Oregon State Senator David Brock Smith has been reported to have received campaign contributions from Thomas Tuttle, a resident of California who is now allegedly living in Gold Beach, Oregon.

Records indicate that since 2016, Tuttle has made significant donations to Senator Smith's political action committee, Friends of David Brock Smith. These contributions total approximately $150,000, which includes donations both from Tuttle in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and posthumously in 2018 from his deceased wife. Tuttle's donations have been consistent annually, including in non-election years.

Concern has been raised regarding Tuttle's voter registration status. Allegations suggest that Tuttle may have been registered as a voter in both San Francisco, California, with the Democratic Party, and in Curry County, Oregon, with the Independent Party. Questions have been raised about the legality of this dual registration and participation in elections of both states.

Tuttle is the co-founder of Newport Asia, an investment management firm that invests in Asia, including China and India. He has conducted numerous investment seminars on investing in Asia and is frequently quoted in business publications and news programs.

It is crucial to note that, according to the Oregon Secretary of State, it is not against Oregon law to vote in different state primaries that do not occur on the same date. The matter in question pertains to the possible simultaneous participation in the November 6, 2018, general election for both states. However, the statute of limitations for investigating this has expired, and thus, no official investigation will be pursued.

The Oregon Secretary of State's office clarified that, while specific allegations have been made, the statute of limitations impedes any new investigation into the 2018 general election voting matter. Additionally, Oregon election law does not preclude candidates from accepting financial contributions from out-of-state residents.

Upon follow-up, the Curry County Clerk confirmed that Tuttle is currently eligible to be registered to vote in Curry County. Tuttle's voter registration status in California has been terminated accordingly.

In light of the collected information, Senator David Brock Smith faces inquiries regarding his knowledge of his campaign contributor's actions and his decision to accept the contributions under the circumstances presented. Senator Smith, recognized for his advocacy for fair elections, has not publicly addressed the queries on this matter.

The recount of the allegations and available responses in this article were intended professionally and objectively to emphasize the importance of factual accuracy and due process. It is equally important to acknowledge that allegations remain unproven until due legal process determines otherwise.

Response from the Oregon Secretary of State:

January 22, 2024
Re: Elections Division Case No. 23-471

This is to acknowledge receipt of your investigation request. You alleged that Thomas Tuttle violated ORS 260.715 by voting in both Oregon and California in multiple elections and financially contributing to an Oregon candidate.

ORS 260.715(4) prohibits voting more than once at the same election, in Oregon and in another state and states: …a person may not vote or attempt to vote in an election held in this state and in another state on the same date.

The information you submitted indicates Mr. Tuttle may have voted in both states for the November 6, 2018, general election, however, the statute of limitations has lapsed, and we are unable to open an investigation into this matter. Further, the other elections Mr. Tuttle appears to have voted in did not fall on the same date.

If you have evidence that Mr. Tuttle does not meet the qualifications to be registered to vote in Oregon, you may contact the county clerk to initiate a challenge under ORS 254.415.

Lastly, even if Mr. Tuttle is a resident of another state, Oregon election law does not prohibit a candidate from receiving contributions from out of state residents.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Darcy
Compliance Specialist
Oregon Secretary of State | Elections Division

Response from the Curry County Clerk:

Shelley Denney
Monday, April 8, 2024 11:15 AM
Subject: RE: Case # 23-471 Closing Declination Taylor 01222024

Good morning,

It appears that Thomas Tuttle is no longer a registered voter in the State of California and is therefore is eligible to be registered in Curry County. I can discuss his voting in both states with the SOS however based on the email below I am not certain they will do anything since the statue of limitations is up for them to investigate.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Shelley Denney, C.C.C.
Curry County Clerk

About the Author: Rob Taylor has been an activist for over 30 years and was the Winner of the 2024 Don Mcintire Award for Excellence in Grassroots Political Activism. His podcast can be found on Rumble and YouTube at the Rob Taylor Report.


--Rob Taylor

Post Date: 2024-04-26 10:16:29

Last Update: 2024-04-26 12:02:01