Jake Eaton Questionable Choice As GOP Treasurer

The Montana Democratic Party questioned Tuesday the appointment of a former Republican leader who was embroiled in a scandalous attempt to suppress voter turnout just two years ago to serve as the treasurer of its troubled campaign committee.

The GOP announced this morning it has appointed Jake Eaton, former executive director of the Montana Republican Party, to replace former campaign committee treasurer Gary MacLaren.

MacLaren resigned last week over the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee’s negative attacks on Democratic legislative candidates.

Two years ago, Eaton led a GOP effort to challenge the registration of nearly 6,000 voters in Democratic-leaning counties in Montana. U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy later called it “political chicanery.”

“To replace someone who took an honorable stand against dirty campaign tactics with a guy like Eaton who attempted to suppress voter turnout is a questionable choice,” said Martin Kidston, spokesman for the Montana Democratic Party. “In the very least, it speaks toward the lack of integrity within today’s Montana Republican Party.”

Eaton is also a member of 47 North Communications with Dustin Frost.

The organization, which Frost launched after being injured in last summer’s Flathead Lake boating accident with Denny Rehberg, has taken an active role in running Livingston District Judge Nels Swandal campaign for the Montana Supreme Court.