Ten Republican Representatives joined all 41 Democrats and gave preliminary approval to a bill aimed at shining light on so-called "dark money" campaign contributions Thursday.
During the two hour long House Floor debate there were moments of testy remarks among Republicans.
Basically Senate Bill 289 seeks to require candidates to provide more detailed campaign expenditure reports and do so more often.
Representative Frank Garner carried the bill on the House Floor.
Earlier this year, the group Americans For Prosperity targeted the freshman lawmaker from Kalispell because he refused to sign their pledge opposing Medicaid expansion. AFP sent out mailers and sponsored a meeting in Kalispell to try to pressure Garner.
He says it was then he understood the impacts of dark money.
"On a winter drive through the mountains of Montana I was given the gift of quiet contemplation," explained Garner. "That helped me realize how powerful dark money is and the role its trying to play in our elections and how they are trying to shape Montana."
According to a story in the Flathead Beacon newspaper, the crowd at that event turned on AFP and defended Garner.
"It has been since that moment that I have more clearly heard the cries of the people of Montana who are demanding that our elections be free and transparent," said Garner. "Now understand there are many good actors in our state that are engaged in the pursuit of truth. Organizations that promote free speech and are as transparent as they are committed. But it is unfortunately the bad actors that bring us here today and are eroding the public trust in our processes and institutions and seek to hide behind the curtain as they pull the levers and manipulate the outcomes."
Garner was just one of several Republican lawmakers who were targeted with mass mailings and town meetings. Others include: Representatives Rob Cook of Conrad, Christy Clark of Choteau, Tom Berry of Roundup, Jeff Welborn of Dillon, and Geraldine Custer of Forsyth.
These seven Republicans were joined by three-others in voting for Senate Bill 289.
Many of them also joined all the Democrats in defeating nearly all of the amendments Republicans attempted to put on the bill.
Just over an hour and 15 minutes into the debate over the amendments, Representative Mike Miller rose to speak.
"Members we all know how this is going to end," said Miller. "It's about 4:15 in the afternoon. Let's stop wasting time. We know how the self-described Republicans, Responsible Republican faction of our party is going to vote. Let's sit down, shut up and vote on the bill."
Despite the comment, additional amendments were offered and voted down.
The term "Responsible Republicans" is a reference to the 2013 session where a small group of Republicans broke away from their caucus and occasionally teamed with Democrats to pass legislation. Some are back in the 2015 session and again they are considered an important block on controversial legislation, like this over campaign money disclosure.
Then-Senator, now Representative Art Wittich of Bozeman has been critical of this group. Wittich is critical
of Democrats He says that side of the aisle is supported by those who impose mandatory dues.
"I don't want to crash this party of self-righteousness but that's what it is," said Wittich.
He says as far as lawmakers hurrying up and voting I think this body deserves to have a full discussion on this issue and other important issues such as protecting life, liberty and property, this includes the First Amendment.
"I have a feeling I know what will happen," said Wittich. "But this bill is all about increasing regulations and targeting a few by the governor and a few Republicans who fear being exposed by their electorate. The worm will turn. The worm will turn."
Even though he spoke for that amendment, it along with 14 others failed. Only one was added to the bill.
If Senate Bill 289 passes on its third and final vote it would return to the Senate because of the House amendment.