Commissioner rejects ethics complaint against on Montana Gov. Bullock

HELENA (AP) — The state commissioner of political practices has rejected an ethics complaint against Gov. Steve Bullock, saying it was filed too late, did not state a potential violation of ethics law and that it’s illegal release was clearly an attempt to embarrass the governor as he sought re-election.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl on Monday rejected the complaint Republican Rep. Brad Tschida (CHEE’-duh) of Missoula. It alleged Bullock and Commerce Director Meg O’Leary misused the state plane by flying to a Paul McCartney concert in Missoula in August 2014 and violated ethics laws by accepting concert tickets.

Motl said the complaint was filed past the two-year statute of limitations and that it didn’t say how accepting the tickets might cause Bullock or O’Leary to depart from their official duties.

A spokeswoman for Bullock called the complaint ridiculous while Tschida’s attorney called Motl’s decision a whitewash.

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