A Kentucky judge has issued a restraining order to prohibit an independent political group from airing attack ads bashing Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.

Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate granted the
restraining order on Monday at the request of the Kentucky Democratic Party, citing "an illegal attempt" by Restoring America to influence the outcome of the general election.

The group has been running TV and radio ads attacking Beshear
and supporting his Republican challenger, state Senate President
David Williams.

Wingate said in his order that Restoring America has hidden the
identities of donors who have given $1.3 million to pay for the
ads.

Restoring America reported to the Kentucky Registry of Election
Finance last week that it had gotten its money from an affiliated
group called Restoring America Inc.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)