If this is your first time visiting The Western Word, the “Caught My Eye” column is posted every Friday morning right here!  Here is where I take a quick look at some of the stories I did not have time to write or comment about during the week – and I often sprinkle them with a touch of sarcasm just to liven it up!

NOTICE:  Before proceeding please understand that everyone and everything is fair game…

Today I write about rich candidates, complete streets, DataUniverse, convention funding, forty, the Social Security Administration, I crack open my political mailbox, and I show you a very special “Roll with the Changes” video, so read on…His Richness:

According to a story from Lee Newspapers, Republican U.S. House Candidate Steve Daines is “likely the wealthiest of the candidates” and has “personal assets worth at least $4.4 million.”  Democratic candidates Diane Smith and Sam Rankin are also pretty well off according to the story, “Smith listed property and other holdings worth between $2.3 million and $8 million, while Rankin listed assets worth $2.15 million to $7.4 million, mostly in property.”

I think it is hard for wealthy candidates to understand the real world where the rest of us live…and it’s also very hard for me to vote for them…

Complete Streets:

I received an e-mail from a friend regarding the Great Falls (Montana) Tea Party Patriots being concerned about a plan called “Complete Streets.”  According to the Tea Party Patriots website they claim it “is about personal property rights – plain and simple.”  They urge their followers to “attend a Community Meeting that will be held on May 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Benefis Health System South Tower, Cameron Auditorium…to learn more about this government funded program and intrusion into our lives in the guise of Complete Streets.”

When I read it I thought, “I’d have ‘complete streets’ if the snow was plowed off them at least once a year.”

One has to wonder if they will place markings on the “complete streets” so they can see from the air which way to fly their planes as they spray us with chemtrails…

DataUniverse:

Do you ever wonder how much your neighbor makes working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the fellow who delivers your mail?  You can find out from this website called DataUniverse, HERE.

For those of you wanting to know how much (or how little) congressional staffers make, you can check that at a website called LegiStorm, HERE.

Now go exploring…

Public Funding for Conventions:

Although I do not agree with him on much, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn’s call for “the chairs of the Democratic and Republican National Committees to reject public funding for their upcoming party conventions” is a good thing.

I am pretty sure that corporations and other groups would be more than happy to help with the expenses…like the corporation that sponsored “Ladies Billiards.”

Forty:

According to a new poll from Gallup, “Barack Obama maintains a substantial edge over Mitt Romney among voters younger than age 40, while Romney wins among those 40 and older.  Obama does best among those 18 to 29, beating Romney by 21 percentage points, while Romney’s best group is those aged 70 and older, among whom he wins over Obama by a 14-point margin.”

Barack Obama comes across to voters as cool…and Mitt Romney comes across as rich and pompous…

Jack’s Political Inbox:

Every day I receive several e-mails from candidates, elected officials, and/or groups promoting a cause, many just hoping they get mentioned (in a kind, gentle way) on The Western Word website!  I select a few each week that “Caught My Eye” and share them with my readers.  This week I picked five that I think you will enjoy…

-Chuck Denowh, from the Coalition to Protect Montana Jobs, sent me an e-mail with the (very long) subject, “Release: Tester, Other Montana Candidates Refuse To State Their Position On Critical Workplace Issues” in which the group “criticized Montana Senator Jon Tester and other Montana candidates for federal office for refusing to answer a questionnaire on important workplace issues.”

I checked the website listed on the release to see what the group was asking.  Steve Daines was listed as running for the Senate (that was later changed to House, but I have a screenshot of the error).  From what I’ve been reading, I don’t know if Steve Daines realizes…

Ironically, everyone who is listed as a Republican or Libertarian returned the questionnaire and all the Democrats did not.  Chuckie…

-The Montana Republican Party sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Dem Donor Lets Dem Candidate Off The Hook.  Again.”  In which they complained about the Commissioner of Political Practices letting Democrat Gubernatorial candidate Steve Bullock off the hook in regards to “illegal” campaign financing.

The Montana GOP was very concerned because they say the fellow who signed the Commissioner of Political Practices opinion donated money to Democrats.

The Commissioner of Political Practices office is broken and has been for a long time.  The Montana political parties need to drop their weapons and work together to change that office and make it as non-partisan as possible.

- Preston Elliott, the Campaign Manager for U.S. Senator Jon Tester, sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Where you come in.”  Elliott writes, “Dennis Rehberg is at it again with another ridiculous attack ad — and this time, he isn’t just smearing Jon, he’s inviting Montanans to trust him to ‘always do what’s right.’”

He then writes, “We can’t let Dennis get away with his distortions.  We have $25,562 left to reach $100,000 by the end of May.  Click here to pitch in $5 or $10 right now.”

I wonder if it is hard to have a name (like Preston Elliott) where your last name can be used as your first name and your first name can be used as the last?  I think you would probably have to concentrate a little harder to put your correct name in the block that says “Last Name” and “First Name.”  I know, I know, this is a very deep thought for a Friday…

-Erik Iverson, the Campaign Manager for Congressman Denny Rehberg’s senate campaign, sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Jon Tester’s Washington Bologna…” where he writes, “Bologna… baloney…  However you want to spell it, it’s what liberal Senator Jon Tester is bringing back from Washington each and every day…”

By the way, I like fried baloney…

Iverson then writes about the new Bologna ad and about Rehberg being “a fifth-generation Montana rancher.”

I think the “fifth-generation” talking point is getting old and it probably hurts the feelings of non-natives and may keep them from voting for Rehberg.  It could also hurt the feelings of other candidates, like Steve Daines and Rick Hill (both born outside of Montana).  If Daines and Hill win their primaries will Rehberg support these non-natives? 

-The Aspenlieder for Montana Secretary of State Campaign sent me an e-mail with the subject, “In case you missed it…” which was about Aspenlieder calling “on Secretary of State Linda McCulloch to order an audit of all ballots.”  That was after some errors were found in absentee ballots that were recently mailed to Montana voters.

I don’t know if this ballot “thingy” is a big deal or not, but Aspenlieder did get some publicity out of the issue – but I doubt if he gets enough publicity so everyone knows how to pronounce his last name.  That’s OK; Marc Racicot had the same problem many years ago…

Mark Your Calendars:

Via e-mail from Montana Watchdog-The Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, along with Montana Watchdog, invites all bloggers and the general public to a “citizen watchdog” event July 14 that focuses on online news and open government.

The Franklin Center will provide a full day of in-depth training to equip bloggers and citizens with the tools and skills to become a more effective activist and citizen watchdog.

More information can be found HERE (No, I am not teaching the course).

Social Security Administration:

It was good to read that the Congressional Delegation convinced the Social Security Administration to re-open their Great Falls hearing office.

Hundreds of people will benefit from this hearing office being open.  Good job!

Roll With the Changes:

Everyone who reads this blog knows that I am the ultimate REO Speedwagon fan.  So when I received a link to this video from REO, I had to share with my readers!

To set it up, more than 1,000 students, teachers, administrators, staff members and business partners representing the amazing community and 25 schools of Hanover County, Virginia, show their team spirit by doing a “lip dub” of Roll With the Changes” by REO!  Keep on rolling!!!

It would be great if the people in Great Falls (Montana) who are upset with the changes of administrators in the school district would just “roll with the changes!”

Note:  Today REO Speedwagon is visiting Hanover High School to meet with students and tour the school. Is that cool or what!

