WALLACE — Two alleged violations of Idaho campaign finance disclosure laws have been reported involving candidates in Shoshone County's upcoming election. 

The complaints involve Jay Huber, the Democratic candidate for Shoshone County commissioner in District 2, and Katie Murray, the Democratic candidate for Shoshone County assessor. 

A county review found one complaint valid and dismissed the other; the Idaho Secretary of State's Office later upheld that decision. 

The first complaint, filed Sept. 28, concerned Huber. 

According to the complaint, submitted by Pinehurst resident Thomas Gardner, Huber failed to include a financial disclaimer on a mailer promoting an upcoming campaign fundraising event. 

Upon review, the mailer was found to violate Idaho Code 67-6614A, which states: 

"Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating the election, approval or defeat of a candidate, measure or person standing for election to the position of precinct committeeman through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, direct mailing or any other type of general public political advertising, the person responsible for such communication shall be clearly indicated on such communication." 

Idaho law requires political advertisements to identify the person or organization responsible for the communication. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $250 for individuals and $2,500 for organizations, while knowing and willful violations may be prosecuted as misdemeanors. 

According to Shoshone County Elections Clerk Savanna Willer, Huber was notified of the violation and agreed to include a financial disclaimer on future mailings. 

"The county clerk has verbally discussed with the candidate of said violations and has decided not to pursue further action as the candidate did not willfully violate code and has agreed to adhere in the future," Willer said. 

Huber is running against Tami Atkins, a Republican, for the seat currently held by David Dose. 

The second complaint, filed Sept. 29, involved signs and handouts supporting Murray. 

Casey Whalen submitted the complaint, alleging Murray's campaign materials lacked a proper disclaimer. His primary concern was that the materials did not include the words "paid for by." 

However, all of Murray's campaign materials conclude with "Tyler Carrico, Treasurer (D)." According to Willer, that language satisfied the requirements of Idaho's disclosure law. 

Both complaints were forwarded to the Idaho Secretary of State's Office. In Murray's case, Willer found no violation, and Becca Kozlowski, an elections compliance specialist with the Secretary of State's office, upheld that decision. 

"As long as 'the person responsible for such communication' is 'clearly indicated,' disclosure statements are not required to have the explicit words 'paid for by' on their distributions," she said. "I would agree with your reading of code that, in this instance, listing her name and contact along with the name of the treasurer meets those requirements." 

Murray is running against Robert Savage, a Republican, for the seat currently held by Jerry White.