John Kasich’s relationship to a company that received hundreds of thousands of dollars in state development tax credits. Brachman, noting the commission is “anxious to not become a political theater,” said data provided by the governor shows conclusively there is no conflict-of-interest to investigate.
Pennsylvania – State Officials’ Free Gala Tickets Lead To Discrepancies in Ethics Reports
WITF – Mary Wilson | Published: 8/19/2013
The way Gov. Tom Corbett and a few state lawmakers treated free tickets to a Philadelphia soiree shows a wide variety of interpretations of Pennsylvania’s ethics law. Last year, the Barnes Foundation threw a gala celebrating its new museum and gave some legislators and members of the administration free entry. For other patrons, tickets were $5,000 each. State law requires gifts of such a value to be publicly disclosed.
South Carolina – Haley’s Attorneys Tried to Get Ethics Charges Dropped
The State – Adam Beam | Published: 8/15/2013
Emails between the South Carolina Ethics Commission and Gov. Nikki Haley’s attorney show she agreed to pay a fine and end allegations over campaign donors’ missing addresses only after irritated commissioners nearly took an agreement off the table and called a public hearing. Haley agreed to pay $3,500, reimburse the ethics agency $2,000, and forward money from eight donors, totaling nearly $4,200, to the Children’s Trust Fund.
Tennessee – Democrats Missing from Panels to Rule on Ethics Complaints against Haslam
Knoxville News Sentinel – Tom Humphrey | Published: 8/17/2013
A former state Democratic Party chairperson filed complaints with the Tennessee Ethics Commission and the Registry of Election Finance, contending Gov. Bill Haslam violated the law by not disclosing his personal payments to lobbyist and political operative Tom Ingram. The commission and registry currently have Republican majority membership because of unfilled vacancies in one case, because Haslam has left a seat designated for a Democrat empty since March.
Virginia – Attorneys for McDonnells to Meet with Prosecutors as Key Phase Opens in Gifts Probe
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Carol Leonnig | Published: 8/19/2013
Attorneys for Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife met with federal prosecutors over the gifts scandal that has dominated state politics. The meetings open a critical phase of the investigation, timed to help prosecutors decide over the next few weeks whether to file charges, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation.
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.
August 16, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 16, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Many Ex-Governors Work as Lobbyists, Consultants
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 8/11/2013
A USA Today review found ten of the 32 governors who have left office since 2011 now work for trade associations or consulting and lobbying firms that allow them to help clients navigate government agencies. Several former governors said they have unique expertise about the way government operates, but that does not mean they are wielding undue influence on behalf of their clients.
Federal:
A Former Engine of the G.O.P., the Town Hall Meeting, Cools Down
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 8/12/2013
Though Republicans in recent years have harnessed the political power of town hall meetings, people from both parties say they are noticing a decline in the number of such events. With memories of angry protests still vivid, it seems one of the unintended consequences of a tea party movement that thrived on such open, often confrontational interactions with lawmakers is there are fewer members of Congress now willing to face their constituents.
Jesse L. Jackson Jr. Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
Washington Post – Ann Marimow | Published: 8/14/2013
Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to scheming to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on costly personal items, including a $43,350 gold-plated Rolex watch. His wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandra Jackson, was sentenced to a year in prison for filing joint federal income tax returns that understated the couple’s income.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Spokesman for California Assembly Speaker John Perez Wears Many Hats
Sacramento Bee – Laural Rosenhall | Published: 8/8/2013
Steven Maviglio is on a short-term contract as a media consultant to California Assembly Speaker John Pérez that ends when the legislative session concludes in September. Through his Forza Communications firm, Maviglio also works for private-sector clients; some are advocacy groups who have paid him to promote their bills moving through the Legislature.
