Montana GOP Claims Political Bias in Trial Against AG Austin Knudsen
Alleges partisanship is undermining justice, citing similar tactics used against President Trump.
By Staff Writer
Apr 3, 2025
A recent news release from the Montana Republican Party has highlighted what it describes as a politically motivated attack against Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. The party claims that the case, which started in 2021 with a complaint by California lawyer Clara Ellen Roberts, is an example of ‘lawfare’—a method allegedly used by the left to target political opponents by manipulating legal systems for partisan gain.
According to the release, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) and the Commission on Practice, both involved in the lawsuit, have ties to the Democratic establishment, which raises concerns about the impartiality of the trial. The leadership in these organizations, the press release claims, have historical connections to the Democratic party, as evidenced by Pam Bucy’s appointment by former Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court Mike McGrath, himself a former Democratic Attorney General.
Special Counsel Dan McLean and prosecutor Tim Strauch, both identified as Democratic donors, were brought into the case which further deepens the political nature of this trial according to the GOP. McLean initially recommended a simple letter of admonition, which the party argues shows the case lacked substantial merit from its inception.
The release also frames this trial as a threat to the separation of powers, positing that a successful trial against Knudsen could lead to courts having undue influence over other branches of government, thereby undermining the checks and balances essential to our democratic system. Echoing scenarios faced by President Trump, the case is painted as an effort to use legal proceedings to suppress political opposition rather than uphold justice.
The Montana GOP called on Montanans to recognize and stand against what it perceives as a misuse of the legal system, arguing that the integrity of the state’s judicial system and democratic safeguards are at stake.
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The Montana Supreme Court already violates the separation of powers, as it routinely arranges for a party to sue against legislation the majority of the court (who are judicial activists, not true jurors) so that they can rule against it. Many times that court has ruled against legislation strongly bipartisan, and signed by a governor. This a known fact to many of us who are Montana citizens.
This lawfare by Democrats – and sometimes including RINOs – needs to be stopped. Too many good people, including Austin Knudsen, have been damaged by such chicanery.