With signs that read “Keep your mud!” and “Say no to dirty politics,” nearly 100 people gathered Sunday to denounce tactics used to attack a city commission candidate.

The afternoon rally in front of city hall was organized by an ad-hoc group calling itself Citizens for Campaign Integrity. Speakers included all four candidates competing in the city commission race with incumbent David Schauner, who was the subject of a series of negative mailings last week.

“These attacks threaten to turn the tone of local politics from civility to personal attack, even character assassination,” said group spokesman Chuck Epp, a Kansas University public administration professor. “If personal attacks become common … good people will choose not to run. We will all suffer, and the fabric of our community in Lawrence will be torn.”

Mailings against Schauner included one postcard with an allegation he battered his ex-wife and another that said he failed to support schools.

Epp and others denounced what they called “shadowy” groups behind the mailings.

“Unless you would be willing to stand in the full sunshine in front of City Hall, identify yourself, and give your campaign message here, your message has no place in the Lawrence community,” Epp said.

Mike Capra, a Lawrence plumber and frequent critic of Schauner, has said he was behind the education-related mailing as an organizer of the group Teachers for a Better Lawrence.

Chuck Epp, spokesman for the Citizens for Campaign Integrity, speaks during a meeting about negative mailings attacking City Commissioner David Schauner. The Sunday afternoon meeting took place in front of City Hall. Behind Epp at center is City Commissioner Sue Hack.

Schauner attended the rally but didn’t speak.

“He’s the target of this, and he doesn’t, at this point, need to defend himself further,” Epp said.

Incumbent candidate Sue Hack said the tone among all candidates had always been civil, despite their disagreements.

“We all have what’s best for Lawrence in our hearts,” she said.

6News video: Group rallies to end negative campaigning Mysterious postcards target Schauner (04-01-05) 6News video: City Commission candidate targeted through postcards (03-31-05) Local and state issues More in Election 2005