Commissioner to re-activate Rick Hill campaign case

HELENA (AP) – Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl says his office is re-activating a complaint against 2012 Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill for accepting a $500,000 donation.

That complaint and 15 others had been suspended while a lawsuit challenging Montana's campaign contribution limits was before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit ruled Tuesday by sending the case back to U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell to determine whether the limits prevent political corruption or the appearance of corruption.

Even with the final outcome undecided, Motl says the ruling determines contribution limits were in place for past elections. As a result, he is placing the complaints about contribution limits on the active docket.

Hill accepted the Montana Republican Party donation after Lovell ruled the contribution limits were unconstitutional.