The Columbian | Serving Clark County, Washington

State regulators say she’s run afoul of campaign finance law

Gov. Chris Gregoire has endorsed Olympia businessman and former state Rep. Denny Heck in his campaign for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, and run afoul of elections officials, the Associated Press reported.

“Denny Heck is a rare candidate for public office — one with a broad and deep background both in public service and, more recently, in the private sector, with a proven track record of growing businesses and creating jobs,” the governor said.

Following the endorsement, in a statement sent via Gregoire’s campaign e-mail Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that state regulators say the governor violated campaign finance law by raising money for a congressional candidate. The e-mail encouraged donations to Heck, and included links to the donation page on his Web site.

The AP reported that state regulators say such actions are not allowed under state law, which bans elected officials from most political fundraising for candidates during the legislative session. The regulators making the accusation were not identified in the AP report.

Gregoire’s campaign committee said there are obvious ambiguities in the state’s guidelines for political donations, the AP reported. And they say there was no intent to skirt state law.

Heck’s campaign didn’t immediately return messages from the AP seeking comment.

In the e-mail, Gregoire called Heck’s background “truly exceptional,” noting that prior to his work in the private sector, he spent five terms representing Clark County’s 17th District in the Washington legislature. He served as chief of staff to Gov. Booth Gardner, then ”turned his passion for open, transparent government into a reality as the co-founder and original CEO of TVW, our state’s award-winning public affairs network,” Gregoire said.

Heck, a Democrat who was born in Vancouver and attended Clark County schools, has spent the last decade investing in businesses, growing companies and creating real jobs around the Pacific Northwest, the governor said.

“We don’t need to tell you these are some of the most difficult times in decades,” she said. “Unemployment remains high a full two years after the onset of this recession, and families are still worried about keeping up with mortgages and the stability of their jobs. Washington state needs strong public servants and leaders who understand how to grow businesses and create jobs as we work towards economic recovery.”

Heck has invested $100,000 of his own money in his campaign and raised another $115,000 in the final eight days of 2009, giving him a substantial head start on fundraising in the highly competitive 3rd District contest.

Three Clark County legislators — Sen. Craig Pridemore and Rep. Deb Wallace, both Democrats, and Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Camas — also are candidates for the seat.

“We know and respect the other candidates in the race, and consider them fine public servants,” Gregoire said. “However, this is a unique time for our country and we believe Denny Heck is a candidate who can win in November and start fighting for southwest Washington in Congress on day one.”

Also signing Gregoire’s endorsement letter were Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, former Gov. Gardner, and former 3rd District Congressman Don Bonker.

Kathie Durbin: 36-735-4523 or kathie.durbin@columbian.com.

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