December 21, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 21, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
NRA Power and Money Goes a Long Way in States
The GOP’s Electoral College Scheme
Federal:
Colbert Super PAC to Give to Charities
Crossroads GPS Claim: What Karl Rove’s dark money nonprofit told the IRS
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska
Legislative Aide Resigns after Anti-Islamic Agenda Crosses into Public Role
Arkansas
Admitted Inappropriate Relationship Threatens McDaniel’s 2014 Bid to Become Arkansas’ Governor
California
More Valuable Gifts, Contributions Allowed to Politicians in 2013
California
State Political Watchdog to Enforce San Bernardino County’s Campaign Finance Ordinance
Louisiana
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to End Contracts with Firm Tied to Ray Nagin Bribery Probe
New York
Cup of Coffee Limit Perks Up Again
New York
NY State Urges Aetna to Reveal Political Spending
Washington
House Bill Would Impose Fees on Lobbyists, Others
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.
December 7, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 7, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
2012 Presidential Election Nearing All-Time Record, Final Campaign Finance Reports Show
McConnell Pushes Back against Campaign Finance Reform Efforts
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Sacramento Lobbyist Dinged for Coalition Letter
District of Columbia
Mendelson: No time left for campaign finance reform this session
Illinois
Mel Reynolds Announces Congressional Run, Admits ‘Mistakes’
Maryland
Judge Says Ex-Delegate Tiffany Alston Is out; Committee Can Withdraw Hall’s Nomination to Seat
Michigan
Michigan State Representative Cleared by SOS in Election-Rigging Plan
Missouri
Missouri House GOP Plans Campaign Finance, Ethics Bill
Nevada
Secretary of State Goes to Court to Force AFP to Reveal Donors
New Jersey
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack Is Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges
North Carolina
Gov.-elect Pat McCrory Still Employed by Law Firm That Lobbies the State
Wisconsin
Incoming Senate Leader Favors Political Appointees over Judges on GAB
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.
November 24, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 24, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
States Challenge ‘Secret’ Campaign Money
Unions Flexed Muscles in State Campaigns
Federal:
David Petraeus Affair Scandal Tests Washington Code
Forget Creativity: Can lobbying be taught?
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Go Lorrie’s Executives Plead Guilty to Money Laundering in 2011 Mayor’s Race
Florida
Homestead Mayor’s Wife Bought Developer’s Mercedes
Georgia
Governor Denied in Bid to Recover Legal Fees from Watchdog
Illinois
15 Members of Joe Berrios’ Family on County, State Payrolls
Ohio
Fix Redistricting? Sure, But How?
Rhode Island
RI Ethics Board to Require Officials to Disclose Out-of-State Travel Expenses Paid by Others
Rhode Island
Struggling RI City’s Ex-Mayor Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charge over Gifts
Washington
Tea Partiers Fight Disclosure Law in the Ninth
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.
November 9, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 9, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Spending by Independent Groups Had Little Election Impact, Analysis Finds
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
State Senator’s Campaign Money Went to Girlfriend, Records Show
California
California’s $11 Million Campaign Donation Source Tied to Koch Brothers, Research Reveals
California
Labor Defeats Anti-Union Initiative in California
Colorado
Denver DA Launches Criminal Probe of Secretary of State Scott Gessler
Georgia
50 State Lawmakers Back Ethics Pledge
Illinois
Indicted Former Lawmaker [Wins] State House race
Massachusetts
Trial Starts; Jury to Decide if Cahill Broke Ethics Law during Campaign
Montana
Secretive Conservative Group’s Records Released
Ohio
Issues 1, 2 Overwhelmingly Defeated
Texas
HISD Trustee Got Cut of Contracts Awarded to Associate, Records Show
Washington
Ethics Fines May Follow Gifts of Liquor to City Light Trainer
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.
November 2, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 2, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Little Girl Cries over ‘Bronco Bamma’
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
AEA Plays Bigger Role in Politics than Teachers Unions in Most Other States, Study Finds
California
Anti-Tax Group’s Support Can Come with a Price
California
Arizona Nonprofit Must Reveal $11 Million Donor Details
District of Columbia
Inspector General Audit Details Hiring, Ethics Abuses at MWAA
Florida
Justin Lamar Sternad Invokes Fifth Amendment Right in FEC
Idaho
Idaho Nonprofit Reveals Donors after Losing Lawsuit; Bloomberg Gave $200K, Scott $250K
Maine
Senate District 25 Candidate Lachowicz Cleared by Ethics Panel
Michigan
Term Limits Launching Political Careers, Free Press Analysis Shows
Mississippi
Officials to Call for New Anti-Corruption Laws
Montana
Political Practices Reports Apparent Break-in
North Dakota
Judge Blocks ND Election Day Campaign Ban
West Virginia
WV House of Delegates Candidate Killed Because of Storm, Still on Ballot
Wisconsin
Five Wisconsin Lawmakers Settle Suit with Groups Seeking ALEC E-mails
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.
