A complaint filed against Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas for illegal electioneering in office has been closed by the Public Disclosure Commission with a reminder not to use his office for electioneering or solicit campaign contributions from his employees.
On March 20, 2018, Candy Drollinger, the Felony Paralegal for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, filed a complaint with Washington Public Disclosure Commission charging Haas with several acts of electioneering in office and pressuring one of his attorneys to support and contribute to his campaign for re-election.
To read Drollinger’s complaint in full, click here.
To read Haas’ response to the complaint, click here.
Haas denied Drollinger’s allegations that he pressured his Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Julian St. Marie, to support him because “his opponent will fire her.” He denied pressuring St. Marie to attend campaign functions, put his campaign sign in her yard, and wear one of his pins.
Drollinger subsequently asked that the complaint be withdrawn because she had not consulted St. Marie before filing it. The PDC also denied a request from St. Marie to withdraw the complaint.
The PDC interviewed St. Marie. She told them that Haas’ statements about losing her job if he lost reelection “were general statements about the reality of working for an elected official.”
Following the St. Marie interview, Haas filed his response denying that he had pressured St. Marie to support him. He did admit that he had “jokingly” handed her a campaign button.
On May 22, 2018, PDC staff re-interviewed St. Marie. This time she told them: “she is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with comments about what could happen if Mr. Haas is not re-elected. She also indicated that Mr. Haas inadvertently solicited the Deputy Prosecutors for contributions to his campaign, but then realized his mistake and withdrew his request. “
The PDC’s investigation is set out in its June 5, 2018, letter to Drollinger notifying her of their action upon her complaint. You can read it by clicking here.
The PDC noted that Haas had not received previous warnings or previously been found in violation of campaign laws.
The PDC determined that, “there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of a material violation warranting further investigation. However, staff will remind Mr. Haas of the prohibition against using public facilities to assist his campaign, and the prohibition against soliciting his employees for campaign contributions.”
Jim Scarantino
Jim Scarantino was the editor and founder of Port Townsend Free Press. He is happy in his new role as just a contributor writing on topics of concern to him. He spent the first 25 years of his professional life as a trial attorney, then launched an online investigative news website that broke several national stories. He is also the author of three crime novels. He resides in Jefferson County. See our “About” page for more information.
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