Cowlitz County Republican Central Committee (2): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.240 and WAC 390-16-034 for failure to accurately and completely report contributors (Sep 19)

Case

#57142

Respondent

Cowlitz County Republican Central Committee

Complainant

Carolyn Crain

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Carolyn Crain on September 6, 2019. The complaint alleged that the Cowlitz County Republican Central Committee (Respondent), a bona fide political party, may have violated RCW 42.17A.240 and WAC 390-16-034 for failure to accurately report contributor addresses, employers, and occupations.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by the Respondent; the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent; and queried the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to report the personal address for contributors does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

The Cowlitz County Republican Party made minor or ministerial errors on required reports, which did not materially impact the public interest. Upon notification of these errors, the Cowlitz County Republican Party timely amended their reports, making the necessary technical corrections as requested by staff.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Resolved with Technical Correction

Date Opened

September 09, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-034