Blomstrom, David: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on political advertising (EY 20; July 20)

Case

#74124

Respondent

David Blomstrom

Complainant

Laurie Euler, Sarah Zarrow, and Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaints filed by Laurie Euler on July 23, 2020, Sarah Zarrow on July 24, 2020 and Glen Morgan on July 29, 2020. As all three complaints included allegations concerning the same mailer, PDC staff combined the complaints and investigated the allegations under PDC Case 74124. The complaints alleged that David Blomstrom, a gubernatorial candidate in the 2020 election, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-010 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on written political advertisement; (2) RCW 42.17A.320(1) for failure to include party preference on written political advertisement; and (3) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240, and WAC 390-16-125 for exceeding mini-reporting limitations without prior authorization from the PDC.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by David Blomstrom (“the Respondent”); and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on the documentation provided by Mr. Blomstrom detailing his 2020 gubernatorial campaign expenses, staff found no evidence that the campaign exceeded the Mini Reporting dollar amount thresholds.

Although Mr. Blomstrom is not a first-time candidate, it appears that the creation and mailing of this specific postcard was mistakenly viewed by him as advertisement for his book only and not as a comprehensive political advertisement. Furthermore, Mr. Blomstrom’s campaign history shows that he has not engaged in this type of advertising in the past and had little knowledge about the requirements at the time he chose the ad language.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to include sponsor identification and party preference on political advertisement, does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff reminded Mr. Blomstrom about the importance of including the full sponsor on all future written political advertisement and party preference on all political ads in accordance with PDC 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

July 27, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-125