Big money, out-of-state PAC jumps into state AG race

It has come to my attention that a political action committee (PAC) from Back East has jumped into the Republican primary race for Montana Attorney General in support of my opponent.

Obviously, out-of-state corporate money does not find Jim Shockley to be the best Montanan for Montana Attorney General. This is particularly odd when the Montana Chamber of Commerce gave me a 90 percent score for the last legislative session.

The name of this PAC is the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). It is located in the Washington, D.C. area and is made up primarily of large corporate donors. Indeed, FactCheck.org says that RSLC is “heavily backed by big business.”

Montana’s Commissioner for Political Practice has now confirmed that this PAC is flooding Montana’s AG primary with a virtual tsunami of cash — $108,217 to be precise.

Through the last reporting period my opponent reported total receipts of $89,998.95, and we had reported total net receipts of $97,425.67 in cash. This figure does not include in kind contributions, e.g. travel expenses.

I simply do not understand why an out-of-state Republican PAC would be spending so much money at the last minute to try to defeat a card-carrying Republican with my background. I have served in the legislature for 13 years and spent 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, to include combat service in Vietnam. What have I done wrong, District of Columbia corporate PAC?

I believe that the attorney general’s race should be decided by Montana voters with contributions from individuals. Let us tell out-of-state corporations that their money cannot buy a Montana election.

The race for attorney general of this state has been turned into a David and Goliath contest between a small-town lawyer, state legislator and a large eastern PAC funded with corporate dollars. David will win.

Jim Shockley is a Republican candidate for Montana Attorney General.