Court rejects motion to dismiss two defendants in Eyman campaign finance case

A court Friday rejected a motion by two defendants in a $2.1 million campaign finance case involving Tim Eyman and for-profit signature gathering firm Citizen Solutions, asking the court to dismiss the case against them.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Thurston County Superior Court Judge James Dixon issued an oral ruling rejecting a motion to dismiss Citizen Solutions and its principal, William Agazarm.

“Mr. Eyman misled the public and contributors who thought they were donating to one initiative, but instead were supporting Mr. Eyman’s personal expenses and a completely different initiative,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. 

“That could not have happened without the participation of Mr. Agazarm and Citizen Solutions. Today’s decision is a victory for transparency, and allows the case to proceed toward trial with all responsible parties.”

Among other allegations, the lawsuit contends Agazarm and Citizen Solutions participated in a scheme to conceal campaign money the company received and then funneled to Eyman. Eyman then used the funds from Citizen Solutions to fund an unrelated initiative campaign, and for his personal living expenses, in violation of state campaign finance law.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Linda Dalton and Assistant Attorney General Jeff Sprung are handling the case.

The Attorney General’s Office enforces the state’s campaign finance disclosure law to ensure free, open and fair elections in Washington state.