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February 13, 2025
Pat Flowers, the Democratic minority leader, has successfully generated enough support to bring a potential criminal case against ex-Senate leader Jason Ellsworth to the Montana Department of Justice. This case involves alleged cronyism in state contracts. Flowers remarked on the Senate’s focus being derailed from pressing issues like property tax reform and affordable housing. “We haven’t heard a single property tax bill here yet,” he emphasized.
Flowers, representing Belgrade, has managed numerous victories in the Senate, despite leading only 18 lawmakers. His strategic maneuvers have often required 26 votes in the 50-member chamber. In May 2023, Flowers surprised everyone by moving to indefinitely adjourn the Senate, which passed by a narrow vote, concluding the session abruptly. At that time, Ellsworth was Senate president.
In 2025, Flowers, backed by Democrats and some Republicans, reassigned eight senators to strategic committees to influence important issues like Medicaid expansion. Allegations against Ellsworth have reignited chaos, but Flowers’ leadership has kept focus on addressing these challenges with a vote to refer the case to the Department of Justice.
Ellsworth is accused of splitting a $170,100 contract to evade regulations. His actions involved a close associate overseeing government agency practices during judicial reform enactment. Republican priorities have included limiting judicial power, especially after numerous laws were declared unconstitutional.
On February 6, Flowers’ motion to refer the case to the Department of Justice passed 27-22, marking another significant triumph. Republicans, notably Sen. Theresa Manzella, expressed frustration over their inability to secure enough votes for their agenda. Sen. Daniel Emrich’s call for Flowers’ expulsion further highlighted tensions. Flowers, generally calm, showed visible anger at these accusations.
Moderate Republicans have been pivotal in supporting Flowers, with Flowers not directly lobbying them, but rather moderate organizers rallying votes. During critical discussions, Flowers was seen surrounded by three attorneys from his party, contrasting with zero attorneys in the Republican caucus.
No Senate mail for Knudsen
A week has passed since the Senate’s decision to assign the case against Jason Ellsworth to the Justice Department. Senate GOP leadership has yet to forward this matter, citing the need for further clarification from AG Austin Knudsen on whether the Division of Criminal Investigation can accept a legislative referral. The Justice Department does accept cases from state agencies, like a recent embezzlement case from the Montana Heritage Commission.
Forget the mattresses, search the leather couches
In light of a significant embezzlement scandal at the Montana Heritage and Preservation Commission, lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 116 to revamp management practices for heritage sites like Virginia City. Proposed by Republican Sen. Tony Tezak, the bill reduces commissioners from 14 to nine and abolishes the executive director role, central to the controversy. Michael Elijah Allen, the former director, faces charges of embezzlement and money laundering.
Current interim director Kate Steeley discovered a cache of expensive leather furniture in a Butte storage unit, raising suspicions of misappropriated funds. Further investigation revealed up to $300,000 in dubious expenditures. Heritage and Preservation’s budget constraints prompted a probe by then Commerce Director Paul Green. The Legislative Audit Division had previously recommended more engaged oversight by the commission, which no longer authorizes reimbursements.
Heritage Director Kal Poole recently addressed ongoing challenges, such as extensive deferred maintenance within the agency’s portfolio.
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