MIAMI (AP) – Opponents of an amendment that would define marriage in the Florida Constitution said they sent a complaint to the state Oct. 22 saying supporters have hidden campaign donations and are improperly running television ads ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

The opponents, Florida Red & Blue, are asking the Florida Elections Commission to investigate the actions of Amendment 2 sponsor Florida4Marriage.org, its chair, and a group that donated large amounts to the campaign.

Opponents say Florida4Marriage.org has avoided disclosing donations, incorrectly informed voters of the source of funding for advertising and filed false or inaccurate campaign reports. The group is also asking for investigations by state attorneys in three counties where supporters’ ads are running.

The state chairman of the group backing the amendment, John Stemberger, says everything the Amendment 2 campaign has done is “perfectly legal” and that their opponents’ claim is “frivolous,” a “distraction” and an attempt to avoid talking about the topic of the amendment.

“They’re desperate,” Stemberger said.

Though Florida already has state laws defining marriage and therefore banning same-sex marriage, the amendment the groups are split over would put similar language in the state’s constitution.

The complaint comes a day after supporters, which also go by Yes2Marriage.org, began running their first ad in the state.

At issue is part of an e-mail request Stemberger made to supporters to back Amendment 2 by donating to a nonprofit lobbying group he created, Florida Family Action. Because the group is not a political action committee its donors do not have to be disclosed. Stemberger wrote the preferred organization to donate to was Florida Family Action rather than Florida4Marriage.org.

Stemberger said having donors contribute to the lobbying group is proper and understandable – especially considering past backlash against donors like Amway Corp. founder Richard DeVos, a major donor.

“Some people want to remain anonymous. It’s because of the intimidation of our opponents,” Stemberger said.

Opponents, however, say any group soliciting donations of $500 or more for a candidate or issue has to register as a political action committee and disclose its donors. Since 2005, Florida Family Action has donated approximately $775,000 to Florida4Marriage.org, just over half of all the supporters’ spending. Florida Family Action’s Web site shows its support for Florida4Marriage.org as well as other issues.

Amendment 2 opponents also say it’s also illegal for Florida4Marriage.org to have its name listed at the end of the ad that was paid for by Florida Family Action. Stemberger said that too is proper.

“There are so many legal problems with what he has done; we’re just scratching the surface,” said Derek Newton, campaign manager for Florida Red and Blue’s “SayNo2” campaign opposing the amendment.

Newton wants Florida Family Action to disclose its donors and for television stations to pull their ads.

“We will ignore all of their so-called demands because they’re all improper and illegitimate, and we will get back on message as to why gay marriage is a bad idea for Florida,” Stemberger said.

The Florida Elections Commission, which enforces campaign finance laws in the state, has received more than 270 complaints in 2008. About 100 have been found to have legal merit and been further investigated. The commission does not discuss complaints when they are filed.