Lobbying and Ethics
The Hill: Watchdog group files ethics complaint against McConnell
By Alexandra Jaffe“The audio of the presenter refers to members of Senator McConnell’s staff who volunteered ‘in their free time.’ The transcript that was used reads instead, ‘thank them three times.’Article continues: But Sloan, CREW’s executive director, indicated they were aware of the suggested discrepancy and had filed their complaint anyway. “Luckily enough, the FBI has the technology to parse the tape and discern what was really said. Given the questions raised, Sen. McConnell should welcome both an FBI and ethics committee investigation into his conduct,” she said.
Candidates, Politicians and Parties
Politico: Mitch McConnell in no mood for bipartisanship
By JOHN BRESNAHAN and JAKE SHERMANThe Senate minority leader has signaled privately that he has no interest in sitting in the same room as Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to discuss a possible “grand bargain” on budget and tax issues, Senate insiders tell POLITICO.
Independent Groups
TPM: Democratic Super PAC Blindsides ‘Gang Of 8’ Republicans On Immigration
By Benjy SarlinThe group is out with a dossier Monday entitled “Barriers to Reform: The anti-immigrant and extremist money blocking progress in the Senate.” The report singles out a handful of Republican senators for what it describes as “disturbing” anti-immigration rhetoric and notes donations they’ve received from individuals and foundations who have also funded border hawk groups like FAIR and NumbersUSA, among others.
Washington Times: Republican mega-donor Bob Perry dies at age 80
By Luke RosiakBob Perry, a Texas homebuilder and philanthropist who also had an immense influence on politics through his contributions to Republican candidates, has died at his home near Houston, the Texas Tribune reports. He was 80. Mr. Perry was the third-largest political donor in the last election, giving $10 million to the pro-Mitt Romney super PAC Restore Our Future, $8.5 million to the Karl Rove-linked American Crossroads, and millions more to other Republican groups.
State and Local
Missouri –– Time running short for Mo. campaign finance issues
Republicans generally have defended Missouri’s current system and have said capping donations creates an incentive to circumvent the limits and thereby obscure from where money has flowed. Missouri currently requires contributions of more than $5,000 to show up within 48 hours on the state Ethics Commission website. GOP officials also have noted that Nixon accepted six-figure checks during his re-election campaign.Legislation backed by House Democrats would create a $5,000 per donor cap for the Legislature and statewide offices. It has not yet been referred to a committee. The Democrats’ bill also includes a limit on gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and immediate family members.
New York –– NY Times (LTE): Mayoral Campaign Ad
By Leo Glickman“A Phantom Ad Comes to New York” (editorial, April 13) doesn’t mention critical context about our group, New York City Is Not for Sale, our effort, our ad and the regulatory environment of independent expenditures in New York City.The City Council, with major input from the Campaign Finance Board, just last year enacted legislation regulating independent expenditures in New York City elections. These new laws are far more stringent than any affecting such expenditures under state or federal law.
New York –– NY Times: Trusted Deputy to Liu May Be Called in Trial
By BENJAMIN WEISERA federal judge ruled on Monday that prosecutors may call a longtime aide to the New York City comptroller, John C. Liu, to testify in the trial of two former associates charged in an illegal campaign fund-raising scheme.The judge, Richard J. Sullivan of Federal District Court in Manhattan, raised the question during a proceeding before jury selection began about whether the aide was a member of the alleged conspiracy.
Vermont –– VT Digger: Senate reforms campaign finance rules, ends corporate donations
By Nat RudarakanchanaThe bill, which passed 24-3-3, makes it illegal for corporations and labor unions to donate directly to political candidates, a practice that has been banned for federal candidates since 1907.Instead of donating directly from the corporate treasury, corporations must now form an affiliated political action committee, or PAC, to which individuals must donate from their own personal funds, explained Sen. Peter Galbraith, D-Windham, who has championed such a ban for years.
