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Ferguson Steps Down as Executive Director of American Tradition Partnership

By Beacon Staff

Donald Ferguson sent out a statement Thursday morning announcing that he is stepping down as executive director of the political group American Tradition Partnership. He said part of the reason he is leaving is to take another job, but he didn’t specify what that was.

“I’ve enjoyed working on federal legislation to create energy jobs here in Washington in my short time as executive director, but this new position is one I have spent the last 12 months working to earn” Ferguson said. “I am pleased to accept it.”

ATP gained notoriety in the state for challenging Montana’s 100-year-old election laws and getting several of them overturned, including a ban on direct spending by corporations for or against candidates. The political group was heavily involved in last year’s elections and drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans alleging that it is a “dark money” group that hides its electioneering efforts.

Republican Sen. Bruce Tutvedt of Kalispell filed a complaint with the political practices office accusing the group of illegally coordinating with his primary opponent. ATP has strongly denied the allegations.

According to Ferguson, ATP’s board will announce a new executive director soon.