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

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."