Lobbying

California: “California Watchdog Considers Rule Narrowing Secret Lobbying” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Los Angeles Daily News

Florida: “Broward Commissioners Reject ‘Gift’ from Boys & Girls Club” by Brittany Wallman for South Florida Sun Sentinel

New Jersey: “Sweeney’s Office and Horizon Swapped Notes before Key Speech” by Susan Livio (NJ Advance media) for Newark Star-Ledger

North Carolina: “Group Attacks NC House Member Justin Burr for Dating a Lobbyist” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer

Vermont: “Lawmakers Switch Tack on Lobbyist Donations” by Jasper Craven and Anne Galloway for VTDigger.org

Virgina: “Virginia Legislative Session Ends with Agreements and Bickering” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press

Campaign Finance

New Mexico: “Questions Raised about Martinez’s Inaugural Spending” by Justin Horwath for Las Cruces Sun-News

Virgina: “Lawmakers Switch Tack on Lobbyist Donations” by Jasper Craven and Anne Galloway for VTDigger.org

Washington: “Judge Finds Grocery Group Violated Campaign Laws in 2013” by Donna Gordon Blankenship (Associated Press) for Tacoma News-Tribune

Ethics

New York: “Heastie Outlines Assembly Ethics Plan” by David Howard King for Gotham Gazette

South Carolina: “Group Sends SC House Members $2 Each, Asking for their Vote” by Jamie Self for The State

Elections

“Donald Trump’s Presidential Run Began in an Effort to Gain Stature” by Maggie Haberman and Alexander Burns for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Alabama: “Momentum to Remove Confederate Symbols Slows or Stops” by Alan Blinder for New York Times

Campaign Finance

“K Street Money Set Looks to Contain Trump Damage” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman for Politico

California: “Citizens United Is Only 15% of the Political Cash Problem” by Nick Penniman and Wendell Potter for Los Angeles Times

Ethics   

Florida: “Bill Aimed at Cutting Public Corruption Goes to Gov. Scott” by The Associated Press for WINK

New York: “New York Assemblywoman Sexually Harassed Aide, Ethics Panel Says” by Vivian Yee for New York Times

Elections

“Can Labor Still Turn Out the Vote?” by Steven Greenhouse for New York Times

“Soros and Other Liberal Donors to Fund Bid to Spur Latino Voters” by Nicholas Confessore and Julia Preston for New York Times

“The Convention the GOP Doesn’t Want” by Julian Zelizer for The Atlantic

Lobbying

New York: “As Lobbying Money Rises, deBlasio’s Agency Disclosure Pledge Goes Unfufilled” by Laura Nahmias for Capital New York

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “‘Dark Money’ Rules Eased in AZ Senate Campaign Finance Bill” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star

Montana: “Montana Campaign Contribution Limit Challenge Coming to a Head” by Matt Volz (Associated Press for The Missoulian

Oregon: “Lawmakers Leave Salem without Taking up Campaign Finance Reform” by Taylor Anderson for Bend Bulletin

Ethics

Colorado: “Audit: Colorado’s ethics commission rarely helps those filing complaints” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post

Florida: “Facing Ethics Probe, Judge Lakin Decides to Retire” by Dale White for Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Minnesota: “House Speaker Daudt Sued by Debt Collectors, Was Tardy on Taxes” by Brian Bakst for MPR News

Pennsylvania: “Former LCB Chairman Who Took Gifts Drops Out of Ethics Panel” by Kari Andren for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Elections

“Donald Trump, the Winning Wild Card” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times

“Democrats Increase Their State House Majority in Special Elections” by Jack Brammerf and John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Transparency Legislation Isn’t Quite as Transparent as Billed” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth

New York: “PR Firms File Suit over ‘Hopelessly Vague’ JCOPE Lobbying Definition” by Bill Mahoney for Capital New York

Campaign Finance

“The FEC Just Made It Easier for Super PAC Donors to Hide Their Identities” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

“Ben Carson’s Small-Dollar Donors Could Keep Yielding Big Money” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

Connecticut: “A Legislative Mystery: Who changed a watchdog’s bill?” by Mark Pazniokas for CT Mirror

Mississippi: “No State Officials Enforce Campaign Finance Laws” by Mollie Bryant, Geoff Pender, and Katie Royals for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Ethics

