BOISE- The Idaho Republican party says it plans to file a federal complaint about a democrat who's running for governor.
The candidate is the head of a non-profit and republicans say he sent messages from that group's email to announce his bid.
According to republicans, Keith Allred used non-profit resources for political gain.
We asked to speak with Allred on camera, but he did not respond to our numerous requests.
The Common Interest- it's described on it's web site as non partisan and a non profit dedicated to promoting good government. Now, former director Keith Allred has set his sights higher on Idaho's top seat.
Jonathan Parker, who heads the Idaho Republican Party, says Allred's emails were forwarded to him. He says they came from Allred's Common Interest address and were sent to Common Interest members.
"He has unfortunately used the tools of a non profit to promote his campaign," Parker said.
The IRS has guidelines on how much a non profit can engage in political campaigns, and Parker says those rules were broken.
But Parker has not yet sent the complaint so it's too early to say if Allred broke any rules or what trouble he faces.
An spokeswoman says if IRS laws are broken, the Common Interest could lose it's tax exempt status.
“Anytime a tax-exempt entity is found not to be following the guidelines of its exempt status, that is a possibility," Karen Connelly of the Internal Revenue Service said.
A statement from a staffer at the Common Interest says Allred acted within the bounds of law.
It also says Allred resigned from his position at the Common Interest, and the group's operation is suspended until the elections are over.
What is not clear is when those decisions were made- before or after they learned of the Republicans allegations.
Parker says he'll file the complaint with the IRS Thursday. He learned of Allred's emails on Monday.
"Why are you waiting on that? KTVB asked. "I've just been extremely busy," Parker said
Allred's camp says he made it clear to members in the e-mails that the Common Interest does not endorse any candidates, including himself.
He is making official announcements for his candidacy Thursday in Twin Falls and Boise.
