Kansas City News Blog

A Kansas City political consultant accused of forgery has filed a defamation suit against a former employer.

On March 14, police picked up Michele Lahr at a candidate forum at the Uptown Theater. The cops wanted to talk to Lahr about a $3,500 check she deposited from Heartland Democrats of America, a Missouri political action committee. Founded by husband-and-wife lawyers Jason and Diana Kander in the wake of the 2004 election, Heartland Democrats advises candidates on ways to talk about “values” without sounding like Republicans.

Lahr went to work for Heartland Democrats in 2005. Her primary responsibility was raising money. The job lasted less than a year.

Last July, two months after her departure was announced in a press release, Lahr came into possession of a check from Heartland Democrats for $3,500. Lahr says the money was for “services performed.” The Kanders say Lahr forged Jason Kander’s signature on the check, which bounced. The Kanders contacted the bank, and a report was made to police. (Lahr has not been charged. The police say they’ve forwarded their investigation to the Jackson County prosecutor’s office.)

Lahr’s suit, filed on March 22, claims that Diana Kander undermined Lahr’s bid last December to become treasurer of the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus. Lahr and Kander both belong to the organization. Lahr accuses Kander of telling “lies” about her when Kander discussed the forgery allegation with fellow caucus members. In the counterclaim, Kander says she merely shared information “that would have direct bearing” on Lahr’s qualifications for the office.

The two sides continued to battle in the recent city election. Diana Kander worked for 4th District council candidate Doug Gamble, while Lahr worked for Beth Gottstein, the eventual winner.

Lahr’s suit accuses the Kanders of defamation; the Kanders make the same claim against Lahr in their answer. The Kanders’ counterclaim notes that Lahr has experienced financial difficulties. The court ordered a garnishment of Lahr’s wages at about the time that she attempted to cash the $3,500 check. In 2004, Lahr and her husband filed for bankruptcy.

The Kanders’ counterclaim also includes handwriting samples that purport to show that Lahr made out the $3,500 check.

Diana and Jason Kander, who's now running for the Missouri House, declined to comment. Lahr referred me to her attorney, Michael Gunter, who says Lahr never had access to the checks while she worked at Heartland Democrats.

Lahr’s history of money problems, Gunter adds, does not bear on the forgery allegation. “Owing people money doesn’t make you a criminal,” he says. – David Martin