Research finding · Research date 2026-09-15
Current FEC-bulk data indicate about $1.2M from Western Futures to Way Back in the 2025–26 period, above the May cutoff figure
Recorded status: FEC-BULK/PRIMARY PARTIAL: current grouped WFF→Way Back total about $1.2M; $125K 2025 receipt primary verified. Reciprocal $75K observation remains unresolved and must not be labeled a refund/reimbursement/circular transfer.
This is a dated research record. Its qualifications and open questions are part of the account. Association alone does not establish wrongdoing or control.
Current FEC-bulk aggregation for Way Back PAC through June 30, 2026 groups Western Futures Fund twice because of contributor-type coding: $1,075,000 across two records classified as committee receipts and $125,000 as one organization receipt, for approximately $1.2 million total under the same contributor name. A primary Way Back FEC filing independently verifies the $125,000 Western Futures receipt on April 29, 2025. Idaho Education News reported on May 18, 2026 that FEC records then showed $1.125 million from Western Futures, so the newer FEC-bulk snapshot appears to include an additional $75,000 beyond that earlier cutoff/processing snapshot. Separately, Way Back's Apr. 1–Jun. 3, 2026 disbursement aggregation reports a $75,000 payment in the reverse direction to Western Futures. The matching $75,000 difference and reverse-direction amount are noteworthy but are NOT proof that the two transactions offset, refunded, reimbursed, or recycled the same money. Dates, memo fields and economic purpose of the later WFF receipt and Way Back→WFF payment must be recovered before characterizing the relationship.
Source references
- WAY BACK PAC — Educated Opinions FEC-bulk aggregation — Top funders; data through 2026-06-30
- Way Back PAC July 2025 FEC filing — Schedule A Western Futures Fund receipt dated 04/29/2025
- Idaho Education News — Defend and Protect Idaho funding — May 18, 2026 funding discussion
- Capitol Hill Access — Way Back PAC Apr. 1–Jun. 3, 2026 payees — Other Disbursements