Bullock takes Hill to court over $500,000 donation

HELENA — Attorney General Steve Bullock is asking a court to force his opponent in the governor's race to return a $500,000 campaign donation.

Bullock argues the Montana Republican Party donation to Rick Hill is illegal.

Hill counters it was legal because it came when a federal judge had ruled the state's contribution limits unconstitutional. An appeals court reinstated the limits six days later.

The Republican Party also disclosed on Wednesday that it gave $32,000 to attorney general candidate Tim Fox.

A day later, the Montana Democratic Party acknowledged it gave $35,000 to its candidate for attorney general, Pam Bucy. Bucy said she refunded the donation on Tuesday when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the state's donation limits at least through the election.