In a follow-up to my column from last week called “Of Mermaids and Casting Stones” I received several “off the record” comments from folks around the state. These were sent to The Western Word (TWW) e-mail (listed near the top of the screen on the right). You can read the column HERE.

On Friday afternoon an e-mail came from the Rick Hill for Governor Campaign with the subject, “Don’t attack my family” and I have posted it below for your viewing pleasure:

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Rick Hill for Governor

Campaign Update 4/14/11

Campaigns are tough. After a while you expect the nasty attacks and the anonymous charges. It goes with the territory. But I’ve learned that the best way to deal with shady attacks like this is to hit them head on.

So let me quickly respond to the latest anonymous email and blog attacks.

Thirty-four years ago, I had a difficult marriage and went through a rough divorce. That’s the reality. Like any Montanan who has ever gone through one knows, it was unfortunate for everyone involved.

Since that time I’ve been blessed. My wife Betti and I will have been happily married for 28 years this June. We’ve raised three great boys. And we’ve been graced with 7 grandchildren.

My family is my foundation. So it’s disappointing that they have to put up with twisted anonymous attacks from 30 years ago… and it’s disappointing for them to hear the same recycled Democrat dirty tricks that didn’t work when we won my first race for Congress.

But unfortunately this kind of stuff is par for the course in today’s politics. And that’s exactly what people are sick of. With so much at stake this election—a soft national economy, job losses here in Montana, a growing debt, and a government takeover of healthcare—Montana needs this election to be about big things, not little things.

So that’s where my campaign is going to stay focused: on fixing Montana’s business climate to achieve the job growth we need; standing up to federal overreach into Montana’s affairs, and fixing our broken education system.

Montana has big challenges we need to address. And even bigger opportunities if we get them right. See you on the campaign trail soon.

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You can visit the Rick Hill for Governor Website by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to leave your comments in the comment section of this website (each comment is approved/disapproved by me).

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