Tim Eyman ordered to disclose source of funds

SEATTLE — Anti-tax activist Tim Eyman has been hit with further sanctions after spending months in contempt of court for refusing to disclose information about his finances and his business in a campaign finance lawsuit against him.

The Seattle Times reports a Thurston County judge ruled Friday Eyman must disclose the source of nearly $800,000 in contributions he’s collected since 2012.

It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for Eyman in an investigation in which Attorney General Bob Ferguson claims that Eyman violated state campaign-finance laws and covertly used his initiative drives to enrich himself.

Eyman has twice been held in contempt of court for refusing to cooperate with court rules. He faces a potential lifetime ban on directing the finances of political committees.

Eyman has filed for bankruptcy, is representing himself in the case and argues in court filings that he’s been “proactive, diligent and motivated” in his efforts to get out of contempt.

Thurston County Superior Court Judge James Dixon ruled Friday that Eyman has “willfully and deliberately” violated rules and court orders and has “failed to take reasonable steps” to fix the situation.

Dixon found that Eyman’s actions “substantially and irreparably” harmed the attorney general’s office’s ability to prepare for trial.