August 5, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Jon Stewart’s Next Act: Lobbyist?” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico California: “Measure Seeks to Reveal Names, Funding behind Indirect Lobbying” by Emily Green for San Francisco Chronicle New York: “JCOPE Denies Request to Shield Abortion-Issue Donors” by Jimmy Vielkind […]
Lobbying
“Jon Stewart’s Next Act: Lobbyist?” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
California: “Measure Seeks to Reveal Names, Funding behind Indirect Lobbying” by Emily Green for San Francisco Chronicle
New York: “JCOPE Denies Request to Shield Abortion-Issue Donors” by Jimmy Vielkind for Capital New York
Campaign Finance
“Super PAC Doppelgangers Eclipse Candidates in Campaign Money Chase” by Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity
California: “Campaign Money Has MTA Board Members Missing Votes” by David Zahniser and Katie Shepherd for Los Angeles Times
Maine: “Anti-Gay Marriage Group Suffers another Loss in Bid to Conceal Donors to Maine Campaign” by Steve Mistler for Portland Press Herald
New York: “New York State Lawmakers Spend Millions in Campaign Funds on Legal Fees” by Susanne Craig and Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
Ethics
Massachusetts: “Voters May Have a Say on Boosting Public Records Access” by Todd Wallack for Boston Globe
Redistricting
New York: “Democrats Unveil a Plan to Fight Gerrymandering” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
July 21, 2015 •
Special Session Called in Florida to Approve New Congressional District Map
A special session of the Legislature will be held next month for lawmakers to approve a new congressional district map. The state’s supreme court recently invalidated the current map and created a 100-day deadline to complete changes. The special session […]
A special session of the Legislature will be held next month for lawmakers to approve a new congressional district map. The state’s supreme court recently invalidated the current map and created a 100-day deadline to complete changes.
The special session will be held from August 10 to August 21, 2015.
Nine districts are in need of reconfiguration but the 5th and 13th are expected to change the most.
July 20, 2015 •
Group, Summit County Council Have Competing Redistricting Commission Plans
The group Fair Districts for Summit County has proposed a charter amendment to create an independent commission responsible for the approval of redistricting plans. Should the amendment gain enough signatures to get on the November ballot and be passed by […]
The group Fair Districts for Summit County has proposed a charter amendment to create an independent commission responsible for the approval of redistricting plans. Should the amendment gain enough signatures to get on the November ballot and be passed by voters, the redistricting would take effect in 2016.
Ten Democratic council members have sponsored legislation opposing the amendment, claiming the changes are attempts to gerrymander districts to benefit Republicans and weaken the importance of Akron in county council districts.
The council is introducing its own charter amendment to create a redistricting commission, but any redistricting changes would take place after the 2020 U.S. Census.
June 30, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbying Typos and Misdemeanors” by James Panichi for Politico “How Marco Rubio Turned Political Star Power into a Soaring Personal Income” by Tom Hamburger and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post Ohio: “Lobbyist a Constant in Columbus’ Politics” by Mark […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying Typos and Misdemeanors” by James Panichi for Politico
“How Marco Rubio Turned Political Star Power into a Soaring Personal Income” by Tom Hamburger and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post
Ohio: “Lobbyist a Constant in Columbus’ Politics” by Mark Ferenchik and Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch
Virginia: “With McAuliffe in Office, Old Friends Find New Opportunities” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Lexington Herald-Leader
Campaign Finance
“Bernie Sanders Doesn’t Follow the Money” by Tarini Parti and Jonathan Topaz for Politico
“Money Talks, Especially during Legislative Sessions” by Madison Russ for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Maine: “Combative Maine Governor Becomes a Party of One” by Katherine Seelye for New York Times
New Jersey: “Backlog of Local N.J. Ethics Cases Fosters Frustration” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record
Pennsylvania: “Lack of Funding for State Ethics Commission Invites Corruption, Experts Worry” by Kari Andren for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Redistricting
“Justices Rule 5-4 That Independent Panels Can Draw Election District Lines” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
April 21, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online Campaign Finance “House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico “Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “30-Day Grace Vexes State’s Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Campaign Finance
“House Quietly Passes Tax Exemption for Megadonors” by Kenneth Vogel and Hillary Flynn for Politico
“Big Money in Politics Emerges as a Rising Issue in 2016 Campaign” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Panel Recommends Fining Former Lawmaker David Rivera $58K” by Kathleen McGrory for Miami Herald
