The PDC also files complaints

Occasionally, members of the Public Disclosure Commission staff file complaints against candidates.

Here's one example from the PDC archives -

Memorandum

To: Philip E. Stutzman, Director of Compliance
From: Vicki Rippie, Executive Director
Date: October 27, 2006

Subject: Complaint Against Cherri Rose-Konschu Campaign

RCW 42.17.120 prohibits any contribution to be made, and any expenditure to be incurred, directly or indirectly, in a fictitious name, anonymously, or by one person through an agent, relative, or other person in such a manner as to conceal the identity of the source of the contribution or in any other manner so as to effect concealment.

Summary:

The Public Disclosure Commission is in receipt of information concerning possible campaign finance violations with regard to contributions received and reported by the 2006 Cheri-Rose Konschu campaign for Grays Harbor County Assessor. The information was received September 26, 2006, from H. Steward Menefee, Prosecuting Attorney for Grays Harbor County. The information indicates that the true source of two $1,000 contributions made to the Cheri Rose-Konschu campaign may have been concealed.

The Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney became aware of the possible campaign finance violations while reviewing the results of an investigation by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's office on a whistleblower complaint on a separate matter.

The information supplied by Mr. Menefee indicates that Claudie Kalles, Chief Deputy Assessor for Grays Harbor County and campaign manager for the Cherri-Rose Konschu campaign, and Ted May, an appraiser for the Grays Harbor County Assessor's office, may have been involved in concealing that Ted May made two $1,000 contributions to the Cherri Rose -Konschu campaign. The information indicates that Claudia Kalles and Ted May agreed to have the Cherri Rose -Konschu campaign list Ms. Kalles and Ken Kalles as contributing $1,000 each when the money was actually from Ted May.

A review of C-3 reports filed by Cherri Rose-Konschu campaign disclosed the following:

The Cherri Rose-Konschu campaign filed PDC form C-3 on July 17, 2006 disclosing that a $1,000 contribution has been received from Claudia Kalles on July 11, 2006.

The Cherri Rose-Konschu campaign filed a C-3 report on August 8, 2006 disclosing that a $1,000 contribution had been received from Ken Kalles on July 31, 2006.

Alleged Violations:

These facts indicate that the Cherri Rose-Konschu Campaign, including but not limited to its campaign manager, Claudia Kalles, and Ted May, a contributor to the campaign, may have violated RCW 42.17.120 by making and reporting campaign contributions in such a manner as to conceal the identity of the source of the contributions.

Based on this information, I am filing this complaint and directing staff to investigate whether individuals associated with the Cherri Rose-Konschu Campaign, including but not limited to its campaign manager, Claudia Kalles, and Ted May, a contributor to the campaign, violated chapter 42.17. RCW.