Missouri GOP candidate accused in federal drug-framing plot against rival

Missouri state House candidate Thomas Christopher Ross is charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance after his former campaign manager wore a wire and exposed an alleged plan to plant cocaine and an Adderall pill on rival Louise Secker ahead of the August primary; prosecutors say the plot involved stashing drugs in Secker's belongings and was discussed from May to July, with the manager’s cooperation leading to Ross’s arrest and GOP officials urging him to withdraw before the Sept. 8 ballot deadline.