April 20, 2017 •
New Commissioner of Political Practices Appointed
On Wednesday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock appointed Jeff Mangan, a former Democratic state legislator, to a six-year term as the next Commissioner of Political Practices. Mangan will replace outgoing Commissioner Jonathon Motl whose tenure was riddled by allegations of disproportionately […]
On Wednesday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock appointed Jeff Mangan, a former Democratic state legislator, to a six-year term as the next Commissioner of Political Practices.
Mangan will replace outgoing Commissioner Jonathon Motl whose tenure was riddled by allegations of disproportionately targeting and investigating Republican candidate campaign violations.
Mangan will be the fifth Commissioner appointed this decade and the first confirmed to a full six-year term. A confirmation vote by the Senate is expected on Thursday or Friday.
February 2, 2017 •
Montana Commissioner to Remain in Office Until Successor is Confirmed
The Montana Supreme Court ruled Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathon Motl’s term has expired, but he must remain in office until a replacement is found. A lawsuit was filed in December 2016 claiming Motl, who was appointed to the position […]
The Montana Supreme Court ruled Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathon Motl’s term has expired, but he must remain in office until a replacement is found. A lawsuit was filed in December 2016 claiming Motl, who was appointed to the position in 2013 by Gov. Steve Bullock, was entitled to a full six-year term ending in 2019.
The Court stated they did not want to interfere with Bullock’s appointment and later confirmation by the Senate. The order went on to say Motl must remain in office until the Senate confirms a successor.
State Republicans are pleased with the quick ruling, providing an opportunity to confirm a new commissioner during the current 2017 legislative session. Motl’s chief legal counsel, Jamie MacNaughton, and former Billings city commissioner Michael Larson have already submitted applications to be considered as Motl’s replacement.
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