Dispelling some disinformation about BCRCC

I have to say that I totally agreed with the title of Ms. Judy Butler's letter of April 24, "Idaho voters want strong communities, truth" when I read it. Unfortunately, that title masked what was simply an attack on the Bonner County Republican Committee, filled with disinformation.  

Ms. Butler asserts that "dark money donors" are fueling the onslaught of campaign literature with which BCRCC "is filling our mailboxes".  Let me respectfully set the record straight.

As a BCRCC board member who has been privileged to serve for two terms, I am familiar with the finances of the organization.  I invite Ms. Butler to examine BCRCC's legally required financial reports to the Secretary of State's Office.  On them, she will find every donor to BCRCC listed with name, address, and amount. Nearly 100% of these funds are raised at one event, the always sold-out annual Lincoln Day Dinner, through ticket sales and donated auction items.

Secondly, BCRCC does not, and never has, “filled our mailboxes” with "costly flyers". Those are sent by candidates at their expense, to inform voters, and Idaho law requires that they state on their flyers who is paying for them.  On every one there is a sentence saying "Paid for by ...”.

To be clear, BCRCC’s only mailing to voters has been a small postcard with a recommended slate of conservative Republican candidates.

I hope this will dispel any misunderstanding Ms. Butler has of the origins and funding of campaign mailers.

MONIQUE HUTCHINGS

Cocolalla

BCRCC State Committeewoman

Southside Precinct committeewoman candidate