Nonprofits file second complaint against independent pro-Dunleavy group

The Alaska Public Interest Research Group and the 907 Initiative, two politically active nonprofits, have filed another campaign complaint against A Stronger Alaska, a third-party group supporting the re-election of Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

According to state campaign filings, A Stronger Alaska is funded by the national Republican Governors Association. The complaint, filed Monday evening with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, alleges the RGA has spent much more than reported to the state, in violation of campaign finance laws.`

Monday’s complaint is the second filed by the two nonprofits against A Stronger Alaska. The first complaint, which will not be resolved until after the election, alleged that A Stronger Alaska illegally coordinated with the Dunleavy re-election campaign.

Under state law, third-party groups may not coordinate expenditures with a candidate or their campaign. On Monday, the Public Offices Commission ruled that there was insufficient evidence of ongoing coordination to warrant action before the election. An investigation into prior coordination is continuing.

In a Friday hearing on that first complaint, campaign finance expert Paula DeLaiarro testified that the RGA’s tax filings with the IRS failed to show a $3 million transfer to A Stronger Alaska. According to state campaign filings, that transfer should have taken place in 2021.

The RGA has not responded to an email from the Beacon seeking clarification on the discrepancy.

Monday’s complaint claims that if the transfer did not take place, the RGA would be spending on the election directly, and thus would be in violation of campaign disclosure requirements.

The complaint also alleges that the RGA is using “significant professional staff time” to run A Stronger Alaska without reporting that activity as an in-kind contribution.

The complainants have asked for a speedy hearing and action before the Nov. 8 general election.