In the weeks leading up to last month's election in Utah, a small number of Democratic lawmakers faced a barrage of anti-transgender ads. A political action committee (PAC) was behind these ads, yet it had disclosed very little information about its organizers and funding to the public. Now, complaints regarding alleged state campaign finance law violations by this PAC have been forwarded to the attorney general's office for investigation.

Campaign Finance Requirements and Penalties

Utah's election code mandates specific filings for PACs. These include details such as the name, address, telephone number, title, and occupation of each individual or entity represented by the PAC. Failing to provide accurate information can lead to serious consequences, with a person who gives false or misleading material information in a statement of organization facing a felony charge. Additionally, if a PAC's contributions or expenditures total $750 or more, it must file a "verified financial statement" that includes information about donors, contribution amounts, and nonmonetary contributions. The committee's treasurer or chief financial officer is required to certify the accuracy of the financial report.

Preserving Utah Values PAC's Actions

During the election, this PAC attacked Utah's only openly LGBTQ+ lawmaker and more than a dozen other Democratic legislative candidates with mailers and texts claiming they "voted against Utah's girls" and "let men use girls' restrooms and locker rooms." Remarkably, in a pre-general election report, the PAC stated that it had raised $0 and spent $0. However, it was later revealed that the PAC's ads were largely funded by House Speaker Mike Schultz. His $120,000 donation is the only contribution the entity has disclosed so far. When asked about his role with the PAC, Schultz through a spokesperson offered a statement emphasizing the need to defend Utah values.

The PAC's Officers and Their Reputations

The only officers listed for the Preserving Utah Values PAC, which is said to be based in Wisconsin, are Thomas Datwyler and Timothy Datwyler. These individuals are renowned treasurers for Republican candidates and campaign committees that support GOP causes. Thomas Datwyler, in particular, has a history. He serves as the treasurer for recently reelected Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles' campaign, which is currently under FBI investigation for fraud. He is also the treasurer for a shadowy PAC that raised legal questions in an Arizona congressional race this year. In July, the Conservative Nevada Leadership PAC accused him of wire fraud.

Related Investigations and Audits

While the attorney general's office is investigating the Preserving Utah Values PAC, legislative auditors are preparing a report on the attorney general's office's "oversight and effectiveness." This audit stems from questions about Reyes' decision-making, travel policies, and efficiency in the wake of accusations against his longtime associate Tim Ballard. The results of this audit are expected to be released in January. Interestingly, during Utahns' various elections on different levels, including for House Speaker Schultz's replacement, Reyes did not make any political contributions this year.