Phil Moffett's Campaign Warned By Kentucky Registry Of Election Finance Attorney. Not Good At All!

Election official issues warning to Phil Moffett camp
Written by Roger Alford

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Phil Moffett's campaign dismissed as "absurd" on Thursday a complaint that it may have coordinated with an out-of-state tea party group that is running at least one radio ad in Kentucky.

Kentucky Registry of Election Finance attorney Emily Dennis warned the Moffett campaign in a letter Thursday to "cease and desist" any discussions it may have had with Western Representation PAC.

"Not only did we do nothing wrong, it's absurd that state government is burning up precious resources to intimidate citizens exercising our God-given rights to challenge the establishment," Moffett campaign manager David Adams said. "I'd love to have a real fight over this on the merits or on the basis of our free speech rights. We won't be scared off by this nonsense."

In the letter, Dennis said the Moffett campaign could end up in violation of state law if it is cooperating with the political group.

Dennis said the registry had received a report alleging the Moffett campaign and the political group may be coordinating efforts. If so, Dennis warned, any money the group spends would be considered an in-kind contribution that could exceed the state's $1,000 campaign contribution limit.

The Nevada-based Western Representation PAC, chaired by former Alaska tea party Senate candidate Joe Miller, endorsed Moffett for governor in March. And Miller was in Kentucky last week campaigning for Moffett.

The group is running at least one radio ad in the state promoting Moffett's candidacy.

Miller said in a statement on March 30 that his group had launched an independent expenditure campaign to benefit Moffett. He said the group also would make a direct contribution to the Moffett campaign and activate volunteers in the state to work to get him elected.

The PAC's executive director, Bryan Shroyer, said in March that the group's independent expenditures would likely be in the $100,000 range.

Dennis said such a "pledge" made in concert or at the request or suggestion of a candidate would violate state law.

Registry of Election Finance Executive Director Sarah Jackson said she couldn't comment on the matter.