Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices Chris Gallus dismissed a complaint on Wednesday alleging misuse of taxpayer funds by Governor Greg Gianforte. The complaint, lodged by Democratic candidates Ryan Busse and Raph Graybill, accused Gianforte of using state resources to promote his reelection campaign through postcards sent to Montana taxpayers.
The 12-page dismissal order by Commissioner Gallus asserted that the postcards, which reminded recipients to apply for a property tax rebate program, were within the bounds of Gianforte’s official duties and did not constitute improper campaign promotion. Gallus cited previous similar cases and emphasized that the postcards did not explicitly encourage support for Gianforte’s reelection bid.
Postcards, sent out by the Montana Department of Revenue and bearing Gianforte’s office logo, highlighted a property tax rebate signed into law by the governor. They urged recipients to apply for rebates of up to $675, with applications opening on August 15. Despite the use of official channels and governmental messaging, the Busse campaign argued that the communication served no legitimate public or governmental purpose.
Kaitlin Price, spokesperson for the governor’s office, responded to the dismissal, labeling the complaint as “desperate” and “hyper-partisan,” and criticized it for wasting taxpayer resources.
Additionally, the Busse campaign had raised concerns about whether the postcards were printed by a company linked to Jake Eaton, a Republican strategist and Gianforte’s campaign manager. The complaint alleged that such a connection would constitute a violation of Montana’s code regarding the use of public funds. However, Commissioner Gallus clarified that the postcards were actually printed by Alphagraphics of Helena, a company unrelated to Eaton.
Polls have shown constantly shown Busse trailing Gianforte by a wide margin. According to a June poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, Governor Gianforte commands a solid 54% of voter support, compared to 33% for Ryan Busse. Libertarian Kasier Leib received 5%. The remaining respondents either remain undecided or favor other candidates not specified in the poll.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
