Wichita ? A newly elected state representative and his supporters violated Kansas law by campaigning too close to polling places, a complaint filed by the Sedgwick County Republican Party alleges.

The complaint against Democrat Raj Goyle’s campaign was filed with Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, who forwarded the complaint to District Attorney Nola Foulston, and with Sheriff Gary Steed.

“We have observed an increase in this type of activity in recent elections, but reports to my office usually amount to mere allegations and are not accompanied by written statements or other evidence,” Thornburgh wrote in a letter to Foulston. “I urge you to review this matter and determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.”

Goyle and other Democrats deny the allegations of illegal electioneering during the Nov. 7 vote and say the complaint was retaliation for Goyle unseating three-term Rep. Bonnie Huy, R-Wichita.

“I and the people in my campaign know the law and follow the law at all times,” Goyle said.

The violations were alleged to have occurred at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. State law prohibits campaigning within 250 feet of a polling place on Election Day.

Among the allegations in the complaint were that Goyle talked to voters inside the polling place and that one of his supporters – wearing a T-shirt with the candidate’s name – welcomed voters at the door and later was seen inside the polling place.

The complaint alleges that other Goyle supporters wore campaign T-shirts and carried signs on church property, and that voters were intimidated by Democratic poll watchers.

Polling judge Susan Bannon, a Republican, said she saw no evidence of illegal campaigning by Goyle or his supporters.

Bannon also said Goyle came to the polling place three times that day but had proper credentials as a poll watcher.

“All he was doing was checking with his observers,” Bannon said. “I didn’t see him talk to any voters, and I was watching him.”