The Republican Governors Association is in trouble here in North Carolina for trying to run ads for Ballentine. State law prevents money from corporations from buying political ads within 60 days of an election. Since the RGA is not registered as a PAC in NC, the ads are illegal.
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Ad Sparks Another Debate Between State Elections Board, RGA
RALEIGH, N.C. -- According to the State Board of Elections, the Republican Governors Association bought more than $300,000 in TV time for a new commercial criticizing Gov. Mike Easley. The ad was supposed to start running Thursday, but the board ruled the ad should not hit the airwaves.
The board plans to discuss the potential that the Republican Governors Association may start running ads again in North Carolina.
The elections board last month fined the RGA nearly $200,000 after deciding the group ran an illegal television ad that clearly advocated for the election of gubernatorial candidate Patrick Ballantine.
The RGA also was told by the board to register as a political action committee, meaning it would have to abide by strict financing rules on campaign ads.
Democratic Governor Mike Easley's campaign alleged Wednesday that the group planned to spend nearly $500,000 for television ads in the state's three largest markets to help Ballantine starting Thursday.
Easley campaign manager Jay Reiff says the information came from the people that buy ads for Easley's campaign.
An RGA spokesman and the group's attorney didn't return phone calls seeking comment.