Eyman, Timothy: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235 & .240 by failing to register, and report contributions & expenditures for, a political committee to recall Jenny Durkan. (Ey '20; Aug '20)

Case

#74923

Respondent

Timothy Eyman

Complainant

Elliott Harvey

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on August 4, 2020. The complaint alleged that Timothy Eyman, a gubernatorial candidate in the August 4, 2020 primary, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.205 for failing to submit a Committee Registration (C-1pc report) registering, as a political committee, his effort to recall Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan; and (2) RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failing to timely & accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the recall Campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; and the response provided by Stephen Pidgeon on behalf of Mr. Eyman (the “Respondent”), to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that during July and August 2020, the recall effort Mr. Eyman engaged in was conducted simultaneously with his 2020 campaign for governor, and consequently any associated (possibly de minimis) expenditures were likely part of the costs connected to advertisement expenses in general. (That campaign is not the subject of this matter but is under separate review by the PDC.)

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely register and report the limited campaign activities undertaken by the Respondent’s efforts to recall Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff remindedMr. Eyman about the importance of the timely registration and disclosure of all contribution and expenditure activities, including those specifically related to a recall effort in all future PDC reports 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

August 12, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 74923 Eyman Timothy Response.pdf
• 74923 Eyman Timothy Complaint.pdf
• 74923 Eyman Timothy Response #2.pdf
• 74923 Eyman Timothy Reminder Letter.pdf