Florida: “Even after the Gift Ban and Reform, Freebies Flow to Florida Lawmakers” by Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Kentucky: “Head of State Ethics Agency to Take Top Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
New Jersey: “Ferriero Convicted on Racketeering Count; Ex-Democratic Chief Used Political Clout for Profit” by Peter Sampson for Bergen Record
New York: “Carl Heastie, New York Assembly Speaker, Benefited from Mother’s Embezzling” by Russ Buettner and David Chen for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Montco Businessman Charged in PennDot Graft Probe” by Ben Finley for Philadelphia Inquirer
Redistricting
North Carolina: “US Supreme Court Tosses NC High Court Decision on State’s GOP-Drawn Electoral Maps” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
February 23, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org Campaign Finance “Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most […]
Lobbying
California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org
Campaign Finance
“Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most expensive, with fewer donors” by Russ Choma for Center for Responsive Politics
Indiana: “Disputed Campaign Contributions Benefited House GOP, Pence” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Montana: “Montana Senate to Hear Proposals Increasing Campaign Finance Disclosures” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
New Jersey: “Roseland Law Firm Loses Paterson Contract over Questions on Political Contributions” by Joe Malinconico for Bergen Record
Ethics
New York: “Sheldon Silver, Former Assembly Speaker, Is Indicted” by William Rashbaum for New York Times
Oregon: “Kate Brown, New Governor in Oregon, Seeks Public’s Trust” by Kirk Johnson for New York Times
Virginia: “Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case” by Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
Elections
Maryland: “Robocall Seen as Anti-Gay Attack under Investigation, Former Candidate Says” by Kevin Rector for Baltimore Sun
Michigan: “Michigan Legislature Settles on March 8 Date for 2016 Presidential Primary” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
Redistricting
“Dems Launch Super-PAC to Gain Edge in Redistricting” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill
December 24, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics “PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post “Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser […]
Lobbying
“Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics
“PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post
“Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe
Campaign Finance
“Wall Street Money Can Predict How Democrats Vote. Here’s How” by Chris Wilson and Pratheek Rebala for Time
“National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Ethics Panel Wants State Agencies, Employees to Disclosure Campaign Activity” by Mario Moretto (Bangor Daily News) for Lewiston Sun Journal
Ethics
“Languid, Lax Congressional Ethics Disciplinary System May Pick Up Pace in 2015” by David Hawkins for Roll Call
“‘Boss’ Gifts to Pittsburgh Employees from Peduto Raise Questions” by Bob Bauder for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
“The Tortoise and the Hare” by Maggie Haberman for Politico
Redistricting
“Panel Adopts Ideas for Changing Virginia’s Redistricting Process” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
December 23, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter
Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami Herald
Maine: “Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying” by Steve Mistler for Portland Press Herald
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: Lobbyists change with new Legislature” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
“Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?” by Joe Smydo for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wisconsin: “GAB Declined to Reauthorize Walker Campaign Probe” by Patrick Marley and Jason Stein for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Elections Board Director Defends Work, Structure, Amid Calls for Overhaul” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Elections
“Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment” by Manu Raju for Politico
Redistricting
North Carolina: “NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
December 22, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “Santa Monica Could Require Lobbyists to Register” by Nikki Cervantes for Santa Monica Lookout Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic Rhode Island: “Mollis […]
Lobbying
California: “Santa Monica Could Require Lobbyists to Register” by Nikki Cervantes for Santa Monica Lookout
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic
Rhode Island: “Mollis Concludes Former R.I. Attorney General Lynch Did Not Violate Lobbying Rules” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Rhode Island: “Ruling Says Zaccagnino Lobbied for 38 Studios without Registering” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“New Software Helps Connect the Money Dots in Politics” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New York: “Hotelier Avoids Prison for Violating Campaign Finance Laws” by Stephanie Clifford for New York Times
