Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare amended a recent campaign finance filing after an inquiry was made to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office regarding reported contributions from related business entities.

According to correspondence from the Kootenai County Elections Manager, the office contacted the candidate and “the violation has been remedied.”

The amendment followed a January 29, 2026 Timed Contribution Report filed with the Idaho Secretary of State.

The Contributions in Question

The original filing listed two $1,000 contributions:

• $1,000 from Trafficorp

• $1,000 from Land Kicker

Under Idaho Sunshine Law 67-6610A (Limitations on Contributions), two or more entities may be treated as a single entity if they:

• Share the majority of board members

• Share two or more officers

• Are owned or controlled by the same majority shareholder(s)

• Have a parent-subsidiary relationship

• Or have bylaws stating such affiliation

If entities qualify under those criteria, the allowable contribution limit applies collectively rather than individually.

Following the inquiry, Mattare amended the filing and reallocated the Land Kicker contribution to the “General Election” account.

Timing and Procedural Questions

The amendment raises procedural questions about how contributions are categorized prior to a primary election being decided. While reallocations are permitted through amended filings, campaign finance compliance requires careful timing and documentation.

Mattare is not new to Idaho campaign reporting. He previously served as campaign manager for Sheriff Bob Norris and is a current elected county commissioner, positions that involve familiarity with state election finance requirements.

Broader Political Context

Additional public reporting notes:

• Dan and Carrie Edwards reportedly contributed $10,000 to the KCSO FOP PAC in 2024.

• Austin Edwards, son of Sheriff Norris and former KCSO deputy, has been reported to work for Trafficorp.

• Mattare holds special deputy status under Sheriff Norris while serving as county commissioner.

These overlapping relationships have prompted some residents to call for closer scrutiny of campaign finance filings and cross-branch affiliations.

Why Campaign Reporting Matters

Campaign finance laws are designed to ensure transparency and prevent circumvention of contribution limits through affiliated entities.

In this case, the Elections Office confirmed corrective action was taken.

For voters in Kootenai County, the key issues now center on:

• Whether the original filing complied with Idaho law

• Whether the amendment fully resolved the reporting issue

• And how campaign finance oversight should function for current elected officials

Screenshots of the original and amended filings are included below for public review.