HELENA – A committee conference call scheduled for Thursday to discuss securing the computer of the former Commissioner of Political Practices has been canceled, officials said, adding that legislative leaders said their concerns about preserving records have been addressed.
And a group of legislative leaders will meet 10 a.m. Thursday to discuss applicants for the jog.
Rep. Pat Ingraham, R-Thompson Falls, who chairs the State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee, said it did not make sense to have the meeting if those concerns were resolved. She said she heard from House Speaker Mike Milburn, R-Cascade on Wednesday, saying issues raised by he and Senate President Jim Peterson, R-Buffalo, had been taken care of.
Peterson requested the committee ask the Department of Administration (DOA) not to delete any files from the CCP computer, after it was removed shortly after commissioner David Gallik resigned. He left office soon after staff accused him of doing work for his private law practice on state time. Gallik has denied the accusations.
DOA officials said removing the computer was standard procedure and it was in a secure location.
SAVA was going to meet for a conference call Thursday to discuss Peterson’s request.
A selection committee composed of Milburn, Peterson, House Minority Leader Jon Sesso, D-Butte, and Senate Minority Leader Carol Williams, D-Missoula  will meet 10-11 a.m. Thursday to select candidates for the CPP position. The committee will meet in Room 102 of the Capitol Building in Helena.  The meeting will be audio streamed and video broadcast on the legislative website.  Some of the members may be present through a conference call.
The committee must select at least two and not more than five finalists whose names will be submitted to the governor.  The governor who must appoint a successor within 30 days of the vacancy and he is not limited to selecting an appointee from the list.
The commissioner investigates  alleged violations of the election laws, and with the county attorneys, enforcing election and campaign practice and finance laws.  The appointment is for the completion of a 6-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2016.  By law the person appointed would need to be confirmed by the Senate in 2013 and would not be eligible for reappointment.  The job pays $57,689 annually 

A selection committee composed of Speaker Mike Milburn, House Minority Leader Jon Sesso, Senate President Jim Peterson, and Senate Minority Leader Carol Williams will meet on Thursday, February 2, 2012, to select candidates for the position of the Commissioner of Political Practices.  The Committee will meet in Room 102 of the Capitol Building in Helena, at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m..  The meeting will be audio streamed and video broadcast on the legislative website.  Some of the members may be present through a conference call.

The Committee must select at least two and not more than five finalists whose names will be submitted to the Governor.  The Governor who must appoint a successor within 30 days of the vacancy and he is not limited to selecting an appointee from the list. The Committee is accepting letters of interest and resumes through January 27.  Information should be sent to sfox@mt.gov.

The commissioner of political practices is responsible for investigating alleged violations of the election laws, and with the county attorneys, enforcing election and campaign practice and finance laws.  Qualifications for the job include being a citizen of the United States and a resident of Montana and, on the date of appointment, a registered voter in Montana.  The appointment is for the completion of a 6-year term, ending December 31, 2016.  By law the person appointed would need to be confirmed by the Senate in 2013 and would not be eligible for reappointment.  The job pays $57,689 annually