The Montana Republican Party is taking some hits across the state for challenging a few voters (just 1.5% of the total registered) who have moved to a different location since the last election.

This has so concerned the Democrats that Barack Obama’s campaign has gotten involved, assisting in filing a lawsuit in Federal Court, claiming it is a voter suppression scheme. The verification process was shut down while they wait for the ruling. Their mission was partly accomplished.

The Democratic Party’s favorite spokesman (but just on issues involving the Montana GOP), Lt. Governor John Bohlinger (a Republican) has written an opinion that is appearing in newspapers across the state. I totally respect Lt. Governor John Bohlinger, but his comments detract from the real reason for these challenges. His opinion in the Billings Gazette was entitled, “Montana wins when everyone votes.” I agree, but would add that Montana wins when everyone legally eligible to vote, votes.

We’ve all heard stories about the free food for registering and voting, free alcohol for registering and voting, and free gift cards for registering and voting. This stuff does happen. Even if it is reported, it is long after an election when a ruling is made, so why stop it.

The Billings Gazette issued a “Gazette Opinion: GOP tries to reduce voter turnout” in which the title is so far off the mark, it’s laughable.

The Gazette Editorial Board writes, “Those who receive the challenge letters initiated by the GOP ought to make a point of voting. We suggest that they encourage their friends, family and neighbors to vote, too.”

What the Gazette says is correct, but they failed to mention these people should be “legally” able to vote. I am sure the Gazette would like to see a fair and legal election.

The Democrats again used military personnel and veterans as pawns in trying to turn the public opinion against Republicans. When I was in the military, I received a couple of these verification forms. No big deal. I filled it out, sent it in and received my ballot. I did not contact my political party to complain or to get my name in the newspaper.

We’ve heard from election officials from counties across the state who are complaining about having to send out verification letters. It’s so much MORE work. Maybe they should ask their legislator to introduce a bill to stop allowing people to register and vote at their county elections office on Election Day. This undoubtedly would help reduce their stress. Some of their partisan comments makes me wonder about our election process.

The bottom line to all this is Montana has a Governor, Brian Schweitzer, who bragged about how he tampered with the last state-wide election and turned some dials to help his friend, Jon Tester, win the U.S. Senate race. When a leader of the opposite political party is so stupid to brag publicly about what he illegally did, then if I am running the other political party, I am going to do all I legally can to ensure a fair election. Verifying that voters are still eligible to vote is just one small (legal) step in the process.

If the shoe was on the other foot, the Democrats would be doing the same thing.