2020 VOTER’S GUIDE

This Voter’s Guide is published by Yellowstone Newspapers as a special supplement for the following papers: Big Horn County News, Big Timber Pioneer, Carbon County News, Dillon Tribune, Forsyth Independent Press, Glendive Ranger-Review, Judith Basin Press, Laurel Outlook, Lewistown News-Argus, The Livingston Enterprise, Miles City Star, Stillwater County News, Terry Tribune. All articles are written by student reporters for the Community News Service at the ’s School of Journalism.

2 2020 State Voter's Guide

2020 State Voter's Guide 3

Vote NO on LR-130 Confusing. Poorly Written. Unconstitutional. LR-130 would overturn local laws that have been working for 130 years, removing our freedom to make local decisions. Please join the growing number of Montanans rejecting this unnecessary, unenforceable measure on your November ballot.

“I’ve seen a lot of bad laws out of Helena. LR-130 is the worst. It’s poorly written and unconstitutional. It takes away our freedom to make local decisions. That sure doesn’t work for us. Vote NO on LR-130.” – Brud Smith, Rancher, Boulder, Montana

“In Montana, we trust local citizens to decide how to keep our communities safe. As a mayor, I know LR-130 takes this freedom away. Protect our freedoms, and join me in voting NO on LR-130.” – Sandra Jones, Mayor, Roundup, Montana

“I took an oath to protect my country and the 2nd amendment. LR-130 makes a mess of our gun laws. It’s poorly-written, unenforceable, and unconstitutional. Keep Montana gun laws the way they are. Vote NO on LR-130.” – Quint Nyman, Marine Corps Veteran

Learn more: NoLR130.com Paid for by Vote No on LR-130, Erik Burke, Treasurer | PO Box 1622 | Helena, MT 59624

4 2020 State Voter's Guide RACE Campaign for Governor Highlights Different Visions for Montana’s Future By Bella Butler “I was given a pretty darn good to rely on personal responsibility, not Bozeman-based RightNow for $1.5 bil- Community News Service Montana, and I want to make sure we government mandates,” Gianforte lion in 2011. Gianforte, a former resi- UM School of Journalism hand off an even better Montana to said during the Helena event. He went dent of New Jersey, made his first the next generations,” he said in an on to joke about a man he met in Col- political debut in Montana when he This year’s campaign for governor interview. strip that asked him if he was shaking narrowly lost the 2016 gubernatorial pits two candidates with very differ- Unlike Gianforte, Cooney’s better hands. “Buddy, I’ll give you a hug if race to Bullock. He followed defeat ent impressions of how Montana is Montana isn’t achieved by cutting reg- you want it!” he said he told him. with a win in Montana’s special elec- doing and what should be done to tion for Congress in 2017, despite ulations and reducing government Cooney, on the other hand, has been make life better against one another. assaulting a reporter and misleading spending, but rather continuing the a fixture at Gov. Steve Bullock’s COV- police afterwards; an incident that At a construction site in Helena, work started by his boss Gov. Steve ID briefings and has toured the state earned him a misdemeanor conviction. Montana, Republican Bullock. The current lieutenant gover- urging social distancing and mask- told a group of contractors clad in nor has focused on programs he wearing. Cooney has noted his cam- “Gianforte is a polarizing figure,” orange shirts and work boots that argues will improve the lives of Mon- paign’s been intentional about gather- Johnson remarked. “But even though things had to change after 16 years of tanans, including Medicaid expansion, ing with small, masked crowds in out- you’re a polarizing figure doesn’t nec- Democrats controlling the governor’s investing in veteran mental health and door settings. essarily mean you’re going to lose an mansion to make sure Montana’s best education and establishing state-wide election in Montana.” Though Cooney has been a fixture in days are ahead. pre-K education. state government for decades, experts While in , Gianforte “We’re going to get government out Cooney, a Butte native, first said that his lack of name recognition aligned himself closely with President of the way,” the technology entrepre- embarked on a career in politics in will be his biggest hurdle to clear on Donald Trump and he has echoed neur and Montana’s current sole rep- 1977 when elected to the Montana the trail to the governor’s seat. those issues while campaigning for resentative in Congress said to State House of Representatives. He “Even though there is a purple inde- governor. He told the crowd in Helena applause, later vowing to swiftly followed this debut by working as pendent streak in Montana, especially he would uphold a commitment to law change leadership in regulatory gov- chief of staff for Montana’s former for some of these marquee races, gen- and order, fund the police and oppose ernment agencies such as the Depart- U.S. Senator , serving erally Republicans have sort of a a transition away from fossil fuels. ment of Environmental Quality and three terms as Montana’s secretary of built-in advantage that Democrats This November, voters will decide Fish, Wildlife and Parks if elected. state, a stint as president of the Mon- need to overcome,” said Carroll Col- whether to stick with the divided gov- tana State Senate and most recently as A few hours earlier at a park in Mis- lege political science professor Jere- ernment of a Democrat in the gover- lieutenant governor to Steve Bullock. soula, Democrat Mike Cooney, the my Johnson. “…Right now… nor’s mansion and Republicans con- lieutenant governor and career public The Gianforte campaign has criti- [Cooney’s] not yet overcome that.” trolling the legislature that has servant, was describing a very differ- cized Cooney’s work in the public sec- Johnson said to make his case, marked the last decade of state poli- ent state the next governor would tor, saying in one ad, “He’s a career Cooney must have money to spend on tics or if it is time to change the equa- inherit. politician and government bureaucrat advertising. But that effort is made tion. who has never had a real harder by the fact that Gian- Greg Gianforte (R) job.” forte, one of the top three Mike Cooney (D) The Cooney campaign wealthiest members of Con- countered public service is gress, has access to enor- something to be proud of. mous personal wealth to help finance his run. The Republi- “Throughout his career, can has already loaned his Mike helped to create 46,000 campaign $2.5 million, a Montana jobs, and thanks to total that just about doubles his strong leadership along- the $2.9 million he has raised side Gov. Bullock,” Cooney’s as of August 15. Cooney has communications director raised $2.49 million for his Ronja Abel wrote in a state- campaign, but $1.4 million ment, “Montana’s unemploy- has come in just the past ment rate was the lowest it’s three months. been in over a decade, prior to the outbreak of COV- But the source of Gian- ID-19.” forte’s wealth is one of his biggest assets the Congress- That outbreak marks man points to when arguing another clear difference what makes him right to lead between Cooney and Gian- Montana. forte. In the 1990s, Gianforte “I just want to say when started a cloud-based com- I’m your next governor, we puting business, RightNow are going to adopt public pol- Technologies. Computing icy to keep people safe--the giant Oracle purchased the Photo by Hazel Cramer, Community News Service vulnerable--and we’re going Photo by Hazel Cramer, Community News Service

