November 7, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 7, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Largest U.S. Companies Increasingly Disclose Political Spending
Report Cites Growing Role of Interest Groups in State Judicial Elections
Federal:
Abramoff Divulges K Street Secrets
Cain Blames Perry as New Sexual Harassment Allegations Surface
FCC To Rule on On-line Political Advertisement Disclosure
Justice Amps Up Enforcement of Law on Foreign Advocacy
Lawmakers Demand FEC Documents, Threaten Subpoena
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
New Alabama Ethics Law Sweeps in Culture Shift for Capital Lobbyists
California
Passion, Politics Link Lobbyist Couples
California
State Lobby Spending on Pace to Set Records
Illinois
Illinois Powerbroker Convicted in Shakedown Trial
Maryland
County Ethics Bill Would Restrict Lobbying, Add Enforcement
Minnesota
Campaign Finance Board Temporarily Upholds Disclosure Requirements
Nebraska
Report: Nebraska OK at tracking lobbyists, could do better
New Hampshire
N.H. Official Sets Primary for Jan.10
Ohio
Amid Corruption Scandal, Local Races Framed by Honesty and Character Issues
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 31, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 31, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Ex-Abramoff Associate Ring Sentenced to 20 Months in One of Scandal’s Harshest Punishments
Influence Industry Officially in a Funk
Lobbyist Stint Led to Cain’s Political Forays
Lobbyists Claim Victory against Tax Rule
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Ex-Alabama Rep. Terry Spicer Enters Agreement to Plead Guilty to Bribery
Alaska
Guilty Pleas Mark End of Alaska Corruption Investigation
Arizona
Judge Rejects Arizona Campaign Finance Measure
Illinois
Ex-Teachers Union Boss Gets $242,000 State Pension
Kentucky
David Williams’ In-Law is Restoring America Group’s Sole Donor
Montana
Montana Political Practices Office to Address Social Media Campaign Complaints
Nevada
Short-Staffed Ethics Commission Wading Through Flood of Cases
New York
Operative Convicted of Stealing from NYC Mayor
Ohio
Washington
With $22 Million Bet, Costco Shakes Up Washington Election
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Capitol to Allow Guns
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 24, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 24, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Deep Sea Burial Forms First Corporate ‘Super PAC’
Federal:
ACLU Challenge to Small Piece of Campaign Finance Law May Lead to a Slippery Slope
Judge Sends Abramoff Deputy to Halfway House
K Street Suffers from Twitter Jitters
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska
APOC Busy as Redistricting Raises Legislators’ Questions
California
California’s Center for Governmental Studies to Close
California
San Jose Eases Campaign Limits, Focuses Economic Efforts
Florida
To Interview Mayor, Reporters Must Register as Lobbyists
Kentucky
Judge Bars Group’s Ads Supporting David Williams from Airing
Massachusetts
Lally, DiMasi Conspirator Who Cooperated with Prosecutors, Sentenced to 18 Months
Montana
Group Asks Judge to Toss Campaign Finance Ruling
Pennsylvania
Nutter, Green Unlikely Allies in Same-Sex Ethics Bill
Tennessee
Corporations Signing Up to Donate Under New State Law
Texas
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 17, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 17, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Company Shops for Campaign Cash
Former Lobbyist Sent to Jail for a Few Hours for Taking Hill Aides to 2003 World Series Game
‘Scarlet L’ for K Street Returns as Obama Sharpens 2012 Rhetoric on Lobbyists
‘Super PAC’ American Crossroads Seeks Permission to Feature Candidates in Ads
The Outsized Returns from Lobbying
From the States and Municipalities:
California
California OKs Donations via Text
California
L.A. Ethics Commission Slaps Developer with Maximum Campaign Fine
California
Proposed California Regulations Spell Out Gift-Reporting Requirements for Elected Officials
Massachusetts
DiMasi Friend Admits Breaking Massachusetts Lobbying Law
New Mexico
GOP Files Lawsuit against Newly Imposed Campaign Contribution Limits in New Mexico
Tennessee
Tennessee Lawmaker Arrested on DUI, Gun Charges
Vermont
Judge: Republican Governors Association violated Vermont campaign finance laws
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
October 3, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 3, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Business Executives Call for End to Anonymous Cash
In Turn to Politics, Facebook Starts a PAC
Political Embezzlement Rises as U.S. Campaign Accounts Swell
Solyndra’s Lobbying Not Disclosed by Energy under Stimulus Guidelines
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado
Campaign Finance Law Argued Before Colorado Supreme Court
Florida
After ‘Wild West,’ Palm Beach County Lobbyists Face New Rules
Indiana
Federal Judge Strikes Down Portion of Indiana ‘Robo-Call’ Ban
