Billboard claims Sen. Schaaf said “Overdoses remove addicts from the gene pool.”

A billboard on Highway 63 South heading into Jefferson City reads, “Overdoses remove addicts from the gene pool. -Rob Schaaf”

“In this case, this billboard seems to be put up by people within the member’s party who are unhappy with what he’s been doing so it just shows how divisive everything has become that even within parties people are open to political attacks.” Political Science Professor Peverill Squire said.

He said this is a sign of dark money. “Clear evidence that dark money plays a significant and a visible role in Missouri politics,” Squire said.

The billboard says it is paid for by the Darlington Road Corporation, a domestic non-profit corporation registered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The non-profit is registered to Robert P. Spretnak, a Las Vegas lawyer. Spretnak is listed as the president, secretary, director and treasurer of the non-profit.

The billboard references a Salon article dated March 7, 2017.

Squire said poltiical messages like this aren’t slowing down any time soon.

“We are going to be inundated because I think we have at least one competitive race maybe more, so people should buckle up and get ready for what will be another rough political season,” Squire said.

Missouri Rep. Kevin Engler, a Republican, said “it was my bill” and Schaaf said that while debating him during a filibuster in 2012.

ABC 17 News has not found Schaaf directly stating this, however there is a recording from a Missouri news source in 2012 claiming it is Schaaf saying the billboard quote and Engler said he witnessed it.

Lamar Advertising owns this billboard and said it vetted the quote and found Schaaf said this in previous minutes.

“In this particular case, the statements were ran through our corporate office, through our governmental affairs department and the statement was vetted completely,” Tim Ketchum,Lamar general manger said. “We’re a neutral party so if someone wanted to say something then they have the freedom to do so.”

Schaaf publicly announced his disagreements with former Governor Eric Greitens on multiple occasions and tweeted in favor of his resignation.

Schaaf also tweeted in response to the billboards popping up across Missouri.

Old news clippings dated back to 1999 show Spretnak was connected to the Sands Corporation, whichis owned by Republican Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson.

ABC 17 News called and left a message at Spretnak’s office.