Former Montana Senate leader Jason Ellsworth is facing allegations of criminal activity, with Democrats in the Senate successfully pushing for the matter to be handed over to the state Department of Justice. The allegations stem from Ellsworth awarding $170,100 in contracted work to a former business associate without competitive bidding, potentially violating state law. The move to suspend the Senate Ethics Committee investigation and involve the Attorney General came after a failed attempt by Republicans to strip Ellsworth of a committee assignment.
The vote to refer the matter to prosecutors at the DOJ was won by Democrats with support from a few Republicans, highlighting a rift within the GOP. Senate Republicans reacted angrily to the decision, with Senator Daniel Emrich announcing expulsion votes against Ellsworth and Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, accusing Flowers of referring to Ellsworth as his “golden goose.” The intense debate revealed deep divisions within the Senate, with Republicans expressing disappointment over the referral of the case to the attorney general.
The investigation into Ellsworth’s actions, including allegedly splitting contracts to avoid competitive bidding, could have significant implications for the former Senate leader and the balance of power within the Senate. Some Republicans suggested that referring the matter to prosecutors was a strategic move to prevent a resolution before the end of the legislative session. The case underscores the political tensions and power struggles within the Montana Senate, particularly between conservative and moderate members of the Republican Party.
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