Political practices maneuvering begins

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HELENA, Mont. (AP) — New political practice commissioner applications showcase partisan maneuvering to fill the ethics chief post with an ally.

Commissioner Dave Gallik resigned last week amid an escalating public dispute with his staff over his work time. The former Democratic lawmaker was appointed by Gov. Brian Schweitzer last summer after the Republican-led Senate rejected the governor's first choice.

Partisan wrangling has led to three — going on four — different commissioners in the past 13 months.

Lawmakers are meeting Friday to talk about issues at the office. At the same, the legislators are seeking applications for the post.

One e-mail attached to the documents, presumably on accident, shows a Republican lawmaker discussing ways to trick the governor into inadvertently picking an applicant the GOP views as a secret conservative ally.

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