Dunning, Nicolas: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.405 for accepting over-limit contributions (JUNE '23; EY '23)

Case

#138994

Respondent

Nicolas Dunning

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

On June 21, 2023, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) received a complaint alleging that Nicolas Dunning, a 2023 first-time candidate for council member, position 3 in the City of Lacey, may have violated RCW 42.17A.405 for receiving over limit contributions for a candidate whose name only appeared in the general ballot.

Staff review found that Nicolas Dunning’s Campaign received and deposited overlimit contributions in violation of RCW 42.17A.405. Only two candidates filed to run for city council member, position 3 in the City of Lacey in 2023, so there was no primary election and Mr. Dunning’s name did not appear on the 2023 primary ballot. As such, Mr. Dunning was limited to one $1,000 contribution limit from any one source during the 2023 election year, which should have been attributed to the general only since there was no primary election in 2023.

Based on this determination, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), staff issued a formal written warning to Mr. Dunning for accepting an overlimit contributions in violation of RCW 42.17A.405. Mr. Dunning was informed that the Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws and rules.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

June 27, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.405