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The confirmation process for Gov. Greg Gianforte’s pick to be Montana’s new Commissioner of Political Practices is underway.
After posing a series of mostly friendly questions about his stance on campaign law and his approach to the office, the Senate State Administration Committee unanimously approved Chris Gallus, a seasoned attorney and lobbyist, as the new commissioner on Friday.
Gallus testified on Friday, strongly believing in the fundamental purpose of the office, which is to ensure people’s freedom of speech and political engagement. Additionally, it is crucial to provide the public with accurate and timely information during this process.
His confirmation now awaits a vote before the full Senate. Gallus, whose appointment was announced by the governor last month after a legislative committee failed to agree on a pick, would replace former commissioner Jeff Mangan. Mangan concluded his six-year term at the end of last year.
The COPP, also known as the state’s premier political enforcer, was established by the 1975 Legislature to ensure compliance with state campaign finance regulations and handle associated grievances. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in monitoring candidate campaign finance activities and disclosures by lobbyists.
Gianforte, in a recent statement, expressed the belief that the people of Montana should have a political system that is transparent and ethical. He also emphasized the importance of having an independent, nonpartisan, and highly qualified commissioner of political practices who can act as a watchdog to safeguard this system. Gianforte further expressed his confidence in Chris Gallus, stating that he believes Gallus will fulfill the role of commissioner with honor and integrity.
Gallus originates from Butte and has dedicated 26 years of his career to practicing law. Throughout his professional journey, he has predominantly focused on matters related to campaign ethics, political practices, and lobbying law. Notably, he served as the director of government affairs and legal counsel for the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
He’s also represented a number of conservative candidates and causes, including in cases before the commissioner’s office. Those groups include the Montana Growth Network, which faced a hefty enforcement action by then-Commissioner Jonathan Motl for disclosure violations incurred during the 2012 election cycle.
Before the committee on Friday, he admitted that lawmakers would probably inquire about how he would handle his connections to previous clients if they were involved in complaints filed with the commissioner’s office.
The individual mentioned that according to the statute, the commissioner has the authority to excuse themselves and designate a deputy if a conflict of interest arises. They also mentioned that they have already taken this action with one case in their current position, as they await the completion of the confirmation process.
He stated, “Whenever a previous client presents themselves to me, they will receive the appropriate level of examination.”
Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, asked Gallus if there were previous cases before the COPP that he felt were wrongly decided.
He chuckled slightly as he mentioned, “I can recall numerous instances where the commissioner made rulings that weren’t exactly in my favor.”
In seriousness, he pointed to one case where a client sued the commissioner to have his case heard in Gallatin County, rather than before a judge in Lewis and Clark County. Gallus said he would depart from the practice of previous commissioners who have generally referred most prosecutions to the Lewis and Clark County Attorney.
The commissioner at that time believed that the violations, which mainly involved reporting issues, took place within the commissioner’s office. Consequently, they were filed in Lewis and Clark County, according to his statement. However, my proposed alteration would be to redirect these cases to the respective county attorneys in candidates’ jurisdictions.
Gallus was provided with supportive statements from several influential individuals in the political arena, such as Glenn Oppel, policy director for Gianforte, and Charles Robison, the current lobbyist for the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
It was even more surprising that Evan Barrett, a well-known Democratic politician from Butte, endorsed him. Barrett has collaborated with Gallus on economic development matters in Butte-Silver Bow County. He mentioned that he was one of the individuals involved in the creation of the state’s campaign practices law in 1974.
Barrett testified that while she frequently disagreed with the groups Chris represented, she never doubted that they were receiving excellent legal counsel from him.