Florida – Palmetto Bay Lobbyist Tipped Off FBI to Miami-Dade Mayors, Lobbyists Arrested in Corruption Probe
Miami Herald – Patricia Mazzei, Jay Weaver, and Charles Rabin | Published: 8/10/2013
A two-year investigation culminated recently with the arrests of Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia, along with Sweetwater Mayor Manny Maroño and his friend and business partner, lobbyist Jorge Forte. Sources said lobbyist Michael Kesti acted as an informant in the probe because he wanted to bring the FBI’s attention to influence-peddling among a network of Miami-Dade County lobbyists and mayors.
Indiana – Charges Dismissed against Former Indiana Utility Regulator David Lott Hardy
Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 8/12/2013
A judge threw out four felony counts of official misconduct against Indiana’s former top utility regulator. David Lott Hardy’s behavior as Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission chairperson in connection with the Duke Energy ethics scandal was not criminal, said Marion Superior Court Judge William Nelson. But Nelson scolded Hardy for “betraying the trust” of Indiana citizens.
Mississippi – All Expenses Paid? Some Lawmakers Request Reimbursement for Lobbyist-Funded Treks
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Geoff Pender | Published: 8/10/2013
Last summer, 19 state lawmakers attended a conference sponsored by the Mississippi Consumer Finance Association. Although some lawmakers described the event as all expenses paid, four House members also filed for reimbursement totaling more than $2,300 on their state expense accounts. Yet disclosure reports show lobbyists paid a total of $5,600 for the four legislators.
Missouri – Campaign Finance Lawsuit Pits Mega-Donor Rex Sinquefield against Missouri Pro-Life Groups
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 8/12/2013
A retired investment executive who has given millions of dollars to campaigns has filed a lawsuit challenging a proposed ballot measure seeking to establish campaign contribution limits in Missouri. Rex Sinquefield argues the limits would infringe on constitutional rights to free speech and free association. The suit contends the proposed caps are so low they inhibit effective advocacy, particularly as political campaigns become more costly.
Nevada – Nevada’s Secretary of State Moves to Clarify State Ethics Law
Las Vegas Sun – Andrew Doughman | Published: 8/8/2013
Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller is seeking clarification from state agencies about how they have defined “gift.” Elected officials must disclose gifts worth more than $200, but Miller said they often fail to follow the law because it does not define a gift. Absent a statutory definition, a body of legal opinions could at least provide some guidance for what elected officials must disclose if they want to obey to the law, said Miller.
New Jersey – Birdsall Trustee Files Two Lawsuits to Recoup Millions in Losses
Asbury Park Press – Kathleen Hopkins | Published: 8/12/2013
The court-appointed trustee of Birdsall Services Group, the politically connected engineering firm that pleaded guilty earlier this year to making illegal campaign contributions in New Jersey, filed a federal lawsuit to recoup money the company spent on the legal expenses of former employees, alleging the payments were illegally authorized. Edwin Stier also sued 21 former top company officials, claiming their actions contributed to the firm’s collapse and caused its value to plummet.
New York – Ethics Panel Survey Launched
Albany Times Union – Rick Karlin | Published: 8/14/2013
A survey asking recipients to comment on the effectiveness of New York’s ethics law was sent to members of the state Legislature, leaders of watchdog groups, general counsels to state agencies, lobbyists, and academics. It asks about the Joint Commission on Public Ethics’ successes and shortcomings. A report on the survey will be issued later this year.
North Carolina – Voting Bill Signed; Legal Challenges Start
Charlotte Observer – Jim Morrill | Published: 8/12/2013
North Carolina Gov. Patrick McCrory signed a sweeping voting reform bill recently. Civil rights groups immediately filed lawsuits in federal court challenging the statute. The law also raises campaign contribution limits from $4,000 to $5,000 and indexes them to inflation. Starting October 1, lobbyists will not be able to pass along any donation to a candidate; the old law only prohibited the delivering of bundled contributions.
Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Fight State Fee Increase
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 8/12/2013
A proposal by the Pennsylvania Department of State would increase the biennial fee paid by registered lobbyists from $200 to $700. State officials say the increase is needed to maintain an online database and defray other costs of administering the lobbyist disclosure law. But many nonprofit groups say the increase will hurt their ability to discuss policy with lawmakers and watchdogs are concerned it could lead to less transparency.
