Friends,
What’s my Republican opponent trying to hide?
Washington campaign finance law requires every candidate to disclose whom they do business with so that the public can evaluate whether those relationships pose potential conflicts of interest.
Seems like something the public should have a right to know, right?
Apparently, my opponent doesn’t think so -- at least not as far as his own finances are concerned. He recently appeared before our state’s Public Disclosure Commission to request permission to shield the public from important information about his company’s business ties.
My opponent estimated that his family’s corporation does at least $12,000 worth of business with hundreds, and perhaps as many as “a thousand,” companies. He requested a special exemption so he wouldn’t have to provide their identities.
That’s not how it works. The Attorney General protects consumers by ensuring a fair and honest marketplace. Consequently, the public has a right to know his company’s business relationships. Fortunately, the PDC didn’t buy it. In fact, they rejected my opponent’s request 5-0.
So what’s he hiding?
To serve the people effectively, an Attorney General must be committed to the core values of independence and transparency.
As an advocate for open government, I’ve strengthened our state’s open government laws, and I’m now fighting to strengthen our ethics laws. I make my calendar and my email communications public. I refuse contributions from corporate special interests.
My Republican opponent may be wealthy, but that doesn’t make him above the law. I’m deeply troubled by the fact that my opponent is trying to keep the public in the dark about his business relationships.
The best disinfectant is always sunlight. We requested these documents and the lengthy list of companies that my opponent does business with. We are currently looking through the information and will update you as we learn more.
Bob