For something fun to do, follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

If this is your first time visiting The Western Word (TWW), my Thursday Numbers column is where I take a look at the numbers mentioned in the news and provide commentary (often with just a touch of sarcasm).

NOTICE:  By reading this column, you will probably gain an untold amount of knowledge!  This information will probably impress your family, friends and co-workers, and it might even be life changing – consider yourself warned…

This week I write about Obama and Romney fundraising, Crossroads GPS, attack money in Montana, Christie and Booker, miles in Montana, important historical dates, sending in the clowns, candidates on my ballots, a little bit of Monica in my life, Greek yogurt, low ratings for Piers, and a bite with Mitt!  There’s a lot more so read on…

43,600,000

The Associated Press reported, “President Barack Obama raised a combined $43.6 million in April for his campaign and the Democratic Party as he faces a unifying Republican effort around Mitt Romney for the White House.”

Impressive amount!  Just imagine all the folks who can be hired to work on his campaign with this money…

40,100,000

The Associated Press reported, “Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney and his party raised a combined $40.1 million in April.”

Mitt Romney probably called this spare change and fired someone…

25,000,000

According to Roll Call, “Crossroads GPS will launch a massive $25 million issue ad campaign on Thursday to run for the next four weeks, kicking off its largest buy this year in these 10 targeted states.”  Those ten states are Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

I imagine this group has some other plans for Montana, Missouri, and other states that have vulnerable Democratic Senators up for re-election in 2012…

2,108,621

In an e-mail to reporters and bloggers, Aaron Murphy, Communications Director for U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s Campaign writes, “By our latest count, Dennis Rehberg’s out-of-state special interests have so far spent $2,108,621 specifically attacking Jon Tester in radio in TV ads.”

November seems so far away…

370,000

That is how many new claims for unemployment compensation were filed last week.  You can read the U.S. Department of Labor’s press release HERE.

I don’t think too many elected officials really care about the unemployed…

248,760

That’s how many views (as of this morning) the YouTube video titled, “Don’t Worry, We’ve Got This” featuring New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Cory Booker has received.  Watch it HERE.

80,000

In a lengthy e-mail (albeit one with many photos) the Ken Miller for Governor campaign says, “You know that Bill and I have traveled more than 80,000 miles across Montana so that I can meet YOU, not just ask you for money so that I can run attack ads against my opponents.  I’m the people’s candidate, the Conservative candidate–and I will be the people’s Governor, the Conservative Governor who has the courage to lead Montana—all of you—to a prosperous place together, as a free state.”

Miller should bring Sarah to Montana to campaign for him…

2,500

Brock Lowrance, the Campaign Manager for the Rick Hill for Governor Campaign, sent me an e-mail and writes, “Right now we are $2500 away from meeting our budget for television ads in these final two weeks of the election.  Can you help us keep our ad running strong in homes across Montana?”

I thought maybe Lowrance was raising money to buy his boss a different colored shirt…

1996

On this date in 1996, President Bill Clinton signed “Megan’s Law,” a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in.  Source: Associated Press Today in History.

A good law…

1973

On this date in 1973, “the Senate began hearings into the Watergate scandal.”  Source: Associated Press Today in History.

Yes, I remember those hearings…

1954

On this date in 1954, “the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal.”  Source: Associated Press Today in History.

The knowledge you gain by reading this column is immeasurable…

1,000

CBS in Chicago reports, “A group of clowns plans on taking part in protests in Chicago during this weekend’s NATO Summit.”  Additionally, “The group will be armed with 1,000 whipped cream pies…”

Send in the clowns…

55

According to a story by Reuters, “Law enforcement and homeland security personnel face an average of 55 daily encounters with “known or suspected terrorists” named on government watchlists, officials told Reuters.”

It’s still a dangerous world…

50

According to an e-mail from her campaign, I can help Montana State Auditor Monica Lindeen celebrate her 50th birthday at fundraisers in Helena or in Billings.

Happy Birthday, Monica…I think your supporters should play Mambo #5 (A little bit of Monica in my life) at your party! 

42

The Associated Press reported, “President Obama has awarded an Army soldier the Medal of Honor 42 years after the rifleman was killed during a Vietnam-era clash in Cambodia.”

Salute…

38

On the official Primary Election Ballot (Republican Party) that I received where I live, there are 38 candidates listed.

Choices, choices…

37

That’s how many blue sapphires are on the New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI ring that was unveiled Wednesday.

The players will have something expensive to pawn when their playing days are over…

32

On the official Primary Election Ballot (Democratic Party) that I received where I live, there are 32 candidates listed.

Choices, choices…

18

According to this story, “A tractor-trailer crash in upstate New York has sent 18 tons of Greek yogurt spilling alongside a highway.”

Sticky mess…they should have handed out spoons to clean it up…

15

It was not a good Tuesday night for CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight.  According to this story, “CNN Hits Lowest Primetime Demo Rating at 9 PM In 15 Years” which was, “the lowest 9 PM weekday demo rating for CNN since at least 1997.”

CNN is the station I turn to when there are some big events – especially outside of the United States…

5

According to Roll Call, “The Senate defeated five budget proposals offered by Republicans today, as the GOP sought to hammer Democrats for not producing a budget resolution this year and for not putting one on the Senate floor in the previous two years.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “Democrats would have to break a filibuster to declare the sky blue or the Earth round.”

These days about all they agree on is adjournment for recess…

3

In an e-mail, Ann Romney tells me that by donating $3.00, I can be entered in a drawing to grab a bite with Mitt.

I think the Obama campaign did this gimmick first…

It’s a party when you follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

Today on The Western Word, I write about a cellphone ban, F-15s, National Park passes, the Montana Growth Network, a final forum, and new polling data!  There’s a lot more so read on…you really must click on “continue reading.”  Come on…just click on it…

City Commission = Crazy Train:

The Great Falls City Commission is trying to join the “crazy train” of Montana cities that are banning cellphone use while driving.  Anyone who has watched a Great Falls City Commission meeting on Public Access television or attended a meeting in person probably agrees that the whole meeting is like a crazy train.

I’ve listened to preachers, I’ve listened to fools, I’ve watched all the dropouts, who make their own rules…I’m going off the rails on a crazy train…

I wrote about a cellphone ban in my December 2011 column entitled, “That Darn Car Radio.”  I quoted an editorial in Investor’s Business Daily:

“…a 2009 NHTSA study found that 80% of all car wrecks are caused by drivers eating or drinking — not cellphone use — with coffee-guzzling the top offender.”

Maybe City Commissioner Mary Jolley read that report.  The Great Falls (Montana) Tribune reported:

“I actually really don’t want to proceed with it,” Jolley said.  She added eating a hamburger while driving is probably worse than using a cellphone in the car.

Amen to that…

More Than a Letter:

According to a story in the Great Falls (Montana) Tribune, “U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg says an amendment he helped add to a Defense Department bill could block the military from moving flying missions among bases, including shifting the Montana Air National Guard’s F-15s.”

It’s really nice to see one of the members of the Montana Congressional delegation (and the Governor) do more than write a letter to some General or Defense Secretary about Montana’s military.  Rehberg’s amendment may just be the ticket…

Rehberg did receive some much-needed publicity from the battleground area of Great Falls for his senate campaign with this amendment.  The story was placed on the front page of the Tribune.

Free Park Access:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester issued a press release yesterday with the headline, “At Tester’s urging, service members allowed free access to National Park Service sites.”

