Democrat dark money group caught in illegal campaign activities

Democrats are at it again—engaging in another Moxie Media-esque scandal. In an effort to sway voters in the 35^th Legislative Districts, Democrats are using “illegal and deceptive campaign mailers and automated calls to conservative voters” via an unregistered political committee called “American Values First.” The unregistered PAC, tied to the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), is attacking Majority Coalition member state Senator Tim Sheldon.

The illegal mailers and automated calls inform conservative voters that they should vote for Sen. Sheldon “because of his support for Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act, financial aid for undocumented students and women’s health care.” Of course, the intention is to deter conservatives from voting at all —giving Sen. Sheldon’s left-wing opponent an edge because she certainly wouldn’t win on her record.

American Values First relies on exaggerated claims and simply false allegations — Sen. Sheldon actually voted against implementing Obamacare in Washington State (HB 2319, March 11, 2012). However, nothing beats the level of deception the illegal PAC is engaging in.

In some instances, the DLCC-funded attack effort has gone as far as both “attacking and praising Sen. Sheldon for his position on women’s healthcare.” One mailer, sent to conservative voters and paid for by American Values First, lauds Sen. Sheldon for his support of reproductive rights. Another mailer, sent to Democrat voters under the PAC name “Real Representation in the 35^th” (also funded by the DLCC), attacks Sen. Sheldon for not supporting reproductive rights.

American Values First—which has engaged in deceptive activity for more than two weeks—is in violation of multiple Washington State laws. The Port Orchard Independent reports that these laws include:

• Not registered as a political committee with the PDC. (RCW 42.17A.205)
• Failure to report source of funds. (RCW 42.17A.305)
• Failure to report electronically. (RCW 42.17A.305)
• Fails to list top 5 contributors on the mailers. (RCW 42.17A.320)
• Does not have a committee with 10 Washington state donors. (RCW 42.17A.442)
• Without an established committee, spending violates $5,000, 21-day rule. (RCW 42.17A.420)
• Failure to file C6 form for independent expenditures. (RCW 42.17A.255)
• Failure to file C6 form within 24 hours. (RCW 42.17A.305)
• When the electioneering communication or communications – Including radio or television transmissions, mailings, billboards, newspapers and/or periodicals. (WAC 390.18.060)

But, that’s not all. American Values First is also violating its tax status as a 501(c)(4). By law, 501(c)(4)’s are only permitted to “conduct a very small percentage of their activities on political campaigns.” By every indication, the illegal PAC is not meeting this criteria.

American Values First is not the only liberal political action committee currently violating state law. As SHIFT has reported, Working America—an AFL-CIO affiliate—has failed to register with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). Yet, the organization is actively campaigning in State Senate races on behalf of Democrats. Working America has engaged in their illegal campaign efforts since August.

The Port Orchard Independent points out that Organizing for American and Win-Win Action—members of the liberal attack network receiving funding from California billionaire Tom Steyer—have also “failed to report their activities to the PDC.” Both groups have campaigned on behalf of Democrats.

Evidently playing by the rules is not one of the American Values that these liberals put First.

You can check out the mailers here.