California: “Golfing, Tequila and Spa Treatments: These are the gifts given to California lawmakers in 2015” by Patrick McGreevy and Liam Dillon for Los Angeles Times

Wisconsin: “Politics Apparent in Appointments to New Ethics, Elections Panels” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Elections

“Michael Bloomberg Says He Won’t Run for President” by Maggie Haberman and Alexander Burns for New York Times

“Ted Cruz Keeps Up Pressure on Donald Trump; Bernie Sanders Takes 2 on ‘Super Saturday’” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times

North Carolina: “Trump Cracks Down on Protesters” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico

Legislative Issues

Indianapolis: “State to Locals: You can’t do that. Or that.” by Brian Eason for Indianapolis Star

Lobbying

California: “Santa Monica Rewrites Lobbying Rules” by Gary Walker for Argonaut Online

New Jersey: “Pensions, Other Big Issues Spurred $70M in Spending to Sway N.J. Leaders” by Samantha Marcus and Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger

Campaign Finance

Arkansas “Former State Legislator Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Fraud” by John Lyon for Arkansas News

Massachusetts: “Mass. Campaign Finance Regulators’ Office Gets Hip to Memes” by Steve Annear for Boston Globe

Virginia: “State Lawmakers Can’t Raise Campaign Money While in Session, but There’s a Loophole” by Patrick Wilson for The Virginian-Pilot

Ethics

California: “L.A. County D.A.’s Corruption Case against Three Irwindale Officials Is Dismissed” by Marisa Gerber for Los Angeles Times

Connecticut: “Connecticut Election, Information and Ethics Watchdog Agencies Fear Results of Deep Cuts” by Mary O’Leary for New Haven Register

Kentucky: “Legislation Allowing the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to Set Lobbying Registration Fees by Regulation Heads to House Floor” by Kevin Wheatley for cn/2

Procurement

“Lobbyists Plan for Battle over Contractor Fair Pay Rule” by Ben Penn for Bloomberg BNA

National:

Meet the ‘Nones,’ the Democratic Party’s Biggest Faith Constituency
Washington Post – Michelle Boorstein | Published: 2/29/2016

A large group of Americans reject any label or affiliation to describe their faith. At 23 percent of the population, this left-leaning group called “Nones” are the Democratic parallel to the Republican Party’s white evangelicals – except without organization, PACs, and a clear agenda. They do, however, have one big expectation of political candidates: be ethical, and go light on the God talk. A group that skews under 40, is white, and non-immigrant, the Nones want politicians to tone it down because they are fed up with religious institutions they see as corrupt and discriminatory. In the process, they are rewriting the country’s political discourse on morality.

Federal:

As Presidential Campaign Unfolds, So Do Inquiries into Clinton’s Emails
New York Times – Steven Lee Myers and Matt Apuzzo | Published: 3/2/2016

Hillary Clinton faces legal hurdles from her use of a private computer server as secretary of state. Foremost among a half-dozen inquiries and legal proceedings into whether classified information was sent through Clinton’s server is an investigation by the FBI, whose agents could seek to question Clinton’s closest aides and possibly the candidate herself within weeks. A federal law enforcement official said barring any unforeseen changes, the investigation could conclude by early May. Then the Justice Department will decide whether to file criminal charges and, if so, against whom. Federal law makes it a crime to mishandle classified information outside secure government channels when someone does so “knowingly” or, more seriously, permits it through “gross negligence.” Clinton has correctly pointed out that none of the emails on her server were marked as classified at the time.

Inside the Clinton Team’s Plan to Defeat Donald Trump
New York Times – Amy Chozick and Patrick Healy | Published: 2/29/2016

Hillary Clinton and her allies are shifting their attention to a likely general-election contest against Donald Trump that they expect to be strongly negative. Clinton is still waging a nomination battle against Bernie Sanders, but increasingly sure that Trump will win the Republican nomination, she appears to be running a two-pronged campaign. Several Democrats argued Clinton would easily beat Trump. They were confident his incendiary remarks would make him unacceptable to many Americans. But others, including former President Bill Clinton, dismissed those conclusions as denial. They said Trump clearly had a keen sense of the electorate’s mood and only a concerted campaign portraying him as dangerous and bigoted would win what both Clintons believe will be a close November election.

