Llew Jones’ November Ballot Spot Is Now In Question

Montana Lawmaker Could Be Knocked Off November Ballot

A longtime Montana lawmaker could be knocked off the November ballot just weeks before voters head to the polls, and it all comes down to how the state's term-limit law is interpreted.

According to reporting from KTVH, Attorney General Austin Knudsen recently issued a legal opinion that could make Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, ineligible to run for the Montana Senate.

Llew Jones Could Be Blocked From Montana Senate Race

Jones has been in the Legislature since 2005 and just won his Republican primary in June, defeating Rep. Zack Wirth 52% to 48%.

Now, that victory could potentially be for nothing.

Montana voters approved an eight-years-in-16-years term limit for lawmakers in 1992. A 2012 opinion from then-Attorney General Steve Bullock interpreted the law to allow lawmakers to move between the House and Senate after reaching their limit in one chamber.

Knudsen now says that interpretation was wrong.

Photo Credit: Senator-Representative LLew Jones via Facebook//Canva

Llew Jones Says Term Limit Decision Is Politically Motivated

Under his interpretation, Jones could be blocked from appearing on the ballot because of his previous time in the Legislature.

Jones says the move is politically motivated, pointing to his recent primary battle against Senate President Matt Regier's preferred candidate. Knudsen, meanwhile, says his opinion applies to how the law should be interpreted and did not specifically rule on Jones' eligibility.

And there's a Great Falls connection too.

The Welcome to Great Falls Sign

Montana Ballot Deadline Is Just Days Away

Rep. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, could also be affected by the new interpretation. Former Great Falls lawmaker Ed Buttrey could have been affected as well, but he lost his Republican primary this past June.

The timing makes this even more interesting.

Montana's Secretary of State must certify the November ballot by August 20, while political parties have until August 19 to potentially replace a nominee.