State seeks to fine group behind campaign lawsuit

State seeks to fine group behind campaign lawsuit

MATT GOURAS, Associated Press

HELENA — The commissioner of political practices is asking a judge to penalize a group that was behind the effort to undo Montana's ban on corporate political money as part of an ongoing dispute over campaign finance law.

Western Tradition Partnership first filed a lawsuit early last year to undo Montana's century-old restriction on corporate political spending.

The organization was later accused by the commissioner of political practices of failing to report expenditures. Western Tradition Partnership subsequently filed a lawsuit arguing it does not have to file disclosures on spending like political committees are required to do.

The state says in a new counterclaim that WTP violated disclosure laws on several occasions and should face stiff fines.

HELENA — The commissioner of political practices is asking a judge to penalize a group that was behind the effort to undo Montana's ban on corporate political money as part of an ongoing dispute over campaign finance law.

Western Tradition Partnership first filed a lawsuit early last year to undo Montana's century-old restriction on corporate political spending.

The organization was later accused by the commissioner of political practices of failing to report expenditures. Western Tradition Partnership subsequently filed a lawsuit arguing it does not have to file disclosures on spending like political committees are required to do.

The state says in a new counterclaim that WTP violated disclosure laws on several occasions and should face stiff fines.