GOP appeals decision to dismiss ethics charges against governor

HELENA — The Montana Republican Party is asking a state court to reverse a decision to dismiss the GOP's ethics complaint against Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Earlier this month, the commissioner of political practices tossed out the case against Schweitzer. The decision followed a preliminary recommendation that Schweitzer be penalized.

Schweitzer, a Democrat, was accused of improperly using state resources to appear in a public service radio advertisement at the same time he was running for re-election in 2008.

The governor has argued no state money was spent to air the advertisement, since it was a PSA.

But the GOP argues that state time and resources were used in making the ad for radio stations. They are asking the district court in Helena to reverse the administrative decision and order a penalty.