The Attorney General of Washington State has filed suit against the
Washington Education Association (WEA) regarding the misuse of dues paid
by teachers for political contributions, "loans" and expenditures.
This is unprecedented. No state's AG has ever sued a state affiliate of
the National Education Association (NEA). Hopefully, this is just the beginning
of some really bad news for the nation's left-wing, elitist, monolithic
education lobby.
The suit alleges seven areas of concern, among them, a WEA lobbyist "forgot"
to record a contribution of $220,000.00 dollars. This is significant, as
state law requires TRIPLE DAMAGES, should WEA be found guilty.
Bob Williams of Evergreen Freedom Foundation estimates that the suit makes
WEA liable for approximately $900,000.00 dollars. Mike Siegel, state-wide
conservative radio talk show host estimates that total cost to the WEA
could be 3.3 Million dollars. Bob Williams originally filed the complaint
with the Public Disclosure Commission which prompted an investigation.
The PDC can only fine for minimal amounts, and after realization of the
serious nature of WEA illegal campaign contributions, recommended action
by the AG. In the meantime, a "community outreach" set up by
the WEA has also been determined to be a Political Action Committee, and
contributions from teachers have therefore also been taken illegally by
the WEA. This situation has not been halted at this point.
Realizing it was in trouble for its blatant, illegal support of liberal
candidates and causes, the WEA donated $550.00 each to Republican leaders
in the Washington State Legislature --- after the election, on December
2! A rather pathetic attempt to cover its tracks, in my opinion.
It is significant to note that only after pressure was brought to bear
by conservative radio listeners did any substantial investigation take
place. Liberals have referred to conservative radio shows as "hate
radio." I think such programs should be called "freedom radio."
The legal action against the WEA is sure to send shock waves throughout
the state, and the power of this enormous, leftist lobbying organization
is certain to be impaired.
It is also likely that more teachers, who have in the past been too intimidated
to speak out about the inappropriate political efforts of their union,
will be publicly voicing their disapproval of WEA activities.
For any who wish to look, there is an informative Internet website regarding
lawsuits against the WEA - it's called the "WEA Challenger Network"
- at:
http://www.schoolreport.com/weacn/
Also, to read Bob William's letter to the Public Disclosure Commission,
check out the Washington for Traditional Values website reference under
"UNIONS" on the bottom of the page at:
http://www.e-z.net/wtv/views.htm
It should be great fun to watch the dominant media culture reporting
on the troubles of their elitist blood brothers in the Washington Education
Association.
Those interested in seeing justice done should contact the AG's office
and demand that WEA be held liable for full triple damages for violations
of campaign law. A spokesman for the office has just announced that the
AG has not decided whether to go after the full penalty.
Bob Williams and EFF deserve our gratitude and congratulations for their
unrelenting efforts in this matter.
Warmest Regards,
Bob Larimer
WTV