In the News
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Bloomberg’s Bucks
Editorial“Nobody on the left really believes what they always say about campaign contributions and spending,” says Bradley Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission. “The ‘reformers’ do not believe money is corrupting. Rather, they believe that their political opponents are corrupt.”
Independent Groups
Washington Times: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Democrats only want laws they can use
By Dickie BenzieDemocrats love to squawk about Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations to donate to political campaigns. They don’t have a problem with 92 percent of the $75,000,000 unions gave to Democrats in 2008; nor do they admit that 55 percent of the $2 billion in PAC monies went to Democrats.
The Hill: American Bridge beefs up for 2014
By Cameron JosephThe group has hired Jessica Mackler, who most recently ran former Rep. Shelley Berkley’s (D-Nev.) Senate campaign, and Eddie Vale, who has been running communications for the AFL-CIO’s super-PAC. Both will be vice presidents at the organization, which specializes in opposition research on GOP candidates and helped damage a number of Republicans, including Mitt Romney.
Disclosure
WSJ Washington Wire: Check the Date on That IRS Report
By Alicia MundyMr. Streckfus wrote that in a “first” press conference by Mr. Miller, he asked about allegations that some 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups are running straight campaign-donation operations for candidates. Mr. Streckfus reported that Mr. Miller responded: “I’m sending 50 of these cases to the Criminal Investigation Division. Those folks are going to learn if you fib on the 990 or 1024, you’re going to do time.”
Lobbying and Ethics
Roll Call: Street Talk: The Curious Cases of Vanishing Lobbyists By Kate Ackley
By Kate AckleyBut Newberry illustrates how decisions to stop reporting federal lobbying can be driven by more mundane reasons.“I really don’t do any lobbying now,” Newberry said. “This is a $320 million partnership, and I spend my full time in that role.”
FEC
Roll Call: Larry Craig Loses Major Battle in Fight Against FEC
By Steven T. DennisA federal judge has refused to dismiss a suit in which former Sen. Larry E. Craig is accused of improperly using campaign funds in a quest to vacate his guilty plea in a Minnesota airport bathroom sting.
State and Local
New Jersey –– Political Law Briefing: Pay-to-Play: NJ Indictments Offer a Reminder on Compliance
When we talk about pay-to-play, we often think about making sure that executives do not make inadvertent contributions that run afoul of a state’s pay-to-play rules and make the company ineligible for contracts. We might also think about tracking contributions from certain employees so that pay-to-play certifications are truthful and accurate. But a recent criminal indictment of a company and seven of its senior executives in New Jersey reminds us that there are also bigger issues to consider about how to build a good compliance program.
New York –– AP: Gas trade group asks for investigation of Artists Against Fracking
ALBANY, N.Y. — A formal complaint filed with New York’s lobbying board asks it to investigate whether Artists Against Fracking, a group that includes Yoko Ono and other A-List celebrities, is violating the state’s lobbying law, according to the document obtained by The Associated Press.
Virginia –– NY Times: A Political Marriage
By ANDREW ROSENTHALThis is a clear and direct example of the improper use of government money, facilities and power for the personal enrichment of friends. If the speech and the party were not a quid pro quo for the help with the wedding feast, it’s hard to imagine what a quid pro quo is.
