December 10, 2012 •
FEC Issues Advisory Opinion Concerning Excess Funds to SuperPAC
AO 2012-34 – Freedom PAC and Friends of Mike H
The Federal Election Commission issued an Advisory Opinion on December 6, 2012, concluding a federal candidate’s campaign committee may make a contribution to an independent expenditure-only committee from funds raised for the federal candidate’s terminated political campaign.
Friends of Mike H, the principal campaign committee of former candidate Mike Haridopolos, requested an opinion to determine whether it could give $10,000 or more of its excess funds raised for Mr. Haridopolos’s 2012 U.S. Senate primary election campaign in Florida, from which he withdrew, to an independent expenditure-only committee called Freedom PAC. Currently, Mr. Haridopolos does not hold federal office and is not seeking any elected federal office.
Because Friends of Mike H. is not using its funds for personal use or for any unlawful use, the Commission found Mr. Haridopolos’s political committee may make its requested contributions to Freedom PAC. The Commission also noted that “amount limitations are generally unconstitutional as applied to contributions that will be used to finance independent activity.”
October 26, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Enjoy your weekend!
Lobbying
“American League of Lobbyists asks for end to registration loopholes” by Kent Hoover in the New Mexico Business Weekly.
“K Street’s Q4 Expectations” by Michael Catalini in the National Journal’s Influence Alley.
Ohio: “Ethics laws could get overhaul” by Jim Siegel in The Columbus Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
“Former IRS Official Accuses ALEC of Lying About Assets” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Poll: Majority wants corporate money out of politics” by Jordy Jager in The Hill.
California: “California Watchdog Sues Arizona Nonprofit over Secret Donation” by McClatchy News in Governing.
New York: “Bill: Jail campaign finance report scofflaws” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Super PAC clout under challenge” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Campaigns and Elections
“Presidential election hits $2B fundraising mark” by Beth Fouhy in The Associated Press.
“Bing Releases ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for Election 2012 Info” by Alex Fitzpatrick in Mashable.
“Survey: Campaign contributors stick to traditional tools” by Josh Smith in Nextgov.
Ethics
Alaska: “Alaska state Senate candidate Bell fined $390 by APOC over disclosure requirement” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
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.
September 28, 2012 •
One Last News Roundup for the Week
Have a terrific weekend everyone!
Lobbying
“K Street Files: Ogilvy Government Relations Nabs Two GOPers” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Does corporate lobbying benefit society?” by Moshe Silver in Fortune.
Kentucky: “New spending record could be set for lobbying” by The Associated Press in the Bowling Green Daily News.
Campaign Finance
“Super PAC Assails Super PACs, Big Money” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Friend of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan pleads guilty to campaign violations” by Susan Taylor Martin in the Tampa Bay Times.
Washington: “Owen is fined over his tardy campaign finance reports” by Mike Baker in the Seattle Times.
Elections
“8-time felon running for seat in Michigan House” by John Wisely in the Detroit Free Press.
Social Media
“Social media have big debate plans” by Steve Friess in Politico.
July 17, 2012 •
Tuesday News Summary
Campaign finance, lobbying, ethics, and social media
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Vote to kill filibuster on campaign finance bill fails, despite Connecticut senators’ support” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Florida: “Unlimited campaign contributions finding a route to Florida lawmakers” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald.
Lobbying
“ALEC struggles to retain members” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“Tech lobbyists’ new mantra: Strength through unity” by Michelle Quinn in Politico.
Connecticut: “Lobbyists form SuperPAC to help Murphy in Senate race” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Government Ethics
“Former top state administrator fined for conflicts of interest” by Jennifer Gollan in the Bay Citizen.
Gov 2.0
“Despite Cuomo’s Vow of Sunlight, a Bid to Keep Aides’ E-Mail in the Dark” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
“What Social Media Do Government Officials Use Most?” by Matt Williams in Government Technology.
June 29, 2012 •
Last Minute Campaign Finance Headlines before the Weekend
Let’s wrap up the work week with this campaign finance news roundup:
“Va. appeals court affirms campaign finance law” by Larry O’Dell in CBS News.
“Former DeLay aide pleads guilty in campaign finance case” by Laylan Copelin the Austin Statesman.
“Conservative Super Pacs turn to social media and internet to expand reach” by Ed Pilkington and Amanda Michel in the Guardian.
“Funny-named political committees are proliferating” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.
June 11, 2012 •
Monday News Roundup
Start the week off right with the latest government relations news:
“Text Messages as Campaign Finance Reform?” by Quentin Fottrell in the Wall Street Journal.
“The Politics of Social Networking” by Damon Eris on the Independent Voter Network.
“At Meeting of Left’s Online Activists, Weighing Impact of Attack Ads” by Sarah Wheaton in The New York Times.
Alaska: “Will Citizens United result in Big Oil deciding who wins Alaska elections?” in the Alaska Dispatch.
District of Columbia: “Ex-D.C. Council Chairman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud” by Tom Schoenberg in Bloomberg.
Georgia: “Taking the Pledge – Most see need for lobbyist gift cap” in the Marietta Daily Journal.
Kansas: “Voters will see big changes from new redistricting plan” by Scott Rothschild in the Lawrence Journal World.
New York: “Analysis: $2M gambling bet puts focus on lobbyist” by The Associated Press in The Wall Street Journal.
May 29, 2012 •
Tuesday News Roundup
Campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics
Campaign Finance
“Texas leads country in Super PAC giving — by a wide margin” by Emily Wilkins in the Houston Chronicle.
“17 funniest super PAC names” by Politico staff.
Louisiana: “Campaign donations for Gov. Jindal, others under scrutiny” by The Associated Press in the Daily Comet.
