Several Montana industry groups and chambers of commerce are suing the state over a ballot initiative aimed at restricting dark money.
The lawsuit asks the Montana Supreme Court to block the initiative from advancing, arguing it's unconstitutionally vague. The suit also says the proposal would violate the right to free speech if it passes.
The initiative, called the Montana Plan, would prohibit entities that do business in Montana from contributing to candidates, political parties or ballot issues. Backers say it’s a loophole around the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which protects corporate political donations as free speech.
In a statement, the proposal’s backers say the lawsuit is an attempt to "silence a growing, citizen-led movement and protect the influence of large corporate interests."
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A congressional candidate reenters the race despite allegations of sexual misconduct. A legislative candidate faces sexual abuse allegations. A GOP "dark money" PAC uses AI to disparage other Republicans. A battle between the A.G. and a county attorney ends up at the state Supreme Court. -
In all but a handful of communities Tuesday, voters in western and central Montana soundly defeated their public schools’ requests to help pay for big expenses. -
State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy re-launched his bid for Congress. The Democrat from Box Elder had previously suspended his campaign after allegations of sexual abuse and harassment came to light last month. He cited poor health. -
MTPR is airing interviews with candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy spoke with Kyle Austin, who’s a Libertarian running for the U.S. Senate.
