Financial Ties and Lack of Transparency
A dark money nonprofit, Majority Forward, has come under scrutiny for its financial ties to the Last Best Place PAC and allegations of laundering millions of dollars in the Montana election. Federal records reveal that Majority Forward funneled $2.14 million to the Last Best Place PAC, which was its sole source of funding. However, the Last Best Place PAC failed to file any independent expenditure reports, as required by FEC rules, leading to a complaint filed by Americans for Public Trust (APT).
Accusations of Deception and Noncompliance
APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland accuses the Last Best Place PAC of pretending to be a local Montana operation while secretly receiving funds from DC liberals. Sutherland emphasizes that the PAC’s failure to file the required reports goes against the principles of transparency and public trust in election laws. APT’s complaint highlights the Last Best Place PAC’s independent expenditures exceeding $10,000, which necessitated the submission of detailed reports on ad buys, a requirement that the PAC neglected to fulfill.
Media Expenditures and Calls for Investigation
The Last Best Place PAC’s year-end report reveals significant media expenditures, with over $2.1 million spent on media buys and production costs between September and December. APT’s complaint argues that the committee’s lack of transparency and failure to adhere to legal requirements warrant an immediate investigation by the FEC, along with appropriate sanctions for any violations.
A Pattern of Meddling and Criticism
This latest controversy surrounding the Last Best Place PAC is part of a broader trend of Schumer-tied groups facing criticism for their involvement in GOP races. The PAC’s intended target is Tim Sheehy, who is potentially challenging Rep. Matt Rosendale to unseat Senator Jon Tester. AdImpact reports that the Last Best Place PAC plans to spend over $5 million attacking Sheehy in the race.
Seeking Accountability and Comments
Americans for Public Trust has called on the FEC to investigate the Last Best Place PAC and ensure compliance with transparency standards. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Senate Majority PAC, which is connected to the Last Best Place PAC, for their comments on the complaint.
