Oregon Public Broadcasting

A conservative powerhouse in Washington State politics is in trouble with the campaign finance police.

The Building Industry Association of Washington is accused of concealing a fundraising effort to defeat Governor Chris Gregoire. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins explains.

The BIAW represents homebuilders across Washington. It’s a hard-hitting player on the political scene and a big backer of Republican Dino Rossi for Governor.

Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission now says it has evidence BIAW and one of its local affiliates committed multiple campaign finance violations.

Attorney Knoll Lowney filed the complaint. He says the homebuilders amassed more than a million dollars to defeat Gregoire and hid the money by not registering as a political committee.

Knoll Lowney: "$1.2 million is a significant amount of money. It can sway a statewide election. Especially one that’s really close."

Attorneys for the homebuilders maintain their clients did nothing wrong. They say liberal interests are trying to interfere with their right to political speech.

Now it’s up to Attorney General Rob McKenna to decide whether to take legal action against the groups.