October 26, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 26, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
K Street Flags Shortcomings of Lobbying Law
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Judge: Listing of PAC contributors unconstitutional
California
California’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Agency Demands Names of Donors to Shadowy Arizona Group
California
Judge Rejects Former Bell Police Chief’s Bid to Double Pension
Florida
State Ethics Commission: David Rivera broke 11 ethics laws while serving in Florida Legislature
Georgia
Atlanta Region Sees Spike in Public Corruption Cases
Idaho
Idaho Sues to Force Disclosure of Secret Donations
Illinois
Appeals Court Allows Illinois Limits on Campaign Financing
Iowa
‘Donations’ to State Agency Let Landlords Avoid Charges
Kentucky
Ethics Panel Wants Lobbyists to Report Ad Spending
Montana
Supreme Court Won’t Block Montana Campaign Finance Law Ahead Of Elections
New Jersey
Infamous Federal Informant Solomon Dwek Is Sentenced to Six Years, Must Pay $22.8 Million
North Dakota
Campaigning Fargo Candidate Finds Body under Tree
Tennessee
With Registry’s Ruling, Burchett Case Closed
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.
October 19, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 19, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
American Bridge Super PAC Uses Unique Research, Tracking Strategy to Hold Republicans Accountable
Lobbyists Ready for a Comeback under Romney
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
91-Year-Old Alabama Mayor Admits to $201,000 Theft
California
Campaign Watchdogs Say Arizona Group’s $11 Million Donation Exploits Loophole in California Law
Florida
Legislature’s New Leaders Back Tough Ethics Reform
Georgia
Loopholes Abound in Some Lobbyist Gift Bans
Illinois
City Axes Speed Camera Firm’s Bid, Citing Delay in Reporting Ethics Case
Montana
Montana Contribution Limits in Place through Election
New Jersey
Bergen Executive’s Veto of Changes to Political-Contributions Law Draws No Challenge
Ohio
Ohio Early Voting Cleared by High Court in Obama Victory
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Will Lose Three Key Workers on Same Day
Pennsylvania
Lobbyists’ Checks Buy Lawmaker Access
Washington
Seattle City Council Revamps Campaign Finance Rules
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.
October 5, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 5, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Selling Votes is Common Type of Election Fraud
Federal:
For Election Losers, Many Paths through the Political Wilderness
Medical Research Funding Tied to Advocacy, Study Finds
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas
Americans for Prosperity Puts Big Money on Legislative Races in Arkansas
Illinois
Maine
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Appeal by Anti-Gay Marriage in Maine Case
Massachusetts
Native Americans Chafe at Brown-Warren Race
Minnesota
Campaign Finance Board Rules Minnesota Majority’s Dan McGrath Did Not Break Lobbying Rules
Montana
Judge Tosses Montana Campaign Finance Limits
Nevada
Nevada Secretary of State Seeks More Campaign Disclosure, Restrictions in Aurora Act
Oregon
Oregon Supreme Court Refuses to Limit Campaign Spending
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Voter ID Law Shouldn’t Be Enforced This Time, Judge Rules
Rhode Island
Ethics Commission Sets Hearing on Disclosure of Paid Trips for Officials
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.
September 28, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 28, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Aflac and Chubb Join Ranks of Companies Expanding Disclosure
Federal:
Judge Backs Obama Ban on Lobbyists Serving on Federal Advisory Panels
Super PACs Get New Use – As Lobbying Arms on Hill
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Judge Sentences Gambling Lobbyist Pouncy to 3 Years Probation
California
Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Bill to Modernize Campaign Disclosure Web Site
Georgia
Deal Lawyer Goes After Accuser for Legal Fees
Maryland
Bill Before City Council Aims to Close ‘Gaps’ in Ethics Code
Massachusetts
Goldman Sachs Will Pay $12 Million in SEC ‘Pay-to-Play’ Case
Minnesota
Catholics Asked to Pay for Marriage Vote Ads
North Carolina
Ethics Guidance on Legislative Staffers and Lobbyists
South Carolina
Harrell Offers No Details on Self-Reimbursement of $325,000 from Campaign Funds
Washington
Lobbyists, Staff Aided Lt. Gov. Owen’s Nonprofit
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.
