Embattled Lawmaker Calls Dark-Money Trial a ‘Lynching’

A Bozeman legislator accused of taking illegal corporate contributions is calling his pending trial a lynching and says the state regulator who instigated it is out to destroy his political future.

Republican Rep. Art Wittich has filed an appeal to the state Supreme Court that would put on hold his March 28 civil trial if it is accepted. Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl says the case is ready for trial.

Wittich said Thursday Motl is in a big hurry to have a lynching and that Wittich is entitled to invoke the rules of justice by appealing to the high court.

Motl accuses Wittich of taking in-kind contributions from corporate groups affiliated with the National Right to Work Committee during his 2010 campaign and not reporting them. Wittich denies the accusations.