2020 State Voter's Guide 5 THIRD PARTIES Third party voices struggle to be heard after Green Party fight

By Cameron Kia Weix the whole slate. Oregonian first reported. Roots has a criminal record, including resisting arrest, violating probation Community News Service Wagner officially stepped in as the Green Party’s and possession of an unregistered firearm. He said UM School of Journalism acting coordinator last May and has had to balance he hasn’t spent a night in jail in 25 years and he the party’s desire for ballot access and independence. would focus on investigating the government as a The fight over a Republican-funded effort to quali- “This one caught us off guard, it’s not the way that tireless advocate for individual liberty if elected. fy the Green Party for the ballot in Montana is the we want to get (ballot) access,” Wagner said, though The Libertarian candidate for governor and CEO of latest chapter in the long-running debate over wheth- the party still wanted at least its presidential candi- Hoplite Armor, Lyman Bishop, has argued federal er third parties can be a serious alternative or are date on the ballot. “Yes, it was a Republican-led ownership of land in Montana is unconstitutional and stuck in the role of spoiler. effort. That doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve a is concerned about protecting peoples’ rights, includ- Democrats successfully sued to kick the Green voice.” ing Second Amendment rights. Party off this year’s ballot after many who signed a Michael O’Neil, communications manager for the Kevin Leatherbarrow, the Libertarian candidate petition to qualify the environmental-leaning party national Green Party, echoed Wagner’s frustration, for superintendent of public instruction, runs Go and asked to be removed once it became known Republi- saying ballot access has turned into a partisan game Grow tutoring center and said he is frustrated with cans had spent $100,000 to sign people up. at a time when voters crave more choice. the education system and supports school choice and It is the latest episode of major parties using minor The Libertarian Party is already qualified for the more funding for special education. parties in an electoral system where a third option is ballot, but it also had at least one recent challenge to One Libertarian candidate for state house, indepen- more likely to spoil a major candidate’s run than pro- ballot access. In 2016, the then Republican state dent Doug Campbell, previously ran for office as a vide a real alternative. chairman unsuccessfully requested to remove Roger Green and said both parties can offer an appealing “The system we have in place really tends toward Roots, the Libertarian for secretary of state, from alternative. two parties,” Carroll College political scientist Jere- the ballot over issues with campaign filings. “The Green Party and the Libertarian Party really my Johnson said. “That’s not a great answer if you Roots, an attorney, has run unsuccessfully as a Lib- don’t feel at home in either party.” ertarian for several offices in recent years and is have a lot in common as far as non-intervention in foreign policy, providing individuals with all of the Johnson said the American winner-takes-all system running this year for state auditor, Montana’s watch- constitutional rights and not corporations, and get- leads major parties to absorb as many smaller dog for insurance and securities. ting corruption out of the system,” Campbell said. groups as possible. Roots served as a volunteer paralegal for Ryan Campbell said he thinks a lack of third parties This remains the case despite the rise of populism, Bundy, one of 26 charged in connection with the 2016 leads people to not vote at all. according to Jim Messina, who served as campaign armed takeover of a wildlife refuge in Oregon, The manager for President ’s 2012 reelec- tion and now runs campaigns around the globe. He said populist movements in other countries have fueled the growth of third, fourth and even fifth major parties. Since the American system has all but locked out third parties, political insiders “just see them as inconsequential,” Messina said, adding they are often a means to siphon votes away from one candidate or the other. One of the most high-profile cases of that siphon- ing came in 2012, when a liberal group supporting Democratic Sen. ’s re-election spent more than $900,000 in television ads promoting the Liber- tarian candidate in an effort to hurt Republican Den- ny Rehberg. That year, the Libertarian won 6.6% of the vote, more than Tester’s margin of victory. In the last decade, third parties and independents have averaged about 4.5% of the vote in statewide races. That excludes Libertarian Mike Fellows’ 43% haul for clerk of the state supreme court in 2012, a race that did not have a Republican candidate. In this year’s fight over the Greens, Republicans said they tried to give voters more options, while Democrats called the effort misleading and asked people who signed the petition to withdraw their sig- natures. Unknown funders previously tried to put the Green Party on the ballot in 2018. The back and forth this year has left the Greens trying to catch up with their own ballot status. Adrien Wagner, acting state coordinator for the Mon- tana Green Party, said he first heard a couple reports of signature gatherers in early February. Wagner said the party was not involved in signa- ture gathering and had no contact with candidates except two, for state senate and attorney general, who it had planned to endorse. He said the Demo- crats’ lawyers “chose to willfully misinterpret how it was stated on our Facebook page,” to argue against Graphic by Hazel Cramer, Community News Service

6 2020 State Voter's Guide BALLOT MEASURES Initiative seeks to ‘clean up’ rules around ballot access

By Emma Smith fifths of the legislative districts in on the books, according to Gunderson. as Missoula and Billings. Community News Service Montana,” it said “at least ten percent So, the voted During the legislative debate, UM School of Journalism of voters in at least one half of Mon- last year to put the issue to the voters Gunderson said both articles need to tana’s counties.” The other revised to officially change the language. “one third of legislative districts,” to be returned to the original language Over the past few elections, Montan- According to Gunderson, one (C-46) because that is how the state inter- ans have voted to change the rules “at least five percent of voters in at will change the language from back to least one half of Montana counties” prets the law and this should reflect around medical marijuana, sought to two-fifths of legislative district for all through the Montana constitution. impose a crime victim’s bill of rights with signature requirements for initia- constitutional amendments. tives that change state law. But no matter how voters decide this and changed how absentee ballots can “(The 2002 rules) actually utilize the be collected. All these issues required The changes would have forced signature count to be able to get a vot- year’s changes, Anthony Johnstone, a specific number of voter signatures groups seeking to get ballot initiatives er initiative on the ballot. That’s uncon- law professor at the University of to land on the ballot and now that rule or constitutional amendments on the stitutional. That’s why the court found Montana, said little will likely change. is, itself, on the ballot. ballot to find voters in a wider range of that it needed to be changed back to “The (2002) amendment was void This year voters will decide whether counties than originally required, giv- the original use of ‘two-fifths of legis- ing more input to more rural counties. when passed, and should have no legal to return the language in Article XIV, lative districts,”’ Gunderson said. effect.,” he said. “Legally speaking, it’s Section IX and Article III, section IV They also prompted the Montana The other -- C-47 -- changes ballot not in the constitution anymore of the Montana Constitution back to its Public Interest Research Group to file initiatives from “one-half of the coun- original language from 2002. regardless of what the published con- suit in 2005, saying the new rules cre- ties” to “one-third of legislative dis- stitution says. Thus, these referenda “It’s a clean up bill,” said Montana ated such an unfair burden that it vio- tricts.” are much more about what the legisla- lated the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Representative Steve Gunderson, a ture decides to print in the constitu- Constitution. Montana PIRG pointed Although these changes are intended Republican from Libby, during the tion, rather than what the constitution out that at the time nearly 56 percent to align state law with the federal debate about putting the issue to vot- court ruling, some legislators still wor- of Montana's population is concentrat- really means.” ers in 2019. ried about the move. Representative ed in six of the state's 56 counties. With The changes started back in 2002 Geraldine Custer, a fellow Republican There is not really a debate over the the 2002 requirements, far fewer sig- when voters passed two initiatives that from Forsyth said that the intent changes -- no groups have formed to natures are needed to qualify an initia- changed what it took to qualify for the behind the 2002 change in Article III, back or oppose the 2020 changes -- but tive in a less populous county than are ballot. One changed signature require- Section IV, regarding HB-245 was so it remains up to the voters to decide if necessary in more populous counties. ments for proposing constitutional signature collectors couldn’t go to all the state constitution will reflect the amendments. Instead of saying that The U.S District Court agreed, strik- the high population areas with the decision of the federal courts on this signatures are required from “two- ing down the changes, but they are still most legislative seats of Montana, such question. Ballot measure would restrict local government gun laws

By Alex Miller Steve Bullock vetoed a bill last session tana Constitution on our right to keep Towns, led by executive director Tim Community News Service that would have accomplished much and bear arms.” Burton, has made more than $9,000 in donations or in-kind services to the UM School of Journalism the same thing directly. Concerns have been raised about the “NO on LR-130” group, At the time, Bullock said Montana wording of LR-130. Shortly after its So, here’s the question: How much law had long protected “our basic right legislative approval, opponents chal- Burton said the league’s primary power should local governments have to keep and bear arms” while trusting lenged the referendum’s language, but concern is that LR-130 would take to regulate firearms or prevent their local governments to decide “whether Montana’s Supreme Court ruled that away local power to make local deci- possession by felons, minors, undocu- the mentally ill may bring guns into LR-130 would appear as is. sions. mented immigrants or people judged schools, or whether a local government Opponents of the measure include “First of all, LR-130 would take away mentally incompetent? can permit concealed weapons.” the Montana School Boards Associa- local government’s rights to make Not much, according to backers of LR-130 sprang the passage of a 2016 tion, led by executive director Lance local decisions,” Burton said. “Our real Legislative Referendum 130, the ballot Missoula city ordinance that would Melton. His organization worried that concern is that LR-130 is bad for Mon- measure sent to voters by Montana have required that all gun sales within the measure could make it impossible tana. This ballot is poorly written, it’s lawmakers last session. the city limits, including private sales, for schools to regulate the possession confusing, it’s unnecessary, potentially be subject to background checks. of weapons on school grounds, such as unconstitutional and unsafe.” Specifically, Legislative Referendum After changes and court fights, the parking lots. 130 asks voters to remove local gov- Despite such opposition, proponents ruled the ernments’ power to regulate the carry- “If school districts are construed to of the ballot measure are confident ordinance unconstitutional last year. ing of concealed firearms – or to be local governments, then it could LR-130 will pass. restrict the open carry of firearms – Second Amendment advocates saw potentially usurp their authority to State Rep. Matt Regier, a Columbia except in public buildings within a the controversy as a step toward a regulate the possession of weapons on Falls Republican, sponsored the origi- government’s jurisdiction. greater patchwork of differing gun school campuses outside of school nal legislation. He is confident Mon- control restrictions across the state. buildings,” Melton said. The measure, if approved, also tanans will pass that initiative, he said, would repeal local government’s Gary Marbut, president of the Mon- Other critics are backing up their because it would lessen confusion on authority to prevent the possession of tana Shooting Sports Association, was opposition with campaign cash and in- concealed carry regulations across the firearms by convicted felons, minors, one of the ballot issue’s architects. kind donations. As of Aug. 2020, one state. undocumented immigrants and or peo- group, “NO on LR-13” reported dona- He said that Montana already has a One of the main functions of the bal- ple judged to be mentally incompetent. tions of more $232,000. Money from preemption law that, when boiled lot initiative, Regier said, is to provide The measure doesn’t affect other fed- supporters has come in a comparative down, effectively prohibits local gov- uniformity across Montana for con- eral or state firearms restrictions trickle. One lump sum cash donation of ernments from regulating guns. cealed carry permit holders. about such possession. $16,000 came from the NRA Big Sky “All local governments are creatures Self-Defense Committee. “I myself am a concealed carry per- The question is being put to voters of the state,” Marbut said. “LR-130 The Montana League of Cities and by the Montana Legislation after Gov. reinforces the restriction in the Mon- See Gun Laws, page 7

