Deal cut to make Molnar vice-chairman of PSC

HELENA — A fractured Republican majority at the Public Service Commission has elected firebrand Brad Molnar as the body's vice chairman to break a deadlock over leadership.

Freshman Republican commissioner Bill Gallagher of Helena was picked Tuesday morning to lead the body after fellow freshman Travis Kavulla of Great Falls refused to vote for the veteran Molnar.

Kavulla says Molnar lacks the temperament and credibility to lead the PSC.

The wrangling over the selection took nearly two days and came amid charges of backroom deals and undue influence of lobbyists and legislators over the process.

The two minority Democrats voted against the deal.

Gallagher says he hops the PSC can move forward and effectively do its job of regulating utilities.

HELENA — A fractured Republican majority at the Public Service Commission has elected firebrand Brad Molnar as the body's vice chairman to break a deadlock over leadership.

Freshman Republican commissioner Bill Gallagher of Helena was picked Tuesday morning to lead the body after fellow freshman Travis Kavulla of Great Falls refused to vote for the veteran Molnar.

Kavulla says Molnar lacks the temperament and credibility to lead the PSC.

The wrangling over the selection took nearly two days and came amid charges of backroom deals and undue influence of lobbyists and legislators over the process.

The two minority Democrats voted against the deal.

Gallagher says he hops the PSC can move forward and effectively do its job of regulating utilities.