Democratic groups line up to rail against BIAW

A number of Democratic groups have condemned the Building Industry Association of Washington tactics in light of the Public Disclosure Commission ruling that they had acted illegally in soliciting and receiving contributions with political aims, while keeping the names of the donors a secret.

Since Monday's ruling, a number of Democratic groups have issued statements, all tying the BIAW to Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi, and often to President George W. Bush. See below for statements from the Washington State Democratic Party, the Democratic Governors Association, and local progressive group FUSE.

Washington State Democratic Party:

"Olympia's most powerful special interest lobbyists have shown they will do anything, say anything or spend anything to install Republican Dino Rossi in the governor's mansion this November - including funneling mounds of cash to illegally campaign for Rossi," said Washington State Democratic Party spokesperson Kelly Steele. "Like George Bush, Republican Dino Rossi's got a hit-job squad doing his dirty work with sleazy attack ads run by a right-wing front group. Unlike Bush, Rossi's operatives got caught red-handed for their illegal activities before the election, not after."

Democratic Governors Association:

"Republican Rossi's biggest backer not only subscribes to ultra-conservative, Bush-style policies but also engages in underhanded, illegal politics," Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Nathan Daschle said. "The PDC ruling is more bad news for Dino Rossi, whose campaign is already in desperation mode. It's curious that the man running as ‘Mr. Reform' is backed by an organization that violates the law and practices the worst kind of politics as usual.   We call on Dino Rossi to denounce the BIAW and their illegal tactics immediately."

Fuse:

"It's clear that these ultra-conservative developers will do anything to get Dino Rossi elected - including break the law," says Aaron Ostrom, Fuse Executive Director. "The PDC has concluded that their offensive attack ads are illegally funded."