State Rep. Kenneth Marshall (District 68-Bristol and Warren) responded to a complaint filed with the Rhode Island Board of Elections alleging he improperly used campaign funds by refuting all assertions. Rep. Marshall is facing a presumed challenger for his seat in Progressive candidate Laufton Ascencao, who declared his candidacy earlier this month.

Following is Rep. Marshall's statement, released Wednesday night:

“It is disappointing that my opponent and his supporters have chosen to start this campaign off with mudslinging. Rather than have a meaningful discussion about the issues that matter most to Bristol and Warren, they chose to rip a page from the extreme left playbook and attack with baseless claims. I have seen these bullying tactics deployed in districts all over the state and am sad that the dirty politics of the so-called Progressives have arrived in the East Bay. We have always run campaigns we are proud to put our names on here and I’m sorry that this year will be different.

“For the record, my opponent has failed to even file a fully complete notice of organization with the Board of Elections, the very first step one must take to legally run for office in this state. He also circumvented campaign finance laws by failing to file his candidacy before the end of the last filing deadline — even as he was raising money. He has sent out mailings that are in clear violation of state law.

“I have served my hometown and this district for nearly 21 years with honesty and integrity and I will not stand by as my reputation is damaged and my record of service is called into question. I will answer every allegation and I will work to expose the 'dark money' now flooding this district and financing my opponent’s campaign. Most importantly, I will continue to serve this district with the high standards that my constituents expect and deserve."