GREAT FALLS — The state has settled a lawsuit that alleged a former commissioner of political practices was conducting private law work out of his state office.
The office of Attorney General Tim Fox and former commissioner Dave Gallik agreed Tuesday to walk away from a lawsuit filed in March 2012 by the Montana Policy Institute under the False Claims Act. The law allows a person to pursue legal action on behalf of the state government against anyone who makes false representations to receive payment from the government.
Gallik is also dropping his counterclaim for lost wages.
Fox’s spokesman John Barnes said the difference between the two claims was a couple of hundred dollars and going to trial would have been a waste of taxpayer money.
Each side is responsible for its own legal bills.