2 weeks Ago
Recent reporting from statewide news outlets has reminded Montanans that Attorney General Austin Knudsen is unfit for the job and repeatedly prioritizes his personal politics over his constitutional duties to Montanans. Knudsen has been charged with 41 counts of alleged professional misconduct by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and following a two-day hearing, the Commission on Practice unanimously recommended his license to practice law be suspended for 90 days. The Montana Supreme Court will consider the recommendation and Knudsen’s objections, but it’s possible Knudsen would not be an attorney in good standing as required for the job of AG.
Knudsen’s management style is another problem resulting in lawsuits and experienced staff leaving the AG office and the Montana Highway Patrol. In 2021, hospital staff in Helena also raised concerns of ‘harassment and intimidation’ by Knudsen’s interference in their medical care of an ICU patient. In addition, Knudsen poses a particularly dangerous threat to women, girls and their healthcare providers.
Last year, Knudsen joined 18 other Republican attorneys general demanding access to women’s private health records from hospitals in other states in order to criminalize providers and women suspected of seeking lifesaving abortion care outside of their “home” state with an abortion ban. Montanans deserve a new AG. Please, vote for Ben Alke, an honest, effective leader and attorney who will restore integrity and dignity to the Montana Department of Justice and protect all our constitutional rights to freedom, dignity and privacy.
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