Welcome! Today’s independent commentary addresses the following topics:

• Helena City Commission
• Message From Bodnar
• No Kings – March 28
• One More Thing

HELENA CITY COMMISSION:

Tonight (Thursday), the Helena City Commission will be meeting to discuss the future of a Helena immigration enforcement resolution, which the state attorney general has accused of breaking a Montana law banning “sanctuary cities.” (Source) 

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) reported on the resolution:

…the commission voted 4-1 in favor of a resolution specifically that instructs the Helena Police Department not to enter into a federal partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as a 287(g) agreement. 

The resolution further states that the city of Helena will not disclose a person’s place of birth, immigration status, or national origin, except when required by law or upon a valid court order.

The resolution also upholds the Helena Police Department’s current policy that it will not stop, investigate, detain or arrest anyone based on their immigration status or suspicion of violating immigration law. Additionally, the resolution calls on Helena police “to request” federal immigration officers to remove any masks and identify themselves when they feel it won’t interfere with federal actions.  

According to reporting from the Helena Independent Record (IR), commissioners will have the full suite of options available Thursday to rescind or make changes to the document — or to leave it as is.

I say stick with the current version. The Attorney General’s frequent use of the court system for high-profile political cases has become a significant drain on taxpayer dollars with little return for the state. Stick it to the man!

MESSAGE FROM BODNAR:

In a recent press release, Seth Bodnar’s campaign compiled several Republican rebukes regarding Steve Daines’ last-minute withdrawal and his endorsement of Kurt Alme. Here is the complete press release: 

HELENA, MT – Following almost three full weeks of silence after launching his Senate campaign, Kurt Alme finally released a 60 second campaign video this week as the national Party insiders who handpicked Alme encouraged Montanans to “meet” him. The issue for Alme is, Montana Republicans already have made up their mind about the Alme Anointment, and they aren’t happy:

Dr. Al Olszewski, current Republican Congressional candidate (MT-01) and former state legislator: “Steve Daines just betrayed the trust of all Montanans. This deceptive maneuver is no different than what Zinke and Aaron Flint pulled on Monday. We have been betrayed by our federal senator and representative. This practice cannot be accepted by the people of Montana. It’s time to take a stand now – In this great state, we elect our own representatives. We don’t simply accept replacements selected by the deep state and DC for them to lord power over us.”

Rep. Shane Klakken, Republican state legislator representing Fergus and Petroleum counties: “I don’t like that at all. The party picked him. That’s not good. We need to pick them.”

Roger Koopman, President of Montana Conservative Alliance, Republican former state legislator and Public Service commissioner: “[It was a] sleazy, deceptive, manipulative action…As Daines is proud to admit, this sly little maneuver had the intended effect of keeping every well-known Republican out of the primary…And what of their sainted candidate – Kurt Alme – who they lowered down from heaven to bless our little lives? What does he have to say about these tactics, in which he was an active co-conspirator? So far, crickets. How seriously are we supposed to take him?” 

Adam Hertz, Republican former Missoula City Councilmember and former state legislator: “In Montana, we take pride in our independence. We don’t trust D.C. politics or backroom deals. In our state, voters expect to make their own choices. That’s why what happened during the recent U.S. Senate filing period should trouble anyone who believes in fair elections…In a representative republic, voters, not insiders, choose the candidates.”

Janet Walters, Montana Republican voter: “Montanans are not blind, deaf and stupid. The despicable, manipulative behavior of the Montana Republican leadership is disgusting. I am one Republican voter who is fed up with DC bureaucrats, Montana elected officials, and out-of-state special interest groups force feeding me their preferred candidates who will do their bidding in my home state. I won’t stand for it anymore and I will no longer act as a puppet marching into the voting booth voting for anyone with an “R” next to their name.”

The Montana Republican Party: “At this time, the MTGOP will not be endorsing any candidate for federal office, instead leaving that decision to Montana voters. The party hopes every candidate will make their case to the public.”

Representative Troy Downing (MT-02): “[I] did not know this was coming.”

Not to mention the fact that last year, Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Downing voted to condemn the behavior of Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, who pulled the same bait and switch as Sen. Steve Daines to handpick his successor. 

After 19 days of near-silence, Montana Republicans have already made up their mind about Kurt Alme.

NO KINGS – MARCH 28:

There will be thousands of “No Kings” events all across the fruited plains on Saturday, March 28. The event in Great Falls is from 12-2 MDT, near the U.S. District Court building (125 Central Ave W). 

According to some social media posts, including THIS ONE from Great Falls Rising, be careful where you park at the Great Falls event. 

You can find an event near you by clicking HERE. 

ONE MORE THING: 

If you aren’t resisting, you are assisting. 

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