2020 State Voter's Guide 7 Pair of measures would legalize marijuana in Montana

By Addie Slanger released a video Sept. 8 outlining its said she was grateful for the initia- “I don’t think there should be any Community News Service opposition based on safety and work- tive's structure. If passed, business angst between recreational and medi- UM School of Journalism force issues. licences would be issued Jan. 1, 2022, cal dispensaries,” he said. “I mean, it’s “(Recreational marijuana) is not a with registered Montana dispensaries like, Burger King is right next to first in line. These dispensaries have McDonald’s, and they all do pretty Marijuana is back on the ballot — recipe for a healthy workplace in the one year to sell without out-of-state well. There’s lots of room in Montana the third time in the last five election construction field,” MCA chief David competition, but she acknowledged for all of them.” cycles — but this year Montanans will Smith said. “And we don't think some- the competition would inevitably be a decide for the first time whether to thing like recreational marijuana is problem in the future. follow other states like Colorado and going to help us recruit more employ- Washington in legalizing use for all ees.” “These out of state conglomerates adults. The next day, a Facebook page titled are going to provide a lot of competi- Gun Laws, from page 6 tion down the road. At some point that The issue comes in the form of com- “Wrong For Montana” launched with is going to be a formidable concern,” mit holder, and we want to follow plementary ballot initiatives I-190 and an anti-legalization video warning vot- Schager said. the law,” he said. “If every city and CI-118. I-190 creates the rules for a ers about the potential for an every county has a different ordi- recreational marijuana system in increased drug presence in the state. Petersen said there was no cause for nance, it would be impossible to Montana, including a 20% tax. It also The group pointed to problems in Col- concern. even drive across the state,” Regier allows each county the option to pro- orado as cause for concern. “All the jobs are going to be here. said. hibit dispensaries in their county. Wrong For Montana was founded by All the tax revenue is going to be But the sponsor of the stricken CI-118 would amend the Montana Steve Zabawa, a Billings car dealer here,” he said. “Montana is not this big Missoula ordinance, Missoula City Constitution to allow the state to set who has opposed past marijuana legal- shining apple for marijuana conglom- Council President Bryan von Loss- the minimum buying age to 21. If both ization and medical cannabis efforts. erates in terms of revenue generated. berg, said LR-130 would limit local pass, Montana would join 10 other Zabawa sees the legalization effort as There may be some bleeding off ini- officials’ power to serve their com- states and the District of Columbia in a threat to Montana. tially, but that seems to level off, munities. legalizing recreational marijuana. “Do we want more stoners in our according to Colorado models.” “LR-130 is an attack on freedom,” New Approach Montana, a group family? If the answer is ‘yes,’ all we Petersen and New Approach based von Lossberg said. “My job as a founded in January 2019 by Montana have to do is legalize recreational much of the bills’ infrastructure on local official is to act in the interest political veterans Ted Dick and Pep- marijuana,” Zabawa said. “I'm just Colorado, one of the only states that of the public safety, well-being and per Petersen, is running the pro-legal- stepping out and saying it's wrong for correctly estimated its projected tax welfare of my constituents. This ini- ization effort. After seeing a decline Montana. It's not pristine, it's not revenue. He stressed that he thinks tiative makes that job much harder of tax revenue from previous econom- healthy, it's not productive, and it's not Montana is a big enough state for both to do because it eviscerates local ic drivers like energy production and a good idea for Montana.” commercial and medical suppliers. control.” mining, the two men asked the Mon- The WFM campaign is launching its tana’s Office of Budget and Program opposition with social media ads on Planning to estimate the benefits of Google and Facebook, using the finan- legalized marijuana for the economy. cial help of national anti-legalization The office estimated that retail taxes outfit Smart Approaches to Marijuana on recreational marijuana could gen- (SAM). Zabawa confirmed his organi- erate upwards of $38.5 million a year zation would be rolling out ads on by 2025. Montana television networks in the “This is a substantial amount of weeks before the election. He would funding,” Petersen said, adding the not comment on how much funding next steps were clear. “We wrote our the group had to fight legalization, but own law — we have a uniquely Mon- the group will need to report its tana approach.” donors at the end of September. But before that economic windfall Besides the Montana Contractors could happen, New Approach needed Association, the Montana Chamber of to succeed where the last effort to Commerce, Montana Bankers Associa- legalize in 2016 fell short: qualifying tion and the Motor Carriers Associa- for the ballot. The group pumped over tion have all announced support for $140,000 into signature-gathering WFM and plan to contribute financial- efforts. ly, Zabawa said. Dick and Petersen’s organization Petersen rejected Zabawa’s claims, plans to pour much more money into arguing that by raising the buying age the effort, ordering a whopping $2.3 to 21 and mirroring the medical mari- million on advertisements, most of juana infrastructure, New Approach which are set to roll out in late Octo- was ensuring safety. ber and early November. “Steve has been a thorn in the side The effort has been funded almost of marijuana supporters for years. entirely by two donors: New For whatever reason, he's got a per- Approach’s national Political Action sonal jihad against them,” Petersen Committee, which has donated over said. “I’m surprised that he actually $140,000, and a DC-based organization believes the things that he says. It’s called the North Fund, which has giv- ridiculous. It's just so objectively out en more than $1.6 million. The entire of touch with reality.” campaign has generated over $2.8 mil- Still, some of those groups Zabawa lion. opposed in the past are also worried For much of the summer no official about recreational marijuana. Smaller, opposition had organized to oppose Montana-based dispensaries worry legalization, but that changed in mid- their business will be swamped by September. larger, out-of-state companies. The Montana Contractors Associa- Michaela Schager, owner of Mon- tion, a group representing Montana tana Medicinals, a family-owned medi- Photos courtesy of Hazel Cramer of Community News Service building contractors and suppliers, cal marijuana dispensary in Missoula, Montana voters will decide this fall if recreational use of marijuana is legal for residents age 21 or older. (Hazel Cramer/Community News Service)

8 2020 State Voter's Guide U.S. SENATE RACE

U.S. Senate race draws national attention, outside money Steve Bullock (D) By Erin Sargent of money don’t care about Montana Montana.” necessarily,” Jeremy Johnson, a politi- Community News Service Bullock coun- cal scientist from Carroll College, UM School of Journalism tered he’s taken a said. “There is a lot riding, in terms of “fiscally conser- national power, on this.” Montana will not play much of a role vative response” in the battle between President Don- The death of Supreme Court Justice to ensure the ald Trump and former Vice President Ruth Bader Ginsburg and confirma- state has funds as Joe Biden, but in the fight to control tion fight over conservative Judge the pandemic the U.S. Senate, the clash between Amy Coney Barrett to replace her has drags on and Gov. Steve Bullock and incumbent only intensified the attention on com- needs change. Sen. looms large. petitive Senate races around the coun- “We still have try. Outside groups like the Sheldon Daines, a Republican, seemed likely four months left Adelson-backed, Republican-leaning to cruise to re-election until the Demo- in this year to Senate Leadership Fund and the Dem- cratic governor announced on the last make sure that ocratic-tilted Senate Majority PAC are possible day his decision to enter the our businesses pouring millions into attack ads aimed race. Nationally, Democrats hope to can not only stay at deciding this pivotal contest. pick up four seats in the 2020 election alive, but thrive,” to take control of the Senate for the And while the campaign is awash in Bullock respond- first time since 2015. money, the two candidates have ed in an inter- Recent polling suggests the race is a fought to accentuate their differences view. and make their case not about the poli- statistical dead-heat, with Daines As the Novem- often having a narrow lead, but less tics of Washington, but about issues in ber election than the margin of error. The reputa- Montana. One of the most significant draws closer, both ble Cook Political Report has labeled has been how the state and the gov- Daines and Bull- the race a “toss up.” ernment has handled the COVID-19 ock have been pandemic. ramping up The race’s national importance has efforts to both opened the floodgate to money from Bullock has been a constant pres- ence as he guided the state response highlight the dif- outside the state and the race seems Photo by Sara Diggins, Community News Service ferences between likely to shatter all previous records. to the crisis, including issuing state- wide mandates about wearing masks them and where He returned to Montana to work for “A lot of the people who care about and how schools were to re-open. He they stand on the issues they would his now-lieutenant governor Mike the senate race and are spending a lot also has also handled distributing potentially vote on in the Senate. Cooney in the Secretary of State’s some $1.25 billion Steve Daines (R) Daines has warned that Bullock is office. He entered private practice allocated to Mon- actually a liberal Democrat who would after losing his first campaign for tana from Con- work with national party figures on attorney general in 2000. He ran again gress’s Coronavirus issues like gun control, abortion and eight years later and was elected Aid, Relief, and taxes. He has also stressed his support attorney general, serving from 2009 to Economic Security for local Montana businesses and tra- 2013. He won back-to-back campaigns (CARES) Act. ditional industries like mining. That for governor and briefly made a run Daines criticized support for coal mining helped him for the Democratic presidential nomi- the governor in a secure the endorsement of Crow Trib- nation in 2019. recent interview, al Chairman A.J. Not Afraid in late During his time on the presidential saying that Bullock July. campaign trail, Bullock routinely ref- hasn’t been distrib- The Republican grew up in Bozeman erenced his work as governor working uting the money and went to Montana State before across the aisle with Montana Repub- across the state entering corporate sales, working for licans, and his presidential campaign quickly enough. Proctor and Gamble and Greg Gian- to “make Washington work more like “That’s a huge forte’s RightNow Technologies. The Montana” could help him garner amount of money, Bullock campaign has criticized approval from both Democrat and and it’s important Daines for working with companies Republican voters for the Senate seat. that it got sent out that helped outsource jobs to other Bullock centered his failed presi- to the states,” countries, but Daines has stressed his dential run on the undue role of mon- Daines said. “And business experience helps him under- ey in politics, a position that could put the intent of those stand the pressures on businesses and him at the forefront of the Senate on a important resourc- what could grow the state economy. critical issue. es were not to be Daines was elected to the Senate in sitting in Helena 2014, after serving one term as Mon- “I would imagine Bullock would with him, but to get tana’s U.S. Representative. model what Tester did,” Johnson said, citing the senior senator’s support for them deployed as Bullock grew up in Helena but left veterans as his signature issue. “I quickly as possible the state to attend college and later think Bullock would cut a more mod- to every corner of graduated from Columbia Law School. Photo by Sara Diggins, Community News Service erate profile (in the Senate.)”

