Topeka ? A conservative group based in Washington, D.C. was under fire today after launching a mass mailing critical of lawmakers who supported tax increases for schools.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius criticized Americans for Prosperity at a pro-education rally, and lawmakers who were targeted by the literature were also incensed.

“This is a compilation of half-truths, misrepresentations and bald-faced lies,” Rep. Carl Krehbiel, R-Moundridge, said.

Even some business leaders cried foul.

Terry Dunn, chief executive officer of J.E. Dunn Construction Co., and chair of the governor’s business education partnership, issued a statement that said: “For out of state groups with narrow ideological agendas to meddle in this important debate with false and misleading claims is counterproductive.”

But in a news conference, Alan Cobb, a lobbyist representing Americans for Prosperity, defended the organization’s mailout and anti-tax statements.

“We stand by our numbers. We’re here to oppose any tax increase,” Cobb said.

Cobb was backed up by several Kansas business organizations and every day citizens, who said a tax increase will hurt the state’s economic recovery.

“I don’t see how a tax increase at this time will make the situation better,” said Christy Andruss of Shawnee.

Darryl Taylor, the owner of a hardware store in Paola, said if he could keep more of his tax money, “I’ll hire more people.”

Cobb said that although Americans for Prosperity is based in Washington, it has about 2,500 members in Kansas.

The charges and counter-chargers were made as lawmakers returned for the wrap-up session with education funding and other major issues unresolved.