Former Senate Leader Jason Ellsworth Banned for Life Following Censure
In a decisive move, the Montana Senate voted 44 to 6 on Tuesday to censure former Senate leader Jason Ellsworth, banning him from the Senate floor for life amid a comprehensive ethics investigation. The censure was a culmination of numerous infractions, including a problematic government contract awarded to a friend and business partner.
Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray highlighted Ellsworth’s troubling history, referencing a 2009 Federal Trade Commission settlement and multiple infractions that predate his election in 2018. The allegations against him extend to incidents involving domestic abuse claims and fraudulent activities related to government contracts. The scandal erupted over a $170,100 contract awarded to Bryce Eggleston, wherein an investigation suggested Ellsworth attempted to circumvent bidding laws by splitting the work into two contracts.
Both Republican and Democratic leaders expressed relief over reaching a compromise, framing the decision as essential to uphold Senate ethics. Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers emphasized the importance of disclosure concerning conflicts of interest in public service. As part of the penalties, Ellsworth will lose access to legislative office space and will be barred from direct communication with executive branch officials.
Though Ellsworth was not present during the vote, he registered his opposition to the censure, suggesting the process lacked fairness. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Ellie Boldman, argued that the sanctions might be overly severe, hinting at a possible political underpinning to the censure connected to Ellsworth’s earlier defiance of party leadership.
The fallout continues, with an active investigation by the Department of Justice into allegations of official misconduct against Ellsworth. Meanwhile, the Senate Rules Committee is slated to evaluate recent actions by current Senate President Matt Regier concerning public fund usage for legal counsel, amid growing scrutiny of Senate governance.
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