The Grocery Manufacturers Association was ordered to pay $18 million, the largest campaign finance penalty in US history. 

Anne Levinson, chair of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, which enforces our state’s campaign expenditure and disclosure laws, praised the decision: “The Court’s ruling is a major victory for the integrity of elections in our state. The PDC and the Attorney General will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action whenever there is an attempt to conceal campaign donors.”

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) was created and empowered by Initiative of the People to ensure compliance with and equitable enforcement of Washington's disclosure and campaign finance laws. PDC Executive Director Evelyn Fielding Lopez added, “If you are going to engage in politics in Washington, you need to play by Washington’s rules”

Judge Anne Levinson (ret.) of Seattle and Judge John Bridges (ret.) of Malaga were elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission, effective July 1.  The Chair is chosen annually by fellow commissioners, and presides over commission meetings and enforcement matters.

“As Chair, I want to ensure the PDC continually works to provide timelier and more robust public access to campaign finance information, resolve complaints more quickly, and strengthen enforcement,” stated Levinson.       

The Public Disclosure Commission has appointed Tacoma attorney Evelyn Fielding Lopez to the position of Executive Director, effective October 1, 2015.

A former assistant attorney general, Lopez served in various management roles in the Attorney General’s Office, most recently as the Chief of the AGO’s Labor & Industries Division from 2005 to 2014.

“Ms. Lopez brings to the Commission an ideal mix of proven strategic and visionary leadership, a history of collaboration, and integrity,” stated Katrina Asay, Commission chair.

Andrea McNamara Doyle, Executive Director of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, has announced her resignation, effective May 31, 2015. 

 “I would like to thank Andrea for her excellent leadership,” said Grant Degginger, Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission.  “Under her management, the Commission has continued to fulfill its mission with fewer resources while at the same time developing an innovative plan to improve customer service through strategic investments in new technology.  She has inspired innovation throughout the agency.”

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission today added lobbying data to its online searchable database. 

Lobbyist disclosure was enacted through the passage of I-276 in 1972.  Paid lobbyists register with the Public Disclosure Commission before lobbying state government and file monthly reports disclosing their compensation, entertainment expenses, campaign contributions given, and other lobbying-related expenditures.  State and local public agencies disclose their lobbying-related expenses on quarterly reports.

The new feature gives the better access to private sector and public agency lobbying data, including the ability to perform custom searches.  Enhanced features include: