Replace Mark Lindquist: Restore Integrity to the PCPAO: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.205, .235 for failure to register as a political committee and failure to disclose contributions or expenditures. (MAY 2018)

Case

#35439

Respondent

Carolyn Merrival

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on April 18, 2018. The complaint alleged that Replace Mark Lindquist may have violated RCW 42.17A.205 for failure to file a Political Committee Registration (C-1pc report) within two weeks of the expectation of contributions or expenditures in an election campaign; RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and 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 Campaign; and RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by John Dempsey and Carolyn Merrival; and the production of commercial advertiser records for the Facebook page Replace Mark Lindquist: Restore Integrity to the PCPAO, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to disclose sponsor identification on paid political advertising does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Carolyn Merrival will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to disclose sponsor identification on political advertising. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Carolyn Merrival timely, accurately, and completely discloses sponsorship information on any future political advertising. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or 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 Written Warning

Date Opened

May 16, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235

Documents

• 35439 Replace Mark Lindquist - Restore Integrity to the PCPAO Warning Letter.pdf
• 35439 Replace Mark Linquist - Restore Integrity to the PCPAO Complaint.pdf
• 35439 Replace Mark Linquist - Restore Integrity to the PCPAO Complaint Attachment.pdf
• 35439 Response from John Dempsey.pdf