Joseph Backholm

Family Policy Institute of Washington Action - Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failing to include the party preference of legislative candidates featured in political advertisements.

Case Details

Case Number

9817

Respondent

Joseph Backholm

Complainant

Tony Yuchasz

Date Opened

November 18, 2016

Case Status

Case Closed with Written Warning

PDC staff found evidence of minor violation and warned respondent.

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Area(s) of Law*

  • RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B

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Description

The complaint alleges that Family Policy Institute of Washington Action (FPIWA) produced and distributed a direct mail piece of political advertising in support of Vicki Kraft and Lynda Wilson, two candidates seeking the office of State Representative  and State Senator in the 17th Legislative District, and opposing Sam Kim and Tim Probst, that failed to include party preference in violation of RCW 42.17A.320.


The PDC will not be conducting a more formal investigation into these allegations or taking enforcement action in this matter.  Staff noted that in accordance with WAC 390-37-060(1)(b),a Formal Written Warning letter was sent to  FPIWA and the Family Policy Institute of Washington that their failure to include the party preference on any political advertisements, independent expenditures, or electioneering communications, or the failure to timely file Independent Expenditure/Electioneering Communications reports or political committee reports undertaken during future elections, could result in enforcement action before the Commission.  

Documents

Penalties

None