Montana Dems Dismiss Latest GOP Attack As Distraction From Real Issues

The Montana Democratic Party dismissed a Republican attack over a fundraising event held at the Governor’s residence as an attempt to distract voters just days before the General Election.

The Montana GOP suggested that a fundraising event held Monday evening for Democratic candidate Kendall Van Dyk was in violation of state ethics laws.

However, the executive residence is the governor’s home, and, by law, the governor is entitled to use the home for candidate receptions.

Gov. Marc Racicot, a Republican, also held candidate fundraisers at the residence, including a 1996 event for now-congressman Denny Rehberg.

“This is another example of Republicans trying to distract Montana voters from the real issues,” said Democratic Party spokesman Martin Kidston in response to the GOP’s latest release. “They’d rather not talk about Roy Brown’s relationship with major insurers, or their party’s lack of ideas. So with just 13 days before Election Day, they’ve resorted to silly accusations.”

By law (MCA 2-2-121 (3) (b) (ii)), the governor can use the home for candidate receptions -- a use described as “properly incidental to another activity required or authorized by law.”