Idaho AG settles with 2 charged in PAC investigation

BOISE – Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says his office has finalized a settlement with two Republican officials accused of hiding the source of campaign contributions to a highly scrutinized political action committee.

Wasden announced Friday he was dismissing the misdemeanor charges against former Bonneville GOP Chairman Doyle Beck and former congressional candidate M.C. “Chick” Heileson after both agreed to pay a $250 civil fine.

The settlement also includes Beck and Heileson requesting that the Integrity in Government PAC, based in northern Idaho, file an amended report with the Idaho secretary of state’s office. The report would show that Heileson’s $12,000 donation to the PAC in 2014 was made with a loan from Beck.

Wasden’s office has been investigating the Integrity in Government PAC since February after multiple questions were raised about the group’s contributions.

“It’s important for Idaho’s citizens to know the source of contributions in our state’s elections,” Wasden said in a statement. “I am pleased that the proper disclosure is now being made and I hope that all participants in our election system will fully understand and disclose in accordance with the Sunshine Law.”

Secretary of State Lawerence Denney, who received a contribution from the PAC while he ran for the seat in 2014, also said he was pleased with the settlement.

“The purpose of Idaho’s Sunshine Law and the goal of our office is disclosure. With the help of the Attorney General we have obtained that. I hope that this action will inspire ongoing compliance with Idaho’s campaign finance laws,” Denney said in a statement.