Write a letter to the Helena Independent Record Write letters to the editor of the Helena Independent Record. More

Write a letter to the Missoulian Write letters to the editor of the Missoulian. More

Write a letter to the Billings Gazette Write letters to the editor of the Billings Gazette. More

Today the Montana Republican Party filed an action in district court to compel the Commissioner of Political Practices to enforce Montana's disclosure laws against Democrat Attorney General Steve Bullock. Bullock has been refusing to completely file required disclosure forms documenting the campaign contributions he takes in. The MT GOP previously filed a complaint about that refusal to obey the transparency requirements, but the Commissioner of Political Practices refused to prosecute it.

The Commissioner has made a campaign contribution to Bullock.

Will Deschamps, chair of the MT GOP, said, "Steve Bullock has been refusing to disclose what he's taking all this cash for. Montana ethics laws exist for a reason: so people can know who is being influenced, and what public office might be under that influence. If an ethics commissioner who donates to Bullock lets Bullock off the hook from obeying the law, the only victims are the citizens of Montana."

He added, "Montana Republicans want to see honesty, transparency, and openness in our political process. Whether you're powerful or not, whether the commissioner donates to you or not, the law still applies to you. Steve Bullock has been breaking the law and raising donations in an illegal way."

The enforcement action refers specifically to the Deschamps vs. Bullock decision issued by Commissioner of Political Practices Dave Gallik. Deschamps filed that complaint because the Administrative Rules of Montana -- specifically ARM 44.10.405. -- require that candidates for office must disclose the office they are seeking.

ARM 44.10.405 reads:
(1) A statement of organization required to be filed pursuant to 13-37-201 and 13-37-205, MCA, shall include, but not be limited to:

...

(f) The name, office sought, and party affiliation ...

Bullock's campaign refused to disclose the office sought, which represents a violation of that rule. The commissioner claimed that the legal definition of candidate allowed Bullock to choose not to comply with the rules. However, the enforcement action filed today that such a position makes Montana's campaign contribution limits meaningless.

"Even when you're the state's top law enforcement officer, you're not above the law," said Deschamps. "The people have a right to know. Politicians have a duty to be honest and open. Neither the right nor the duty has been acknowledged."