Jeb Bush’s Ambitions Paid Dividends for GOP Admaker Over the Years
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 2/28/2016

Since 1998, when Mike Murphy helped Jeb Bush remake his image and win the Florida governor’s office, the strategist’s firms have received nearly $36 million from Bush’s campaigns, allied political committees, and educational foundation. While the vast majority of the money went to purchase advertising, Murphy got a significant cut as the media consultant. In this year’s presidential contest, Murphy helmed the big-money super PAC that Bush and his allies believed would give him a key edge in the race. By the time Bush dropped out, Right to Rise USA had raced through more than $101 million, to little effect. Murphy’s work for Bush over the years underscores how a long-term relationship with a politician can pay dividends for a political consultant, even in defeat. Right to Rise’s approach will be studied as a test of the kind of fiscal accountability that donors demanded after the 2012 election.

Lobbyists Could Make a Comeback after Obama
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/2/2016

None of the candidates running for the White House has vowed to keep President Obama’s restrictions on lobbyists in place, and Democrats have already abandoned his ban on lobbyist contributions to the party committee and nominating convention. Obama came into office vowing to “change how Washington works” by curbing the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups. The measures have been widely panned by K Street over the past seven years. Lobbyists say the attempt to curb Washington’s “revolving door” has succeeded only in keeping qualified people out of important jobs and impeding the flow of information to the administration. Critics say Obama’s policies drove more of the influence industry underground.

Seeing Chris Christie with Donald Trump, New Jersey and Internet Cringe
New York Times – Michael Barbaro | Published: 3/2/2016

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s seemingly shell-shocked gaze as he stood behind Donald Trump on Super Tuesday is generating befuddlement and mockery in his home state and beyond. Conservatives and liberals alike have piled on. His introductory remarks were so subdued and his appearance was so grave that the joke making the rounds on the Internet was that he was a hostage reading a coerced statement. “Gov. Christie, blink twice if you’re in trouble!” one person tweeted. Some newspaper editorials in New Jersey said he is not even fit to be governor any more. They called him a political opportunist who has neglected his duties in the Garden State, and urged him to resign.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Budding Marijuana Lobby Gains Influence at California Capitol
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 2/25/2016

When Amy Jenkins signed on to represent the California Cannabis Industry Association, veteran lobbyists told her the move could ruin her career. Bit in Sacramento, cannabis now is a welcome topic in many legislative offices and given rise to a budding micro-economy: marijuana lobbying. More than two dozen groups from the Recreational Boaters of California to the Wine Institute in San Francisco employed lobbyists to influence marijuana issues in the state last year. As the public becomes more accepting of pot, the industry is drawing well-funded business interests that want a piece of California’s billion-dollar market.

California – Female Lobbying Firm Thrives in Male-Dominated Capitol
Bakersfield Californian – Laurel Rosenhall (CALmatters.org) | Published: 2/27/2016

Women have become more prominent in Sacramento’s political scene than they were a generation ago, but they remain in the minority. Just 26 percent of California’s 120 legislators are female, two of the eight state officers elected statewide are women, and women are more likely to be employees than partners at Sacramento’s biggest lobbying firms. Roughly 300 firms are registered to lobby in California. Among the top 20 that brought in the most money last year, Political Solutions is the only one owned entirely by women. Its rare position shows both how far women have come in being able to succeed in the business of politics, and how much they remain outsiders in an old-school industry.

Colorado – Colorado Lobbying Law Offers Murky Picture of Influence on Politics
Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 2/28/2016

The Center for Public Integrity last year deemed Colorado “largely sleaze-free” but criticized the state for its lack of transparency on lobbyists. Attempts to strengthen disclosure at the Legislature have not been effective, and state officials say there is not enough money to make improvements. Meanwhile, the lobbying firms that rank at the top of the income scale are viewed by insiders as those most diligent in reporting because loopholes and a lack of oversight allow for many firms to allow untold amounts of income paid to them to go unreported to the public.

Louisiana – What Budget Crisis? Louisiana Lawmakers Raising Campaign Cash
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Julia O’Donoghue | Published: 3/2/2016

Unlike regular legislative sessions when political fundraisers are forbidden, legislators in Louisiana are free during special sessions to pull in campaign money from fundraising events on the same days they vote on tax increases, budget cuts, and other bills. And 42 of the 144 members of the Legislature have taken advantage of the exception to hold or schedule political fundraisers in Baton Rouge during the 25-day special session that must end March 9. Two more lawmakers are having political fundraisers in Baton Rouge the day after the special session ends. Legislators do not have to report their political contributions from this period until the beginning of 2017, when their 2016 campaign finance reports are due.

