Campaign 2012

Court hears GOP complaint against Steve Bullock

Posted: Jul 20, 2012 4:44 AM by Marnee Banks - MTN News
Updated: Jul 20, 2012 4:44 AM

The Montana Republican Party says the state's campaign regulator made a mistake when it allowed Democratic candidate Steve Bullock to raise campaign money without declaring which office he was seeking.

Thursday, the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices defended its decision in District Court saying Montana law allows candidates to campaign without knowing which office they seek.

Staff from the Commissioner's Office testified this is a common practice.

However, the Montana Republican Party argues the Commissioner can not accurately regulate a candidate's campaign finance reports without knowing which office they are running for.

In Montana donation limits differ for each race. In the case of Bullock's campaign the Commissioner didn't know whether he was running for Attorney General or Governor.

If District Judge Wayne Phillips determines the Commissioner made an error the Bullock campaign could face financial penalties and even face disqualification from the race for Governor.