JEFFERSON CITY • Top Missouri Republicans are calling for a federal probe into anonymous direct mail pieces seeking to influence voters heading into Tuesday’s pivotal race for U.S. Senate.
Treasurer Eric Schmitt said the mailers appear to be designed to help Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in her race against Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley for the seat that could determine which party controls the Senate.
Hawley also joined in on the call for a federal probe, ."Ìý
The mailers do not have required disclaimers that say who is paying for them.
“Missourians deserve to know where these mailers are coming from, and why they failed to use a federal disclaimer on the mailers. That’s why I’m calling for the FBI to investigate these dark money mailers,†Schmitt said.
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Todd Graves, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party also said an investigation should take place.
“I think it’s a trick on Republican voters to try to trick them into thinking there are more conservative candidates than Josh Hawley,†Graves said.
The ads, which began appearing in mailboxes this week, encourage voters to support the Libertarian or Independent candidates in the race by criticizing Hawley’s position on gun rights and other issues.
Hawley, who has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association, opposes a ban on assault weapons. But, he has said he backs improved background checks for gun purchases.
Independent candidate Craig O’Dear of Kansas City posted on Facebook Monday that the mailer was misleading.
“Anyone who is familiar with our campaign would know the flyer makes no sense — it criticizes Hawley for purportedly taking positions we actually support,†O’Dear wrote.
The Libertarian candidate is Japeth Campbell. Also running is Green Party candidate Jo Crain.
McCaskill’s campaign has denied any involvement in the ads.
Hawley and McCaskill are running a close race in which any votes that go the third party candidates could affect the outcome. On Thursday, President Trump campaigned for Hawley in Columbia and will be back in Missouri on Monday for a final rally of support.
Similar anonymous mailers have been reported in Montana’s Senate race and in Indiana, where they attack Republican Mike Braun and promote the candidacy of Libertarian Lucy Brenton.