John Ahern's campaign released this form Wednesday after Bob Apple denied endorsing Ahern. Both Ahern and his campaign manager, Josh Kerns, said they witnessed Apple signing it last year at the county fair.

The top of the form is quite clear: "I endorse John Ahern for State Representative in the 6th District, position 2. By signing below, I give permission to Citizens for Ahern to use my name in campaign materials for the 2010 election. Your contact information will not be shared with anyone outside the campaign. Thank you for your support!"

The campaign blocked other names and Apple's contact information before releasing the document.

So far, Apple's opponents in the race are Spokane Indians Baseball Club President Andy Billig and social worker Louise Chadez.

In an interview this morning, Billig said Apple's endorsement is "surprising," but that he had no further comment about the issue.

Billig, who has raised about $23,000 in contributions so far, also responded to Apple's comments criticizing Billig's fund-raising. Apple described the field of candidates as “a big-money guy and two regular people.”

Billig responded that his total shows his "viability" as a candidate. He noted that he has more than 200 contributors and called his campaign "grassroots."

The top two candidates in the August primary will advance to November's election.