Texas – White Male Democrats in Texas Legislature Are Nearly Extinct
Dallas Morning News – Gromer Jeffers, Jr. | Published: 8/11/2013
Next year’s elections could leave five or fewer white male Democrats in the Texas House. As Democrats put their emphasis on turning out more women and Hispanic voters and Republicans try to maintain advantages in the state’s small towns and rural areas, the trend, decades in the making, is expected to continue.
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.
August 9, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 9, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
All the D.C. Donors, Now Put Your Checks Up
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 8/3/2013
Campaign fundraising in Washington, D.C. has moved from staid receptions to high-profile concerts and sporting events. Most often, these events take place in a rented skybox at the Verizon Center paid for by a corporate PAC or a congressional campaign. Fundraising professionals say pairing a campaign fundraiser with a big event like a Beyoncé concert helps attract more attention from potential donors and ultimately brings in bigger contributions.
Republican Says E-mails Could Mean FEC-IRS Collusion
CNN – Dana Bash and Alan Silverleib | Published: 8/6/2013
FEC Vice Chairperson Donald McGahn said an investigator from his agency contacted Lois Lerner, the IRS employee at the center of the controversy over the alleged targeting of conservative groups. He said the contact was made to discuss the status of one such political advocacy group. Shortly after Lerner was contacted, the IRS sent a questionnaire to the American Future Fund, said McGahn. He said such contact was “probably out of the ordinary” and FEC members had not given staff permission to reach out to the IRS.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – L.A. County Won’t Sell Bonds to School Bond Campaign Donors
Los Angeles Times – Dan Weikel | Published: 8/6/2013
Los Angeles County Treasurer Mark Saladino said his office will no longer do business with securities brokers that make political contributions to school bond campaigns. The restriction applies to monetary donations, non-monetary contributions, and pre-election services, such as polling, voter outreach, and consulting.
Connecticut – Bills May Die, but Concepts Don’t
CTNewsJunkie.com – Hugh McQuaid | Published: 8/7/2013
Connecticut’s Legislative Research Office found at least 89 provisions that began this year in one bill, only to be signed into law under another. The number comes from an annual bill tracking report the office puts together after each legislative session. It documents instances when a concept became law in a manner other than the traditional legislative process.
Florida – Miami Lakes and Sweetwater Mayors ‘Stung’ by FBI for Taking Alleged Kickbacks
Miami Herald – Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga, and Joey Flecha | Published: 8/6/2013
The FBI arrested Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño on bribery-related charges. Prosecutors said Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over federal grants in Miami Lakes and Medley, where Pizzi is town attorney. An indictment claims Maroño and lobbyist Jorge Forte were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over grants for Sweetwater, where Maroño has been mayor since 2003.
Massachusetts – Galvin Faulted on Rules for Lobbyists
Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 8/7/2013
Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin was ordered to cover more than $100,000 in legal fees for a group of lobbyists who challenged his interpretation of the state’s revamped ethics laws. A judge found Galvin overstepped his authority by trying to force lobbyists to report every time they spoke to a legislator or state official, even casual, chance meetings.
New Hampshire – Ethics Committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers
Concord Monitor – Ben Leubsdorf | Published: 8/5/2013
E-ZPasses given to New Hampshire lawmakers do not violate ethics rules. Rep. Frank Sapareto had asked the Legislative Ethics Committee if they counted as a perk with a value in excess of the $25 limit on gifts to legislators.
New York – Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign
New York Times – David Chen | Published: 8/5/2013
New York City Comptroller John Liu was denied about $3 million in public matching funds in his bid for the Democratic mayoral nomination after the Campaign Finance Board said it found evidence of possible “serious and pervasive” violations. In May, Liu’s former campaign treasurer and a fundraiser were convicted of trying to subvert the city’s campaign finance system with straw donors to obtain matching funds.