Massachusetts – Bill Would Have Lobbyists Disclose Clients
The Sentinel & Enterprise – Michael Norton (State House News Service) | Published: 3/1/2016

State Sen. Sen. Michael Brady introduced a bill calling for municipal lobbyists to begin disclosing their clients and compensation with clerks at city and town halls throughout Massachusetts. Brady said his legislation, which was referred to the State Administration Committee, is modeled after the state lobbying law and establishes new categories governing municipal agents and municipal lobbying. It would require agents receiving more than $2,500 per year to disclose the nature of matters they are lobbying on, officials they have lobbied, the interests paying the agent, and campaign contributions made to local officials. Municipal lobbyists would be required to register annually and pay a fee of $100 under the bill.

Massachusetts – Marty Walsh’s Friends with Benefits
Boston Globe – Mark Arsenault and Andrew Ryan | Published: 2/28/2016

Michael Goldman has set up media interviews for Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, consulted with city officials about the release of public records, orchestrated the rollout of a major municipal labor contract, and written speeches for the mayor – all for free. O’Neil, a political strategist with so much affection for Walsh he said he would “die for the guy,” said he offers his skills and experience to the mayor as a “friend.” At the same time, Goldman’s consulting firm, the O’Neil/Goldman Group, firm lobbies City Hall on behalf of corporate clients who need things from the administration like permits and administration support on development projects worth millions of dollars.

Mississippi – Lobbyists: Campaign finance system ‘disgusting’
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Geoff Pender, Kate Royals, and Mollie Bryant | Published: 2/28/2016

For roughly the last decade, outside interests such as political parties, lobbyists, corporations, and policy advocates have pumped money into Mississippi legislative races. Typically, lawmakers go to lobbyists, who line up corporate donors for their campaigns, or corporate donors go to lobbyists who direct them to the candidates they should donate to based on their issues or desired legislation. Eight top state lobbyists did give varying opinions on legislators and campaign money. Some said they and their clients are being pressured to cough up more money for more legislative races and find politicians’ personal spending of the money distasteful. Others said they see no problems. All said they do not believe there is any direct “pay-to-play” setup between making donations and getting legislation passed.

New Mexico – Governor OKs Upgrades to State’s Campaign Finance Reporting System
New MexicoPolitics.net – Heath Haussamen | Published: 2/29/2016

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez signed legislation designed to standardize electronic reporting so that filings by candidates, lobbyists, and political committees can be searched, cross-referenced, or downloaded for analysis. The law also will require lobbyists to file regular reports, as candidates already do. Registration fees from lobbyists would be reinvested in maintaining the database.

Wisconsin – With Fewer Members, a Diminished Political Role for Wisconsin Unions
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 2/27/2016

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker led a push five years ago to cut collective bargaining rights for most public sector workers, saying he needed to solve a state budget gap. Since then, union membership has dropped precipitously. Long a labor stronghold, the state has lost tens of thousands of union members, leaving Wisconsin with a smaller percentage of union members than the national average. The shift has shaken the order of election-year politics. Democrats, who most often have been the beneficiaries of money and ground-level help from the unions, said they were uncertain about what the coming elections would look like, and what forces could take the place of depleted labor groups.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists Could Make a Comeback after Obama” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Michigan: “Michigan Lobbyist Spending Hits Record High in 2015 with Loopholes Galore” by Josh Hakala for Michigan Public Radio

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Court: Colorado GOP’s creation of super PAC was legal” by James Anderson (Associated Press) for The Coloradoan

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmaker Charged in Illegal Gambling Probe” by Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune

Ethics

“Meet the ‘Nones,’ the Democratic Party’s Biggest Faith Constituency” by Michelle Boorstein for Washington Post

Arizona: “Ex-Phoenix VA Hospital Exec Failed to Disclose Yearly Gifts” by   for Arizona Daily Star; Associated Press

California: “Ethics Reforms Proposed for San Diego Council” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune

New Mexico: “Former Sen. Phil Griego Charged with Nine Crimes” by Deborah Baker for Albuquerque Journal

Elections

“Chris Christie Goes Viral” by Michael Catalini (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report

