Anti-Union Group Accused of Breaking State Law in 2012

Montana's campaign regulator has found that another legislative candidate illegally coordinated with a national anti-union organization, this time in the 2012 elections.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said Friday that Republican Rollan Roberts II accepted illegal in-kind contributions from the National Right to Work Committee and affiliated corporate groups.

Motl says there is sufficient evidence for civil prosecution against Roberts, National Right to Work and its affiliates.

Roberts lost the 2012 Senate District 3 Republican primary to incumbent Sen. Bruce Tutvedt of Kalispell.

Motl previously found that nine Republican candidates in 2010 also accepted services from Right to Work that included direct mail campaigns, voter surveys and lists and consulting work.

Tutvedt says the decision is a win for honest and fair elections.

Roberts did not return queries by phone and email for comment.