Dear Editor, I-194: Right Idea, Wrong Approach

Dear Editor,

As someone who represented some large corporations in the last decade, I understand the frustrations about transparency in political spending. More money is pouring into Montana elections than ever, and with less information about where it's coming from. Proponents of Initiative No. 194 (I-194) want to do something about this "dark money" problem, and I applaud their intent. Unfortunately, the consequences of I-194's approach – no political spending as a condition of doing business in Montana – outweigh the perceived benefits.

Today I manage a trade association of Montana's rural...