Another extension granted by Ruth in lawsuit against Plummer

Defendants Jason Plummer and Plummer For Congress have been granted another motion for extension of time to file an answer to a lawsuit alleging Plummer failed to pay the plaintiff more than $50,000 for work during his Congressional campaign last year.

“Counsel for the parties have been engaged in some pre-filing discourse which has not been resolved due to certain unavailabilities,” the motion states. “As a result, defendant makes this request in order to ensure adequate time to deal with these matters. No party will be unfairly prejudiced.”

Plummer filed his third motion for an extension of time on Oct. 11, through attorneys Michael D. Schag of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen in Edwardsville, requesting 14 additional days to prepare a responsive pleading and counterclaim. Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth granted the motion on Oct. 15.

The first motion for extension of time was filed on Sept. 12 and granted by Ruth on Sept. 17. The second motion for extension of time was filed on Sept. 27 and granted on Sept. 30.

According to the complaint filed June 17, Franny Decker, doing business as Decker Consulting Services in Washington, D.C., claims she began managing fundraising activities for political action committees for Plummer. In return, she says Plummer promised to pay her a monthly retainer, plus a commission on all PAC funds his campaign received.

“Plaintiff was an effective fundraiser for defendants and greatly exceeded the stated financial goal to be raised from PACs,” the suit states.

Decker alleges Plummer did not reimburse her for her work.

Democrat William Enyart of Belleville defeated Plummer, Republican, in the 12^th Congressional race in 2012 by a nine-point margin.

Kent Gray of Springfield represents Decker.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 13-L-1018