BOISE, Idaho — A real estate developer accused by a Caldwell mayoral candidate of involvement with an opponent in alleged bribery and campaign finance violations has filed a defamation lawsuit and is seeking a jury trial.

The lawsuit stems from a complaint Phillips wrote to the Idaho Attorney General's Office in August, alleging Gientke promised $165,000 to support City Councilman Brad Doty's mayoral campaign in exchange for city council approval of a $175,000 Urban Renewal Agency project.

The allegations come from an Aug. 18 Caldwell City Council meeting, where a resident claimed Gientke told others about the alleged campaign commitment. Phillips' complaint said the council approved Gientke's Urban Renewal Agency funding request in a 4-2 vote, despite concerns and the Caldwell Plannin

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