Watchdog Says Zinke's RV Sale to Friend Broke Campaign Rules

BILLINGS – A political watchdog organization has accused the dormant congressional campaign of U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke of skirting contribution laws when it sold a motor home to a friend of Zinke at a steep discount.

The Campaign Legal Center complaint was filed Monday with the Federal Election Commission.

It also accused Zinke’s campaign of failing to report the identity of contributors.

In August, The Associated Press reported the campaign bought the 2004 motor home from Zinke’s wife for $59,000 and sold it a year later to a Zinke friend in the Montana Legislature for $25,000.

The complaint says the campaign either overpaid Zinke’s wife or gave a sweetheart deal to the buyer, state Sen. Edward Buttrey.

Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Without you, we wouldn't be here.

The continued support from our readers keeps our lights on and helps sustain local independent journalism in northwest Montana. Please consider a one-time gift or sign up for a recurring contribution and join more than 500 readers in the Editor’s Club.

Click here to read about the impact the Beacon has on the community.

I’ll Support Your Work