(Photo by Steve Shadley - KJZZ)

Bob Stump of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

A Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group is suing the Arizona Attorney General and Corporation Commission in a long running fight over public records.

Checks and Balances has been after Corporation Commissioner Bob Stumps’ text messages for months. The group alleges that Stump was sending thousands of texts to representatives of Arizona Public Service, leaders of dark money groups and then corporation commission candidates Tom Forese and Doug Little prior to the 2014 primary election.

In July, the attorney general’s office seized Stump’s phone and has yet to release it or any messages.

“He was texting extensively with players that may have provided the funds to elect pro utility candidates and defeat pro solar candidates," said Scott Peterson, the director of Checks and Balances.

Peterson said because this was a work phone all of the texts should be public record.

In a statement, Stump called the suit another politically motivated effort by the solar industry to intimidate commissioners. A spokesperson for the commission said the agency rejects all claims that it is out of compliance with public records laws.