Although this is most likely done to gain votes, overall it is a good thing.  But, the Great Falls (Montana) Tribune published a story (on the front page) from the Los Angeles Times that was void of any mention of Tester doing any work for the free access.  Heartbreaker…

Montana Growth Network:

I received a flyer in the mail a few days ago telling me “Judge Laurie McKinnon is the only non-partisan choice for Supreme Court Justice”  with the reverse side showing a “Compare the Candidates” chart.

Take a look:

Note: the high-lighted and underlined information on the flyer was part of the printing process and not done by me.

The return address is the Montana Growth Network, Inc., at a Post Office Box in Red Lodge, Montana, which if you Google it, you can see who is probably behind it…

Final Forum:

Democratic Congressional candidate Rob Stutz sent me a press release announcing the lineup of Democratic congressional candidates participating in their final forum before the June 5 primary.

Stutz says, “Diane Smith, Rob Stutz, Jason Ward, and Franke Wilmer have agreed to attend the forum scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.  The forum will take place at the Helena Indian Alliance’s Sheridan Hall building located at 501 Euclid.  Three other candidates in the primary race declined to participate.”

It is interesting that the front-runner, Kim Gillan, is not showing up for this forum – which makes one wonder if she is attempting to run out the clock…

Montana Polling:

If you follow me on Twitter, then you probably noticed my Tweets about this.  Public Policy Polling released the results of some polling yesterday for Montana dealing with Governor Brian Schweitzer, Max Baucus, and same sex marriage.

You can read it HERE.

Who Will Win:

A new poll from Gallup tells us, “Fifty-six percent of Americans think Barack Obama will win the 2012 presidential election, compared with 36% who think Mitt Romney will win.”

I think Obama will win and I am an American…

Satisfaction:

According to Gallup, Democrats are much happier with Barack Obama than the Republicans are with Mitt Romney.  Gallup reports, “Eight in 10 Democrats satisfied with their nominee vs. 59% of Republicans.”

Romney has several problems – he comes across as though he thinks he is just a little bit better than most people, he has flip-flopped on several core issues, and he reminds us of a boss we had who we hated to work for…

Follow the life and times of Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

With the case coming to a close and a sentence rendered last Friday, it’s time for me to offer my personal commentary.

A few days after the accident we found out the driver, Jason Rosander (33 years old), failed a field breathalyzer test and had a blood-alcohol level of .107.  He was drunk and operating a motor vehicle, but the main thing is that he murdered three people while operating his vehicle.

He claimed he had a “coughing fit,” and that is what caused the accident.

Rumors started flying around in early March 2012 about a possible plea deal of 15 years with 10 years suspended.  The rumors were true.  When I first heard about the deal, I was upset.  At that time I lost all faith and respect for Cascade County Attorney John Parker.  Parker failed to fight for justice and to fight for the victims.  Parker will never get my vote again.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a respectable State District Court Judge would agree to a sentence of 15 years with 10 years suspended, but District Court Judge Dirk Sandefur did just that.  He also tacked on $227,977 in restitution.  Judge Sandefur was the victims’ last hope for justice; he failed them miserably.

After reading the comments on several media websites and Facebook pages and seeing a non-scientific Great Falls Tribune poll where 68% disagreed with the sentence, I would offer a suggestion to the crop of judicial candidates running in 2012 for District Court Judge District 08 (Dept. 1) in Great Falls:  keep your campaign signs handy and, if you lose this campaign, plan on running for Sandefur’s seat as District Court Judge.  We also need candidates to run for Cascade County Attorney.  I no longer have faith in either man as County Attorney and State District Court Judge.  I don’t think the community does either.

The Great Falls Tribune reported, “Sandefur had a lengthy and stern rebuke for members of the public who criticized the county attorney’s office and his office in the wake of the agreement.”  He also spoke of “some alleged ‘old boy’ mentality” accusations.

I sure hope the Judge likes freedom of speech because that is what I am using here – he is free to call it criticism if he likes.

In regard to the “old boy” mentality, I found it interesting that neither of the two judges running for re-election this year (Julie Macek and Kenneth R. Neill) were assigned this case.  Maybe the Judges are looking out for one another thinking we (the voters) will forget about it before Sandefur comes up for reelection.  Fat chance.

While I fiercely disagree with the County Attorney Parker for allowing his Deputy County Attorney to make a plea deal and for Judge Sandefur for accepting the deal, that in no way condones any violence or threats against them.  That also includes violence or threats against Jason Rosander.  As someone who has had his life threatened while doing my job, I can tell you it is no fun.  Besides, we live in a society that can “throw the bums out” for making decisions that we disagree with – and that’s exactly what we should do when they are up for re-election.

Sandefur was quoted in the Great Falls Tribune saying, “this was not a clear drunk driving case.”  I beg to differ.  Rosander decided that night to drink.  He decided to drive to bars and he decided not to plan ahead and have a designated driver.  He was legally drunk before he had his coughing fit.  If he had been sober after the accident and used the coughing fit defense, we could have called it a tragedy and an accident.  But we have to call it what it really is: murder.

Montanans see too many plea deals or weak sentences for drunk drivers – especially for the ones who kill someone.  In Rosander’s case, his five year sentence equals a little over 1.6 years per each life that he took for being drunk behind the wheel.

That is certainly not justice.  Not at all.

If you are a new visitor to TWW, “Monday Morning Politics” is where I put together several of the political stories from the past weekend all in one place for your reading pleasure.  I also offer some commentary about these stories often laced with just a little snarkiness…

Today I write about new ballot instructions, HD 18, write-in candidate, Tester critiques Obama, Mom’s lessons, a new video, women candidates, Olszewski visits DC, no production, Newsweek cover, Lieutenant Dan, Bush in Montana, and much more!

Primary Ballot Additional Instructions:

The Cascade County (Montana) Election Administrator decided the 6 pieces of information included with the primary election ballots were not enough, so late last week I received another page with even more information to help guide me through the primary voting maze!  Here’s a look at the latest piece of information:

They even included some illustrations to lighten the confusion. 

The problem is there are two ballots (Democratic and Republican) and voters can only vote on one.

Solution:  To make it very easy, the name of every candidate would be placed on one ballot for the primary and the top two vote getters (regardless of political party) would move on the General Election.  That’s something the Montana Legislature would have to change.  Since the political parties would be less important this way, don’t look for too much support from the Democrats and the Republicans in the Montana Legislature.

HD 18 GOP Primary:

Back on April 10 I wrote a column titled “Politics 2012: Contested!” about the fight that was brewing between Republicans Jesse O’Hara (Incumbent) and challenger Randy Pinocci.  You can read it HERE.

On Sunday, the Great Falls Tribune published several stories about the hotly “contested” race.  You can read them HERE, HERE, and they profile O’Hara HERE and Pinocci HERE.

I wrote back in April, “I would venture a guess that O’Hara, who has been representing HD 18 for three terms, will cream his opponent in the primary.”  I still believe that.

Long long ago I grew sick of hearing that some folks were not Republican enough…

Governance Pledge:

Republican candidates running for Governor of Montana are being asked to sign a “Montana Constitutional Governance Pledge” in which they pledge to “resign from office if they don’t pursue such policies as privatizing state entitlement programs and pensions.”  You can read the Associated Press story HERE.

Like I have said, Ronald Reagan would have a tough time being elected as a Republican these days…

Candidate Bowen Greenwood:

Bowen Greenwood is probably best known as the Executive Director of the Montana Republican Party (unless he was fired recently by the Rehberg cartel for saying nice things about The Western Word).

