Gregoire's campaign returns $12,200 after complaint

Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire's campaign returned five contributions totaling $12,200 after the Washington State Republican Party filed a complaint about the donations.

The contributions from out-of-state political-action committees (PACs) didn't comply with a 1992 state law.

That law says out-of-state PACs that donate to Washington candidates must receive at least $10 from at least 10 Washington state voters within 180 days of the contribution.

"Our goal is 100 percent compliance, but because we're talking about different states, we are relying on them (the PACs) to follow their laws and be in compliance on their end," said Debra Carnes, Gregoire's spokeswoman.

Gregoire's re-election bid is being challenged by Republican Dino Rossi in Tuesday's election.

The state Republican Party filed the complaint with the state Public Disclosure Commission on Oct. 22. The complaint notes that the law forbids candidates from accepting donations that don't meet the 10-contributor requirement.

Carnes said assessing each PAC's compliance is complicated because the information is contained in records kept by other states.

Several of the PACs included in the complaint are re-election PACs established by officials in other states, including the governors of Pennsylvania, New York and Colorado.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com