Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
A complaint alleging that a Republican candidate for Secretary of State in Montana used state resources while campaigning was dismissed, according to Political Practices Commissioner Jeff Mangan’s ruling in February.
The Montana Democratic Party alleged that when Deputy Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen discussed her campaign for Secretary of State during a radio interview she used state resources.
The radio interview was broadcast on Newstalk KGVO in January.
During the interview, Jacobson said, among other things, “I’ve been working and leading the team here at the Secretary of State’s office for the past three years and I’m the most qualified for the seat.”
Though Jacobson made comments linked to her campaign, she also discussed her role as the deputy secretary when it comes to elections.
The commissioner’s ruling determined that Jacobson’s campaign-related comments were not made in her office and she used her cell phone. Mangan also said since Jacobson’s state position is by appointment she is allowed to take time to make such phone calls or conduct interviews and not have it considered using state resources.
In an interview with Montana Public Radio, Jacobson alleged this episode was politically motivated.
“I’m grateful that it was dismissed and they acknowledged that it was a frivolous complaint,” she told the media outlet on Feb. 14.
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