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October 9, 2025
The last two proposed ballot initiatives to maintain nonpartisan Montana judicial elections awaited review by Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who recently faced a lawsuit for modifying the language of a similar initiative. The review for these initiatives by Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts was due by Thursday evening, one of which mandates that future Montana courts also use nonpartisan elections.
Efforts to preserve nonpartisan elections come after multiple unsuccessful Republican attempts to impose party affiliation in judicial races. These efforts followed the Montana Supreme Court ruling several GOP bills unconstitutional recently. Though Knudsen hasn’t commented on these initiatives, he often criticizes “activist judges” when court decisions go against his department.
The initiative at the center of a current lawsuit, endorsed by Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges, was approved by Knudsen, though he altered the voter-facing language. Constitutional Initiative 131 seeks to enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections in the state constitution, changeable only by another voter-approved amendment.
Knudsen’s revisions to CI-131 state that it prevents listing political affiliations on ballots, implying candidates have party ties, which contrasts with the original language emphasizing nonpartisan elections.
In 2025, Republicans successfully passed a law allowing political party donations to judicial candidates for the first time. Updates are available at montanafreepress.org.
Ghost town grift
Michael Elijah Allen, former manager of Virginia City ghost town and other historical sites, pleaded guilty to embezzling $300,000 from the state. Managing additional sites like Nevada City and Reeder’s Alley, Allen admitted to felony embezzlement and money laundering.
The crime surfaced in May 2024 when Allen’s successor discovered unpaid storage unit bills tied to his state credit card. An investigation found misuse of state funds for personal purchases, including a “restoration” bill from a Bozeman tattoo parlor.
The Montana Legislature restructured the Heritage Commission in early 2025, reducing staff and changing director selection, now overseen by the Commerce Department.
Recently, Commerce Deputy Director Mandy Rambo announced that Kal Poole, former director of the Heritage Commission, was no longer in his role. The vacant job in Virginia City pays $102,000 to $112,000 annually. Details here.
Speaking of Paul Green
Paul Green, former Commerce director and state legislator, announced his departure from Big Sky Economic Development Authority, which promotes growth across nine counties in Montana.
Green stated he and the board agreed on the transition for the benefit of the organization. He left his Commerce role in February to be closer to his family ranch, earning praise from Gov. Greg Gianforte for his contributions there.
Green’s last day in his current role is October 17. He became Commerce director in January 2024 after Scott Osterman resigned following an investigation into misuse of funds for commuting and lodging expenses.
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