ATLANTA (AP) — A former state lawmaker says a New York City event billed as a fundraiser for Georgia's Democratic Party was unethical and illegal.

The event invited participants to join former President Jimmy Carter; his grandson Jason Carter and celebrities such as R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. The younger Carter, a Democrat, is challenging Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican.

In a July 17 ethics complaint, former state Sen. John Douglas said the March 23 fundraiser violated rules prohibiting Jason Carter from raising money while serving in the Georgia legislature. Douglas maintains the event was held purely to benefit the Carter candidacy, not the state Democratic party.

Carter campaign manager Matt McGrath said the complaint is without merit. He said the event took place after the legislative session concluded, and that it was legal.