PSC rejects request for cell phone records

HELENA — A majority of Montana Public Service Commission members have rejected one commissioner's attempt to examine the private cell phone records of two others.

The dispute is the latest squabble in a year of turmoil and infighting at the commission that regulates utilities.

Republican Commissioner Brad Molnar wanted a state administrative judge to look at the phone records of commissioners Gail Gutsche and Travis Kavulla to see if they had made improper contacts while deciding PSC issues in April.

Gutsche, a Democrat, and Kavulla, a Republican, teamed up with Democratic Commissioner John Vincent Thursday to reject the request.

The same coalition of three joined together earlier this year to oust Bill Gallagher and Molnar as commission chairman and vice chairman.

Lee Newspapers State Bureau reported Gallagher voted with Molnar on Thursday.