Ethics
“Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New Jersey: “New Jersey Paying Fees to a Financial Firm That Employs Christie’s Wife” by Kate Zernike for New York Times
Virginia: “Va. Del. Joseph Morrissey to Resign in Wake of Conviction but Run Again for His Seat” by Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
South Carolina: “S.C. House, Senate Clash over Ethics Reform” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post and Courier
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Traffic Court Judge Sentenced to Prison in Bracelet Case” by Julie Shaw for Philadelphia Daily News
Redistricting
Ohio: “Redistricting Reform Plan Passes House, Needs Voter Approval” by Jackie Borchardt (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
November 17, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Report: Energy contractor and former lawmaker lobbied officials for no-bid contract worth $2.4 billion per year” by Josh Hicks for Washington Post Arizona: “Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily […]
Lobbying
“Report: Energy contractor and former lawmaker lobbied officials for no-bid contract worth $2.4 billion per year” by Josh Hicks for Washington Post
Arizona: “Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “California Legislators Flying to Maui to Meet with Special Interests” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Hate Political Ads? Skip Morning Shows” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Massachusetts: “Election Was Awash in Cash, but Effect is Unclear” by David Scharfenberg for Boston Globe
San Diego, CA: “Fines Levied for Illegal Donations” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune
Ethics
Arkansas: “Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe to Pardon Son on Drug Charge” by Sam Levine for Huffington Post
Hawaii: “Court: State must release financial disclosures for boards” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
North Carolina: “Ex-Duke Energy Lawyer Now Advising NC Regulators” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) for Raleigh News and Observer
Ohio: “Canton Financial Advisor Sentenced to 45 Months in Ohio Treasurer’s Office Kickback Scheme” by Theodore Decker and Kathy Lynn Gray for Columbus Dispatch
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Official Pleads Guilty in Turnpike Scandal” by Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Washington: “Lt. Governor Defends Work Ethic, Outside Business” by Susannah Frame for KING
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission Hires Stepto as Director” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Procurement
Idaho: “Court Says State Broke Law with Broadband Contract Law” by Nathan Brown for Twin Falls Times-News
Elections
“Spurred by Midterm Losses, Liberal and Moderate Democrats Square off Over Strategy” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Redistricting
Alabama: “Justices Hear Black Lawmakers’ Challenge to Alabama Redistricting” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
October 7, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists try to save Roberts” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill. “Facebook lobbyist chief promoted to global policy head” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Rogue donors not ready for Hillary?” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico. […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists try to save Roberts” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.
“Facebook lobbyist chief promoted to global policy head” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Rogue donors not ready for Hillary?” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
California: “CalPERS board member now facing $4,000 fine over campaign disclosure problems” by Dale Kasler in the Fresno Bee.
California: “Fine proposed for laundering contributions to Ed Lee’s campaign” by John Coté in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Maryland: “Md. candidate pays penalty over campaign funds” by The Associated Press on WHTM ABC News.
South Dakota: “Unlikely South Dakota Senate Race Attracts Big Money From Campaign Finance Reformers” by Paul Blumenthal and Sam Levine in The Huffington Post.
Wisconsin: “The Right Takes on WI Campaign-Finance Law” by Rose Bouboushian in Courthouse News Service.
Ethics
Missouri: “Gifts to Missouri lawmakers are not always easy to track” by Jason Hancock in The Kansas City Star.
Nevada: “NV Ethics Commission Director Resigns” by Jay Bartos on KNPR News.
North Carolina: “Kay Hagan, Thom Tillis file rival ethics complaints” by Burgess Everett in Politico.
Elections
“How Asian-Americans are Changing the South” by Jake Grovum in Stateline.
Kansas: “Sam Brownback Has Made Enemies, May Lose Election” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
State Legislatures
New Jersey: “N.J. lawmaker tries to limit new bills … by introducing a new bill” by Matt Friedman on NJ.com.
Redistricting
Alabama: “Supreme Court’s new session could bring decisions on huge issues” by Irin Carmon and Ned Resnikoff on MSNBC.
South Carolina: “Supreme Court Rejects Appeal On South Carolina Redistricting” by The Associated Press in The Huffington Post.
Tech and Social Media
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: New computer system experiencing turbulence” by Phil Kabler in The Charleston Gazette.