Now he can be called candidate!

About 7:45 p.m. last night I received an e-mail with the subject, “The Latest About Bowen Greenwood’s Write-In Campaign” (I hate long subject lines) saying, “This e-mail newsletter is about the campaign to write-in Bowen Greenwood for Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court.”

He even has a website – www.bowengreenwood.com

Can you actually win a write-in election?  Yes.  I won a local write-in election several years ago and it takes some planning (it was easier then, but it is still feasible today). 

Tester Critiques Obama:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester did an interview with the Missoulian and said he “stands by President Barack Obama on issues like health care reform and withdrawing troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, but often thinks the Democratic leader doesn’t go far enough where rural Montana issues are concerned.”

Read the story HERE.

For Tester to win his next election, I would advise him not to stand too close to Obama…

Tester:  Mom’s lessons

U.S. Senator Jon Tester says he used the lessons his mom taught him and his brothers in a guest opinion that appeared in the Billings Gazette on Sunday (Mother’s Day).

Tester said, “My mother passed away three years ago after a long, happy and productive life.  This Mother’s Day, my brothers Bob and Dave and I are thinking of our mom.  We are thankful and blessed.”

My mother passed away in January 2007 and I still think of her every day – especially on Mother’s Day.  

While I commend Tester for letting us know a little about his mother, when I read it I felt he was using his mother as a campaign tool – like the line about the “recent efforts in Congress to undermine women’s health care, education and our basic freedoms” and that he is fighting the “efforts to cut important initiatives that provide access to preventive health care, breast cancer screenings, Head Start, affordable college and healthy school lunches.”

Jon Tester:  The American Way

The Tester campaign has a new one-minute video (posted Sunday) on YouTube that shows Jon and Sharla Tester talking about the Montana values they grew up with in their hometown of Big Sandy.

You can watch it HERE.

Psst…the tractor makes an appearance!

Women Candidates:

The chief of the Lee Newspapers State Bureau in Helena, Charles Johnson, published his opinion (called Horse Sense) about Democrats having more female candidates lately.  He writes about 2012 saying, “Democrats have eight women running for statewide office — compared with two Republican women.”

He even asked a political scientist to comment!  Wahoo!

Johnson also writes, “None of the seven Republican men filing for governor chose a woman as his running mate, but then again, neither did the likely Democratic nominee, Attorney General Steve Bullock.”

Maybe if it were easier to run for office in Montana as an independent then more women would run for office.

Olszewski Attends Policy Strategy Meeting:

The Lynch for Montana Governor Campaign sent me an e-mail to let me know that Lynch’s running mate, Albert Olszewski who is an Orthopedic Surgeon, attended the Physician Council for Responsible Reform’s Policy Strategy Meeting in Washington, D.C., which included a working session with Speaker of the House John Boehner at RNC Headquarters to discuss Obamacare.

Check out more details at their website HERE.

Producing Little:

The Associated Press reports, “Congress is producing little this election year that will become law, yet both parties are churning out bills designed to make the other side look bad.”

For an example, they use the student loan bill.  In the Republican-controlled House, they passed a bill “financed by obliterating a preventive health program created by President Barack Obama’s cherished health care overhaul.”  In the Democratic-controlled Senate, their bill was “financed by boosting payroll taxes on upscale owners of some privately owned companies.”

First Gay President:

The cover for the May 21, 2012, edition of Newsweek says that Barack Obama is “The First Gay President” showing a photo of the President with a rainbow halo.  You can see the cover HERE.

Lieutenant Dan:

In case you missed it, 60 Minutes did a segment Sunday night about Actor Gary Sinise, who played Lieutenant Dan in one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump.

60 Minutes reports, “Sinise co-founded the Lt. Dan Band to entertain U.S. troops and raise money for gravely wounded warriors” and he uses that money to build homes for those veterans.  Check it out HERE.

Bush:  “God is good.”

Former President George W. Bush was in Billings (Montana) Friday night for a fundraiser to benefit a nonprofit Christian ministry called Provision International.

He was quoted in the story saying that “anyone from the most blessed country in the world ought to be yelling ‘God is good’ all the time.”  He also said he was no longer in politics and said he was trying to “get out of the swamp.”

Bush is correct – God is good!

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If this is your first time visiting The Western Word, the “Caught My Eye” column is posted every Friday morning right here!  Here is where I take a quick look at some of the stories I did not have time to write or comment about during the week – and I often throw in a touch of sarcasm just to keep it lively.

ADVISORY:  Everyone and everything is fair game…

Today I write about an ethics audit, a Republican Caucus Chair, robo-calls, a bully, Glacier National Park, Best, Lugar, and I peek inside my political inbox and share, plus there’s a lot more!Ethics Audit:

In what is becoming hilariously fun to watch, U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s campaign just completed an ethics audit on Congressman Denny Rehberg.  Yes, you read that correctly.

Tester found nothing wrong.

Just kiddin…Tester’s campaign found five things they consider unethical about Rehberg:

1. Rehberg exploited Congressional loopholes to fly his helicopter on the taxpayer dime.

2. Rehberg’s office is a revolving door for K-Street lobbyists.

3. Rehberg engaged in a questionable relationship with at least one associate of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

4. Rehberg hid $25,000 in campaign contributions from registered lobbyists.

5. Rehberg has spent $320,000 in taxpayer money to promote his political agenda.

Tester’s campaign has an explanation for all five “findings” in PDF format HERE.

We are not even through the Primary Election and we’ve not seen any debates yet, but the Rehberg/Tester matchup is quickly becoming the most amusing thing to watch in 2012 – and best of all it’s free!

MEA-MFT Republican Caucus Chair:

This week I wrote about U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s new campaign television ad that featured former Congressman Pat Williams, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Sherry Matteucci, and teacher Cathy Kuntz.

One thing I failed to talk too much about was the teacher and the possibility that the teacher named Cathy Kuntz in Democrat Jon Tester’s video is the same Cathy Kuntz who is listed as the Chair of MEA-MFT Republican Caucus.  I also wonder if she is the same Cathy Kuntz who, just today (May 11, 2012), penned a letter to the editor in the Great Falls Tribune supporting Republican State House Representative Jesse O’Hara – a Republican who faces a contested primary.

If this is the same person and if Tester’s folks knew her title, I’m sure they would have placed that information on his campaign video…it’s always great to show voters you have support from members of the other political party…

Rejected:

Montana GOP Candidate for Governor Ken Miller wanted the Commissioner of Political Practices to dismiss a complaint filed against him by a former campaign worker.  The Commissioner “rejected” the request.  The Associated Press reported that the Commissioner said the investigation was “proceeding expeditiously.”

If past performance is any indication “proceeding expeditiously” means Miller may have an answer by 2014, maybe 2015…that is if the Political Practices office can find some carbon paper to use in their IBM Selectric III typewriter so they can complete their final report.

Robo-Calls:

Speaking of Ken Miller, I came home on Thursday morning from my walk and had a voicemail on my home phone that was left at 10:40 a.m.  I checked it and it was a robo-call from GOP Governor Candidate Ken Miller.

I’ve written about these types of calls several times.  They are against the law.  Both political parties and groups do it.  Nobody ever does much about it.

