CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) – The Nevada Democratic Party has filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission against Republican congressional hopeful Danny Tarkanian.

The complaint filed Thursday questions Tarkanian’s legal standing to forgive a $250,000 loan he made to his failed 2010 U.S. Senate campaign after a judge signed a $17 million judgment against him.

Democrats allege the GOP nominee for Nevada’s 4th Congressional District lacked legal control over his personal funds after a federal judge signed the judgment against Tarkanian and members of his family stemming from a failed real estate deal.

Tarkanian spokesman Michael McAdams called the complaint is a “desperate” political ploy meant to distract voters.

Polls show a tight race between Tarkanian and Democratic candidate Steven Horsford.