“Can State Laws Cohabit With Citizens United?” by Lincoln Caplan in the New York Times.
Lobbying
“K Street not thrilled with Tampa” by Anna Palmer in Politico.
Ethics
“Top N.H. pol quits; lied about work” by Mackenzie Weinger in Politico.
April 17, 2012 •
The Ubiquitous Super PACs
Here are just a few of the many articles surfacing in the news:
“Rules of the Game: Dissecting Super PAC Consulting” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“One Donor Gave One-Third of Pro-Republican Group’s Funds” by Heidi Przybyla and Jonathan D. Salant in Bloomberg.
“What happens to funds in defunct super PACs?” by Jeremy Roebuck in the Boston Herald.
“Secretive ‘Grassroots’ political group — vehicle for the very rich” by Joel Connelly in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
“Big donors diversify Super PAC donations” by Alexander Cohen and Alina Selyukh in Reuters.
“Billionaires fall in line” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
March 19, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 19, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
2012 GOP Primary Shaping Up to Be Cheapest Race in Years
Group Offers $25,000 Reward for Exposing Secret Corporate Giving
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Alabama Public Corruption Trials Focus on Bribes vs. Donations
Colorado
Spending by Super PACs in Colorado Is the Dominion of Democrats
Illinois
Part of Campaign Finance Law Nixed
Illinois
State Rep. Derrick Smith, of Chicago, Is Charged with Accepting Bribe
Kentucky
Senate Changes Schedule, Allowing David Williams to Attend Kentucky Basketball Game
Minnesota
Business-Backed ALEC’s Relations with Conservative Lawmakers Riles Democrats
New Mexico
Arrests Mount in Sunland Park Scandal; New Details about Alleged Extortion Threat Emerge
Ohio
Jimmy Dimora Convicted of Racketeering, 32 Other Corruption-Related Charges
Ohio
Legislator Charged in FBI Bribery Sting
South Carolina
Ard Resigns, Is Indicted, Gets Probation
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 12, 2012 •
Today’s Campaign Finance and Lobbying News
Super PACs, the revolving door, and Facebook’s lobbying in the news:
Campaign Finance
“The Super PAC Paradox” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“The year’s busiest day of campaign fundraising shows how Springfield really works” by Ray Long and Alissa Groeninger in the Chicago Tribune.
“Group to appeal Iowa campaign finance ruling” by The Associated Press in the Globe Gazette.
Lobbying
“Retiring lawmakers openly eye K Street” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.
“Lobbying pays off big for business” by Toluse Olorunnipa in the Miami Herald.
“Facebook ‘friends’ a new lobby firm” by Rachel Leven in The Hill.
March 12, 2012 •
News You Can Use – March 12, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
One Super PAC Takes Aim at Incumbents of Any Party
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama
Jury Acquits All Defendants, Including Means, in Gambling Corruption Case
California
Ethics Panel Raises Donation Limits in Municipal Campaigns
California
Trutanich Paid for YouTube Views of D.A. Campaign Videos
Georgia
Some Priorities Fade as Lawmakers Favor Social Issues Ahead of Election Season
Maryland
Bereano’s 1994 Conviction Upheld
Maryland
Leopold Indicted on Charges of Using Police Detail for Political Gain
Missouri
Honor for Rush Limbaugh is Fracas for Missouri
Nevada
Ethics Case Back before Nevada Supreme Court
New Mexico
Newly Elected Sunland Park Mayor to Seek Court Order to Do Job
Oklahoma
Ex-Senator Convicted of Bribery; Co-Defendant Free
Utah
Special Interests Busy Providing Perks to Legislators
West Virginia
W.Va. Ethics Panel Clarifies Cohabitation 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.
March 8, 2012 •
Today’s Campaign Finance and Lobbying News Summary
Today we have stories about the FEC, the latest news on the investigation surrounding the D.C. mayor’s 2010 campaign, Super PACs, Super Tuesday, and more:
Campaign Finance
“FEC told to tread carefully with post-Citizens United rule” by Rachel Leven in The Hill.
“FEC moves on outdated rules” by Robin Bravender in Politico.
“DC mayor defends himself amid probe into campaign finance irregularities” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Super PACs
“Super PACs Outspent Candidates in Run-Up to Tuesday” by Brody Mullins and Alicia Mundy in The Wall Street Journal.
“Super PACs Could Drive Total 2012 Election Spending to $9.8B” by Cotton Delo in Ad Age.
Lobbying
“Son of legendary lobbyist starts own firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Redistricting
“Between the Lines: The Last Two Redistricting Holdouts” by Shira Toeplitz, Abby Livingston, and Joshua Miller in Roll Call.
February 27, 2012 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 27, 2012
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Foster Friess Aspirin Joke Shows Danger to Candidates of Outside Political Groups
Lobbyists Decertify after Obama Ban
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona
Fiesta Bowl Case: Junker pleads guilty to felony charge
California
Ethics Commission Delays Vote on Raising Contribution Limits
Colorado
Colorado Supreme Court Upholds ‘Magic Words’ Test for Political Spending by 527s
Colorado
Secretary of State Scott Gessler Rewrites Colorado Campaign Finance Rules
Florida
Miami Beach House Rep. Steinberg under Investigation by Feds for Bizarre Texts
Illinois
William Beavers Indicted on Tax Fraud Charges
Indiana
Lawmaker Takes Jab at Girl Scouts
Iowa
Denied Jobs, Blacks in Iowa Test New Bias Theory
Montana
High Court Halts Montana Corporate Spending Ban
New York
Critics Wary of State Elections Panel Plan to Oversee Super PAC Operations
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.
