PARALLEL RETURN. BG. “A major political fundraising organization chaired by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has decided to forfeit $267,000 in political donations from a Boston law firm now under federal investigation.”
NEW LOBBYIST RULE. CNS. “And finally, on ethics reform, Trump said he will impose a five-year ban on executives becoming lobbyists after they leave his administration and a lifetime ban on executives lobbying on behalf of a foreign government.”
LOBBYIST-FREE. Politico. “The Trump transition announced new landing teams for the departments of Defense, State and Justice and the National Security Council.”
CT: BUSINESS SETTLES. WL. “The Office of Campaign and Political Finance announced on Monday that Brian Bairos, owner and president of Colorado Ave. LLC, in Rhode Island and McIsaac and Bairos New England Distribution LLC, in Avon will pay $7,500. His bookkeeper, Ashley Arruda, will pay $2,500.”
MD: PAY TO PLAY REPORT DUE. JDS. “We wish to remind you that companies with one or more Maryland state or local government contracts worth at least $200,000 are required to file semiannual pay-to-play reports with the Maryland State Board of Elections by May 31 and November 30, even if they have not received new contracts during the year and even if they have no reportable contributions.”
MT: CASE APPEALED. BDC. “A state lawmaker fined $68,232 for accepting banned corporate campaign contributions is appealing to the Montana Supreme Court.”
NY: CONFLICTS AND ETHICS RULE CHANGES. GG. “The City Council heard testimony Monday on a broad package of bills that would prevent conflicts of interest between elected officials and political nonprofits, limit the electoral influence of those who do business with the city, and make it easier for first-time candidates to navigate the city’s campaign finance system.”
NY: BILL BACKED. NYP. “The de Blasio administration on Monday said it will back a bill that limits contributions to political non-profits to $400 from lobbyists and others who do business with the city — even though Hizzoner’s now-defunct Campaign for One New York was the driving force behind it.”
OH: COUNCILMAN DEFENDS. NN. “A Cleveland City councilman defended his decision to spend more than $5,000 of campaign donations on trips outside of Cleveland last year.”
HAVE A GOOD DAY. Between now and inauguration day, posting will be lighter than usual. Have a great Thanksgiving!