North Carolina – Video Shows Lawmakers Dancing on NC House Floor
WCNC – Ben Thompson | Published: 7/31/2013
A video shows a Republican lawmaker and an aide dancing on the North Carolina House floor near the end of the legislative session. One headline reads “NC House Dances with Joy over its Accomplishments,” and is accompanied by an editorial criticizing lawmakers.” The video shows a man and woman dancing, while another woman plays a fiddle. But some say the headlines and descriptions of the clip are misleading.
Oklahoma – Outdated Software Plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission
The Oklahoman – Michael McNutt | Published: 8/3/2013
Financial information about campaigns and lobbyist spending posted on the Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s Web site is not accurate because of software glitches. Commission Executive Director Lee Slater said he will be ask lawmakers for funds next year to buy a new software system but until then, visitors to the site will have to put up with a system in which data posted by some candidates and lobbyists randomly does not show up.
South Carolina – Lobbyists Wined, Dined Lawmakers 95 Times
The State – Amanda Coyne | Published: 8/4/2013
During the 2013 legislative session, special interests hosted 95 breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, or receptions for South Carolina legislators and others. The meals and receptions regularly cost nearly $6,000 apiece. At least two held during the last legislative session cost far more, one almost $17,000 and another $20,000.
Tennessee – Nashville Lobbyist Murphy and Associates Faces Ethics Audit
The Tennessean – Chas Sisk | Published: 8/6/2013
An audit said a lobbyist receiving 10 percent of the state funding provided to the Tennessee Disability Coalition – more than $64,000 in one year – may violate a law banning lobbyist contingency fees. An attorney for lobbyist Jennifer Murphy disputes the contention and said even if the contractual arrangement was a contingency fee, it dates from 2002, four years before the prohibition was enacted as part of an ethics reform package.
Virginia – Donor Jonnie Williams, Star Scientific Are Cooperating in Probe of Gov. Robert McDonnell
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/5/2013
Sources said Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams, Sr. has turned over personal financial records and sat for interviews in which he provided firsthand accounts of gifts and more than $120,000 given to Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his family members since 2011. The cooperation is an ominous sign for McDonnell, suggesting federal prosecutors are focused on trying to build a potential criminal case against him.
West Virginia – Judge Ends Cap on Contributions to Indie PACs
Charleston Gazette – Kate White | Published: 8/7/2013
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Johnston signed an order that strikes down struck down state laws limiting contributions to independent PACs. The $1,000 limit still applies to donations made directly to candidates and their campaign committees, PACs that contribute directly to candidates, and political parties.
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.
August 2, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 2, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Heiresses Apparent: Daughters take their turn for the political dynasty
Washington Post – Emily Heil | Published: 7/26/2013
Perhaps more than any previous year, the 2014 midterm campaigns feature a wave of daughters eager to embrace their fathers’ political legacies while forging their own political futures. And at a time when the 2016 presidential field appears likely to include both the son of a prominent politician (Rand Paul) and the wife of a president (Hillary Clinton), it is no surprise that daughters are forming a political class of their own.
State Republican Parties Mired in Dysfunction
The Associated Press – Steve Peoples | Published: 7/25/2013
Several state Republican leaders have been forced out or resigned in recent months, and many state parties face financial problems and skeptical national leaders. The conflicts highlight the tug of war over the GOP’s future as national leaders work to improve the party’s brand. At the same time, the dysfunction raises questions about the GOP’s ability to coordinate political activities in key battleground states ahead of the midterm elections.
Federal:
Next Citizens United? McCutcheon Supreme Court Case Targets Campaign Contribution Limits
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 7/31/2013
Electrical engineer and budding political donor Shaun McCutcheon, now joined by the Republican National Committee, is bringing the biggest campaign finance case before the U.S. Supreme Court since the controversial 2010 Citizens United decision. If the justices rule in their next term for McCutcheon, it would mark the first time the court had found a federal contribution limit unconstitutional and would open the door for even more money to flood the political system.
