Elections committee recommends three nominees to Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board

The Senate Elections Committee heard an overview of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board from Executive Director Jeff Sigurdsson on Feb. 21, then received brief remarks from three nominees the governor has put forward for board seats.

Sigurdsson described the board’s statutory makeup (six members, partisan balance limits) and responsibilities, including advisory opinions, rulemaking, and oversight of investigations. He stressed the board’s workload and the need to restore bipartisan representation so the board can reach the four votes required to take action.

David Asp, the sitting board member who has served as chair, reviewed efforts to make compliance guidance accessible and described the board’s discretionary enforcement approach in cases of inadvertent noncompliance. King Banyan, a former state representative and academic, emphasized transparency and impartiality informed by legislative and research work. Chuck Spivak, an attorney and longtime fundraiser, said he would bring a focus on public confidence and clear rules.

After brief questions and comments, the committee moved to recommend the three nominees as a group. The chair called the question; members responded in voice and the chair declared the motion "adopted unanimously," recommending David Asp, King Banyan, and Chuck Spivak for confirmation to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.