Courts

Helena Judge tosses out ATP lawsuit

Posted: Dec 11, 2012 11:18 PM by MTN News

HELENA - A Helena judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the state by the controversial political group American Tradition Partnership.

Two years ago ATP sued the state, after the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices ordered the group to disclose its donors.

Then just a few months ago, Judge Jeffrey Sherlock ordered ATP to provide information about its donors and expenses as part of the court's discovery process.

But Sherlock says that information was not provided timely or in the manner ordered by the courts.

The judge says ATP continues to evade and outright refuses to answer discovery requests.

As a result, Sherlock not only tossed out the guts of the case, but now is also requiring ATP to pay the state's legal fees.

In response, ATP says it's disappointed with the judge's decision, but will honor it.

Topics: Billings, KTVQ, American Tradition Partnership, Judge Jeffrey Sherlock, Commissioner of Political Practices