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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho GOP charges against Balukoff, Democratic Party fizzle

BOISE – Charges flew – then fizzled – over the weekend as the Idaho Republican Party claimed that the Idaho Democratic Party and Democratic candidate for governor A.J. Balukoff were doing something “shady” that involved passing money back and forth that might violate campaign finance laws.

The Democrats responded that Balukoff had contracted out his campaign payroll services to the state party, and it was all reported, legal and on the up-and-up.

On Monday morning, the Idaho secretary of state’s office reviewed the matter and found no violation, instead concluding it’s just “that time of year.” The state GOP says it won’t pursue any complaint.

Dean Ferguson, executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party, said, “I’m guessing they feel a little silly about it.”

Balukoff, a CPA and millionaire Boise businessman, is challenging Idaho GOP Gov. Butch Otter as he seeks a third term. The race also includes Libertarian candidate John Bujak, Constitution Party candidate Steve Pankey, and two independent candidates, Jill Humble and “Pro-Life,” who legally changed his name from Marvin Richardson.

Late Friday night, the Idaho Republican Party sent out a press release headed, “Are A.J. Balukoff and the Idaho Democrat Party violating campaign finance law with their payroll practices?” It charged that “Balukoff isn’t paying his staff,” and instead campaign staffers are being paid by the party while Balukoff donates funds to the party to cover the costs.

Jason Risch, attorney for the Idaho GOP, termed this an “abnormal shuffling of funds.” Tim Hurst, chief deputy Idaho secretary of state, said Monday morning, “We talked to the Democratic Party. The way it’s working is Mr. Balukoff’s campaign actually prepays for the services. So he’s always ahead. There’s no violation of limits.”