Two Kentucky lobbyists allegedly donated to candidates for state office, in apparent violation of a rule against such donations.

The Kentucky Republican Party filed complaints with the Legislative Ethics Commission Friday against Democratic state Senate candidates Steve Newberry and Kathy Groob for accepting $250 each from a donor who is now a registered lobbyist.

Newberry, who is running for the open 9th District seat, and Groob, who is challenging GOP Sen. Jack Westwood in Northern Kentucky’s 23rd District, listed on their most recent campaign finance reports $250 contributions from Ron Geoghegan, who is a registered lobbyist with the firm of McCarthy Speaks Strategic Solutions in Frankfort.

Kentucky law forbids legislators or legislative candidates from accepting campaign donations from lobbyists.

UPDATE:  This post was updated with new information in July 2009.