UPDATE: Bonneville GOP chairman responds to indictment
UPDATE: Bonneville County Republican Party chairman is responding to his indictment.
In a written statement, Beck said, “I am disappointed in the Attorney General’s decision to bring this case. However, I have great confidence in our justice system and I look forward to addressing this matter in court. I’mPositive that truth will prevail.”
Chairman for the Idaho Republican Party Steve Yates also issued a statement on the situation today.
“It is disappointing that the poor judgment and questionable actions of a few, engaging in activity independent of the party, would risk tarnishing the good will and progress made by the vast majority of hard working Republican volunteers,” says Yates.
“Criminal charges are a serious concern. The party advocates strict adherence to all election laws especially those designed to encourage transparency and accountability. We will vigorously respect and protect the constitutional rights of every Idahoan engaged in political activity, and affirm that citizens are innocent until proven guilty. If the charges turn out to be true, however, and there was intentional misconduct involved, the offenders should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
According to court documents, the Attorney General’s office alleges Heileson didn’t have enough money to make the full $12,000 donation to the PAC on May 7, 2014, so he “borrowed” half, or approximately $6,000 from Beck. Heilseson told investigators he re-paid the loan by working it off in trade. But, while Heileson claimed to have “logs” showing how he paid the money back, investigators said he has not produced any documentation.
Beck is chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. The committee’s by-laws state the committee can take no position in favor of any Republican candidate in a primary election. However, the PAC made expenditures in support of primary election candidates.
ORIGINAL STORY: Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has charged two Republicans involved in a highly-scrutinized political action committee for allegedly hiding the source of campaign contributions.
Bonneville GOP chairman Doyle Beck and former congressional candidate M.C. “Chick” Heileson were charged with a misdemeanor on Friday.
Wasden’s office has been investigating the Integrity in Government PAC, based in northern Idaho, since February after multiple questions were raised about the group’s contributions.
Concern focused particularly on Heileson’s 2014 donation of $12,000. Heileson filed a congressional financial disclosure report two years prior that stated his household income totaled less than $30,000 a year – the primary source coming from Social Security. Heileson, a tea party-affiliated candidate who unsuccessfully sought to oust U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in GOP primaries of 2010 and 2012, confirmed he made the donation to the secretary of state’s office in January.
Beck recently accused GOP leaders of creating a secret society to oust him of his position inside the party.
Neither Beck nor Heileson could be immediately reached late Monday night for comment.