Women Lobbyists May Be Worth More
National Journal – Elahe Izadi | Published: 7/30/2013
While men outnumber women on K Street, an analysis by LegisStorm shows individual lobbying contracts held by women are worth more on average than those held by men. The study, one of the first of its kind, offers a window on Washington’s roughly $3 billion lobbying industry and how it is evolving.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Corporations Can Make Unlimited Campaign Contributions
Gadsden Times – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013
Companies can now give unlimited amounts to candidates in Alabama. The end of the $500 limit on August 1 means Alabama will become the fifth state with no cap on campaign donations. Lobbyist Bob Geddie said some companies may contribute directly to candidates now that the limit is off, but most will keep donating to PACs. He said if their corporate name ends up on a candidate’s campaign finance report, they know others will call for donations.
Arizona – Supporters Ask Judge to Block Higher Campaign Limits
Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 7/31/2013
The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission asked Maricopa County Superior Court to block an increase in state campaign contribution limits. The state Supreme Court declined to consider the commission’s special-action lawsuit in the matter. The plaintiffs were allowed to start over by filing the lawsuit anew with a lower court.
California – Cupid’s Work Gets Complicated as California Lawmaker Dates Lobbyist
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 7/31/2013
State Assemblyperson Brian Maienschein is dating Carolyn Ginno, a lobbyist for the California Medical Association. While the romance does not violate any rules, it has raised concerns among some good government groups. Watchdogs said Maienschein should step down from committees that routinely vote on bills the association lobbies, such as the health and business panels.
Colorado – Chieftain Newsroom Execs Sign Giron Recall Petitions, Blasted for ‘Ethics Conflict’
Huffington Post – John Tomasic (Colorado Independent) | Published: 7/30/2013
A local activist group reported Pueblo Chieftain General Manager Ray Stafford and at least two other newsroom executives signed petitions to have Colorado Sen. Angela Giron recalled over her support for gun-control laws. The group said the signatures amount to a breach of professional ethics. Stafford also wrote Giron an e-mail that many viewed as a threat.
Illinois – Scandal Puts Focus on ‘Toothless’ Ill. Ethics Law
Chicago Tribune – Kerry Lester (Associated Press) | Published: 7/30/2013
The Legislative Ethics Commission has agreed to look into whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and two of his fellow Democrats tried to use clout to interfere with personnel matters at Metra, the Chicago-area transit agency. But the committee is working under a law that critics say is too vague on what constitutes a conflict-of-interest and lacks sufficient enforcement powers.
Indiana – Tony Bennett, Former Indiana School Superintendent, Changed Top GOP Donor’s School’s Grade
Huffington Post – Tony LoBianco (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2013
Tony Bennett, the then-head of the Indiana department of Education, pressed for changes to the state’s school grading formula to help a campaign donor’s charter school. According to e-mails obtained by The Associated Press, Bennett demanded the changes when it appeared a charter school backed by influential Republican donor Christel DeHaan was going to earn a “C” in the state’s grading system.
Missouri – In Missouri, Campaign Donors Fund Phones, Sports Tickets, Golf Balls
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 7/31/2013
A St. Louis Post-Dispatch analysis shows lawmakers and statewide officials often turn to their campaign funds to pay for a wide range of personal expenses that, they argue, are associated with their official or campaign duties. Meals, travel, and fundraising events – including costs associated with popular golf tournaments – were among the major expenses for candidates and elected officials.
New York – Exemption Rules under Review
Albany Times Union – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 7/30/2013
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics is putting off a decision on applications from lobbying groups hoping to shield their donors from public view as it debates tweaks to its regulations. Emergency rules that will become permanent in August allow the commission to exempt donors that face “harm, threats, harassment, or reprisals” if it became known they were contributing to a cause. Commissioners agreed to have a public discussion on amending the exemption, possibly in early September.
North Carolina – McCrory Not Up On Voter Law He Signed
Charlotte Post – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that makes extensive changes to the state’s election law, even though he admitted he was not familiar with key provisions on preventing voter fraud. At a press conference, the governor did single out the section of the bill that prohibits lobbyists from passing campaign donations directly to lawmakers.
