WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokesman for Sen. Max Baucus is revealing more details about the lawmaker's girlfriend's time working in his office.
Ty Matsdorf says the Democrat gave the director of his Montana office a nearly $14,000 raise as they were becoming romantically involved last year. Matsdorf says "virtually" the entire staff saw raises at the time.
He also said Melodee Hanes met twice with Baucus' divorce attorney in the summer of 2007 -- eight months before he had separated with his wife, Wanda. The spokesman says the meetings were focused on scheduling and logistics.
Wanda Baucus said at that point, the couple hadn't discussed getting a divorce and called the situation, "very sad." They were divorced last April.
Baucus had recommended Hanes for Montana's U.S. attorney post earlier this year, while she was his girlfriend. She withdrew from consideration after receiving other opportunities.
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<<APPHOTO MTBIL102 (12/05/09)>>
: In this undated photo, Melodee Hanes, a former deputy county attorney for Yellowstone County, Mont., poses for a photo after announcing she was leaving her job to join Sen. Max Baucus' re-election campaign in March 2002. Baucus defended recommending his girlfriend for appointment as Montana's U.S. attorney, saying Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, his one-time staff member and the former state prosecutor is "highly qualified" but eventually withdrew her nomination.
<<APPHOTO MTBIL101 (11/04/08)>>
: In this photo taken Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, election staff member Melodee Hanes, left, looks on as Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., celebrates with fellow democrats after winning re-election for U.S Senate.
