State Rep. Margaret Donnelly, D-Richmond Heights and a candidate for Missouri attorney general, issued a statement this morning that called on fellow Democratic candidates to “show the way by returning excess contributions.”

She’s referring to all those hopefuls — including one of her rivals, state Sen. Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville — who collected donations above the now-reinstated campaign donation limits, during the six months when there were no limits.

As all activists know, the Missouri Ethics Commission met Thursday and voted to require candidates with overlimit money to file for “hardship” hearings, if they want to keep the money. (Click here to read Matt Franck’s account on the mother ship.)

A quick background for those who need it: The Legislature and Gov. Matt Blunt repealed the limits as of Jan. 1. On July 19, the state Supreme Court put them back on.

The Missouri Ethics Commission has spent the subsequent months visibly uncomfortable over what to do about the millions of dollars in overlimit donations collected during those six months. The Supreme Court ordered the commission to make sure its decision kept a level playing field, which some interpreted as an indirect order to tell candidates to give it back.

Others, especially the Missouri Republican Party, disagree, saying candidates should be allowed to keep the money. The state GOP also has hinted it may sue.

Blunt’s Democratic nemesis, Attorney General Jay Nixon, has said he’ll return his $1.3 million in overlimit money if the governor returns his $4 million. (The state GOP has repeatedly jabbed Nixon on his call.)

Wrote Donnelly: “The voters spoke clearly and the Missouri Democratic Party overwhelmingly supported contribution limits. It is time for all candidates especially Democrats to return all contributions over the limits.”

“Democrats must lead the way and abide by voter imposed limits. I call on candidates to follow through on their promise and return their excess contributions.”