“Ben Carson Tells Supporters He Sees No ‘Path Forward’ for Presidential Campaign” by Robert Costa and Ben Terris for Washington Post

Here is our March calendar:

March 2   Ohio Birthday Celebration, Washington, DC

March 7-10   National PAC Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

March 9   NCSL Foundation Luncheon, Washington, DC

March 10   Women’s Endowment Fund Annual Dinner, Akron, OH

March 16   PLEN Mentor Awards, Washington, DC

March 17   Akron Roundtable, Akron, OH

March 20-22   NASPO: How to Market to State Governments Meeting, Atlanta, GA

March 30-April 2   ACES National Conference, Portland, OR

March 31, 2016   Akron Press Club hosts State of Summit County Speech, Akron, OH

Lobbying

California: “Budding Marijuana Lobby Gains Influence at California Capitol” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Colorado: “Colorado Lobbying Law Offers Murky Picture of Influence on Politics” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post

Massachusetts: “Marty Walsh’s Friends with Benefits” by Mark Arsenault and Andrew Ryan for Boston Globe

Missouri: “Alleged Intern Harasser among Those in Lobbying Grey Area” by Kurt Erickson and Alex Stuckey for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska: “Lawmakers Criticize Bill That Seeks to Slow Revolving Door into Lobbying” by Martha Stoddard for Omaha World-Herald

Ohio: “Attorney General: Wright State’s $1M consultant not a lobbyist” by Josh Weigart for Dayton Daily News

Campaign Finance

Missippi: “Lobbyists: Campaign finance system ‘disgusting’” by Geoff Pender, Kate Royals, and Mollie Bryant for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

New Mexico: “NM Deals with Campaign Finance Warnings Backlog” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for Farmington Daily Times

Ethics

Ohio: “Ohio Mayor Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges, Remains in Office” by Kim Palmer for Reuters

Elections

Wisconsin: “With Fewer Members, a Diminished Political Role for Wisconsin Unions” by Monica Davey for New York Times

Lobbying

Kentucky: “Drug Company Lobbying Has Doubled In Kentucky in Recent Years” by James McNair for Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting

Missouri: “Missouri Senate Backs End to Lobbyist-Catered Group Events” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for digitalBURG.com

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Senate Panel Advances Bill to Overhaul Campaign Finance Laws” by Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star

Maine: “After Legislative Raids and Funding Delays, Maine’s Public Campaign-Finance Money Could Run Out” by Steve Mistler for Portland Press Herald

West Virginia: “House Passes Bill to Shine Light on Fundraisers during Legislative Session” by Eric Eyre for Charleston Gazette

Ethics

“How America Became the Love Child of Kim Kardashian and Donald Trump” by Lynn Stuart Parramore for Reuters

California: “Former State Sen. Leland Yee Sentenced to Prison” by Howard Mintz for San Jose Mercury News

Missouri: “Some Question the Limits to Legislating the Missouri Legislature” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio

Texas: “Texas Court Drops Criminal Case against Rick Perry” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin GOP Secretary Is 1st Appointee to New Ethics Board” by   for Minneapolis Star Tribune; Associated Press

Elections

“Bernie Sanders, as Secular Jew, Leaves Religion in Background” by Joseph Berger for New York Times

Procurement

Florida: “Broward Health Probe Looks at Advertising Contract” by David Fleshler for South Florida Sun Sentinel

What are the qualifications for becoming a Justice on the Supreme Court?

There are no requirements listed in the Constitution to be a Supreme Court Justice. The youngest Associate Justice was Joseph Story. He joined the bench in 1811 at 32 years old. The oldest justice was Associate Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. who retired after serving 32 years at 90 years old. All justices have been lawyers prior to joining the court. To this point there have been six justices that were foreign born.

Where did we find someone to nominate as a Supreme Court Justice?

On the current bench Chief Justice, John Roberts, Jr, Associate Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, and Associate Justice, Elena Kagan are all from New York. Associate Justice, Samuel A. Alito, Jr is from New Jersey. Associate Justice, Stephen Breyer and Anthony Kennedy are from California. Associate Justice, Clarence Thomas is from Georgia.

What is the range of time it takes to confirm a justice?

Believe it or not, there are many who were confirmed and sworn in on the very day they were nominated. The most recent was Associate Justice Harold Burton during the Truman administration.

The longest amount of time recorded to go from nomination to a successful confirmation was Associate Justice, Louis Brandeis from the Woodrow Wilson administration at 125 days.

