Block on Hill donation to remain through election

HELENA — A judge has issued an injunction that effectively prevents Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill from spending a disputed $500,000 donation before Tuesday's election.

District Judge Kathy Seeley's order issued Wednesday says Hill's campaign appears to be in violation of the state's campaign contribution limits by keeping the Montana Republican Party donation.

The order keeps in place a hold that has been in effect since last Thursday. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until there is a final judgment in the lawsuit filed by Hill's opponent, Democrat Steve Bullock.

Hill says the donation was legal because a federal judge ruled Oct. 3 the state's campaign contribution limits are unconstitutional.

An appeals court reinstated those limits, and Bullock argues Hill now must abide by them and stop spending the donation.