In 2005, Senate candidates Jon Tester and John Morrison both conducted robo-calls.  The following is from a 2005 Helena Independent Record article:

Both Morrison and Tester admitted to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle last week they are soliciting donations for their respective campaigns through prerecorded telephone messages, despite a 1991 state law specifically forbidding the practice.

“It’s a free speech issue,” Tester told the Chronicle.

“How can you tell people they can’t communicate with voters about issues in the democratic process?” asked Morrison.

It would be great if those who are in position to enforce the law would do that instead of giving press interviews each election season just talking about it and telling us what we already know:  robo-calls are illegal.

Romney the Bully:

According to this story, GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was a rich egotistical high school kid who bullied his classmates, like John Lauber, who Romney and several schoolmates held down and cut his hair.  Lauber was “perpetually teased for his nonconformity and presumed homosexuality.”

I was bullied when I was in middle school – not because I was a rich kid going to a private “prestigious” school, but because I was the new kid in school.

We are starting to get a clearer picture of the real Mitt Romney.

Glacier National Park:

On this date in 1910 Glacier National Park (in Montana) was established.

Montana tourism plug – If you have not visited Glacier National Park, you really should.  The views are breathtaking!

Jack’s Political Inbox:

Each and every day I receive several e-mails from candidates, elected officials, and/or groups promoting a cause, many just hoping they get mentioned (in a kind, gentle way) on The Western Word website!  I select a few each week that “Caught My Eye” and share them with my readers.  This week I picked five that I think you will enjoy…

-The Montana Democratic Party sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Register for Our Conventions” in which they said “Join Montana Democrats as they gather in Helena in June to participate in the Montana Democratic Party Platform & National Delegate Selection Conventions.”

The Montana Democrats convention is June 8-9.  The Montana Republicans hold their convention June 14-16 in Missoula.  Conventions held after a primary election are where everyone tries to kiss and make-up and unite for the general election.

-President Barack Obama sent me an e-mail with the subject “Marriage.”  He writes, “Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer: I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.  I hope you’ll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality.”

With that issue in the news, the Great Falls Tribune asked, “Do you support same-sex marriage” in their Daily Question section on Thursdays.  There were 908 votes and the results are not scientific.  Today the Tribune revealed that 39% voted YES and 61% voted NO.

It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out in the political world…

-The Rehberg for Senate campaign sent an e-mail with the subject, “Our New TV Ad” where campaign manager Erik Iverson writes, “I wanted to make sure you saw our first television ad of the campaign — which tells Montanans about the real Jon Tester record: voting in favor of higher taxes, to raise his own pay, and to spend your hard-earned taxpayer dollars on bonuses for Wall Street executives, all while rubber-stamping President Obama’s liberal, tax-and-spend agenda 95% of the time, with your money.”

Yes, I saw it and so did Jon Tester.  Read on…

-U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent me an e-mail from his campaign with the subject, “We just got attacked on TV.”  He writes, “You saw Preston’s email — my opponent just launched an attack ad against me that’s full of phony headlines and false accusations. I have no problem comparing my (real) record to my opponent’s.  The problem is that, if we don’t have the resources to keep up with him and his special interest pals like Karl Rove, we won’t get the chance for an honest comparison.”

He also asks me to “Please click here and help us fight back.”

-U.S. Senator Max Baucus sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Numbers.”  At first I thought he was sending me an e-mail to tell me how much he loved my “Thursday Numbers” column each week, but no.  He writes, “That’s why your participation in this election is so important.  Everything you invest now — every hour of time you volunteer and especially every dollar you can afford to contribute — will make a difference for years to come.”

He then asks me to give a donation.  Heartbreaker…

Best for Montana:

Elizabeth Best who is running for a seat on the Montana Supreme Court has a video posted called, “Best for Montana” and it’s pretty good.  Check it out HERE.

Elizabeth Best is a military veteran – which is always a plus with me!

Lugar – He Got Things Done:

If you get a chance, former Montana Secretary of State and State Senate President Bob Brown (Republican) has shared his thoughts about Sen. Richard Lugar losing in the Indiana GOP primary this week.  It’s a good read and Brown (no relation to me in case you were wondering) writes about the days when people actually worked together:

“By his record Lugar was a conservative, but he followed the old Senate custom of sometimes reaching across the center aisle to work with members of the opposition party.  In the past, notably in the era of Senate Democratic leader Mike Mansfield and Senate Republican leader Everett Dirksen, that is how things in Congress got done.”

Sadly we may never ever get back to those days…

Keenan to Step Down:

The Associated Press reported yesterday, “Nancy Keenan, a former Montana legislator who has chaired the board of directors for NARAL Pro-Choice America for eight years, will leave the nation’s oldest abortion rights group after the November elections.”

President Barack Obama’s campaign manager Jim Messina said Keenan, “would always tell you the truth…She was very loud and willing to use the ‘f’ word.  That’s why I like her.”

That’s pretty funny…

Are You Mom Enough?

The cover for Time’s May 21 issue has caused some controversy.  See it HERE.  The story behind the cover can be found HERE.  In case you are wondering what it’s all about, it shows Jamie Lynne Grumet breastfeeding her three-year-old son.

I wonder how her son will feel about this photo when he’s, let’s say, about 16?

Happy Birthday:

Former MTV VJ Martha Quinn turns 53 today!

You can still catch Martha on SIRIUS/XM Big 80′s on 8.

Victoria’s Secret:

In case you missed it, Victoria’s Secret released “The 2012 What is Sexy? list.”  Click HERE to enjoy!

Is this a great country or what?  By the way, you can thank me later…

Caught My Eye:

If you missed a Caught My Eye column, I’ve got you covered!  Just look on the right side of this page and scroll down to “Categories” and click on it.  Then select “Caught My Eye” and all the columns will be displayed in the few seconds.

Free Subscription:

All you have to do to be notified when I post a new column is look on the right side of this screen and when you see the word “Subscribe” just enter your email address and you will receive notifications of new columns via email.

Most columns are posted between 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) Monday – Friday.  Sometimes when breaking news hits, I post more than one column per day or on Saturdays and Sundays.

One More Thing:

Don’t forget to stretch…

Welcome!  If this is your first time visiting The Western Word (TWW), my Thursday Numbers column is where I take a look at the numbers mentioned in the news and provide commentary (often with just a touch of sarcasm).

TAKE NOTE:  You will probably gain an untold amount of knowledge by reading this column!  This information will probably impress your family, friends and co-workers and it might even be life changing – so consider yourself warned…

This week I write about C-130s, Bible App downloads, a toe lawsuit, unemployment, Post Offices, Mother’s Day, campaign ad views, polls, U2 and U-2, BRAC, cheap cigarettes, Leaf, Twins, and much more!

75,000,000

According to the opinion of Texas Governor Rick Perry and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant they claim that moving the eight C-130s from Fort Worth, Texas, to Great Falls, Montana, has an estimated cost “as high as $75 million or more.”

It’s not looking too good for Montana in regards to the C-130s being based here…but this issue is a long way from being decided…

50,000,000

According to YouVersion their Bible App has been installed on 50 Million mobile devices.

I have it and use it for a daily Bible reading program – it’s very easy to use…

2,200,000

A Bozeman man filed a “$2.2 million lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Helena on Tuesday” against “five Montana State Prison employees for physical and mental trauma he said he suffered after getting his foot caught in a grain auger at the prison dairy in December.”  It was also reported, “He broke the big toe on his left foot and said he still has trouble walking.”