2020 State Voter's Guide 9 U.S. HOUSE RACE One more time: Rosendale, Williams try again in campaign for Congress (R) solid conservative partner for Mon- cess,” according to Rosendale’s cam- By Aidan Morton tana’s Republican U.S. Sen. Steve paign website. Daines. Community News Service Such regulations include increased UM School of Journalism His listed priorities include blocking fuel efficiency standards for vehicles illegal immigration, protecting the and reductions in air and water pollu- Second Amendment and repealing and If Montana’s campaign for the tion. replacing the federal Affordable Care state’s lone seat in the U.S. House of The candidates also differ on tax Act, or Obamacare, concentrating Representatives seems familiar, it’s policy, with Rosendale supporting the instead on market measures to lower because both candidates have been 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which the cost of health care and insurance here before. reduced the corporate tax rate from while protecting coverage for those 35% to 21%. He said he would support Democrat Kathleen Williams of Boz- with pre-existing conditions. eman lost a House race just two years making those cuts permanent as a fur- As state auditor, he said he’s worked ago to Congressman Greg Gianforte, ther incentive to job creation and hard as the state’s insurance commis- and the consequences of that defeat investment in local economies. sioner to improve Montanans’ health- still rankle, she said. Williams, through a staffer, said the care choices. “It’s been incredibly frustrating to act benefited the wealthiest Ameri- “A lot of voters will judge someone’s see the lack of leadership and repre- cans and contributed billions to the future performance by their past sentation, frankly,” said Williams, a national debt. If elected, she will focus actions,” Rosendale said. “I like that I former state legislator, about Gian- on supporting small businesses and can point to those promises that have Photo provided by the Matt Rosendale Campaign forte’s actions during the pandemic. closing loopholes in the act. been kept.” Her opponent, Republican Matt The two also differ on abortion, Williams, who has degrees in Williams has run advertisements Rosendale, now state auditor and a which Rosendale has repeatedly resource economics and recreation that focus on Montana’s outdoor life- former legislator, has run unsuccess- opposed under any circumstances. resources, spent the past six years as style and conservation. In one, she fil- fully to represent Montana in both the Williams is on record as supporting an associate director of the Western lets a walleye with rolled-sleeves say- U.S. Senate and House. He lost to women’s reproductive health and Landowners Alliance, where she ing she’s not afraid to get her hands Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester two stood by Montana women who protest- serves as a water and policy expert dirty. In another, she shoots clay years ago, despite four visits to the ed “intrusive” abortion bans last and promotes conservation on private pigeons, talks about voting for Ronald state from President Donald Trump on spring in Georgia, Alabama and Mis- lands. Reagan and ends by raising a glass of his behalf. In 2016, Rosendale lost a souri. beer. U.S. primary race for Congress. Her stated priorities include keep- Both support gun ownership, though ing Montana’s public lands public, In his ads, Rosendale speaks with “Obviously, I have a different oppo- Williams has said she supports back- fighting for clean air and clean water, mechanics and ranchers about bring- nent that I am running against,” he ground checks. Rosendale received an boosting Montana’s economy by help- ing “real hard work” to Washington. said. “But I, myself, continue to advo- A- rating from the National Rifle ing farmers and ranchers stay on the His ads also feature a doctor talking cate for the same kind of issues.” Association. land and encouraging the develop- about lowering prescription drug pric- Rosendale, a Glendive-area land- ment of more made-in-Montana prod- The two campaigns are appealing to es and footage of Rosendale with Pres- owner and former businessman, is ucts. She calls for fixing the nation’s Montana outdoor enthusiasts, as both ident Trump. campaigning as a Trump loyalist and a candidates vow to protect public “broken healthcare system” and pro- As of Sept. 16, OpenSecrets.org was lands. Both tout their support for vet- tecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social reporting that Williams raised almost Kathleen Williams (D) erans, as well. Williams comes from a Security. $2.38 million in campaign donations, military family. Her late husband was ahead of Rosendale’s nearly $1.8 mil- Their differences include their a Vietnam-era veteran. Rosendale has views of the federal government’s lion. Large contributors comprise a brother and son in the Marines. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. most of both candidates’ donors. But campaigns don’t live by policy Williams said the federal govern- Williams’ endorsements include stances alone. Much of a candidate’s ment could have taken an earlier and Montana Conservation Voters, Mon- strength lies in their personality, style more aggressive step to combat the tana Sportsman Alliance, Emily’s list, and ability to “appear like one of us,” virus through testing. She supports National Organization of Women and said Rob Saldin, a professor of Ameri- more bipartisan effort to help small unions that include the Montana Fed- can politics and an analyst. businesses survive the pandemic- eration of Public Employees, AFl-CIO, caused recession, she told the Billings “I just don’t know that this is an the Montana Brotherhood of Team- Gazette recently. election where issues seem to be gain- sters. ing much traction,” Saldin said. Rosendale supports President Rosendale has been endorsed by the Trump’s response to the pandemic, Saldin pointed to the lack of volatili- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The especially his decision in May to have ty in state and federal polls, saying National Rifle Association’s victory federal agencies roll back regulations that hyperpartisanship on a national fund, and many top Republican lead- he said would blunt economic recov- level has caused voters to “take their ers, including President Donald ery. Most of the regulations lifted bearings” with a certain candidate. Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., should be permanently removed to Both candidates have tried to combat and U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Photo by Sara Diggins, Community News Service “expand on the administration’s suc- this with their advertising. Paul.

10 2020 State Voter's Guide

2020 State Voter's Guide 11

STEVE BULLOCK FIGHTS FOR ALL MONTANANS

In the Senate, Steve Bullock will keep fighting for you

Protect health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions

Protect and expand Social Security and Medicare

Lower the cost of prescription drugs

Stand up to the special interests who want to give tax breaks to corporations while raising taxes on Montanans

Learn more: SteveBullock.com

PAID FOR BY MONTANANS FOR BULLOCK

12 2020 State Voter's Guide ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE Attorney General candidates tout different priorities

By Griffen Smith ties will be to help defend He said violent crime in According to medicaid.gov, Knudsen said he under- Community News Service attacks against the federal Montana has risen since 2013 the federal government still stands the attorney general’s UM School of Journalism and due largely to illegal drugs. funds 67% of Montana’s Med- role in being a voice for Mon- expand public access to pub- He vowed to track down and icaid program, which, togeth- tanans, but he added he would lic lands. Knudsen said he’ll As Attorney General Tim prosecute the black market er with the Children’s Health not get involved in national lead the fight against crime Fox vacates his seat early drug sales, especially in rural Insurance Program or CHIP, policy unless it directly and illegal drugs in Montana. next year, two newcomers to areas where law enforcement served 254,112 individuals in affected Montana. statewide political races are Knudsen also said he’ll work is sometimes sparse. He March of 2017. “I'm interested in protect- battling to become Montana’s to save taxpayers money in emphasized that he’s the only Another issue in the race is ing Montana citizens' individ- top lawyer and laying out dis- providing the Justice Depart- candidate in the race who has the extent to which the attor- ual freedoms and rights, and tinct choices for voters. ment’s services. prosecuted crimes. ney general should get if there is an opportunity to The spirited race pits “I want to come in as a fis- Graybill, 31, is from Great involved in national legal con- protect those rights by get- Republican , a cal conservative, and I want Falls. He went to Columbia, troversies. Graybill, as the ting involved in federal litiga- former Montana House speak- to get aggressive about really Yale Law School and Oxford governor’s chief attorney, has tion, then we certainly will do er and now Roosevelt County reducing bureaucracy,” Knud- University as a Rhodes Schol- argued cases before the U.S. that,” Knudsen said. “People attorney, against Great Falls sen said. “I want to take fund- ar. He worked as a lawyer for and Montana supreme courts. need to know that they're safe Democrat Raph Graybill, Gov. ing out of what I consider the Susman Godfrey firm in He said he would defend Mon- and that their communities Steve Bullock’s chief lawyer. some bloated areas in the Billings before joining the tanans in any venue. are safe and that their fami- overall Department of Justice Bullock administration as lies are safe.” The attorney general is the “Ordinary people might budget, and I think we can chief legal counsel in 2017. state’s highest legal authority, have rights on paper or rights Both Graybill and Knudsen revert that money and get it overseeing the Montana Graybill said as AG he written in law, but oftentimes have been successful fund- out to counties to fight Department of Justice, which would defend Montanan’s they need an advocate in the raisers, with Graybill having crime.” encompasses the Montana access to healthcare. He sup- legal system to make those the edge. As of Sept. 15, Gray- Highway Patrol and the Mon- Knudsen, 40, is Roosevelt ports the Legislature’s 2019 rights take on meaning, pick bill reported having $242,868 tana State Crime Lab, and County’s elected chief attor- decision to expand Medicaid, up the course and take on cash to spend on the race. assists counties in criminal ney and prosecutor, a job he the state-federal program that power,” Graybill said. Knudsen had about $166,566. prosecutions. It also oversees won in 2018. He is a former serves the state’s poor and He cited the need to help Graybill received endorse- vehicle and drivers’ licensing, state representative from his disabled. He would also Montanan’s who can’t afford ments from the Montana Fed- advocates for consumers, hometown of Culbertson, and defend parts of the federal overpriced medicine from eration of Public Employees runs the state law enforce- he served as House speaker Affordable Care Act, or pharmaceutical companies. A and Montana Conservation ment academy and monitors from 2015 to 2017. He has Obamacare, that offer Mon- 2017 state report found that voters, while Knudsen picked sexual and violent offenders. degrees from Montana State tanan’s access to health insur- prescription drugs make up up an endorsement from the University and the University ance. Graybill said his top priori- over 20% of Montana resi- National Rifle Association. of Montana law school. “Montana fought very hard dents’ medical bills. Raph Graybill (D) to expand the Medicaid pro- Austin Knudsen (R) gram in 2015, again in 2019, that gives health care to almost 100,000 Montanans,” Graybill said. He said he would join other states’ attorneys general in arguing against a national lawsuit contesting Obam- acare’s mandate requiring that everyone have healthcare insurance. That case is sched- uled for arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court shortly after the election. As Montana’s house speak- er, Knudsen opposed Medic- aid expansion and the federal ACA. He said the state will suffer from the increased state spending on healthcare. “Nobody wants to talk about the long term, and that is fed- eral funding is going to go away and we're still going to have this larger population that we've said we're going to cover,” Knudsen said. “That truly has potential to bank- Photo by Sara Diggins, Community News Service rupt the state.” Photo provided by the Austin Knudsen Campaign

2020 State Voter's Guide 13 SECRETARY OF STATE RACE Secretary of State candidates offer voters stark contrasts

voting from 2006 to 2017 when a man donors, hired fami- (R) By Madeline Broom filled out his ex-wife’s ballot in a ly members and Community News Service school board election. spent “thousands of dollars” on ads UM School of Journalism When it comes to voting, Bennett featuring Jacobsen said he wants to ensure that all Mon- days before she tanans who want to vote can. He’s said As voters across the state turn to the announced her he’s also to ideas such as online regis- Montana Secretary of State’s office campaign. tration and critical of Stapleton for for guidance on how to cast a ballot not taking earlier advantage of the Invited to safely during a pandemic, they also National Guard’s cybersecurity unit to respond to similar face choosing between two candidates help local election officials combat charges during the running for the office. electronic hackers. MTN debate, The race features , a Jacobsen respond- Jacobsen, whom Stapleton has former state legislator and Democrat ed by touting her endorsed, declined repeated requests born in Hysham, versus Republican background and for an interview, but here’s what she’s nominee Christi Jacobsen of Helena, experience work- said in her campaign. who’s served for nearly four years as ing for government deputy to Republican Secretary of She supports voter identification and business. She State Corey Stapleton. requirements and criticized online also labeled Ben- registration, saying it’s been a “train The race is playing out against a nett “anti-gun, anti- wreck” in California. In an interview debate over mail voting, highlighted life and anti-busi- with Yellowstone Public Radio, Jacob- by the Trump administration’s lawsuit ness.” sen described online registration as a arguing against Gov. Steve Bullock’s gateway to voting by undocumented She has said that order allowing Montana counties the immigrants. She also said she would she’s cut the option of using mail voting during the fight to ensure that voters may vote in office’s staff by a COVID-19 pandemic. The suit argues person, if they wish. third, while that mail voting weakens election improving its busi- integrity. A vocal supporter of President Don- ness licensing ser- ald Trump, Jacobsen has said she So far, all but 10 counties have cho- vices, saving the would protect against any attempts to sen to use mail voting this year. A state millions in centralize Montana’s honeycomb elec- Photo provided by the Christi Jacobsen Campaign recent study of potential voter fraud the process. tions system, adding that such efforts in Montana found one case of unlawful could weaken elec- Bennett, however, argues that schools. Jacobsen has “gutted” the office, mak- tion security. She Jeremy Johnson, a political science Bryce Bennett (D) ing it less efficient. He’s also critical has also said she professor at Carroll College in Helena, of what he has described as the plans to continue said that because the secretary of office’s “partisan attacks” and the Stapleton’s work to state oversees elections, it is an sending of “political emails.” replace the state’s important office, though many voters 20-year-old elec- In 2019, the Commissioner of Politi- may not be familiar with its work. tions IT system cal Practices Jeff Mangan found that Jacobsen and Bennett have little with a modern sys- Stapleton violated state ethics laws by time left to get those messages to vot- tem that could pro- using a state email account and tax- ers. Bennett has a weekly show on vide more election payer dollars to announce his bid for Facebook that features talks with security. governor. guests on issues ranging from election When asked dur- Bennett said he will effectively and security to public lands. ing a televised efficiently run the office’s business Jacobsen has focused her campaign debate if she sup- services and promote increased public primarily on public appearances, ported Trump’s access to state lands as a member of including traveling to events with oth- lawsuit against the State Land Board, on which the er statewide Republican candidates Montana, she said secretary of state serves. only that, if elect- this election. “I don’t think that those are partisan ed, she would As of Sept. 15, Bennett reported hav- issues,” Bennett said. “They are my enforce all state ing nearly $240,000 in his campaign values, and I know from talking to laws. bank to spend. Jacobsen reported hav- people across the state, they’re Mon- ing about $31,000 still to spend. In an interview tana values as well.” Bennett repeated Bennett has the endorsements of In May, Jacobsen told the Helena accusations he’s two former secretaries of state, Independent Record she didn’t know made before, Republican Bob Brown and Democrat much about issues facing the State accusing Jacobsen Linda McCulloch. Land Board. More recently, however, of running a she’s promised to protect public Jacobsen has Stapleton’s support “hyper-partisan access to state lands while also and that of Republican U.S. Sen. Steve office” that con- encouraging their development Daines and Congressman Greg Gian- tracts with political Photo by Sara Diggins, Community News Service because the proceeds support public forte, who is running for governor.

14 2020 State Voter's Guide SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION Top education spot features a 2016 rematch By Meghan Jonas to teach online. She said she would dents in the way that works best for lars, even when budgets are tight. seek additional funding from the state Community News Service them. “Who gets elected matters to the to better prepare them for distance UM School of Journalism She said too often schools are bogged state,” Juneau said. “It makes a huge learning. down in the bureaucracy from state difference. It provides leadership for The differences between the two Central to Arntzen’s message is the and federal standards, saying, “There every school in the state.” candidates for the Superintendent of need for schools to exist within the are lots of rules,” she said “Being law- Public Instruction are as clear as the overall budget of the state and to work ful and following the rules isn’t the Melissa Romano (D) mask on a student’s face. to request a reasonable share of state number one concern.” budget resources. It’s a job, she said, Superintendent , a Donors to this campaign have bro- her eight years as a legislator pre- Republican running for re-election, ken along party lines, with Arntzen, a pared her for better than her oppo- has stressed her belief that local former Billings-area state representa- nent. school districts should decide whether tive and senator, getting money from to require students to wear masks in “I honor Melissa as a teacher, but Republican officials, including former school this fall. Her opponent, former knowing the Legislature and under- U.S. Interior Secretary Montana Teacher of the Year and Dem- standing the bill processes is impor- and Deputy Secretary of State Eric ocrat Melissa Romano, has made it tant,” she said Jacobsen. clear she supports statewide rules to Romano, a teacher by training, coun- Romano draws much of her funding require masks in counties with active tered that Arntzen has not done from the largest teachers’ union, the COVID cases. enough to advocate for education Montana Federation of Public Arntzen blasted Gov. Steve Bullock spending in the legislature, arguing Employees, as well as organizations in August when the governor declared she has been absent during her tenure. like Emily’s List and Carol’s List that masks would be required in all coun- After Romano fell short four years support women candidates. ties with more than four cases of COV- ago, she returned to the classroom. She , a Democrat who ID-19. She accused the governor, a said the loss taught her to persevere served as Superintendent of Public Democrat who is running for U.S. Sen- and renewed her commitment to chil- Instruction prior to 2017, said the job ate, of playing politics with the dren and she went on to be named the was primarily about lobbying the gov- announcement. 2018 Teacher of the Year. ernor and Legislature for public dol- Photo by Madeline Broom, Community News Service “The governor made a last-minute This campaign, Romano has said the decision days before school begins and state needs to do more to support early has once again left the Office of Public education. The Democrat announced a Instruction in the dark in his decision- plan to create a public preschool for all making related to families in Mon- safely reopening Elsie Arntzen (R) tana. Currently schools,” Arntzen Montana is one of said in a state- only seven states ment. The gover- without such a nor’s office coun- statewide pro- tered it had asked gram. for the superin- tendent’s input, Arntzen said she but received no worried that such response. a program could turn preschool This split over into childcare. how to tackle edu- While she does not cation issues is a support public big part of what preschool, she Democrat Melissa said she does Romano said favor giving fami- prompted her to lies and students take Arntzen on the resources they again. Romano need to succeed, lost four years although offered ago by three no details as to points, but sees Photo provided by the Elsie Arntzen Campaign what that support this campaign as might look like. different. The Republican also stressed her Romano criticized Arntzen for bick- work to change the way schools are ering with the governor, saying, “This funded, working to include special isn’t the time for whining. It’s time to education funding into the Legisla- step up and lead.” ture’s school funding formula. That When asked how she would continue supports Arntzen’s repeated assertions to keep students safe if re-elected, that “one size fits all education” is not Arntzen stressed the importance of practical for Montana, and that teach- giving teachers the training they need ers should be able to teach their stu-

2020 State Voter's Guide 15 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION RACES Public Service Commission District 2 Race Incumbent faces stiff challenge in southeastern PSC race

By Peter Zimmerman regulatory body made up of five elect- struck a good balance between rate- lack of transparency is due to a lack of Community News Service ed commissioners. It is best known for payers and the utility. understanding about what the PSC is legally allowed to share. UM School of Journalism setting the rates utilities like North- McMurtry cited the October 2019 Western Energy can charge homeown- vote in relation to an issue that put the Montana’s Constitution guarantees ers for energy. Republican Tony O’Donnell is saying PSC in the headlines recently: trans- the public’s right to examine docu- his record during his first stint as the The PSC’s job is to ensure that the parency. The vote was made without ments or to observe the deliberations Public Service Commissioner for Dis- rates utilities charge customers are public knowledge and it was five days of all public bodies, except when the trict 2 is reason enough for him to be fair: high enough to give companies an before the PSC acknowledged the rate demands of individual privacy over- re-elected to another four-year term. incentive to provide power, yet afford- increase. The meeting’s minutes were ride that. able for ratepayers. not made available for six days. “I've been doing a good job repre- Utilities have a right to seek protec- senting ratepayers and striking the McMurtry said the current PSC and In another case, when the Billings tion orders and request that docu- required balance between fairness O’Donnell have not lived up to that Gazette and other news organizations ments be held in confidentiality, but between regulated entities and rate- standard. She referred to a PSC deci- sought records pertaining to an unau- they must prove the information needs payers,” said O’Donnell, a Billings sion last October allowing NorthWest- thorized release of one PSC member’s shouldn’t be public. businessman who represents PSC Dis- ern a $6.5 million increase for ratepay- emails by another, the PSC replied by Transparency isn’t the only criticism trict 2, which serves 10 counties in ers while larger customers like Exxon suing the news organizations. O’Donnell has had to deal with recent- southeast Montana, including Yellow- Mobil saw a 7% rate reduction. That incident, and others, led the ly. In July he was found to have violat- stone County. “It should be called the Corporate Gazette to call for the PSC’s elimina- ed state ethics laws for using his office But Democratic challenger Valerie Services Commission, because they tion and replacement. as the backdrop for a campaign video and for using the PSC seal on cam- McMurtry said she wants to see certainly vote with shareholders of “There’s certainly been a lack of paign material, implying the state O’Donnell unseated for the same rea- corporations more than they do with transparency and accountability,” backs his re-election. son: his record. McMurtry, who the voters who elected them,” McMur- McMurtry said. worked in the Billings school system try said. O’Donnell maintains that he did for 27 years, lists O’Donnell’s atten- O’Donnell disagreed. O’Donnell dismissed the comment, nothing wrong, “It was a passive use of dance record, recent ethics violations saying NorthWestern had originally “We have not engaged in any lack of my desk, I certainly wouldn't classify and voting record as reasons why he asked for a rate increase of $34.5 mil- transparency whatever,” O’Donnell that as having anything to do with should not be re-elected to the PSC. lion. By cutting that amount by more said, calling the accusation “complete The Public Service Commission is a than 80%, O’Donnell said the PSC silliness.” He said that any perceived See District 2, page 16 Public Service Commission District 3 Race MSU professor faces attorney in southwestern PSC contest

By Peter Zimmerman who teaches physics at Montana State Citing the potential to be on the PSC “I'm working with past public ser- Community News Service University. when the sale is debated, Brown vice commissioners,” he said. “I'm declined to comment on the case. working with present legislators, and I UM School of Journalism The Public Service Commission is a talked to NorthWestern Energy. I’ve regulatory body tasked with setting Brown said he believes that his back- talked to wind developers and storage Dust rose from the dry ground as the rates that Montanans pay monopo- ground as an attorney will help him if providers. I am trying to forge a way James Brown walked between head- ly utility companies like NorthWestern he is elected as the Commissioner rep- out of this thicket we have found our- stones in an old homesteader’s grave- Energy. The PSC’s job is to ensure that resenting District 3. “PSC commission- selves in. The way we have set up com- yard near Bannack, Montana territo- the rates utilities charge are afford- ers serve as de facto judges on cases pensation for the utility is stifling ry’s first capital. He stopped before a able for its captive customers, yet high that come before them,” he added. innovation.” waist-high black obelisk, worn to enough to give the investor-owned util- “With 16 years of legal practice I have almost nothing, carrying the name Ser- ity an incentive to provide energy. the qualifications to do that.” Woods said he believes Montana’s energy future lies with renewable rault. NorthWestern Energy is currently Though most of his professional energy. “The sun shines, the wind “That was my great grandfather’s attempting to buy a larger share of the career has been as an attorney, this is blows, we have hydro,” he said. “I want business partner,” he said, pointing at Unit 4 generator of the Colstrip Power not Brown’s first foray into politics. to see more net metering and commu- the stone. Plant, a sale that will be overseen by He spent six years in Washington, D.C. nity solar. I would like to see communi- the PSC and one that could affect rate- working as a congressional aide for Brown, a Republican lawyer with ties enabled to put up solar farms and payers. The sale would give North- former U.S. Senator , offices in Helena and Dillon, hopes wind farms. It’s a winner for ranchers Western a 12.5% larger stake in the among others, and representing the that his family’s homesteading history and a win for Montana.” plant. conservative advocacy group Ameri- will help propel him to a seat on the can Tradition Partnership in a case Brown said he will push for an “all- Public Service Commission over his Most of the costs associated with challenging Montana’s campaign con- opponent, Democrat Tom Woods. taking on more of Unit 4 would be of-the-above” energy strategy, one that tribution laws. passed to ratepayers. It’s an issue that would use every resource the state has Woods, who represented Montana’s the new commissioner, either Brown He has also run for office before, to keep the lights on. “We have coal, fastest-growing city, Bozeman, in the or Woods, will likely have to face. first in 2008 for the Montana House of natural gas, wind, solar, water,” he Legislature for eight years, said much Representatives, and then for the PSC said. “I truly believe that every single is at stake in the race for the PSC Dis- “I’m looking at the numbers and I in 2012, losing both times. one of those resources should be used trict 3, which stretches from Beaver- think it’s a terrible deal,” Woods said. to produce power.” head to Musselshell counties. He added that ratepayers are already With the Nov. 3 election looming, paying too much for the assets that Woods said he is thinking of changes Whoever wins the seat in District 3 “This is the most important election NorthWestern holds and any increase that would benefit ratepayers. that nobody cares about,” said Woods, would be unfair to ratepayers. See District 3, page 16