August 25, 2014 •
Florida Judge Approves Changes to Congressional Map
A Leon County Circuit Court judge has approved the Florida Legislature’s changes to the state’s congressional map. Judge Terry Lewis’ ruling in July found the 5th and 10th congressional districts to be in violation of the Florida Constitution and ordered […]
A Leon County Circuit Court judge has approved the Florida Legislature’s changes to the state’s congressional map. Judge Terry Lewis’ ruling in July found the 5th and 10th congressional districts to be in violation of the Florida Constitution and ordered the Legislature to redraw the map. The approval, however, did not call for a special election to implement the new districts.
All 2014 elections will be held under the current map and the changes, affecting a total of seven districts, will go into effect in 2016. Challengers of the congressional map, including the League of Women Voters, believe the new map does not go far enough and plan to appeal.
August 25, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobbying disclosures leave public in the dark” by Marcelo Rochabrun and Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity. “Microsoft Leaves Lobbying Group ALEC Amid Split Over Renewables” by Ari Natter in Bloomberg. “Wisconsin’s Walker confronted with damaging new […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying disclosures leave public in the dark” by Marcelo Rochabrun and Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
“Microsoft Leaves Lobbying Group ALEC Amid Split Over Renewables” by Ari Natter in Bloomberg.
“Wisconsin’s Walker confronted with damaging new details” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.
Canada: “Toronto lobbyist Jamie Besner broke the rules, registrar finds” by Paul Moloney in the Toronto Star.
Indiana: “Heuer resigns seat for lobbying post” by Vivian Sade in The Journal Gazette.
Iowa: “Lobbying by payday lenders” by Lauren Mills in the Des Moines Register.
New York: “Online course rule for lobbyists nears” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.
Campaign Finance
“Ethics group asks FEC for dark money disclosure” by Nat Stein in the Colorado Independent.
“Bitcoin lobby launches spending PAC” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Alaska: “Group wants Alaska U.S. Senate candidates to sign campaign finance pledge” by Casey Grove in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
California: “CalPERS board member likely facing stiffer fine from FPPC” by Dale Kasler in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “David Rivera named co-conspirator as friend pleads guilty in campaign-finance case” by Marc Caputo, Jay Weaver and Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.
“U.S. House incumbents rolling in cash” by Jessica Wehrman in the Columbus Dispatch.
Texas: “Ethics Commission takes aim at Texas dark money” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.
Virginia: “The Virginia bait and switch” by Brad Smith in The Hill.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sought help from top GOP donors for allied group” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Georgia: “Report: Costs to the state for lawsuit against Ga. ethics commission continue to grow” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission to probe lawmaker’s beach bid” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.
State Legislatures
California: “California Legislature Rushes to Complete Bills Before the Session Ends” by Patrick McGreevy and Melanie Mason in Governing.
Redistricting
Florida: “Judge Lets Florida Use Unconstitutional Congressional Map Until 2016” by Mary Ellen Klas in Governing.
August 21, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Alabama: “Campaign booster for Alabama Gov. Bentley was lobbyist for Corizon, prison health care contractor targeted in lawsuit” by Casey Toner in The Birmingham News. Canada: “Joe Clark’s new job: Lobbying the federal government” by Glen McGregor in the National […]
Lobbying
Alabama: “Campaign booster for Alabama Gov. Bentley was lobbyist for Corizon, prison health care contractor targeted in lawsuit” by Casey Toner in The Birmingham News.
Canada: “Joe Clark’s new job: Lobbying the federal government” by Glen McGregor in the National Post.
Campaign Finance
Florida: “David Rivera named co-conspirator as friend pleads guilty in campaign-finance case” by Marc Caputo, Jay Weaver and Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.
Montana: “Out-of-state donors fund Daines’ Senate campaign” by The Associated Press in the Independent Record.
Vermont: “Vermont Public Money Gives Progressive Fundraising Edge” by Dave Gram (Associated Press) in Valley News.
Ethics
New York: “N.Y. poll: Government corruption a problem” by Jonathan Topaz in Politico.
Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission to probe lawmaker’s beach bid” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.
Elections
“Top 5 Races to Watch in the Mid-Atlantic” by Nathan L. Gonzales in Roll Call.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Los Angeles Undertakes Massive Website Relaunch with Drupal” by Jason Shueh in Government Tech.
Redistricting
Florida: “Florida’s New Redistricting Plan: Round Two” by Linda Killian in The Wall Street Journal.
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