Truth for Washington: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 & .205 for failure to disclose candidate authorization & party preference in political advertisement and accurately report sponsoring committee. (EY 18; July 18)

Case

#38701

Respondent

Truth for Washington

Complainant

Joe Yates

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Joseph Yates on July 30, 2018. The complaint alleges that the Truth for Washington, a political committee registered with the PDC, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.205 by failing to disclose a sponsoring committees name as part of the Committee Registration (C-1pc report); and (2) RCW 42.17.320 by failing to include the complete sponsor identification for independent expenditure advertisements undertaken in support of a candidate, and the party preference of the candidates featured in advertisements.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint to determine whether a formal investigation or enforcement action is warranted. Staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint and the exhibits depicting the political advertisement, the C1pc report(s) filed by Truth for Washington, and the August 14, 2018 response letter from the Truth for Washington (by Orin Wells). 

While the Truth for Washington failed to accurately report the sponsors name in the committee name on the C-1pc and in political advertisements, and to include the candidate(s) party preference, they did take corrective action for the final version of the advertisement prior to being aired on cable TV ad distribution. In addition, TFW also made a good faith effort of expeditiously amending their C1pc to reflect the sponsoring committee. 

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), this letter is a formal written warning for Truth for Washington concerning the importance of: (1) providing a complete sponsor identification and party preference of any candidate(s) featured on all future political advertisements, including independent expenditure advertisements; (2) timely amending the C-1pc report to include the name of a sponsor if the contributing committee or person meets the definition of a sponsor. This formal written warning covers our expectation that Truth for Washington will fully comply with the requirement listed above in the future. The Commission will consider this formal written warning if there are future PDC law or rule violations by the committee. 

Based on the above review, the PDC has dismissed the complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1)(a). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

August 06, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205

Documents

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