16 2020 State Voter's Guide Public Service Commission District 4 Race Ex-lawmaker faces ex-PSC attorney in District 4 race By James Bradley regulator had discriminated against advocates for handing more control of making recordings of PSC meetings Community News Service solar and wind energy producers and federal lands to local governments. easily accessible to the public. UM School of Journalism others by setting rates and contracts Fielder said that not only should the terms that made it difficult for smaller PSC have easily accessible recordings In 2018, she joined Cliven Bundy in producers to compete. of their meetings, but they should also Whatever happens in the Nov. 3 elec- Paradise, Montana, in encouraging tion, western Montana voters will elect The court recently ruled against the local control of state lands. Bundy led refuse to have any meetings directly a fresh face to Montana’s Public Ser- PSC in that case. a 2014 standoff against federal author- with industry representatives to make vice Commission, the body that Fielder served two terms as a state ities in Nevada over his refusal to pay sure that cases coming before the PSC decides what utilities can charge home senator, beginning in 2012. She has federal grazing fees. Bundy’s son haven’t been decided before the hear- and business owners for energy. chaired the Senate’s Fish and Game Ammon, led a 2016 armed occupation ing. With no incumbent in the race, this Committee and was vice chair of the of the Malheur federal wildlife refuge Fielder also said as a Republican, year’s open contest features former Senate Judiciary Committee. She also in Oregon. she would be more likely to influence state Sen. Jennifer Fielder, a Republi- served on the body’s Local Govern- Fielder made news again this sum- the other members on the commission, can from Thompson Falls, versus for- ment and Natural Resources commit- mer with a widely shared Facebook all of whom were Republicans since mer PSC staff attorney Monica Tranel, tees. post warning an “antifa caravan” was 2014. a Missoula Democrat, now a private She has degrees in recreation from planning to infiltrate anti-racists pro- Tranel has been endorsed by several attorney representing renewable ener- Western State University of Colorado tests in Idaho and Montana. The post, organizations including both the Mon- gy clients. and Wenatchee Valley College. She has which was shared by militia and anti- tana Federation of Public Employees, The candidates in the PSC District 4, a certification in horticulture and com- government Facebook groups, was and the Montana State AFL-CIO. She is which covers far western Montana pleted ’s For- debunked by local law enforcement, also endorsed by the Montana Conser- from Ravalli County in the south to est Stewardship program. news media and the Montana Human vation Voters. Notable donors include Rights Network. Lincoln County in the north, offer vot- Fielder said she decided to run after former governor and ers different backgrounds and experi- she was termed out of office because When it comes to the issues that the attorney general candidate Raph Gray- ences to choose from. “numerous constituents asked me to PSC regulates, however, the two said bill. In addition to being the PSC’s attor- stay involved, and some supporters they would work to ensure that utili- Fielder does not list her endorse- ney from 2001 to 2005, Tranel has also suggested the PSC.” ties provide Montanans with stable ments, but according to state cam- sources of energy at reasonable prices. worked for the Office of Consumer “After weighing it out with my fami- paign finance has received donations Counsel, which advocates for utility ly, praying over it, and assessing the Both said they avoid the personal from Congressman Greg Gianforte, customers. A graduate of Gonzaga and other candidates who had filed, I conflicts that marred PSC meetings in the party’s nominee for governor, and Rutgers University Law School, she decided to step up,” Fielder said in a the past, including accusations that his running mate, . competed as an Olympic-level rower, text message. one PSC member spied on another’s As of mid-August, neither candidate winning a gold medal in the sport’s email. has any large money interests behind world championships. She has made news for her state’s rights views, especially her support Tranel said the PSC needs to act them, but both have received mostly She made news this winter in testify- for the transfer of federal lands to more transparently than it has, a refer- small-dollar donations. Fiedler has ing against the PSC before the Mon- state control. She has served as CEO of ence to its slowness in announcing a loaned her campaign much of its mon- tana Supreme Court, arguing that the the American Lands Council, which rate decision this year. She suggested ey.

District 2, from page 15 Whoever wins the PSC seat will District 3, from page 15 members is embarrassing.” have to grapple with Montana’s ener- Woods said he will work for a more being unethical,” he said. gy future, one in which renewable will be just one of 5 commissioners open and transparent PSC by holding energy sources seek a larger role. on the PSC, which has recently been O’Donnell was also found to have open public meetings, communicat- marred by infighting, scandal and violated campaign finance rules for The Montana Supreme Court ing openly with the press and provid- ethics violations. leaving out required details about his recently upheld a lower court ruling, ing ratepayers with all necessary campaign spending during the 2020 which held that the PSC knew it “The current commission is damag- information. primary. would hinder the development of ing the reputation of the Commission “We do not hide information from solar energy when it suspended a and the important work it does,” If elected, McMurtry said she the public,” Woods said. federal law that requires utilities to Brown said. plans to post meeting schedules and buy power from alternative sources. Brown agrees that there is a lack of It’s a sentiment shared by Woods make sure all meetings are open to transparency on the current Commis- Solar energy producers argued the and Brown, who are running for the the public. She also pledged to attend sion, but feels that the way to address PSC’s 2017 decision made their indus- seat vacated by Commissioner Roger every meeting. it is as simple as following Montana’s try unsustainable because it set the Koopman. Attendance has been another issue Constitution. rates that utilities pay solar provid- in the District 2 race. The PSC meets “Attendance at meetings has been ers too low and made the contracts “Montana’s Constitution has the once a week, and O’Donnell was pres- very low (and) transparency has been too short. strongest provision of any state con- awful,” Woods said. “The waffling on ent at just 55% of the meetings in stitution on open government,” he O’Donnell stands by the decision NorthWestern’s acquisition of yet 2019. said. “You follow the constitution, made in 2017, saying he questions more of Colstrip was inexcusable and O’Donnell had knee replacement you have open government.” renewables’ ability to supply stable the infighting among the commission surgery last year, which he said kept power. him from traveling from Billings to Helena for in-person meetings. He “ is intermittent said that though he was not physical- and it needs to be demonstrated to ly at those meetings, he did attend me that you can take intermittent via telephone, bringing his atten- power and turn it into something Don't forget to dance rate up to about 83%. that’s reliable,” he said. “If I had an 80% attendance record McMurtry disagreed. “Wind and recycle this paper as a teacher, I would not have been a solar are getting less expensive all teacher the next year,” McMurtry the time,” she said. “I have children when you're done. said. and grandchildren and I think renew- ables have to be part of the future.”

