By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-989227.mp3
Montpelier, VT – The RGA argued that its ads criticizing Peter Shumlin and praising Brian Dubie were independent expenditures not connected to Dubie's campaign for governor. But Washington Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford disagreed. In his ruling he says the ads could serve no likely purpose except to influence the election's outcome. Vermont Assistant Attorney General Megan Shafritz argued the case on behalf of the state.
Shafritz notes that the RGA claimed they ran issue ads that were not supporting a candidate.
University of Vermont Professor of Political Science Tony Gierzynski.
An official with the Vermont Republican party told WAMC that they were not involved with the advertising and it would be inappropriate to comment on the case. They referred calls to the National Republican Governor's Association, which did not return calls in time for this broadcast.