I wonder how much two broken big toes are worth…

367,000

The U.S. Department of Labor reports, “In the week ending May 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 367,000…”

Every week about that many people join the ranks of the unemployed – many more are not counted. 

3,700

The Associated Press reports, “The Postal Service on Wednesday abandoned its plan to close 3,700 post offices around the country, including 80 in Montana.”

Meanwhile, the Postal Service is going bankrupt…but politicians can take credit for keeping their state’s Post Offices open…

1908

According to this article on this date, “The first official Mother’s Day celebration took place on May 10, 1908, at Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, and a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”

Mother’s Day is Sunday – do something nice for your mom that day…

1,399

As of this morning, that’s how many views (on YouTube) the Montanans for Tester campaign’s newest ad titled “Unprecedented Ethics & Accountability” (posted May 7) has received.

1,000

The Associated Press reported, “Republican candidate for governor Neil Livingstone is promising that, if elected, he won’t take a salary until the state gets 1,000 new jobs — a figure that could be reached in just two months if the economy keeps growing as it is now.”

Livingstone did manage to get Lee Newspapers and the Associated Press to report about his campaign promise…

819

As of this morning, that’s how many views (on YouTube) the Montanans for Rehberg campaign ad titled “Honest” (posted May 9) has received.

60

Who is the most likeable, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?  A recent Gallup poll found that by a 60% to 31% advantage, registered voters “say Barack Obama, rather than Mitt Romney, is the more likable of the two presidential candidates.”

Obama is just cooler than Romney…

52

Bono (U2) turns 52 years old today.  Happy birthday!  Enjoy “Beautiful Day” from U2.

By the way, at an undisclosed location several years ago I provided security for the U-2 spy plane.  This really has nothing to do with Bono…

50

According to a poll released this week by Gallup, “Fifty percent of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages — down slightly from 53% last year…”

With the President coming out in support of gay marriage on Wednesday, this issue took the forefront of the 2012 Presidential campaign.  Just about anyone else running for office in 2012 will have to comment on the issue.

44

The Hill reports “The House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment in the Defense authorization bill that prohibits new rounds of the Base Realignment Closure Commission (BRAC) by a vote of 44 to 18, with 14 Democrats joining Republicans to support it, and 5 GOP members opposed.”

They just can’t seem to do anything to save money.  Congress needs to close bases in the USA and overseas…

32

Another poll released by Gallup tells us, “Thirty-two percent of 18- to 29-year-olds in the U.S. workforce were underemployed in April, as measured by Gallup without seasonal adjustment.”

The results also found “Underemployment in April was 14.0% among those aged 30 to 49, 13.6% among those aged 50 to 64, and 12.7% among those 65 or older.”

More proof that it’s tough out there…

12

“Police say a New York man who refused to pay a $12 taxi fare was carrying more than $5,000 when the cabbie drove him around looking for cheap cigarettes.”  Read the whole story HERE.

Cheap cigarettes must be pretty expensive…

9

MSNBC reports, “A Texas elementary school is correcting a spelling mistake made when it changed its name nearly nine years ago.”

Maybe they should just leave it alone…

8

That’s how many victories that Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Minnesota Twins have so far this season – the worst record in MLB.  The Twins record is 8-22 for a .267 winning average.

Other teams will enjoy playing the Twins this year…

5

The Great Falls Tribune reported yesterday that ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf pled “guilty to felony drug possession and burglary charges as part of a plea agreement that recommends a five-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections.”

Leaf has hit bottom.  I am praying that he gets the help he desperately needs…

4

In my on-going report of how many pieces of campaign literature I receive, on Wednesday four campaign flyers hit my mailbox.  This included new information from Laurie McKinnon, who is running for the Montana Supreme Court.  Here’s her information:

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Do you really like to have fun?  Then follow the life and times of Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

Today I take a look at the Rehberg campaign’s new television ad, I talk about the Lugar loss in Indiana, I mention robots.txt, I share a couple of flyers I received, I talk about the ballots, and I close out the column talking about a possible match-up.  There’s a lot more, so read on…

Rehberg Launches “Honest” Video

Montanans for Rehberg launched a new campaign commercial this morning called, “Honest” which I think is ”compare and contrast with Jon Tester” campaign commercial.  You can watch it HERE. Although the Rehberg campaign did not send The Western Word a press release or script regarding the ad, here’s a rundown of it from their YouTube site:

“Senator Tester’s dishonest attacks hide his voting record: in favor of higher taxes, to raise his own pay, spend your tax dollars on bonuses for Wall Street executives, and side with President Obama 95% of the time. Denny Rehberg cut taxes, opposed bailouts, and voted against pay raises — because it’s your money, not theirs…”

Tester Campaign spokesman Aaron Murphy said:

“We look forward to comparing Dennis Rehberg’s record to Jon Tester’s record of holding himself to the highest ethical standards in Congress.  Congressman Rehberg promised Montanans he would never vote to give himself a raise, then voted five times to raise his own pay.”

My Analysis:

It was interesting to me that Rehberg came out of the gate with his first campaign commercial sort of blasting Tester instead of releasing a “Hi, I’m Denny Rehberg intro” video.  The recently released poll showing Rehberg being down to Tester by five points might have scared the Rehberg campaign so much that they went into an attack mode.

The Tester Campaign called it an “Attack Ad” in their Fact Check info that was e-mailed to reporters and bloggers shortly after the video was posted.  Tester’s people contend their ads “have been positive in nature.”

It’s going to be interesting watching the two sides going after each other.  Hey readers – what do you think?  Leave your comments below!

Lugar loses:

The U.S. Senate lost another one of their moderate voices last night when U.S. Senator Richard Lugar was defeated in the Indiana primary by state Treasurer Richard Mourdock – the Tea Party’s guy.  Lugar had served in the senate since 1976.  He is 80 years old.

The victory by Mourdock means the Democrats have a better chance of winning the contest this November in their quest to retain control of the Senate…plus it could be a warning to all incumbents (although here in Montana the U.S. Senate race is a lot like incumbent versus incumbent).

Sadly, this is another example of how extreme the Republican Party has become – today’s GOP is no longer the party of Reagan…

Robots.txt:

Montana Watchdog.org published a story yesterday about Senator Jon Tester saying, “Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester touts his record on transparency in a new television ad this week, but his campaign is hiding information on the Internet.”

The Montana Watchdog contends that someone in the Tester organization “is preventing the Wayback Machine, the Internet’s only web page archive tool, from storing screenshots of his 2012 website, JonTester.com, as well as the site he used for his 2006 Senate run — TesterforSenate.com, which now redirects to his current site.”

I checked out the Wayback Machine and entered TesterForSenate.com and received this message:

“We’re sorry, access to http://testerforsenate.com has been blocked by the site owner via robots.txt.”

I use the Wayback Machine often.  Fortunately, I am like a “hoarder” and save a lot of political stuff from the internet anyway – like information from Tester’s 2006 campaign website plus all previous and current campaign e-mails from the candidates.

The information I have accumulated is not just on Jon Tester.  For those who have sent me nasty e-mails have no fear, they have been saved, too.  I would bet (not $10,000 like Mitt Romney bets) that I have stored (for safe keeping) more information on candidates and elected officials than anyone in the state…

In closing, was the move to deny access by Tester to his campaign site criminal?  No.  It’s his website funded by campaign donations and he can do with it what he pleases.  I’m glad he has not blocked the taxpayer-funded U.S. Senate website – then he would have a problem.  But it is somewhat ironic that Tester touts his openness while blocking access to his old campaign site.