2020 State Voter's Guide 17 STATE AUDITOR RACE

Auditor race offers voters a choice based on experience (R) By Dante Filpula Ankney guarding the henhouse.” Morigeau believes in Montana,” Downing Downing will continue to said, “if we do that, I Community News Service But their professional experience is push what he calls believe that is consumer UM School of Journalism only one area where the two differ. “junk” insurance plans, advocacy.” Downing graduated from New York that provide short-term, Four years ago, a majority of Mon- As it was four years University and held a variety of jobs minimal care and/or do tanans voted against spending the ago, one of the challeng- in different firms until the attacks on not enroll Montanans small amount of money it would take es is to get voters to pay 9/11. After that, he joined the Air with pre-existing condi- to rename the office of state auditor to attention to races farther Force at 34 and served 8 years. He tions. Under the Afford- reflect what the position actually down the ballot. One way built a home in Montana in 2000 while able Care Act, residents does. Now, both Democrat Shane they can do that is get- living in California, but made the state need to have insurance, Morigeau and Republican Troy Down- ting out the word his residence in 2009. but Morigeau said the ing are stressing how important the through advertising. job is to protect Montanans and grow The auditor’s race is Downing’s sec- current State Auditor Downing’s career has the economy. ond run at public office. In 2018, he Matt Rosendale, has Photo provided by the Troy Downing Campaign helped him self-finance ran in the Montana GOP U.S. Senate weakened the health The position oversees the insurance his campaign. Of the primary and finished third. His cam- care system by allowing and the securities industries in Mon- $210,000 raised by Downing, more paign was marred by allegations that people to be under-insured. tana; enforcing laws, licensing compa- than $93,000 has come from Downing he had obtained an in-state hunting But Downing counters that it is nies to practice in Montana, and inves- himself. Morigeau has self-funded license for which he did not qualify. about providing Montanans with tigating fraud in both industries. $13,500 and raised some $177,000. This election cycle, he was found to choices, saying, “Don’t pull tools out In many ways, this is a campaign have violated campaign laws during of the tool box or soon you will only Jeremy Johnson, a Carroll College about what kind of experience Mon- his primary run, but Downing dismiss- have a hammer.” political science professor, said that in tanans want in that es these incidents, say- races like the state auditor, it is hard He has seen how “heavy-handed reg- office: a businessman Shane Morigeau (D) ing, “I was always honest to compete with somebody who can ulation” can impede the growth or who has worked in com- and forthright with afford to fund their own election. panies regulated by the success of companies. everything I did.” “Money matters more in lower pro- state auditor or a politi- “Let's make it easier to do business For Morigeau, these file elections,” Johnson said. cian who has worked to past issues are an issue. protect the interests of He said it’s a problem to individuals. have somebody who can- Downing is a business- not follow the rules in an man. He boasts of his office that requires experience in both the integrity and honesty to insurance and securities regulate others. Kathleen Williams: Montana’s industries. He stresses Morigeau is also quick his political inexperience to highlight his Montana True, Independent Voice. isn’t a liability, but an Photo by Sara Diggins, Community roots compared to Down- asset, pointing to Presi- News Service ing’s. He grew up in Quality, Affordable Healthcare dent Donald Trump as an Ronan, a member of the Salish and example of a businessman who Kootenai Tribe, and lives in Missoula. Montana Over Wall Street brought private sector values to gov- He graduated with a law degree from ernment. the University of Montana and has P rotecting Our Outdoor Heritage He said in an interview he knows worked as an attorney since then. He where to look for bad actors and how has also been a representative from H onoring Our Veterans, consumers may be defrauded or mis- Missoula since 2017. Servicemembers, And Their led because of his private sector expe- He remembers clearly the moment Families rience. But he added he knows the he decided to run. He received a letter “pain points” for businesses trying to on the behalf of national insurance Make Trade Policies and the operate under government regulation. companies opposing a bill he had Farm Bill Work for Montana “We need more private sector eyes drafted eliminating the statute of limi- on government programs,” Downing tations placed on child sex abuse vic- said. “What I am concerned about is tims. The only opposition he encoun- Vote Kathleen Williams that (Morigeau) doesn’t know what he tered was from insurance firms that, for Congress doesn’t know.” he said, were willing to put their financial interest above the lives of Morigeau, in contrast, said Montan- Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 victims. ans should want someone outside the industry to be a watchdog. Morigeau said that as state auditor, his main job would be to make sure “The fact that I don’t come from companies are following the law. He KathleenForMontana.com industry is a really important point in also said he would be customer fact, because it shows that I am not at focused, arguing he would push to the beck and call of a certain indus- Paid for by Kathleen Williams for Montana make the costs of healthcare more try,” Morigeau said, “that I’m not a fox understandable to patients.

18 2020 State Voter's Guide SUPREME COURT RACE Justice and challenger square off in Montana Supreme Court race

By Addie Slanger term. She said serving as a district Critics claimed these Laurie McKinnon money has appeared in Community News Service judge and justice gives her an advan- ads were funded by this year’s lower-profile UM School of Journalism tage over Black, who has no judicial “dark money,” or races, though it’s behind experience. untraceable donations. the issue-based ads in University of Montana the U.S. Senate, House Eight months ago, Laurie McKinnon But Black argued his experience in constitutional and elec- and governor’s race. wasn’t sure she’d be running for re- Montana courts qualified him for the tions law professor Both Supreme Court can- election to Montana’s Supreme Court. race,and criticized McKinnon’s consis- Anthony Johnstone said didates are relying on Now, as the Nov. 3 election looms, tency and her readings of Montana then that in judicial rac- donations from individu- she’s facing competition from Mike constitutional protections in areas like es, these independent als. Such contributions Black, a Helena-based attorney. public access. expenditures can domi- are strictly limited, but Justice McKinnon grew up in Mary- He cited a 2018 McKinnon dissent in nate the campaigns. they do reflect support. land, earning a law degree from the an easement case that would have pre- McKinnon, who Notable donors to University of Baltimore. She’s lived vented the state from acquiring land denounced the ads at the McKinnon include U.S. and raised her three children in Mon- on an eastern Montana ranch for con- time, said the controver- Congressman Greg Gian- tana since 1995, and worked as a depu- servation purposes. The Montana Photo by Sara Diggins, Community sy factored into her ini- forte and his wife, Susan. ty county attorney for Teton County Land Board had declined to approve News Service tial reluctance to seek On Black’s side, former and a special county attorney for Gla- the easement, but Gov. Steve Bullock reelection this year. She said the ads mayors of Missoula Mike Kadas and cier County for 10 years. In 2006, she overrode the decision to allow the pur- weren't a reflection of who she is and Daniel Kemmis have donated to his was elected as a local district judge, chase. In her dissent, McKinnon how she decides cases, adding that it’s campaign, along with retired Missoula serving for six years before winning a argued the Land Board should have been hard to overcome claims to the District Court judge Karen Townsend. seat on Montana’s Supreme Court. the final say. She was the lone dissent- er. contrary. Black has been endorsed by five At the 2020 campaign’s start, McK- “That’s been hard to live with,” she retired Supreme Court justices: James innon decided not to seek reelection, Black also pointed to a 2015 dissent said, “because (the attack ads were) Nelson, Terry Trieweiler, , in part because her husband had where McKinnon opposed the Court’s not an accurate statement about who I William Leaphart, and Jim Regnier. A recently taken a job with a North Car- majority decision allowing public was, as a person. I didn’t want to go letter signed by all five said Black olina health clinic. Now he’s back in access to a section of the Ruby River through it again. I wanted to run was “eminently qualified” for the Montana, where the two plan to in southwest Montana. another term, but I didn’t want to take court and has earned statewide remain. McKinnon argued Black did not the personal risk.” respect from Montana’s legal commu- “Being a judge is a privilege,” McK- understand the specifics of the cases nity. As of early September, little dark innon said, “and I’ve enjoyed it very in the context they were presented to much.” the Supreme Court. Black was born in Havre, Montana, “I would say that Mr. Black proba- and earned a bachelor’s degree at the bly has not understood the opinion,” University of Montana. He received McKinnon said. “When somebody his law degree from New York’s Cor- accuses a justice of making a political nell University and returned to Mon- decision, it’s because they don’t under- tana, working as a partner at two stand the process of making that deci- firms before starting his own. He was sion.” litigation director for the Montana McKinnon has written for the Legal Services Association, which rep- majority in key cases, as well. In 2018, resents low-income Montanans. He McKinnon authored the Supreme has also been an assistant attorney Court’s decision to strike down a tax general under AGs Steve Bullock and credit benefiting private, religious Tim Fox. schools in Montana. Conservatives “I have an experience growing up in appealed the decision to the U.S. Montana, and being a historian by Supreme Court where it was over- nature helps to understand things like turned this year, 5-4. the 1972 Montana Constitution with a McKinnon said she felt the federal little bit of context,” he said. court crossed the line into states’ Montana’s nonpartisan Supreme rights in that decision. Court elections are often-overlooked “I think they were wrong,” she said. races. Rules of judicial ethics prevent “That decision was an candidates from talking interpretation of the about existing or pend- Mike Black Montana Constitution.” ing cases, so experience, past decisions and asso- McKinnon won her ciations are important. first Supreme Court term in 2012. In that In June’s three-way election, a group called primary to determine the Montana Growth November’s candidates, Network, a conservative McKinnon won 53% of Political Action Commit- the votes while Black tee headed by Republi- finished second with can state Sen. Jason 30%. Priest of Red Lodge, McKinnon said her sponsored attack ads experience on the high critical of McKinnon’s court is why voters opponent. Photo by Sara Diggins, Community should give her another News Service

2020 State Voter's Guide 19

WHY ARE AG PRICES IN THE TOILET ?

TRUMP UNFAIR & ABANDONED GOP TRADE TRADE REJECTION WARS AGREEMENTS OF C.O.O.L.

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BEEF PRICES CORPORATE GRAIN PRICES MONOPOLIES IN THE PACKING VOTE INDUSTRY DEMOCRAT FOR A CHANGE !

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20 2020 State Voter's Guide

Pot Edibles No Potency Limits WRONG FOR Montana Vote N on I-190 & CI-118

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