Wheeler, Martin: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.320(1) for failure to identify party preference on political advertising; WAC 390-18-010 for failure to disclose complete sponsor identification on political advertising (EY 20, Dec 19)

Case

#61738

Respondent

Martin Wheeler

Complainant

Chris Leyba

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Chris Leyba filed on December 21, 2019. The complaint alleged that Martin Wheeler (Respondent), a candidate for Governor of the State of Washington may have violated RCW 42.17A.320(1) for failure to identify party preference on political advertising and WAC 390-18-010 for failure to disclose complete sponsor identification on political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by the Respondent 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 disclose party preference and full sponsor identification on political advertising does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

However, PDC staff is reminding Martin Wheeler about the importance of disclosing party preference and full sponsor identification on political advertising and disclosing all required party preference and sponsor identification on all future political advertising in accordance with the statutes and rules.

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

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

December 23, 2019

Areas of Law

WAC 390-18-010