It’s “Black Friday!” The holiday season is upon us! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to relax with family and friends.

If this is your first time visiting The Western Word, the “Caught My Eye” column is posted every Friday morning! This is when I take a quick look at some of the stories I did not have time to write about during the week. I often throw in a touch of sarcasm just to make you smile – or to irritate you just a little.

Today I write about Tim Fox’s letter, dark money, Jon Tester’s free trip, a Marijuana Editor, the “Breaking Bad” engagement, plus we have a winner who is Making Montana proud!

< $15,000 Letter:

The Great Falls Tribune is reporting, Montana “Attorney General Tim Fox hired an out-of-state law firm to draft comments in opposition to a broad environmental impact review for a Washington state coal export terminal.” The cost for the letter is expected to “be less than $15,000.”

I’m sure glad it’s less than $15,000. I wonder how much the letter cost taxpayers per word.

The blasé attitude from Fox’s spokesperson, John Barnes, in defense of the letter is troubling. Most taxpayers will find it inconceivable that none of Fox’s seasoned professionals could compose the same letter. Fox did not even shop at home – he used a law firm from Seattle, Washington, to do the letter.

Maybe next time Fox can send me a few notes, and I can crank out something on his behalf for significantly less money.

Dark Money:

The Associated Press reported, “A political group that has gained notoriety for challenging campaign restrictions on corporations was fined $260,000 on Tuesday after a judge said it failed to disclose spending.”

That’s a steep fine, but who will pay it, because the group may no longer be active. The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices “has warned he could penalize candidates who received help from the group” which if it’s anything like what the judge imposed, it would bankrupt most candidates.

There are several elected officials who may be sweating a little after reading about this fine, but that is a good thing.

Tester’s Free Trip:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester received a free trip to Israel from the American Israel Education Foundation, “a pro-Israel group that routinely takes members of Congress on fact-finding trips to Israel.”

The Senate is on recess until December 9, so it did not interfere with “work.” It was not reported if staff or family attended the free trip with the senator. That would be a good question for a reporter to ask.

Tester’s a big boy and probably already knows there are no free lunches…or trips.

Making Montana Proud:

This section is where I mention people or groups whose actions embarrass Montana in some way.

From the Missoulian: Kevin Wesley Sandberg, 51, who is “the owner of a Missoula designated driving service is facing a felony drug possession charge and a fourth misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license.” The Missoulian also reported, “He also faces a misdemeanor partner assault charge for allegedly slamming (his girlfriend’s) head against the interior of his car.”

Sometimes you can’t fix stupid…

Marijuana Editor:

The Denver Post has hired a marijuana editor. Dude! The editor “will be hiring a freelance pot critic and a freelance pot advice columnist.”

I wonder if the staff at the Denver Post will ask the pot people to bring treats to the office Christmas party…

Breaking Bad Engagement:

Saying “The couple that ‘cooks’ together, stays together” this couple decided to have “Breaking Bad” themed engagement photos taken. See them HERE.

One More Thing:

Don’t forget to stretch…

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