Group challenges law requiring disclosure of campaign spending

October 20, 2011

HELENA, Montana: The American Tradition Partnership, formerly known as Western Tradition Partnership, is a conservative, pro-development group that is challenging Montana law that requires it to disclosure its donors and spending.

Assistant Attorney General Andrew Huff commented saying, “Voters have a right to know who is speaking in the run-up to the elections with regard to candidates and ballot issues.” Huff also recommended that District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock should reject American Tradition Partnership’s request to declare those laws unconstitutional. A state investigation showed that the ATP spent $200,000 on 2008 election material in Montana and had planned to spend more than $500,000 on the 2010 election.

The American Tradition Partnership’s attorney, Jim Brown, said ATP supporters are exercising their right to free speech and free association, and Montana laws requiring the disclosure of its donors and expenditures are unconstitutional. The Partnership has filed two other challenges. One attempts to remove Montana’s ban on corporate spending for or against candidates and the other challenges Montana’s campaign donation limits.

See also

• News: Montana judge rules on limiting campaign donations, February 10, 2012