Dino Rossi, loser of the '04 Governor's race to our fantastic Chris Gregoire, gave a speech at the CPO's office at NAS Whidbey Island. Navy rules prohibit campaign events on their grounds, but apparently this can be looked the other way for Rossi.
Whidbey News Times:
Navy Public Affairs Office Kim Martin said it was determined after a May 20 event at the club hosted by North Puget Sound Association of Realtors that the appearance by the Republican gubernatorial candidate as guest speaker violated Navy policy.
"There is a restriction on holding political events on government property," she said.
Military policy and federal law prohibit the use of installations or facilities by any candidate for any activity that can be considered political in nature, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Jill Strait, a spokesperson for Rossi’s campaign, said Rossi gave his typical "stump campaign speech" but geared it more toward real estate and business interests. She said the association rented the club and invited Rossi to speak.
I was in discussion with this center about hosting an event for my campaign as well, but we chose to go elsewhere. While we weren't told of the violation, the local democrats club was for an event. If you're looking to lead a state that has some of the most important military bases in the nation, it's probably best to know all policy. This is more than just a mistake in knowing the rules, it's a violation of federal rule.
Updated: IvyTodd notes in the comments that this isn't the first time Rossi has violated the rules in this way.
The News Tribune:
Democrats are blasting Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi for accepting money raised at a Fircrest event this week, because the nonprofit group holding the event might have violated Internal Revenue Service restrictions.
Rossi spokeswoman Jill Strait said there was nothing wrong with accepting the $200 check from an event attendee, and that they have no plans to return it.
Christian Businessmen’s Connection, or CBMC, invited Rossi to be the guest speaker at a luncheon Wednesday. On an audio recording of the event obtained by The News Tribune, CBMC president Dwight Mason can be heard praying for Rossi’s campaign, then encouraging attendees to contribute to the campaign via envelopes on the tables.
Nonprofits are prohibited from involvement in political activity, including fundraising.