Thanks for stopping by! Here are the topics for today’s common sense commentary: 

• U.S. Senate Montana 2026
• Montana Democratic Party
• Montana GOP Winter Kickoff
• Donald and the Bird
• One More Thing

U.S. SENATE MONTANA 2026:

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) reported late Wednesday afternoon that University of Montana President Seth Bodnar is expected to run for U.S. Senate as an Independent, part of an elaborate plan apparently backed by former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a move that has angered Democrats. 

A spokesperson for Bodnar confirmed the plan to Montana Free Press on Tuesday, saying that the president will wait to discuss the election until he’s ready to make a formal announcement. The spokesperson said Bodnar would resign his presidential post to run. 

There are reports about a text message sent by Tester in which he allegedly wrote, “Bottomline is this. Bodner [sic] has a great family, came from business, has what I believe is the best job in Montana, is currently in the military and is a Rhodes scholar and would fight to stop all the insanity that is going on in our dictatorship today not rubber stamp it.” 

Tester also talked about his campaigns, writing, “Things have changed greatly, politically in this state since I first ran for US Senate. During my last two races the democratic Party was poison in my attempts to get re-elected,” Tester wrote. “That is not to say that is the only reason I got beat in 2024…but it was hell of an anvil.”

It will be difficult for an independent candidate to win in Montana, but stranger things have happened. I don’t see Democrats taking a backseat to an independent candidate. I have never been a fan of Steve Daines and would love to see him retired. 

MONTANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY:

The Helena Independent Record is reporting that the Montana Democratic Party has hired a new Executive Director:

The Montana Democratic Party announced on Wednesday that a campaign operative, community organizer and former small-town mayor from Pennsylvania will take over as executive director effective Feb. 1.

Emily Marburger, a 38-year-old self described progressive who most recently worked as deputy political director on Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, takes the reins as Montana Democrats look to recoup widespread appeal in a state that is now run by Republicans but was once known for its purple streak.

This will be a difficult job for Marburger. It was going to be tough before the news broke that the best-known Montana Democrat (Jon Tester) might support an independent candidate, and he supposedly said “the democratic Party was poison” in his attempts to get re-elected, might be too much to overcome. 

I’d like to personally welcome Marburger to Montana on behalf of The Western Word! You will find this blog is run by one of the great political minds in Montana…

MONTANA GOP WINTER KICKOFF:

The Montana Republican Party Winter kickoff will be held in Great Falls. The Montana GOP says the Winter Kickoff is a fantastic opportunity for Republican candidates and supporters to attend workshops, candidate trainings, and more. (Source) 

The best part I find about the Winter Kickoff is the dates it is being held. It will be held on February 6 and February 7. (6-7)

Perhaps the Montana GOP has some trend watchers on staff…

DONALD AND THE BIRD:

TMZ is reporting that President Donald Trump turned into Donald Grump during a Tuesday appearance at a Ford plant … launching into an F-bomb attack on a worker who appeared to yell “pedophile protector” at the Prez.

In true presidential fashion, Trump responds by yelling down at the guy … pretty clearly saying “F*** you” before flipping him the bald eagle.

TMZ also reported that the worker who yelled “pedophile protector” at President Donald Trump during his visit to a Ford plant in Michigan Tuesday has been suspended. The suspended worker has been identified as 40-year-old TJ Sabula, the United Auto Workers Union confirms to TMZ.

TMZ also found that there is now not one but 2 GoFundMe pages created for Sabula, with one just passing the $200,000 mark and the other sitting just above $50,000.

Note: As I was writing this post last night, I checked on the amount raised. The first GoFundMe campaign had over $480,000, while the other one had approximately $330,000. 

Is this a great country or what? 

ONE MORE THING:

I just sold my Homing Pigeon on eBay for the 13th time.

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