Primary Ballots:

I am so glad the Postal Service was able to deliver the 2012 Montana Primary Election ballots to my home yesterday!  Is this a great country or what?  I do have two concerns:

First, I received a Republican Party ballot and a Democratic Party ballot.  I can only vote on one ballot.  I would like to see primaries changed and everyone’s name put on one ballot and then the top two vote getters for a single seat (regardless of political party) would then face-off in the General Election.

Second, on the return envelope, it tells me to “Place Sufficient First Class Postage Here.”  Why doesn’t the election department place the required postage on return envelope or use their “Non Profit Org. Postage Paid Permit Number” for free return.  The return address is the Election Administrator’s address, so if I don’t put any postage on it, will it get there?

Note:  You can download a digital “I Voted” sticker from the Montana Secretary of State’s website.  Click HERE.

More Flyers:

-Pam Bucy, a Democrat running for Montana Attorney General, graced my postal mailbox with an 11.5″ by 6″ flyer (two-sided) yesterday.  It arrived with the ballots.  Here it is:

-The Americans for Job Security sure are spending some big bucks trying to get Rick Hill to win the Republican Primary for Montana Governor.  I received another 11″ by 8.5″ flyer from them yesterday.  Here it is:

Teske v. Tester:

This is probably a long-shot!  Since their last names are somewhat alike, it would be interesting to see how a Dennis Teske versus Jon Tester race would turn out in the General Election.  First Teske must get past Denny Rehberg in the Republican primary.

The fact is that voters are not that intelligent and some could easily become confused with the last names.  Back in 2008, many folks believe that Bob Kelleher was mistaken for Bob Keenan on the Republican Primary Ballot for U.S. Senate.  Kelleher won a six-way GOP primary by about 9,900 votes over his closest competitor.  He then lost (big time) to Max Baucus in the General Election by about 219,000 votes.

Hey…you should really follow the life and times of Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

Today on The Western Word I write about Montana and the C-130 mess, I analyze the new campaign commercials from Governor Candidate Rick Hill and U.S. Senator Jon Tester.  I also provide commentary about another glossy four-page flyer, I talk about someone being filthy rich, and I share the news about a Democratic congressional candidates forum being scheduled!  There’s more so read on…

C-130s:

If you followed me on Twitter (@TheWesternWord) you’ve already seen that there are a couple stories out there about keeping the C-130 cargo planes from being placed in Montana.

It does not look too promising no matter what the Montana Congressional delegation might say.

The Fresno Bee reported, “After three months of trying to persuade the Air Force not to transfer eight C-130 Hercules aircraft from Fort Worth to Great Falls, Mont., a House subcommittee appears ready to try to stop the move with legislation.”

Politico reported, “It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal.  Democratic Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus want to transfer eight C-130 Hercules transport planes from Fort Worth, Texas, to Great Falls, Mont., to help soften the blow of the Air Force pulling F-15 fighters out of Montana.  But that’s not how it’s played out.  The fate of this small C-130 unit has drawn in top lawmakers from at least four states.”

The clout is with Texas and the other states.  Montana may be left empty-handed.  If Montana loses all their planes, that should be a career ender for Senator Jon Tester, Congressman Denny Rehberg and Senator Max Baucus.  Sadly, Baucus has no clout in military issues.

Readers may remember when Tester, Baucus, and Rehberg all said they were against expanding the Powder River Air Training Complex in Southeastern Montana.  That decision irreparably harmed Montana from being “open for business” in regards to new military missions – especially air missions.

As I have written before, one of the three members of the Montana Congressional delegation should attempt to get a seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee which would at least give them a seat in the room when these critical decisions are made.

That would sure beat writing letters…

Hill Video:  Get the Job Done

The Rick Hill for Governor Campaign released their first campaign television ad called “Get the Job Done” which features Hill and people working.  Here’s the script:

Montana needs more jobs and better jobs

Conservative businessman Rick Hill

It’s not complicated.  Reduce regulations.  Prioritize spending and get government out of the way so businesses like this can grow.

Successful businessman tested conservative.  Rick Hill has met a payroll.  Created jobs and reduced government with a proven business approach.

Less government, lower taxes, more jobs.

Give us a shot; we’ll get the job done.

My Analysis:

This is Hill’s big push for the votes as the absentee ballots are hitting the mailboxes.  It is leaps and bounds better than previous videos from the Hill campaign.

-The ad brings back the conservative doctrine of “less government” and “lower taxes” which seems to have been shelved by some conservatives in recent years.

-The ad closes with the plea “Give us a shot; we’ll get the job done” which I liked.  It was a pretty strong closing.

-The light blue shirt that Hill always seems to wear is growing old; one would think Hill would own some other shirts that are different colors…

Tester Video:  Unprecedented Ethics & Accountability

U.S. Senator Jon Tester hit the airwaves once again with a new campaign television ad called “Jon Tester: Unprecedented Ethics & Accountability.”  This ad features former Congressman Pat Williams, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Sherry Matteucci, and teacher Cathy Kuntz.  Here is the script:

Jon Tester promised us he’d be a different kind of Senator.  And he is.

He’s a man of intelligence and integrity and his actions prove it every single day.

He posts his schedule online so we know who he’s meeting with.

He’s cracked down on lobbyists.  Refused their trips.

And has retired Montana judges conduct tough ethics audits to make sure he’s following his own rules.

See for yourself and you’ll know too:  Jon Tester’s working for Montana.  Every single day.

I’m Jon Tester and I approve this message.

The Analysis:

It is another well-done video from Jon Tester’s campaign – this time trying to remind voters of the promises made and promises kept while using a couple of well-known seasoned Democrats to bring home that point.

Frankly, it’s hard for me to view this commercial from the Tester campaign without laughing.  Jon Tester sold his “I am whiter than snow” ethics and lobbyist spin to the Montana media a few years ago and they continue to buy it today – but that is good for him during election season – and it’s something the Rehberg campaign has not been able to penetrate.

On his 2006 campaign website (Yes, I save everything), Jon Tester said he “won’t just pass a law; he’ll set an example — by asking a Montana judge to conduct an ethics audit of his office every year, by posting a list of every lobbyist he meets with and by shutting his door to former members and staffers who try to cash in on their connections.”

-The “ethics audit” promise lasted until year two of this six year term.  With year five of his term in the books; three ethics audits have been done.  Where are the other two?

-He did ask three Montana Judges (who have no idea how a senate office operates) to conduct the ethics audit; some even donated to his campaign.  These are hardly “independent” reviews.  He provided the Judges with the documents he wanted them to review.  The Montana media turned their heads…

-Jon Tester is the number one in the House and Senate in receiving lobbyist cash, period, which is about the only thing the Rehberg campaign has made slightly stick to Tester.

-Tester’s official schedule is posted a least a day late which does not allow constituents to know when he will next be in their area.  Tester’s trips around the country to fundraise are not disclosed to his Montana constituents.

-The closing of the video with all three people saying “Every single day” is a little awkward.

Democratic Congressional Candidates Forum:

In a Monday press release, “Rob Stutz, Democratic candidate for United States Congress, announced today that Stutz for Congress has organized a forum in Helena for Democratic congressional candidates.”

The forum will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, 5:00 p.m. at Sheridan Hall, which is located at 501 Euclid in Helena.