Maryland
State Senator’s Future Hangs in the Balance at Corruption Trial
Minnesota
Campaign Finance Board Releases Guidelines on Ballot Initiatives
Pennsylvania
Ex-Judge Gets 17 1/2 Years in Pa. Kickbacks Case
Rhode Island
Arrested Rhode Island Representative Won’t Resign, Will Run Again
Tennessee
Tennessee Lawmakers’ Ethics Panel Has Own Critics
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
September 26, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 26, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Election Spending to Exceed $6 Billion Thanks Partly to Jim Bopp
Twitter to Launch Political Advertising
Federal:
K Street Cool to Obama Lobbying Plan
Watchdog Spotlights Lawmaker Ethics in ‘Most Corrupt’ Report
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Former Governor Riley Gets Ethics Training He Pushed
California
California Pension Managers Fined for Unreported Gifts
Connecticut
‘Shock Jock’ Hal Turner Acquitted in Connecticut Threats Case
District of Columbia
Wells Drafts D.C. Bill to Limit Lobbyists’ Influence
Illinois
The Price of Influence in Chicago
Louisiana
Sugar Bowl in Violation of Tax Law with Purchases to Fundraiser
Missouri
T.D. El-Amin Gets Record Ethics Fine
Montana
Supreme Court Looks at Campaign Finance for Political Spending
Oklahoma
Oklahoma High Court Hears Former Senator’s Appeal
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Judge: Wisconsin campaign law is unconstitutional
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
September 19, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 19, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
New Rule Would Expand Tight Obama Lobbying Rules to All Federal Workers
‘Revolving Door’ of Employment between Congress, Lobbying Firms, Study Shows
Without Scandal, Lobby Reform Stalls
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado
Gessler to Help Raise Cash to Pay off GOP Fine
Delaware
Kentucky
Gubernatorial Candidates Back ‘No Cup of Coffee’ Rule
Massachusetts
Disgraced DiMasi Is Given Eight Years
Montana
Conservative Groups File New Lawsuit over Montana Election Laws
New Jersey
Report: Serious flaws in N.J. ‘pay-to-play’ law
New York
Former Hospital Chief Convicted of Offering Bribes to Albany Legislators
North Carolina
Groups Seek to Overturn N.C. Campaign Spending Law
South Dakota
Ethics Rules for State Workers Weak, Critics Say
Texas
Anita Perry’s Salary Comes Indirectly from Governor’s Backers
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
September 12, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 12, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Bipartisan Bill Would Require Transparency of Super Committee
Facing Voter Discontent, Lawmakers Skip Town Halls
Members of Debt Panel Have Ties to Lobbyists
From the States and Municipalities:
California
Campaign Accountant Held in Theft of Funds
Connecticut
Watchdog Agencies Spared as Malloy Nails Down Budget Cuts
Georgia
Ethics Chief Arrives Amid Makeover
Rhode Island
R.I. Rep. Leo Medina Is Charged with a Felony
Washington
Seattle City Employee to Be Fined for Driving City Car to Casino
Wisconsin
Attorney: New Wisconsin ad rules too broad
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
September 6, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 6, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Interest Groups Push Obama on Order
SEC Whetting Incentives for Whistle-Blowers
Super Committee Pits Lobbying Firms’ Clients against One Another
The Influence Industry: ‘Candidate super PACs’ surge ahead in the 2012 money race
From the States and Municipalities:
Connecticut
Guay to Head Unified Watchdog Group
Florida
New South Florida Politicians Go to ‘Good Government’ Boot Camp
Florida
Nonprofit Writes Florida Law for its Own Program
Georgia
Georgia Lobbyists Hope to Boost Ethics
Georgia
Montana
Schweitzer Fined $4,100 in Ethics Case
Nebraska
Donations OK’d for First Lady’s Expenses
Nebraska
State Not Enforcing Campaign Limits
North Carolina
Candidate Criticized for Scheduling Fundraiser at Lobbyist’s Home
Pennsylvania
Ex-Pa. House Speaker Pleads Guilty to Corruption
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
August 29, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 29, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
National Organization for Marriage Repeatedly Rebuked For Disclosure Violations
Federal:
Super Committee and K St. Creativity
From the States and Municipalities:
California
California Lawmakers-Turned-Lobbyists Cultivate Relationships under the Dome
Florida
Firefighters’ Fundraiser Gets Ethics OK, with Difficult Restrictions
Georgia
State Utility Commissioner’s Pursuit of Masters Tickets Improper, Critics Say
Nebraska
In-Session Fundraisers Questioned
Nevada
Fake Twitter Accounts Force Their Way onto Political Landscape
New Jersey
How an Irate Response to a Carl Lewis E-Mail Cost an N.J. Assemblyman His Job
New Jersey
Union Sidestep Donation Limits
Pennsylvania
