HELENA – The Republican Party says that Gov. Brian Schweitzer broke ethics laws by running a public service announcement after filing for re-election.
The Legislature has banned use of taxpayer money on PSAs from officeholders who are running for election.
The GOP complaint was filed Tuesday with the commissioner of political practices. Schweitzer says it is without merit.
Commissioner Dennis Unsworth says he will decide within a week whether it will be investigated.
The GOP says the Agriculture Department sent the public service announcement featuring Schweitzer’s voice to a radio station.
Schweitzer’s office says the station asked for the statement promoting Ag Month, and no state funds were used to promote it.