FEATURE: ATP Legal Counsel Jim Brown on how he believes the group is following the law

The nonprofit corporation American Tradition Partnership has become a major player in the last few Montana elections.

ATP considers itself a social welfare and education organization. In Republican primaries, it sends out mailers attacking some moderate candidates as being too liberal. In general elections, it switches to attacking Democratic candidates.

ATP says its status as a social welfare organization means it can keep its donors secret. Montana officials argue otherwise and the issue is currently before the courts.

In this feature, Capitol Reporter Dan Boyce speaks with American Tradition Partnership Legal Counsel, Helena lawyer Jim Brown—who says his clients are following the law.

Dan also speaks with former Montana Solicitor and current UM Law Professor Anthony Johnstone about ATP’s claims it can keep its money sources hidden.