On Tuesday, September 3, approximately two hours before the filing deadline of 5pm, I was contacted by two individuals who provided information that Richard Lyman was recruited and paid by the Cox campaign to put his name on the ballot as a write-in for governor.

Richard Lyman joined the gubernatorial race that same afternoon with Carol Lyman as his running mate.

Richard told one of these individuals that the Cox campaign had contacted him and offered to pay him $1,000 and a steak dinner to file for governor.  Richard proceeded to explain that they had set up an account and were donating to him to run.

I was provided the  following text messages.

I am grateful for the courage and for the desire to let the truth be told. I hope that the voters see this for what it is — another in a series of deceptions and coverups by the Cox campaign to interfere with the will of the people. This filing, by not one but two Lymans, at the absolute last minute, for $1,000 and a steak dinner, is politics at its worst. We should be able to expect better.

For now, we remind our supporters to spread the word to write “Phil Lyman” when writing in, to ensure that their intent is clear.