“Dark money” – money backing election candidates and campaigns from unidentified donors – has become a big problem, said the Jefferson County Commission October 9.
Unlike the Ravalli County Commission, which asked Montana Attorney General Tim Fox to investigate dark money backing environmental groups, Jefferson County officials decided to ask for an investigation of all dark money groups operating in Montana.
The decision came after public comment that altered the commission’s position.
Commissioner Leonard Wortman presented a draft letter backing the Ravalli County position and made a motion to send the letter to Fox. Fellow Commissioner Bob Mullen seconded the motion “for discussion only” and then asked whether the effort was intended to influence the vote on Initiative 185, the ballot measure over mining and water quality.
Boulder resident Dee Anna said dark money is a bi-partisan issue and asked the commission to balance its approach to all dark money.
Wortman agreed that both sides in elections have used dark money, citing an attack ad in a previous House race.
“It’s not just environmental groups that are doing it,” said County Attorney Steve Haddon.
Wortman said he has no argument with people stating their opinions, but it should not be done anonymously.
Basin resident Rhandi Rachlis urged the commission to support an investigation into all groups using dark money campaigns.
Anna said there are large amounts of dark money on both sides, adding that she would like to know the amounts.
Monitor editor Jan Anderson referred the commission to an investigative article in the Monitor that found dark money at the roots of the Ravalli County request.
Following discussion, the commission altered its letter to include all dark money, not just dark money going to environmental groups.
