Rep. Art Wittich Testifies in Campaign Finance Trial

A Montana lawmaker says he never knowingly received illegal campaign contributions from conservative groups during his 2010 election campaign.

Rep. Art Wittich testified during his trial Thursday that he hired a printing company called Direct Mail and Communications based on recommendations from other Republican lawmakers. He acknowledged that they mailed letters to voters on his behalf and designed his website, but he says he paid for the mailings and the site.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl says Direct Mail and Communications is one of eight corporations operating under the National Right to Work Committee that provided a wide range of illegal campaign services for hand-picked candidates.

He says Wittich did not report most of the services received and that Wittich undervalued those he did report.