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PACMAN

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION GOES AFTER STEELMAN IN NEW SPOT

DEFENDS HULSHOF AGAINST "MISLEADING" ATTACKS

STEELMAN SUPPORTER FILES SUIT; ALLEGES CONSPIRACY

A pro-Kenny Hulshof political group has begun running an ad to refute so-called attacks by rival Sarah Steelman, but a Steelman supporter has filed a lawsuit to stop it from running on Springfield television stations.

Americans for a Better America, Inc. is responsible for the 30-second spot. According to paperwork filed with the federal government, Arthur Fillmore of Kansas City is responsible for the group. The group noticeably claimed an exemption from filing certain forms to report on contributions and expenditures "as a qualified state or local political organization."

Attorney Caleb Stegall filed a lawsuit in Jackson County Thursday "alleging violations of Missouri's campaign finance laws."

"Americans for a Better America, Inc., recently placed ad buys with multiple broadcast stations through John Thompson, who is believed to be in the employ of Kenny Hulshof for Governor, Inc. This purchase constitutes a contribution pursuant to Missouri Campaign Finance Law and Americans for a Better America, Inc. constitutes a continuing committee pursuant to the same law. Continuing committees are required by Missouri law to file a statement of organization within 20 days of formation. As of June 18, no statement of organization had been filed placing Americans for a Better America, Inc. in violation of Missouri law," said Stegall in a press release Thursday.

"The suit alleges that this front group was established as part of a conspiracy to evade Missouri’s campaign finance contribution limits and to avoid disclosure of political donors as required by Missouri law," he added.

Because of the late hour, I was unable to speak with either of the campaigns or any of the parties involved Thursday.

More later . . .

DEVELOPING . ..