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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

U.S. Army War College Revokes Senator Walsh's Graduate Status

The U.S. Army War College has revoked Senator Walsh's graduate status.

The New York Times reported in July that Walsh had plagiarized over 25 percent of his final paper needed to earn a master’s degree from the United States Army War College in 2007.

Shortly after that report, Walsh stated that the plagiarism was a mistake and that, at the time, he was suffering from symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the recent suicide of a colleague, though he stopped short of saying that the symptoms caused the him to plagiarize. Walsh dropped out of the Senate race in early August. 

His staffers tell us he's traveling in southwest Montana today and out of cell range. 

His office released this statement:

"Though I disagree with the findings made by the War College, I accept its decision with great humility and respect for the U.S. Military.  I apologize to all Montanans for the plagiarism in my 2007 paper, and I am prepared to live with its consequences.  I may not be a scholar but I am proud to have been a soldier who has served Montana and this great nation for 33 years in uniform. 

As Montanans choose their next U.S. Senator over the next few weeks, I will continue proudly serving this state through the end of this term. I look forward to fighting for veterans and their families.  I look forward to doing all we can for the small businesses that call our state home.  I will keep fighting for the freedom of choice and equal pay for women, and for access to our public lands."

We'll have more on this tonight at 5:30 on Montana Evening Edition.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
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