Missouri GOP candidate Thomas Ross charged with plotting to plant cocaine on the rival he beat by 33 votes

Political Guyentist · September 4, 20261 min read

Ross, 37, is charged with federal conspiracy to distribute drugs. His former campaign manager told the FBI that Ross asked him to plant cocaine and Adderall on primary opponent Louise Secker. State GOP chairman Peter Kinder wants Ross off the November ballot before the Sept. 8 withdrawal deadline.

Ross beat Secker by 33 votes in the August primary.
Ross's reported instruction to the campaign manager: "If you can pull it off ... pull it off."
Kinder: "The circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling."

What we’re less sure of2 of 7 claims

Medium
Ross's former campaign manager told the FBI that Ross asked him to plant the drugs on Secker.
Attributed in the story to the former campaign manager's statements to the FBI, as reported in the charging papers via CBS and other outlets; rests on one cooperating witness's account.
Medium
Ross reportedly instructed the campaign manager: "If you can pull it off ... pull it off."
Quote is flagged as 'reported' and traces to the campaign manager/charging document rather than a verified recording the desk reviewed.