Topeka ? A state senator running for Kansas secretary of state is accused of breaking campaign finance laws.

Democrat Chris Steineger of Kansas City, Kan., could be fined up to $15,000 if the state Governmental Ethics Commission concludes he violated state law.

A notice filed by the commission’s executive director alleges that Steineger improperly used his Senate campaign fund to finance polls last year for possible runs for governor and secretary of state.

The notice from the executive director, Carol Williams, also alleges that Steineger illegally solicited campaign contributions from lobbyists during this year’s legislative session.

The commission has scheduled a May 18 hearing on the allegations.

The Legislature is currently on a break. A call to Steineger’s home Thursday was not immediately returned.