Article Summary –
Attorney General Austin Knudsen is under fire over allegations he violated campaign finance law, after a recording emerged in which he reportedly admits recruiting his primary challenger to raise more campaign funds. The Montana Democratic Party has filed two complaints against Knudsen, arguing that he and his primary opponent, Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson, have conducted a scheme to bypass donation limits. Montana law allows individual donations of $790 per election to an attorney general candidate, treating primary and general contests as separate elections, which potentially doubles the limit should a candidate have a primary election challenger.
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May 16, 2024
An audio leak suggests Attorney General Austin Knudsen manipulated the primaries for his own gain. The Daily Montanan details Knudsen encouraging a challenger to enter the race to boost his campaign funds.
Knudsen’s actions have led to complaints by the Montana Democratic Party, alleging violation of campaign finance law. They assert that Knudsen and his opponent, Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson, are exploiting a loophole in Montana campaign law.
State law allows a candidate to receive $790 per individual during each election. If there is a primary challenger, the candidate can get double – one for each election.
The Democrats claim Knudsen received donations over the statutory limit before Olson entered the race. Knudsen’s team assures they are fully compliant with the law.
Olson, who bears conservative legal ties, doesn’t appear to be running an active campaign.
Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices is investigating the complaints against both Knudsen and Olson.
The Charges Against OPI Candidate Sharyl Allen
Sharyl Allen, a candidate for state Superintendent, is facing obstruction charges. The Missoulian reports the charges are linked to an investigation into a teacher’s sexual misconduct at Harrison public school, where Allen is superintendent.
Allen has pleaded not guilty, claiming she was protecting students and parental rights. She remains on paid administrative leave.
Allen faces Susie Hedalen in the June 4 primary election for the state Superintendent.
On Background
Read more on the allegations against Knudsen and Allen in the Daily Montanan and Montana Public Radio respectively.
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