South Carolina – State House for Sale: SC’s unregistered lobbyists profit in ‘gray area’
The State – Jamie Self | Published: 7/27/2013
Many companies and groups in South Carolina seek state money each year. To press their cases, they employ hundreds of lobbyists. But not everyone trying to influence lawmakers registers with the state as a lobbyist as required by the ethics law.
Tennessee – Ethics Panel Stalls on Tom Ingram Lobbying Hearing; Dismissal Vote Falls Short
Knoxville News Sentinel – Tom Humphrey | Published: 8/1/2013
A vote to scuttle penalties against prominent political operative Tom Ingram fell short in the Tennessee Ethics Commission. The panel voted three-to-one to drop the cases against Ingram, his colleague Marcille Durham, and client Hillsborough Resources for failing to register to lobby for three years on behalf of a coal company seeking to mine on public lands. That is one vote short of the minimum needed to pass, so members agreed to hear the cases again at a September meeting.
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.
June 14, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 14, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Business Donations to Judges’ Campaigns Often Equal Friendly Rulings
State Legislators’ Ties to Nonprofit Groups Prove Fertile Ground for Corruption
Federal:
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit against Lobbying Firm
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler Wrong to Use State Funds for Trip, Ethics Commission Rules
District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Brown Pleads Guilty to Bribe Charge
Florida – In Abolishing CCEs, Legislators Overlooked One Glitch
Iowa – Iowa Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Disclosure Law
Maryland – Rawlings-Blake Says She Stayed at Lobbyist’s Beach House
Montana – New Political Practices Chief Wants Robust Discourse, but ‘Maximum Disclosure’
Nebraska – Legislative Show Criticized as Tasteless, too Kind to Liberals
New Jersey – NJ Engineering Firm Birdsall Pleads Guilty in Illegal Donations Scheme, Agrees to Pay $1 Million
New York – Cuomo: Raise ethics bar
Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Would Shell Out More under Fee Hike
Wisconsin – Assembly Passes Bipartisan Elections Bill
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Journalism Group Stunned by Budget Provision
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.
May 31, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 31, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – In Colorado, Gun Control Votes Followed by Increasingly Popular Political Tool: The recall
Connecticut – Despite Corruption, Campaign Reform in Jeopardy
Maine – Maine Subpoenas Upheld for Anti-Gay Marriage Group
Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Officiates at Lobbyist Wedding in Vegas
Massachusetts – Former Cahill Aide, Goldman Banker Fined $100,000
Missouri – KC Council Approves New Ethics Code
Nevada – Campaign Transparency Bill Passes, Albeit a Watered-Down Version
New Jersey – State Campaign Finance Agency Lifts Political Contribution Caps for Independent Groups
North Carolina – Questions Raised over Campaign Checks at Center of Sweepstakes Probe
Texas – Perry Vetoes Dark Money Disclosure Bill Backed by GOP Legislature
Texas – Texas Passes Ethics Bill, But Many Proposed Reforms Are Left on the Cutting Room Floor
Utah – Utah Majority Leader and Lobbyists Vacation Together Abroad
Vermont – Shumlin: Deal was meant to help
Washington – Olympia Lobbyists Pamper Lawmakers with Free Meals
Washington – State Lawmakers Vote ‘No’ on Flaws, ‘Yes’ to Photo Retouching
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.
May 24, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 24, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
NRA Tactics: Take no prisoners
Federal:
IRS Mess Adds to Campaign Finance Free-for-All
IRS Official Lois Lerner Placed on Leave amid Scandal
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – Arkansas Treasurer Steps Down amid Calls to Resign after Charges She Took Payments from Broker
California – California to Post Raw Campaign Filings Online Daily
Connecticut – Jury Convicts Aide to Former Connecticut House Speaker
Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Pass Bill on Gun Lobbying
Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Resigns Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
Montana – Bullock Picks New Political Practices Chief
North Carolina – Shanahan to Stop Practicing Law While He’s in Office
North Dakota – Feds Argue Coal Industry Can Legally Give to ND Regulators’ Campaigns
Texas – An Expensive Celebration, Courtesy of the Lobby
Texas – Texas House Adds Some Teeth to Political Disclosure Law
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.
