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PDC denies request to redact donor address from campaign records
Summary
The commission denied Rockne Rudolph’s request to redact his residence from public disclosure for contributions to the Joseph Cohen 2021 campaign, finding the statutory standard for exemption was not met and advising legislative avenues for broader privacy reform.
At its Jan. 22 meeting the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission denied Rockne Rudolph’s request to redact his residence from public records connected to his 2021 contribution to the Joseph Cohen campaign.
What the request sought: Rockne Rudolph asked the PDC to exempt the residential address that appears on publicly posted contribution records, citing concerns after an unsettling contact from online scammers and saying he wanted to reduce the ease with which personal information could be found via an internet search.
Staff and legal framework: Chair Jay Leach and staff reminded the commission that the state’s public‑disclosure statutes — which the commission is bound to construe liberally in favor of disclosure — create a strong presumption that campaign contributions and related information remain public. Jennifer Hansen, presenting for staff, noted the narrow statutory standard under which an exemption may be granted (the statute and related WAC provisions require a showing that disclosure would present a personal risk to a reasonable person and otherwise satisfy the redaction criteria). Staff also confirmed the campaign’s consent to the requested modification had been provided to the PDC.
Commission action and rationale: Commissioners questioned whether the facts presented satisfied the statutory threshold to treat Rudolph differently from other donors. Commissioners noted the remedy for broader privacy concerns lies with the state legislature and suggested Rudolph contact his legislators if he sought systemic change. Based on the evidence and the applicable law, a motion to deny Rudolph’s request was made, seconded, and carried.
Representative quotes - Jay Leach, PDC chair: the public’s right to know about campaign financing “far outweighs” arguments for secrecy under the statute; he suggested legislative change as the appropriate avenue for broad reform. - Rockne Rudolph (testimony): described “an unsettling encounter with some online scammers” that prompted concern about his residence being “easily searchable online.”
Next steps: The denial was entered on the record. The chair encouraged Rudolph to consult his legislator if he wishes to pursue statutory change to address broader privacy concerns.