Large and Glossy:

Apparently the campaigns of Scott Aspenlieder (for Montana Secretary of State) and Tim Fox (for Montana Attorney General) love to send four-page glossy flyers.  Maybe they have the same campaign manager who likes to waste money?

Republican Tim Fox who is running for Montana Attorney General Campaign sent primary voters a four-page 8.5″ by 11″ glossy flyer that arrived in mailboxes on Monday.  The front page shows Mr. Fox working hard with tie loosened, looking busy doing something that makes him look lawyerly.  In keeping with my custom to only show one page of the four, here’s the front page of the flyer:

As I said on Friday about the Aspenlieder flyer, “It was nicely done, but it was four freaking pages – way too long – and a waste of money…” – the same can be said about the Fox flyer.

Filthy Rich:

Being filthy rich has its perks.  But when you are probably the wealthiest candidate to ever run for President of the United States, it can present problems.  According to this story, GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was asked to explain his “over $1.5 million in foreign tax credits” he received since 2000.

He said he was “not familiar” with the tax credits which further shows Americans why Mitt Romney is out of touch with most of the working class people in this country.  Wouldn’t you love to have so much freaking money that you could not remember a measly $1.5 million in foreign tax credits?  Me too.

Follow the life and times of Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord

If you are a new visitor to TWW, “Monday Morning Politics” is where I put together several of the political stories from the past weekend all in one place for your reading pleasure.  I also offer some commentary about these stories often laced with a little snarkiness…

Today I write about absentee ballots, being shipp-ed off, what’s in my mailbox, big money, 300 words, H.R. 1505, Keenan in Montana, spinning the numbers, unemployment 101, energy in the Obama campaign, and much more!

Absentee Ballots

According to this story, “Montana county election officials on Monday will mail nearly 170,000 absentee ballots to voters across the state for the June 5 primary election.”

That’s about a quarter of the folks who are registered to vote.  If you signed up to receive an absentee ballot, you’ll probably start receiving information in the mail and calls from the candidates this week (if the campaigns are on the ball).  I will try to share what I receive…I’ve already told one campaign to take me off their list. 

Jack’s Mailbox:

With the primary election quickly approaching, it’s interesting to see what shows up in my postal mailbox from the candidates, their supporters, and their non-supporters.  Enjoy!

-The Jim Shockley for Montana Attorney General Campaign sent a postcard in the mail that was nicely done:

-One of those “Special Interests” or “Third-Party” groups called Americans for Job Security sent an 8.5″ by 12″ flier to help Montana GOP Governor Candidate Rick Hill:

 Shipp-ed Off:

The Montana GOP sent me an e-mail on Friday informing me, “The Montana Republican Party announced today that Chris Shipp has joined their staff as Communications Director.  Shipp, a native of Billings, comes to the MT GOP from Congressman Denny Rehberg’s U.S. Senate campaign.  Shipp served as Political Director for Rehberg’s 2010 Congressional campaign prior to working as Press Secretary on Rehberg’s 2012 U.S. Senate race.”

I guess I missed the announcement for the job opening – but these hires are mostly done behind closed doors by party insiders and are not based on qualifications but on who you know.  I think there’s more to this hire than meets the eye, so if anyone has more information, e-mail me.  For now I will just say it looks like the Rehberg cartel has placed one of their own in the State GOP Headquarters to ensure the proper message is relayed, and to ensure everyone knows who the “big man” is in 2012.  This move may not be good for other GOP candidates…

Big Money:

On Friday Politico reported, “The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has purchased nearly $3 million in statewide broadcast time in the Montana race between incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and GOP Rep. Denny Rehberg, a highly reliable media-buying source told POLITICO.”

With that money, they could have purchased a Montana television station and a few radio stations as well as a newspaper or two…

300 Total Words:

Lee Newspapers published a story about the U.S. House candidates and their comments on health care, taxes, energy, abortion, defense, and the economy.  They asked “each candidate to answer all five questions in 300 total words or less.”

You can read the Democrats’ responses HERE and the Republicans responses HERE.  They did not ask the Republicans and Democrats the same questions.

For being the frontrunner, GOP Candidate Steve Daines had some pretty weak answers.  I thought his answer for “Do you support any cuts in defense spending” was not very well thought out.

Tribune looks at Governor Candidates:

All this week the Great Falls Tribune will be looking at the Montana Governor candidates.  It started Sunday with the GOP candidates and they are doing it in alphabetical order starting with Bob Fanning on Sunday and Rick Hill on Monday.

I just can’t stand the excitement, can you?

H.R. 1505:

According to an article in Sunday’s Missoulian, “A controversial bill that aims to shift authority over federal lands within 100 miles of the U.S. border to the Department of Homeland Security could be nearing a vote on the House floor…”

The bill is H.R. 1505.  Congressman Denny Rehberg is a co-sponsor.  U.S. Senator Jon Tester is against the bill and this, my faithful readers, is where the fun starts!

Like I’ve said on this website several times:

As far as I am concerned the folks who are protecting me can go anywhere they need to in order to keep our country (and me) safe.  You can call me naïve, but I don’t worry about things like this bill (or even the Patriot Act).  Freedom is not free – those of us who actually served understand this.

Nancy Keenan in Montana:

Lee Newspapers published a story about Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice, being in Montana last week urging Montanans to elect pro-abortion rights candidates.  Read the story HERE.

Keenan, you may remember, lost to Denny Rehberg in the 2000 U.S. House Montana At-Large race 51% to 46%.  The 2012 elections will be vitally important to her group as well as those in the Pro-life camp.

Poll Numbers – The Spin:

On Friday around noon, the Ken Miller for Montana Governor campaign sent me a press release with the subject, “NEW POLLING SHOWS MILLER GAINING ON BULLOCK” and saying, “Ken Miller, grassroots conservative and Tea Party-endorsed candidate from Laurel, was found to be gaining on the expected Democrat candidate, Steve Bullock, with the results of 41%-35%, with 24% of Montanans undecided between the two.  In November’s match-up between Miller and Bullock, the results were in favor of Bullock by 40-31.  In a Hill-Miller match-up, a 35% of voters are still “Undecided”, and all other candidates trail in single digits behind the two.”

I would assume that after reading the press release from the Miller campaign, the Rick Hill for Montana Governor Campaign decided that they needed to bring Miller back down to earth.

Around 4:00 p.m. the Hill Campaign sent a press release with the subject, “the latest poll numbers” in which they said, “With just one month until the Primary Election, Rick holds a 21-point lead over his nearest primary opponent.  In a proposed General Election match-up Rick is tied with likely Democratic nominee Steve Bullock: Rick Hill 39% — Steve Bullock 39%.”

A little advice for the Hill campaign:  Stop reacting and go on the offense.

A little advice for the Miller campaign:  It might be time to ask Sarah Palin to come back to Montana and campaign for you…

Unemployment Explained:

In the Washington Post’s Wonkblog by Ezra Klein, he posted an article by Brad Plumer called, “The incredible shrinking labor force” that explains the unemployment situation in the United States very well.  Read it HERE.

Plumer writes, “…about 35 percent of Americans who have dropped out of the labor force since the recession began in 2007 do want a job, but they have become too discouraged to fire off résumés.”

It’s still tough out here in the real world…

Obama kicks off campaign:

President Obama officially kicked off his campaign this past weekend at Ohio State University and then he held a campaign event in Virginia.  Read about it HERE.

There was more energy and excitement during Obama’s first day of campaign rallies than in any rallies I’ve seen from Mitt Romney so far.

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