Susan Hutchison Calls for Swift PDC Investigation of Constantine Campaign for Illegal Coordination with Independent Expenditures

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9/24/2009

Susan Hutchison Calls for Swift PDC Investigation of Constantine Campaign for Illegal Coordination with Independent Expenditures

King County, WA—It has been brought to our attention that Dow Constantine and his campaign appear to have engaged in illegal coordination with an independent expenditure committee during the primary, and yesterday a formal complaint was filed against his campaign.  The PDC confirmed this morning it will begin a review early next week – a process that precedes a full investigation.    

The public was first made aware of possible campaign violations on August 5^th when the Seattle Times published an article about FAIRPAC which sponsored untrue attack phone calls against Susan Hutchison from its headquarters in Virginia.  The Times noted FAIRPAC is connected to the Constantine campaign – both employ the same veteran political consultant, Jason Bennett, as treasurer.  Mr. Bennett has subsequently claimed to provide only “ministerial” services, but Constantine listed Mr. Bennett as a member of his campaign team in a Seattle Fire Fighters Local 27 questionnaire and Mr. Bennett hosted a July 30^th fundraiser for Constantine which he advertised on his consulting firm’s Twitter account.  Additionally, Bennett’s firm, Argo Strategies, “specializes in treasury and compliance work.” 

Washington State campaign law plainly states it is illegal for candidates and their campaigns to coordinate with the efforts of independent expenditure committees.  The cozy relationship of special interests and politicians is a symptom of what’s wrong with King County government.  This corrupt activity is further evidence special interest groups will protect their favored status at the expense of King County taxpayers, and career politicians will ignore the law in order to ensure election.  Chairman Constantine has a deeply troubling association with this special interest attack group and Susan asks the Public Disclosure Commission to move quickly to fully investigate these campaign violations in order to hold those who may have broken the law accountable, end the practice of illegal coordination, and ensure complete fairness in the weeks ahead.

The full Seattle Times article can be read here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009599772_seiu05m.html