Connecticut’s campaign finance regulator, the State Elections Enforcement Commission (“SEEC”) recently released an important advisory opinion that made clear that a state contractor that is otherwise barred from giving to a state political party under Connecticut’s pay-to-play law can give to the party’s federal account, a point SEEC staff had previously addressed.  However, the state party must use those funds to influence federal elections, consistent with a method of separating federal and state campaign expenses laid out by the SEEC in that opinion.

The SEEC’s opinion should help settle a controversy over the prevalence of state party fundraising that included businesses that may otherwise be barred from giving to a state party under the pay-to-play law.

Notwithstanding the opinion, investigation will likely continue of allegations that solicitations for contributions to a state party’s federal account were requested specifically to support state candidates (in this case, the Governor).  Such a practice might be referred to as “earmarking.”  Earmarking—or designating that a contribution should be put to a particular use—often has ramifications in campaign finance law, whether at the state or federal level.

The investigation highlights an important point for donors restricted by Connecticut’s pay-to-play laws:  In evaluating compliance, regulators are looking at the identity of the group receiving the contribution and the context of solicitations and contributions.

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Insurance Advocacy for Policyholders

Kevin Glandon has helped policyholders recover over $1 billion for first party losses and third-party liabilities. Kevin has extensive experience with complex, multimillion-dollar property damage and business interruption claims arising out of catastrophic events, including damage to or destruction…

Insurance Advocacy for Policyholders

Kevin Glandon has helped policyholders recover over $1 billion for first party losses and third-party liabilities. Kevin has extensive experience with complex, multimillion-dollar property damage and business interruption claims arising out of catastrophic events, including damage to or destruction of commercial real estate, hotels, and manufacturing plants caused by hurricanes, floods, and fires–prominent risks potentially impacted by climate change. Kevin also has significant experience litigating and advising on coverage for environmental and products liability claims.

Kevin also assists clients with insurance recovery under cyber, fidelity and crime insurance, builder’s risk, and product recall policies, and has advised on impacts due to communicable disease and insurance-related due diligence in connection with major acquisitions. He advises clients regarding efficient and practical insurance strategies to prepare for and respond to first-party losses and third-party claims, and has worked extensively with forensic accountants, insurance brokers, and subject matter experts to achieve an effective, multidisciplinary approach to claim resolution. Kevin’s insurance-related experience spans the fields of commercial real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, government contracting, energy production, and professional sports.

Political Law

He also has experience advising clients in compliance and defense matters regarding political and election law, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s pay-to-play rules, the Federal Election Campaign Act, Senate and House ethics rules, and numerous state and local political and election laws and regulations.