How many were nominated that didn’t achieve confirmation?

From the President George Washington administration thru the President George W. Bush administration there have been 34 that did not get confirmed. The various reasons include the following:

• Withdrawn as a nominee
• Rejected by Congress
• Declined to serve

How many Justices died in office?

Justices are appointed for life. Fifty have retired or resigned on their own accord. Only Associate Justice, Samuel chase has been impeached [1984]. The Senate acquitted him and he remained on the bench until his death six years later.

Associate Justices

Before Associate Justice, Antonin Scalia died on February 12, 2016, there were 26 associate justices who died in office from 1798 – Associate Justice, James Wilson through 1954 – Associate Justice, Robert Jackson.

Chief Justices

A total of 17 men have been the chief justice of the Supreme Court. The longest served was Chief Justice, John Marshall of Virginia [who was nominated in 1801 and died in office in 1835.]

There were eight Supreme Court Chief Justices who died while serving the court. Included in this list are Chief Justice, John Marshall [appointed by President John Adams] died in 1835 at 76 years old. The most recent Chief Justice was William Rehnquist [initially appointed by President Richard Nixon as associate justice and nominated to chief justice by President Ronald Reagan] died in 2005 from throat cancer.
How many vacancies occurred during presidential election years?

Vacancies in the Supreme Court during an election year are not that uncommon.   There have been 14 confirmed between Associate Justice, Oliver Ellsworth, 1796 [during the President George Washington administration] and Associate Justice, Anthony Kennedy in 1988 [during the Ronald Reagan administration].

How many U.S. Presidents have also served on the Supreme Court?

There has only been one U.S. President to serve on the Supreme Court and that is President William Howard Taft. Eight years after his failed re-election to the office of president, he was nominated by President Warren Harding to replace Chief Justice Edward White. He served for nine years and resigned due to bad health.

This article has been researched from the following sources:

“7 Things You Might Not Know About the U.S. Supreme Court” by Elizabeth Nix on History.com

“At least 14 Supreme Court justices have been confirmed during election years” by Timothy Lee in Vox

“U.S. Justices and Judges Who Died While Still Holding Office” on PoliticalGraveyard.com

“Biographies of Current Justices of the Supreme Court” on the United State Supreme Court website

“How Long Does It Take to Confirm a Supreme Court Nominee?” in The New York Times

Lobbying

North Carolina: “Lobbyist and Employee Help with Work at NC Speaker’s Condo” by Dan Kane for Raleigh News & Observer

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “D.C. Attorney General Seeks to Ban PACs Like The One That Benefited Mayor” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post

Montana: “Emails Show Bullock’s Office Quietly Influenced ‘Dark Money’ Rules” by James DeHaven (Helena Independent Record) for Montana Standard

New Hampshire: “N.H. Campaign Finance Lapses Go Unnoticed” by Allie Morris for Concord Monitor

Virginia: “No Rules Means No Accountability for Virginia Campaign Funds” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for ABC News

Washington: “State Asks Judge to Fine Grocery Group in 2013 Ballot Fight” by Phuong Le (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer

Ethics

Massachusetts: “Political Polarization? It’s Not Just in Washington” by Jill Ramos for Boston Globe

Mississippi: “Bribes ‘Cost of Doing Business in Mississippi’ Says Consultant Who Pleaded Guilty” by Anita Lee for The Sun-Herald

Elections

Kansas: “Want to Vote in This State? You Have to Have a Passport or Dig Up a Birth Certificate.” by Sari Horwitz for Washington Post

New York: “Specter of Corruption Hangs over Special Elections for Legislature” by Vivian Yee for New York Times

North Carolina: “Supreme Court Won’t Intervene in North Carolina Election Fight” by Richard Fausset for New York Times

Enjoy these fun photos from recent events:

Elizabeth Z. Bartz in Washington, DC with the DC staff, Rebecca Pixton South and Gamble Hayden at the WASRG happy hour.

Gamble Hayden at the PLEN Women in Public Policy event in Washington, DC.

State and Federal Communications hosted the first of a series of free government relations compliance webinars for 2016. President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz and Amber Fish Linke, Director of Client and Product Operations, presented the widely attended “Lobbying Compliance at the State Level” webinar on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. If you are interested in participating in our future webinars, contact us at training@stateandfed.com!