Absent Browning senator returns but acrimony lingers

HELENA — A state senator whose absence led to an uproar was back in attendance Saturday — but acrimony over a noisy showdown a day earlier promised to linger.

AP Photo/Kathryn Haake

Montana Senate Democrats stand in protest on Friday, in Helena. Republicans ignored Democratic attempts to stall votes until all members are present, allowing key GOP-backed legislation to clear a procedural deadline.

State Sen. Shannon Augare of Browning returned to the Senate early Saturday as the chamber resumed voting. He told reporters in a prepared statement that he went home to conduct tribal business, and t...