Senate rejects Williams' nomination to regents

HELENA — The Montana Senate has rejected former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams' nomination to the state Board of Regents.

Williams' nomination failed amid criticism that he went too far when he said the University of Montana had recruited thugs on its football team.

The Senate vote of 26-24 on Thursday was mostly along party lines, with Republicans largely opposing one of the most well-known Democrats in the state.

State senators said they had received thousands of e-mails, both in opposition and support of Williams.

But opponents pointed out that even Williams' former staffer and ex-University of Mon...