May 10, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 10, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
States Try to Tackle ‘Secret Money’ in Politics
Federal:
Campaign Contribution Limits Broken Repeatedly In 2012 Election with No FEC Oversight
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Campaign Finance Law Revisions Pass House; Headed Back to Senate
Georgia – Gov. Deal Signs Law capping Georgia Lobbyist Spending at $75 a Go
Hawaii – How One Lawmaker Blocks Hawaii’s Ethics Reforms Year after Year
Kansas – Seventy-Four Percent of Lobbyist Spending on Kansas Lawmakers Unaccounted For
New Jersey – Judge Approves $728,300 in Bonuses for Employees of Engineering Firm Accused of Campaign Finance Violations
New York – Senator in Corruption Case Spoke of Silencing Witnesses, Prosecutors Say
North Carolina – Private Conservative Group ALEC Carries Sway in Legislature
Pennsylvania – Orie Melvin Must Write Apology Letters to Pennsylvania Judges on Photos of Herself
South Carolina – South Carolina Sends Mark Sanford Back to House
Tennessee – Tom Ingram Faces Heat over Lobbying Pay
Texas – Lobby Disclosure of Consulting Ties Passes the Senate
Vermont – House OKs Cap on Donations to Super PACs
Washington – Lobbyists Spend Big Bucks on Dinners, Other Tabs for Lawmakers
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.
April 26, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 26, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
K Street’s Bounce Proves Elusive
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Barron, Former Aide Indicted
Arkansas – Arkansas House Sends Ethics, Petition Rules to Voters
California – ‘Hacking’ Open Financial Disclosure Data
California – Many Private Interests Were Brown’s Fellow Travelers in China
Florida – Legislators Finish Rewrite of Ethics, Campaign Bill
Illinois – Emanuel Campaign Taking Donations from Hotel Developers with Projects in Works
Iowa – Affidavit Says Bachmann Approved Hidden Payments to Iowa Senator
New Jersey – Campaign Finance Overhaul by N.J. Senate Democrats Would Also Reform Pay-to-Play
North Carolina – Sweepstakes Donor’s Checks to NC Politicians Scrutinized
Texas – Campaign Accounts Help Texas Legislators Pay Staffers
Vermont – Former Lt. Gov. Dubie, RGA Agree to Settle Election Lawsuit with State
Washington – Donate to Sick Lawmakers? Limits Apply to Some Gifts
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.
April 5, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 5, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Governors’ Groups Rely Increasingly on ‘Dark Money’ Affiliates
Federal:
Hanford Contractor Reaches $1.1 Million Settlement in Whistleblower Suit Involving Training Program
Most Lobbyists Following Disclosure Rules, Government Report Says
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska – House Trips over Bad Jokes and a Representative’s Tongue
Arizona – Federal Judge Strikes Down 2 Arizona Anti-Union Statutes
Florida – Lawmaker Complains about Getting Out of Speeding Ticket; Trooper Fired
Florida – Lawmakers Seek Exceptions to Free Food and Drink Ban
Georgia – New Ga. Lobbying Rules Raise Fresh Issues
Iowa – Sex Offender Faces Charge after Lobbying Legislators
Maryland – Maryland Close to Raising Political Donation Limit to $24,000
New Jersey – Secret Recording Led to Criminal Case against N.J. Engineering Firm Birdsall Services Group
New York – Lawmakers in New York Tied to Bribery Plot in Mayor Race
North Carolina – NC Court of Appeals Sends Case against Lobbyist Back to Trial Court
Pennsylvania – Judge Throws Out All Campaign Finance Limits in Pittsburgh Mayoral Race
South Carolina – GOP Frets Mark Sanford Could Blow It
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.
