IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — The city of Idaho Falls is investigating allegations that a city council candidate failed to disclose an in-kind campaign contribution from his father.

The Post Register reports Doyle Beck, the father of city council candidate Dan Beck, flew his helicopter with a sign saying "Dan Beck for City Council" onto the field of a high school football game. The helicopter was carrying the student body presidents of Skyline and Idaho Falls high schools.

Assistant City Attorney Michael Kirkham said a formal complaint has been received, and the office will conduct an investigation. One complaint was filed by George Morrison, a member of the Democratic Party, the Post Register reported .

"This sounds to me like a (Democratic) partisan complaint promoted by fake news in a nonpartisan race," Doyle Beck said. "How can there be a story in my donating a free flight to a school and exercising my right to free political speech?"

Dan Beck, who said he doesn't consider the sign a campaign contribution, said he is cooperating with the city attorney's office.

Dan Beck said he was aware his father planned to fly in with the sign on his helicopter, but he didn't direct his father to put it on the helicopter. Dan Beck compared it to giving out campaign signs to supporters, who can then put them on their lawns or cars without reporting any in-kind contribution.

"I got the signs from Dan," Doyle Beck said. "To me, it was just like a bumper sticker while I was donating my time to civic obligations."

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