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Democrats align with aspects of Gianforte’s budget, push for more help for working families
Leaders from the Montana Democratic party praised aspects of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s budget, like the child tax credit and property tax relief, but said his plans don’t go far enough to offer long-term relief. House Minority Leader Kim Abbott of Helena said she was “thrilled” Gianforte incorporated a child tax credit into his budget, […]
Redistricting commission votes to put Democrats’ map out for public comment
After four days of discussion and revision, Montana’s Redistricting commission voted along partisan lines — with the nonpartisan chair as the tie-breaking vote — in favor of a Democrat proposed legislative map. The map will be open for public comment and likely more changes. “This is a tentative map. I expect robust public comment on […]
Hand-recount affirms Merchant wins Cascade County Clerk and Recorder race
A hand recount of ballots in Cascade County confirmed businesswoman Sandra Merchant beat 16-year incumbent Rina Moore by a razor-thin margin to become the county’s next Clerk and Recorder. The recount concluded Tuesday morning, with Merchant holding a 36-vote lead over Moore. Recounts in Montana can be requested if the margin is less than 1/4 […]
Helena judge to decide on wolf hunting case Tuesday
A Helena judge said he will issue a decision Tuesday after hearing arguments over Montana’s wolf hunting regulations on Monday. Defendant Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and plaintiffs WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote, both environmental nonprofits, argued over a motion for a preliminary injunction in front of District Court Judge Christopher Abbott in what an […]
‘I’m humbled it gets to be me’: Zephyr to be the first out trans woman in Montana Legislature
When the wheels touched down in Missoula on Nov. 8, Zooey Zephyr was the last to deplane. It was election night, and Zephyr learned she had won her race in House District 100. People sitting next to her told her they were supporters and soon-to-be constituents. On her way off of the plane, Zephyr turned […]
Lawmakers adopt revenue estimates, told to avoid ‘sugar high’
Lawmakers were warned on Thursday: Don’t be tempted by the “sugar high.” That was how a temporary bump in revenue was described by economic experts who explained to lawmakers that the numbers seen on the report were more a factor of federal stimulus than change in the state’s steady economic fortunes. Legislators were advised Thursday […]
Montana Department of Corrections researching drones as possible solution to staffing shortage
The state Department of Corrections is looking at drones as a potential solution at the Montana State Prison, which has experienced severe staffing shortages along with an overcapacity prison population. Tuesday, legislators and stakeholders heard a presentation on how Nevada is considering using drones as part of a $240 million program to make up for […]
Cascade County goes ‘bright red’ on election night
The race for Clerk and Recorder in Cascade County is in possible recount territory — with Republican Sandra Merchant, a business woman from upstate New York, squeaking ahead of Democrat and 16-year veteran of the office Rina Moore by 20 votes. Republicans in Cascade County saw wins across the board this week, with every partisan […]
‘Absolutely insane’: Cascade County Election Official says cops called after skeptics escalate
Law enforcement was called Friday after a group of election integrity skeptics in Cascade County escalated tactics, circling the county office and waiting for election officials and staff to come outside, according to County Clerk and Recorder Rina Moore. The last year already had been an “absolute nightmare” for her and her elections staff because […]
Montana Legislature will have a Republican supermajority and PSC will remain all GOP
One of the most fervent Montana supporters of election fraud and a longtime legislator was one of the few incumbents to lose on Election Day as power of the Treasure State Legislature remained firmly in Republican control — and GOP control increased, as widely anticipated. Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, had been a frequent and vocal […]
Attorney Brown concedes to incumbent Justice Gustafson in heated Montana Supreme Court race
Attorney James Brown conceded the race for the second seat on the Montana Supreme Court to Incumbent Justice Ingrid Gustafson in a press release Wednesday morning. Gustafson, who first took the seat in 2017, raked in 54 percent of the vote with nearly 70 percent of precincts reporting. Public Service Commission President Brown brought in […]
Rosendale wins re-election to Congress in Eastern District race in Montana
Incumbent Rep. Matt Rosendale was re-elected to serve in Congress in Montana’s new eastern district, with the Associated Press calling the election with nearly 70 percent of precincts reporting, according to the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. With 57 percent of the vote, Rosendale won over Democrat Penny Ronning, Independent Gary Buchanan and Libertarian Sam […]