Party Switcher Will Refund Contributions

State Rep. Dave Mastin, who switched earlier this month from the Democratic to the Republican Party, says he will refund $3,150 in campaign money he received from a local Democratic council.

Mastin, who represents the 16th Legislative District, said any other contributors who want refunds need only ask.

“When I made the decision to join the Republican Party, I knew there would be individuals who would want their money back,” he said Wednesday.

Local Democrats have criticized Mastin for jumping parties. Lora Lee Pernick, chairwoman of the 16th Legislative Democratic Council, has suggested that the council require candidates to sign a pledge not to switch parties before it doles out campaign money.

Mastin was the second Democratic state legislator to switch parties this year. Rep. Tom Campbell of Spanaway also joined the Republicans.

Campbell said returning campaign contributions wasn’t an issue for him, because he had very few from Democrats.