Thomas Ross is running for the Missouri House. He was charged on September 2 with conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Ross is accused of trying to plant cocaine and Adderall on a rival. The rival was Republican primary opponent Louise Secker.

Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder called on Ross to withdraw. Reports say Ross wanted his manager to plant the drugs.

The plan was to hide them in Secker's car or purse. Fox News said her purse but MSNBC said her car.

Court records do not show the drugs were actually planted. Ross's former campaign manager reported this to Joplin police on July 30.

He then wore a wire for the FBI. The FBI recorded a meeting at Ross's home on July 31.

Sources say Ross and the manager texted about the plan. This started as early as May 31.

Both ran in the primary for Missouri House District 161. Ross defeated Secker by about 32 votes on August 4.