September 21, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 21, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Bain Capital Gives Millions to Democrats
Federal:
Appeals Court Overturns Political Donor Disclosure Ruling
Behind The Big-Ticket Political Fundraisers
From the States and Municipalities:
California
State Ethics Czar to Scale Back Proposed Disclosure Rules on Blogs
Connecticut
Ethics Agency Destroys Public Records of State Officials’ Financial Interests
Georgia
Ethics Commission: State has defanged its watchdog
Kansas
Kansas Ethics Panel Fines Candidates for Posts about Fundraisers on Facebook during Session
Maryland
More Than Half of City Officials, Employees Fill out Ethics Forms Wrong
Michigan
Detroit’s Former Mayor Faces Corruption Trial
Minnesota
Lobbyist Fined Who Donated to Davids’ Campaign
Montana
Federal Appeals Strikes Ban on Partisan Endorsements in Montana Judicial Elections
Oklahoma
Executive Director of Oklahoma State Ethics Commission Retires after 25 Years on Job
Pennsylvania
Pa. High Court Wants Review of Voter ID Access
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.
September 14, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 14, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Democrats Risk No Female Governor, First Time in 17 Years
U.S. Election System Criticized Over Finance Rules and Voting Restrictions
Federal:
Andrews Used wife to Vet Use of Campaign Funds on Trip
Look-Alike Sites Funnel Big Money to Mystery PAC
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Ex-Fiesta Bowl Lobbyist Takes Plea Deal in Probe
Illinois
Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Campaign Disclosure Law
Minnesota
Despite Campaign Finance Ruling, Regulators to Continue Requiring Disclosures
Montana
Republicans Ask Court to Axe Montana’s Campaign Contribution Laws
Nebraska
AG: Sen. Council withdrew campaign funds at casinos
New Jersey
Mayor of NJ’s Capital Arrested in Corruption Probe
New York
West Virginia
West Virginia Court Candidate Denied ‘Rescue Funds’
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.
September 10, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 10, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Republicans Losing Election Law War as Campaign Ramps Up
Federal:
Parties Raise Record Cash after ‘Soft Money’ Ban
Politics and Truth: Uneasy partners, easy enemies
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Campaigns against Proposition 8 Fined $80,000 for Reporting Violations
District of Columbia: D.C. Corporate Donations Ban Won’t Be on November Ballot
Georgia: Oversight Weak on Expense System for Georgia Lawmakers
Massachusetts: Lobbyists Sue Galvin Over Disclosure Rule
Minnesota: Court Quashes Part of Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Law
Montana: Denny Rehberg, GOP Senate Candidate, Said Lobbyists Are ‘Solution,’ Government Is ‘Enemy’
New York: New York Ethics Inquiry Won’t Look at Speaker’s Actions
New York: NY Super PAC Disclosures May Miss 2012 Elections
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 31, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 31, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Voters Still Tuned in to Traditional News Media, Poll Finds
Federal:
Four-Day Political Conventions Could Be a Thing of the Past
GOP Plank in 2012 Platform Wants to Leave Campaign Spending Alone
From the States and Municipalities:
California
California Lawmakers Say ‘No Gifts, Please’ But Accept Them Anyway
Colorado
Court Rules against Gessler in Campaign Change
District of Columbia
New D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Would Ban Lobbyist Bundling
Iowa
Trust Donation Rules Spelled Out
New York
Lawmaker-Lobby Guidelines Emerge
South Carolina
Former South Carolina Governor Confirms Engagement to Argentine Ex-Mistress
Texas
Court Blocks Texas Voter ID Law, Citing Racial Impact
Washington
Campaign Finance Watchdog: Churches can’t be intermediary for gay marriage referendum money
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 24, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 24, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Skinny-Dipping in Israel Casts Unwanted Spotlight on Congressional Travel
Text ‘GIVE’ to Obama: President’s campaign launches cell phone donation drive
Twitter’s Role in the Upcoming Conventions
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Higher Lobbyist Fees Approved to Fix Campaign Finance Database
California
San Bernardino County: Contribution limits approved
Florida
Campaign Vendors Say Republican Congressman David Rivera Funded Democrat’s Failed Primary Bid
Illinois
Illinois House Expels Rep. Derrick Smith over Bribery Charge
Minnesota
Donor against Marriage Amendment Will Remain Unnamed
Missouri
Akin Says He’ll Stay in Senate Race, Heightening Tension within GOP
New Hampshire
Most Campaign Money Remains Hidden in New Hampshire
New York
Gifts End in $1.7 Million Deal
North Carolina
Despite Laws, NC Legislators Still Ask Lobbyists for Money
Oregon
Oregon Political Social Scene a Thing of the Past
Pennsylvania
Report Faults Ethics Board: Small staff and lack of authority cited
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.