Experts Question Use of $400,000 in Private, Anonymous Funds to Buy out Philadelphia Superintendent
Texas
Perry’s Fundraising for Governors Group Draws Scrutiny
Washington
Longtime Government Worker Now PDC Director
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
August 22, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 22, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Special Interests Gave $3 Million to Members of New Budget Super Committee
The 2012 Election Brings a New Kind of Fundraiser: The super bundler
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
AP Interview: Juror says Alabama gambling trial jury favored acquittals on undecided charges
California
Porter Steps Down as Head of Political Watchdog Agency
Florida
Tallahassee Lobbyists Earning More This Year
Kentucky
Louisville Metro Council Ethics Panel Enforces Gift Rules
Maine
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Maine PAC Reporting Requirement
Nebraska
Attorney General: State campaign finance law likely unconstitutional
New York
Donor Limit Tops $100,000 at Capitol
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo Signs Government Ethics Law for N.Y. State Officials, Workers
Rhode Island
Anti-Gay Marriage Group Loses Appeal of R.I. Court Ruling
Virginia
Hamilton Sentenced in Bribery, Extortion Case
Washington
Public Disclosure Commission Seeks New Director
Wisconsin
GOP’s Senate Edge Stays at One after Recalls
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
August 15, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 15, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
American Bar Association Takes Aim at Lobbying Law Loopholes
Golf, Vacation Fundraisers Return
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
In Alabama, No Verdicts of Guilty in Graft Case
Arizona
Arizonans Want Legislators to Reject Gifts
California
Jerry Brown’s Charter Schools in Oakland Reap Big Donations
Colorado
Study Shows Who Breaks Campaign Laws
Florida
Palm Beach County Ethics Law Poses Hurdle for Firefighters’ Fundraiser
Georgia
Ethics Panel’s Chairman Stays Put, for Now
Hawaii
Ethics Director Blocks Texas Dinner for Hawaii Lawmakers
New Mexico
New Mexico Mayor Was Drunk When He Signed Deal
New York
Commission to Call for New Rules on Lobbying in the City
Pennsylvania
‘Kids for Cash’ Judge Sentenced to 28 Years for Racketeering Scheme
Utah
Utah Lawmakers, Lobbyists, Go On the Road
Wisconsin
Republicans Hold On to Wisconsin Senate after Recall Vote
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
July 25, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 25, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Edwards Campaign Owes $2 Million
Pakistan’s Military Plotted to Tilt U.S. Policy, FBI Says
Washington’s Long Debt-Ceiling Debate Hits K Street in the Wallet
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Country Stars Push Senator to Vote
California
Jerry Brown Assumes Uncommon Influence over FPPC
Georgia
Ethics Panelists Gave to Campaigns
Hawaii
Hawaii Ethics Director: Lawmakers ‘Pushed’ the Line on Gifts
Maine
Judge Strikes Down Maine’s Matching Funds Law
Massachusetts
Massachusetts House Democrats Block Debate on Republicans’ Ethics Rules Changes
North Carolina
North Carolina Election Will Go On, Even if No One Is Running
Pennsylvania
Chairman: Ethics board ‘being strangled’ by budget cuts
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Official Fired for Accepting Meals, Gifts from City Contractors
Tennessee
Tennessee GOP Finds Loophole in Campaign Law
Washington
Judge Blocks Washington Limit on Recall Contributions
West Virginia
Some W.Va. Election Ad Rules Again Struck Down
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
July 11, 2011 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 11, 2011
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
IRS Drops Audits of Political Donors
New Breed of ‘Super PACs,’ Other Independent Groups Could Define 2012 Campaign
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Alabama Democratic Conference Files Lawsuit to Stop New Alabama Law Banning Political Fund Transfers
Arizona
Arizona Conservatives Scramble after Campaign Finance Law’s Defeat
California
Marijuana Lobbyist’s Fundraiser for DA Raises Questions
Veil Drawn on Donors to Latino Caucus-Controlled California Nonprofit
Connecticut
Agent Who Arrested Politicians Now Seeks House Seat
Georgia
Illinois
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Proposing New Round of Ethics Reforms
Iowa
Judge Upholds New Iowa Campaign Disclosure Rules
Massachusetts
House Leader Apologizes for Holocaust Remarks
Michigan
Justices Stop Political Gifts Taken at Work
Minnesota
Campaign Board Rejects NOM’s Efforts to Shield Donors in Marriage Battle
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Lt. Gov. Ard Paying $48,000 Fine
Washington
Ex-Prisons Chief Eldon Vail Says He Resigned Because of an Affair with Subordinate
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.
Jim Sedor is editor of News You Can Use.
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.
