Buckshnis responds to independent expenditures in Edmonds election

Published 3:45 pm Monday, October 31, 2011

I reported last week that outset organizations have spent more than $28,000 in support of Edmonds candidates, including $1,600 from the Affordable Housing Council, the political action committee of the Master Builders of King and Snohomish counties to support City Council challenger Bob Wilcox in his race against incumbent Diane Buckshnis.

Independent expenditures can’t be coordinated with the candidates and aren’t subject to contribution limits.

Here is a response from Buckshnis:

“It is clear that Mr. Wilcox has the overwhelming support of builders, developers, and those that support THEIR interests. But it’s sad when political action committees representing special interests outside of Edmonds try to influence our local elections. All told, the contributions from the Master Builders Association alone (including cash) represent over 10 percent of the total contributions to Mr. Wilcox’s campaign.

“I’m proud that over twice as many chose to donate to my campaign than Mr. Wilcox. But I’m especially proud that well over 93 percent of donors AND donations to my campaign are from Edmonds residents. Conversely, Mr. Wilcox has less than 70 percent donors and donations from Edmonds residents (excluding the $1,600 independent expenditure from the Master Builders Association).

“My record and the support I have received in this campaign reflect my commitment to the ENTIRE Edmonds community; NOT special or outside interests.”

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com