The pastor at Legacy Church is coming out swinging. We reported that the church handed out sample ballots with certain names highlighted. Some Parishioners told us it looked like the church was backing specific candidates, which non-profit organizations are not allowed to do. The pastor says, the church did nothing wrong.

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The pastor at Legacy Church came out swinging Sunday after several Action 7 News reports about highlighted sample ballots at the church.Some parishioners said the highlighted sample ballots made it seem like the church was backing specific candidates, which nonprofit organizations are not allowed to do.Legacy Church pastor Steve Smothermon told his congregation the church did nothing wrong.“Why is it the Church is the only one in America that cannot say anything?” Smothermon said.Smothermon spent a good chunk of time at Sunday’s services criticizing Action 7 News and the recent reports on Legacy Church.“They try to intimidate, and I'm not going to let Channel 7 or any of these yahoos suppress our ability as Americans to have a say in this nation,” Smothermon said.Action 7 News was the first to report that Legacy Church handed out sample ballots after last Sunday’s service with some names highlighted.Parishioners called Action 7 News concerned the bright yellow ink meant the church was endorsing those candidates. That’s a no-no for any nonprofit that wants to keep its tax-exempt status. 501 C-3s are allowed to back issues but not specific candidates.Smothermon told his congregation the church is in the clear.“I sought out expert advice from leading experts and the best attorneys,” he said. “The truth is we’ve done nothing wrong."According to a letter from the Liberty Counsel, an international litigation organization and self-proclaimed Christian ministry, “There are no constitutional or federal tax law issues presented by these sample ballots.”Smothermon also said the names were highlighted because those four candidates are members at Legacy Church.Action 7 News has been reaching out to Smothermon for comment since the first story aired. He has not returned any calls.MOBILE USERS: Tap here for video