Allegations of dark money, dirty politics surround Jackson County Prosecutor’s race
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A newly formed political action committee or PAC called Stop Gun Violence Now is being accused of truly ing one candidate -- John Gromowsky -- by creating materials ing a second candidate, Stephanie Burton. The third candidate in the race, Melesa Johnson, said it’s an attempt by the PAC to split the Black vote.
The PAC has spent more than $333,000. The vast bulk has gone to Gromowsky, who is currently in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Records show a lesser amount went to Stephanie Burton. Some money also went toward negative ads against Melesa Johnson.
Johnson wants Jackson County voters to be aware of what’s happening.
“This is big money,” said Johnson. “It’s big, dark money. And I think that the voters of Jackson County absolutely should have their antennas up.”
Former Jackson County Executive Kathrine Shields, Urban League President Gwen Grant, and Mayor Pro Temp Ryana Parks Shaw have all openly questioned the tactics.
“Suddenly, we have a source of dollars larger than what the candidate, Mr. Gromowsky, is spending out of his own campaign that is dumping over $300,000 of undisclosed money into this race,” said Shields. “Who is that? Who is doing that?”
Who’s behind the PAC
The Stop Gun Violence Now PAC was organized less than a month ago. Records filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission show it was formed on July 12. Kansas City attorney Kevin Regan is an officer. Lou Accurso is the treasurer.
The PAC has spent most of the money on television advertising and direct mail services.
It’s unclear where all of the money the PAC is spending on the race is coming from, but records show that Evergy has contributed $25,000. The only other contributor listed is Louis Accurso, the PAC’s treasurer. He reportedly donated $100. Evergy did not return our call asking for comment.
“I’ve been involved in political campaigns for over 30 years,” said Shields. “I have never seen a campaign that I was any way involved with or knew about where over $300,000 was [sent] through a committee without the source being disclosed.”
What do political experts say?
Matt Harris, a Political Science Professor at Park University and political analyst for KCTV5, said using a PAC to boost one candidate to help their preferred candidate isn’t uncommon, but the amount of money and the time of donations raises questions.
“Not necessarily saying it’s illegal, it’s just not the cleanest politics,” said Harris. “But I think that’s just kind of where we are in 2024 and within the bounds of the law, PACs can do these things.”
Greg Vonnahme, a Political Science Profession with UMKC says this tactic has been used before.
“If you think of like on a one to five scale of like dirty political tricks, this is maybe a two,” said Vonnahme. “It’s a hardball tactic. It’s not something you always necessarily see in local elections, but it’s not unusual.”
Both experts urge voters to do their own research to learn all about the candidates. They also said voters should know that some political advertising can be misleading.
“With any campaign ad for a voter always, always, always take with a grain of salt,” advises Vonnahme.
Candidate reaction
While Johnson has been very vocal about the ads, her opponents are not saying much of anything.
KCTV5 reached out to Gromowsky. He declined an on-camera interview, but told us by email, “My campaign is trying to earn the votes of all Jackson County voters by showing I am the most experienced and best-qualified person to be the next Jackson County Prosecutor. Conceding votes to any other candidate is not part of my campaign’s strategy.”
Stephanie Burton is saying even less. In fact, KCTV5 has been unable to connect with her despite calls, emails, and social media messages.
A lot of people are not commenting on this, including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and the current Jackson County Prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, who is not running for another term.
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