Beauvais, Connie: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.405 by accepting over-limit contribution from an affiliated entity. (EY '20; Jul '20)

Case

#74002

Respondent

Connie Beauvais

Complainant

Alex Bond

Description

The complaint alleged Connie Beauvais, a Port of Port Angeles Port Commissioner, and a 2020 candidate for election to the Washington State Senate from the 24th District, violated RCW 42.17A.405 by accepting contributions from an affiliated entity, when aggregated, exceeded the contributions limits for a 2020 legislative candidate of $1,000 each for the primary and general elections.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements and the response from Mark Lamb, attorney for Connie Beauvais, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Staff has determined that in this instance, the Campaign’s acceptance of over-limit contribution from an affiliated entity does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation based on the facts that as of July 14, 2020: (1) the campaign had received contributions totaling $47,660.01 and had $11,472.25 as a cash on hand balance; and (2) the $1,000 contribution received from Washington Forward had not been spent by the Campaign. 

Based on these findings, and the fact Beauvais is a first-time candidate for Legislative office and refunded the contribution promptly when notified of the requirement, staff has determined in this instance the failure to include party identification does not amount a violation warranting further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Connie Beauvais about the importance of acceptance of an over-limit contribution from an affiliated entity in accordance with PDC laws and rules and staff expects the Campaign will adhere to the contribution limits for the remainder of the 2020 election cycle and not accept any contributions exceeding the contribution limits in the future, as required by law. 

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

July 23, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.405

Documents

Subscribe for updates

{{statusMessage}}

To subscribe to this case, enter your email address in the form below and click "Send confirmation link" button. You will be sent a secure link via email that will confirm your subscription.


An email containing a link to confirm your subscription to this case has been sent to {{ email }}.

If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk mail or mail filters.

Send again

{{statusMessage}}