COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A liberal policy group says it has sent a complaint to the Federal Election Commission over television ads for Republican Mitt Romney that use images of miners from an eastern Ohio mine.
ProgressOhio's letter dated Monday alleges Romney's presidential campaign and Murray Energy Corp. violated campaign finance regulations.
ProgressOhio's director says he believes the miners were required to attend a Romney rally at a Beallsville mine, and that their attendance amounted to an illegal campaign contribution.
A statement from Murray on Tuesday called the allegations baseless and nonsensical.
Murray has said it closed the Century Mine for one shift during the Aug. 14 event to ensure the site's security. Workers weren't paid for that time. A message seeking comment was left with Romney's campaign.
The Associated Press