March 29, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 29, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Why Republicans Still Run K Street
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Arizona Legislature Is Short on Ethics Rules
Florida – Florida Governor Shuts Down Office after Resignation
Georgia – Georgia Lawmakers Reach Deal on Lobbying Rules
Illinois – Illinois Supreme Court Reverses Ruling on Chicago Inspector General’s Power
Illinois – Lobbyist Uses Political Savvy in Springfield to Tackle Bill – Her Water Bill
Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Placed on Leave over Ethics Charges against Her
Montana – Murry Will Not Seek Confirmation to Political Practice Post
Nevada – Banishment Ends Brooks Saga: ‘We did not feel safe’
Nevada – Senate OKs Bill for Quarterly Lobbyist Reports
New Jersey – Campaign Finance Watchdog Agency Says Outside Democratic Group Must Adhere to Contribution Limits
New Jersey – Seven from Birdsall Services Group Engineering Firm Indicted in Plot to Hide Political Gifts
Pennsylvania – Turnpike Case Has Bribery Charges, But Not Against Bribers
Wyoming – Judge Rejects Lawsuit by Wyoming Free Speech
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.
March 22, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Conflicts of Interest Run Rampant in State Legislatures
Democratic Women Eye City Hall Gains
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Supreme Court Hears Arguments over Whether States Can Ask for Proof of Citizenship to Register
California – Bell Trial Ends in Chaos
California – Judge Orders San Jose to Disclose Officials’ Messages on Private Devices
Florida – Gaming Committee Chairman Relies on Flights from Gaming Lobbyist for Travel to Tallahassee
Georgia – State Senate Offers $100 Lobbying Cap in Split Plan
Kansas – Kansas House Passes Bill on Union Pay Deductions
Kentucky – Richie Farmer Could Be Fined $210,000 over 42 Ethics Violations
Maryland – Campaign Finance Reform Passes House and Is Moving in Senate
Maryland – Former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold Gets Jail Time from Judge
New Mexico – Social Media Plays a Bigger Role in Legislative Session
New York – Artists Against Fracking May Not Be Registered As New York Lobbying Group
South Carolina – Former Governor Advances in South Carolina Race
South Carolina – Misuse of SC State Plane Alleged
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.
March 15, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 15, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Obama Meets with New Advocacy Group
From the States and Municipalities:
California – California Lawmakers Avoid Campaign Contribution Limits with Ballot Measure Account
Florida – Investigators: Florida gambling probe that led to resignation of lieutenant governor will grow
Iowa – Statehouse Coffee Budget Running at $1,400 Deficit
Kentucky – Dennis Horlander Paid More than Most in Kentucky Legislature
Michigan – Former Mayor of Detroit Guilty in Corruption Case
Missouri – St. Louis Police Sergeant Plans to Sue Department for Silencing His Pro-Pot Work
Oregon – Oregon Legislators Reap Big Post-Election Donations – Much of it ‘Makeup Money’
Pennsylvania – Ex-Senate Leader, 7 Others Charged in Turnpike Probe
Rhode Island – RI House Leadership Faulted over Ethics Vote
Tennessee – Black Keys Manager Ticket Offer Raises Questions
Washington – Blind Lawmaker Up to Task in Olympia
West Virginia – Gainer Queries Ethics Panel over Visa Ads
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.
March 8, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 8, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Are Hashtags a Political #Wasteoftime?
Pro-Obama Group Reverses Stance on Corporate Cash
From the States and Municipalities:
California – LA Mayor’s Race Heads to Runoff between Democratic Rivals Who Share Much Common Ground
California – Oakland City Council Approves Campaign Sunlight Ordinance
Colorado – Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge to Colorado Campaign Finance Law
Florida – Florida Legislators Work to Regain Voter Trust
Massachusetts – Cahill to Pay $100,000 to Settle Case
New Mexico – House Approves Bill for State Ethics Commission
Tennessee – Rep. Curry Todd Lived Rent-Free in Lobbyist’s Home
Texas – Watchdogs: Ethics loopholes obscure lobby perks
Vermont – New Twist on Campaign Finance Debate
Wyoming – Wyoming Legislative Leaders Decry Lobbying Tactics
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.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.