Kunes faces campaign finances complaint

State reviews campaign contribution filings

EPHRATA — A complaint sent to the state Public Disclosure Commission against Grant County Clerk Kenneth Kunes is under review.

Phil Stutzman, director of compliance for the PDC, said today they are not currently investigating the complaint. Still, they may opt to open an official investigation before Tuesday's primary election, he said.

The PDC received the complaint from Quincy resident Brad Lanier, who is a member of the Grant County Republican Party. He's a computer consultant and manages an apartment complex, he said.

"Mr. Kunes has consistently falsified, filed late, and/or totally failed to file required 2006 PDC reports," Lanier wrote in his complaint.

Kunes did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Lanier said today he was concerned a sitting clerk had not filed accurate and complete PDC reports.

"If this is any kind of indication with the way he runs his office, we've got a problem," Lanier said. "In that position, as the sitting clerk, this man should have an attention to detail that would be beyond reproach. If I were him I'd be embarrassed."

Lanier first became interested in Kunes' PDC reporting after the incumbent clerk switched from the Democratic to Republican party.

The PDC is empowered to ensure compliance with disclosure provisions, contribution limits, campaign practices and other campaign finance laws. The commission provides timely and meaningful public access to information about financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and financial affairs of public officials and candidates, according to the agency's Web site at www.pdc.wa.gov.