State News Release

Public Disclosure Commission

Date: September 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lori Anderson, (360) 664-2737


Washington continues to lead nation in campaign finance disclosure

OLYMPIA - Washington State is ranked the best in the nation following a 2008 study of all states' campaign finance disclosure requirements and public access to campaign information.  This is the fifth consecutive time that Washington has been ranked first in the nation.

The Campaign Disclosure Project rated the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission's electronic filing program and accessibility of campaign finance data as the nation's best.  Washington's campaign disclosure law and on-line technical usability also received high marks, ranking third nationwide.

The state's campaign finance laws and program are administered by the Public Disclosure Commission, a five-member, bipartisan citizen commission that is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate.  Current members are Chair Ken Schellberg (Seabeck), Vice-Chair Jim Clements (Selah), Secretary Dave Seabrook (Battle Ground), and members Jane Noland (Seattle) and Bill Brumsickle (Centralia).  No member may serve more than one five-year term.

According to Chair Schellberg, "The Public Disclosure Commission exists because of the efforts of citizens who wanted a more open and transparent government.  Those citizens worked to create the state's campaign disclosure laws by passing Initiative 276 in 1972, and the Commission continues their work today."

"We are fortunate that the public and the state's elected officials continue to value the Commission's work by supporting law changes and budget requests submitted by the agency," he added.

"Without a doubt both the Commission members and staff are delighted and honored to receive this recognition from the Campaign Disclosure Project.  It is always gratifying when others judge your work as consistently top-notch.  Be assured, though, that we will not rest on our laurels.  There is still much to do and we will focus on doing it well," concluded Schellberg.

The Campaign Disclosure Project is conducted by the UCLA School of Law, the Center for Governmental Studies, and the California Voter Foundation and support by the PEW Charitable Trusts.

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has received top rankings in other surveys, including for disclosure of Personal Financial Affairs information by candidates and elected officials, for lobbyist information, and for ballot measure committees.