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July 23, 2026
Before a clerical error turned the misconduct case against Jason Ellsworth into a mistrial, and before the former Senate president shook his head as jurors declared his guilt, the Hamilton Republican faced a tough cross-examination. Accused of awarding $170,000 in government work to a friend bypassing competitive bidding, Ellsworth testified that these were not contracts.
“I would not define those as contracts,” Ellsworth stated, clarifying they were “proposals.” Assistant Attorney General Stephanie Robles emphasized that these agreements were indeed contracts, effective immediately upon signing and fully paid before work commenced.
Using a large screen to display the agreements, Robles highlighted the word “contract” atop the documents, complete with Ellsworth’s signature. “So not a proposal,” Robles argued. “It was immediately effective and labeled as a contract.” Ellsworth’s argument focused on later document versions, corrected by state experts, who described fixing the agreements as “putting lipstick on a pig.”
For four hours on Tuesday, the jury deliberated, ultimately siding with Robles. Testifying in one’s defense can be risky, noted Constance Van Kley, a University of Montana law professor, as it allows prosecution to expose inconsistencies.
Judge Christopher Abbott had to dismiss the guilty verdict against Ellsworth, discovering jurors received non-trial material. A new trial is set for Dec. 14, potentially ending days before Christmas and Ellsworth’s Senate term. Official misconduct penalties include office forfeiture.
—Tom Lutey
Progressive Vet Goes MIA
Progressive Vet PAC, Montana’s Democratic primary’s largest spender, exited Montana politics in June, declaring Kansas as its next focus. Despite spending $3.3 million supporting candidate Bankhead and opposing Reilly Neill, the PAC claimed Montana’s race was unwinnable.
Now focusing on Noah Taylor, a Kansas Democrat, Progressive Vet has surprisingly not spent on his campaign yet, as shown in federal reports. Taylor faces financial challenges, holding less than $11,000 in June, half of Bankhead’s funds.
—Tom Lutey
Ravalli Republicans Support GOP Bylaws Lawsuit
Republican county central committees suing the state party over new bylaws gained an ally when Ravalli County endorsed the lawsuit. Tony Hudson reported a narrow 18-14 committee vote favoring the plaintiffs from Yellowstone and Chouteau counties.
Sen. Theresa Manzella criticized the proceedings as a “shitshow” and argued the court should not interfere with party bylaws. The debated bylaws require party members to affirm support for the state organization, allowing membership rescission for conduct violations and non-payment of dues.
Plaintiffs claim the bylaws’ support affirmation violates the state Constitution, stating officials can only swear an oath of office. A restraining order currently halts the bylaws’ disputed provisions.
—Tom Lutey
Sheehy on Iran
Votes in Congress to end the U.S. war with Iran through the War Powers Act have been opposed by Montana’s delegation, including veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The latest Senate vote inspired a passionate speech from Republican Tim Sheehy, who defended the conflict, calling it a “righteous endeavor.”
Sheehy described the threat posed by groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, asserting they aim to destroy the U.S. through brutal, violent means. He cited historical terrorist attacks as evidence of their intentions.
—Tom Lutey
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