$4,419 for ‘litigation assistance’: Shortly after Idaho Transportation Director Pam Lowe’s lawsuit alleged gender discrimination in her 2009 firing, the state’s lawyers hired Gallatin Public Affairs of Boise.

Two top advisers: Gallatin’s Isaac Squyres and Marc Johnson billed about 19 hours in the first half of 2010, Squyres at $200, Johnson at $275.

What did ITD get? Insight on how the media would follow the case, which Johnson said would garner considerable attention.

End of the road? A settlement in Lowe’s lawsuit was confirmed last week. But only after the deal is finalized in court will the state reveal what the firing cost taxpayers. Through March 8, Idaho had paid the Boise law firm Holland & Hart $540,000. The Idaho AG’s office said it did not have the resources to handle the case, so Idaho contracted to have the firm represent the state in the Lowe suit.