Today I was going to write about the new TV ads from the Ryan Zinke and John Walsh campaigns – two veterans who honorably served their country. I was probably going to mention the fact that they did not shoot at drones in their campaign ads.

All that changed when I read an e-mail from Ken Miller and then heard similar comments from Rick Hill.

Miller sent an e-mail yesterday in effect saying Zinke was not conservative enough. Miller wrote, “State Senators Matt Rosendale, Corey Stapleton and Elsie Arntzen would all serve this state and conservatives well.”

Ironically, Hill posted a message on his Facebook page yesterday basically saying Zinke was not conservative enough, too. Hill supports Elsie Arntzen saying, “I am supporting Elsie’s candidacy. There are three strong conservatives to choose from. But Ryan is not one of them.”

So here we go again – the Montana Republicans have once again formed a circular firing squad. That’s why they mostly lose statewide races. Even when they control the Montana legislature, they shoot themselves in the foot and accomplish very little because they are out to get those who are not conservative enough.

Somebody really needs to take control of the Republican circus in Montana.

Yesterday was a great day for the Montana Democrats, and it’s courtesy of Hill and Miller. Democrat House candidate John Lewis is probably doing the happy dance. I’m sure the Democrats would love to see the infighting continue through the June 3 primary and beyond.

Zinke has been the target of progressive blogs for several weeks now, probably because he’s perceived as more of a threat to win than the other GOP House candidates. Two blogs I read and follow, the Intelligent Discontent and the Montana Street Fighter, both quickly posted columns about Miller and Hill’s advice.

In my humble opinion, it’s probably time for Hill and Miller to ride into the sunset. They are probably hurting the Montana GOP more than they are helping it. If my memory is correct, Hill last won a statewide general election in November 1998, and Miller never has. Miller served in the state senate in 1995-2002.

Several weeks ago, I said that I liked Republican Zinke and Democrat Lewis and that I could vote for either. Montanans would be fortunate to have either of them serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I still believe that.

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