35th LD Republicans; Rowell, Josiah; Klaus, Fiona - Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.240, .270, 405, .435 over-limit contribution, earmarking, concealment (PDC Case 14-016)(Nov 2013)

Respondent #1: 35th LD Republican CC violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.435 by concealing a contribution made by Ms. Fiona Klaus, earmarked for her son-in-law, Josiah Rowell, a candidate for State Representative in the 35th Legislative District; and (2) RCW 42.17A.270 by failing to appropriately process and report an earmarked contribution.  The 35th LD Republican CC is assessed a civil penalty of $5,000 of which $2,500 is suspended as detailed in the Order.

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Respondent #2: Josiah Rowell violated:(1) RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to report a $5,000 contribution from Ms. Klaus earmarked through the 35th LD Republican CC to Mr. Rowell’s campaign; (2) RCW 42.17A.405 by accepting an over-limit contribution of $5,000 that came from Ms. Klaus, his mother-in-law, to be used by his campaign; and (3) WAC 390-16-308 by failing to identify the actual source of funds for which the contribution was made to his campaign.  Mr. Rowell was assessed a civil penalty of $2,000, which is payable within 30 days of the date of the order.

Respondent #3: Fiona Klaus violated RCW 42.17A.405 by making a $5,000 monetary contribution to the 35th LD Republican CC which she specifically earmarked for her son in law, Mr. Rowell, and the contribution exceeded the contribution limits for a state legislative office candidate. Ms. Klaus was assessed a civil penalty of $500, which is payable within 30 days of the date of the order.