An aide to Missouri GOP gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence sent reporters -- presumably by mistake -- a candidate briefing memo instead of a news release about a charity event Spence was to attend on Wednesday.

As a result the world get a small peek into the world of modern campaigning.

The Post-Dispatch reported that the briefing memo offered suggestions in case Spence was approached by reporters asking about his recent remark that he didn't know whether President Obama was a Muslim.

The suggested answer: "This is not an issue that I felt was pertinent to my candidacy for governor and expressed those sentiments. However, if the media insists that this is a critical issue that must be addressed, I will be clear: President Obama says he is a Christian, and I take him at his word."

Spence was advised to commend the GOP-controlled Legislature in Jefferson City ("There’s no doubt that legislators are making some tough decisions right now..") while making sure to knock incumbent Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat: "This would not be happening if Jay Nixon would have shown real leadership..."

If he got into trouble, he was to return promptly to his jobs plan.