Montana Governor’s Questionable Appointment Sparks Constitutional Challenge

In a move that raises troubling questions about the respect for Montana’s Constitution and the integrity of state governance, Gov. Greg Gianforte faces a lawsuit over appointing sitting legislator Marta Bertoglio to lead the Montana Department of Commerce.Bertoglio, a three-term representative from Clancy still serving Jefferson County, was appointed on June 16 despite the state constitution's clear “disqualification provision,” which prohibits legislators from holding state civil office appointments. Jordan Williams, one of Bertoglio's constituents, took legal action to halt this breach of principle, requesting that she be prevented from assuming duties in Commerce and stopping her salary disbursement.What Message Does...