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Daines Files FEC Complaint Alleging Dark Money Spending

Senator alleges mailers were sent to Montana voters without federally required information on who paid for them

By Associated Press

HELENA — The campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Daines filed a complaint with federal election officials on Tuesday over anonymous mailers attacking Daines that were sent to Montana voters.

The complaint filed to the Federal Election Commission alleges at least 500 of the mailers were sent to Montana voters last week without federally required information on who paid for them.

The complaint was filed against Westerleigh Press, a direct mail company headquartered in New Jersey. The Daines campaign alleged Westerleigh Press sent the two mail pieces to registered voters beginning last month.

A person who answered the phone at Westerleigh Press Tuesday said no one was immediately available to comment.

The mailers attack Daines’ record on legislation involving federal spending, accusing him of saddling Montana families with thousands of dollars in debt.

Daines campaign manager Shane Scanlon said in a statement that the mailers are “the definition of dark money” and said the FEC should investigate.

Daines is running against Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.

Bullock campaign spokesperson Sean Manning said the Democrat’s campaign had nothing to do with the mailing.