Election results from the Montana Secretary of State

Montana AG Austin Knudsen Admits to Recruiting Token Opponent to Skirt Campaign Finance Laws

May 20, 2024, 02:58 PM

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has admitted to recruiting a token primary opponent to circumvent state campaign finance laws and raise more funds for the upcoming November general election. According to various sources, including the AP, Knudsen privately acknowledged his actions during a campaign event, stating that he invited another Republican to run against him because he found the campaign laws 'ridiculous.' A recording from the event corroborates this admission. Additionally, Olson, a county attorney in rural northeastern Montana, who was allegedly recruited by Knudsen, denied the claim. However, campaign finance records show that Olson's filing fee was paid by a longtime Republican operative and Knudsen donor.