Political activity law A.M. report for Thursday, Dec. 16

Good morning. Here are some political law stories this morning.

More on texting donations

In Politico.

Caleb Burns, a partner at Wiley Rein who submitted CTIA’s proposal, said he is “disappointed” that the FEC ruled to impose additional requirements.

“The campaign finance laws did not require the FEC to rule this way, but the FEC has a history of imposing additional burdens that are above and beyond what the law requires — and they were consistent with that here.”

Speaking of the Federal Election Commission

The agenda for the last scheduled meeting of the year is here.

Earmark or fix:  it’s complicated

Roll Call reports:  “While Republicans mounted a chorus of opposition to earmarks in spending bills this week, Sen. Jeff Sessions has been quietly blocking a routine tax measure to demand the addition of what is basically an earmark: a new tariff that would benefit a single small business in his state.”

Cassidy “shake-up”

In Roll Call. More in Politico.

News on House Ethics counsel

In the Hill here.

Blake Chisam, who ethics committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) handpicked to help run the committee at the beginning of the 111th Congress, will be departing imminently, according to two House aides.

Financial reform vote ethics issue

Is the topic of this Politico story.

Imprisoned former mayor in new case

The Times reports on former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick here.

The indictment says that Kwame Kilpatrick used donations to a charity known as the Kilpatrick Civic Fund to pay for golf clubs, summer camp for his children, yoga classes and antibugging equipment. As a state representative, Mr. Kilpatrick diverted $280,000 in grant money meant to help the elderly and children; the funds instead went to nonprofits controlled by his wife and Mr. Ferguson, who used it for personal expenses, the indictment says.

Alabama reforms

Are with the governor now.

Fine thought to be Missouri’s largest campaign finance penalty

News here.  But if the respondent pays a percentage of the $322,000 now, the rest is stayed for two years and the obligation is extinguished if there are no further violations during the stay.  The Missouri Ethics Commission’s order is here.

Have a good day

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