Republican State Senate Candidate Alex Vispoli claims his GOP Primary rival, state Rep. Paul Adams, R-Andover, lied about campaign donations from family members and about fines imposed by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Vispoli, an Andover selectman, alleges Adams made false statements and refused to admit wrongdoing during a debate, Saturday morning on AM980 WCAP.

“I am deeply disappointed and disturbed that Adams would lie to the voters about the fact that he was fined $4,000 for campaign finance violations. Instead of apologizing for breaking the law, he denied it. It shows a total lack of respect for the people,” said Vispoli.

The fines handed down by the OCPF had to do with money given to Adams by his parents and brother during his run for state representative in 2010, funds totaling $39,000. Adams has long claimed that he believed transactions were gifts because they took place before he declared his candidacy. The OCPF disagreed and fined his brother $2,000, his parents $1,000 and Adams himself, $1,000.

Adams did not immediately return e-mails seeking a comment on Vispoli's allegations, but in a letter to constituents in January, 2012, Adams said he respected the decision of the OCPF and wanted to move on but claimed any violation of the law was unintentional.

"While reasonable minds can and did differ on how to interpret the facts and the law involved (and we and OCPF did have contrasting perspectives on events), I am pleased that we were able to resolve our differences at the most benign level and to fashion a “Disposition Agreement” that enabled us to make a nominal civil payment, allowing both sides, in the interests of practicality and economy, to move on," Adams wrote.

Vispoli says Adams has failed to take responsibility for his actions and has called on his opponent to issue a public apology.

“There is no dispute. Adams was fined. We need someone who will fight to restore integrity to the State House. (Saturday) my opponent proved once again he is not that person,” said Vispoli. “He should apologize for cheating during the last election and lying to voters (Saturday) morning.”

The winner of the GOP primary in September will take on Democratic incumbent State Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover.