McCaslin, Robert: Alleged violations of Chapter 42.17A RCW for failure to accurately and timely report committee registration, contributions, expenditures, surplus expenditures, and for unauthorized contributions (EY 16, Sep 17)

Case

#24992

Respondent

Robert McCaslin

Complainant

Walter Smith

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed September 1, 2017. It alleged that Robert (Bob) McCaslin, may have violated RCW 42.17A as follows:

RCW 42.17A.205 by failing to timely register as a candidate during his 2016 re-election campaign.

RCW 42.17A.235 by failing to timely report contributions and expenditures.

RCW 42.17A.445 by making personal contributions from campaign funds to a political party committee, rather than from surplus funds.

RCW 42.17A.430 and WAC 390-16-236 by failing to accurately and timely reports expenditures from a surplus funds account.

PDC staff found:

Bob McCaslin's 2016 campaign committee received its first contribution, totaling $700, on September 8, 2015, but did not file a Candidate Registration until October 27, 2015.

The campaign filed some C-3 reports late in 2015, but nearly one year before the 2016 election. During 2016, some C-3 reports were also filed late, with all but one report filed before the relevant election. In addition, two deposits totaling $1,950, were deposited 19 days late.

On August 31, 2016, following the primary election, Bob McCaslin made a $10,000 transfer of surplus funds to the House Republican Organizational Committee (HROC), but it was erroneously reported as a contribution. It was an allowed expenditure of surplus funds, and not a personal contribution made from campaign funds. The campaign was not required to establish a Surplus Funds Account to make the transfer to HROC.

PDC staff found that the late reporting and late deposits did not amount to a violation warranting further investigation. Staff reminded Bob McCaslin about the importance of filing timely C-1, C-3, and C-4 reports, and of timely depositing contributions received, for all future contributions, in accordance with PDC laws and rules. Staff found that no further action is warranted and dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

September 14, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.430, RCW 42.17A.445, WAC 390-16-236