State officials detail how they were forced to rush Ellsworth’s contracts

By: Jordan Hansen

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: July 18, 2026

Words: 676

Last Updated: 1 day, 3 hours ago

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HELENA — How the State of Montana purchases items and services has loomed large in the trial of former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, as state attorneys outlined how he allegedly circumvented the normal procedure to steer business to one of his close associates.

That continued on Friday as Department of Administration director Misty Ann Giles and Ryan Osmundson, the Governor’s Director of Budget and Program Planning took the stand in the criminal …

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