Both candidates for governor say they have nothing to do with a mysterious automated phone call being made across the state today that purports to be an endorsement of Democrat Steve Beshear by the “homosexual lobby.”

The call does not identify who paid for the message, a potential violation of state election laws. It directs people to visit the web site of the Fairness Campaign, an advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered individuals.

Although the Fairness Campaign’s political action committee has endorsed Beshear, the group says it had nothing to do with the call.

“For the first time in 20 years the homosexual lobby proudly endorses a candidate for governor, Steve Beshear,” says the call. “Beshear is receiving major support from out-of-state gay activists.”

Anne Ferguson of Danville, who received the phone message, said it is clearly designed to discourage people from voting for Beshear.

“They shouldn’t be able to get away with something like this,” Furguson said. “This is the ugliest thing I’ve heard in an election probably in my lifetime.”

Darryl Weaver of Lexington called the message “a dirty trick.”

The message says Beshear is “publicly committed to same-gender relationships; employment of more homosexuals in state government, including teachers; and support for homosexual adoption of children.”

“If you believe these rights are fair, vote for Steve Beshear for governor,” says the ad.

Spokespeople for Beshear and Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher said they were not responsible for the call and do not know who is responsible.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: Here are the reactions from the different sides.

The Fairness Campaign, in Louisville, which runs the Web site referenced in the call: “It is not us. We are trying to find out who is making these calls and where they’re coming from. We think the calls are a sad attempt at this late moment to change the vote using a fear tactic,” said Darnell Johnson, organizational manager.

The Beshear campaign: “Obviously it’s panic time for the Fletcher camp,” said spokeswoman Vicki Glass. Beshear “welcomes the support of all Kentuckians,” but he has stated that — according to his religious beliefs — marriage is between a man and a woman, and he would not give special preferences to any group as governor.

The Fletcher campaign: “I don’t know who would be impersonating the Fairness Campaign,” said spokesman Jason Keller. “Obviously we wouldn’t support anybody misrepresenting themselves in a call.” Having said that, Keller added that the Fairness Campaign’s political action committee did endorse Beshear, and “certainly there’s a fair question to be asked there.”

- John Stamper and John Cheves