Hi. Here is today’s no-nonsense commentary. The topics are:
- The Rebuked
- Those Deep Divisions
- Montana PSC
- Artemis II
- Trump Address
- One More Thing
THE REBUKED:
It was not an April Fool’s Day joke, but the Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) Executive Board passed a resolution on Tuesday rebuking 17 Republican legislative candidates and three elected party officers for working with progressive political groups tied to out-of-state billionaire donors. (Press Release)
The horror! The horror!
The MAGA Republicans contend that, according to publicly available records, these progressive billionaires are attempting to advance their agenda in Montana through a multi-layered, deceptively designed network of political action committees (PACs) and dark-money nonprofits, including Helena-based Fireweed Campaigns Inc., which manages political candidates and liberal ballot initiatives.
The fact is, there are plenty of billionaires on both sides of the political aisle getting the message out.
The Montana Republican Party has sold its soul to the MAGA way of life. If you don’t toe the MAGA line, you are rebuked. Next, the Executive Board may take away birthdays.
The good news is that the geniuses on the Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) Executive Board have basically given us a voter’s guide to help us find candidates who put country before party. Here are those who were rebuked and deserve your vote/support:
● David Bedey, SD 43 (Hamilton)
● Llew Jones, SD 09 (Conrad)
● Kenneth Walsh, HD 69 (Twin Bridges)
● Brad Barker, HD 55 (Roberts)
● Michele Binkley, HD 85 (Hamilton)
● Linda Reksten, HD 13 (Polson)
● Shelley Vance, SD 34 (Belgrade)
● Curtis Cochran, HD 90 (St. Regis)
● Susan Geise, HD 17 (Helena)
● Russell Nelson, HD 67 (Belgrade)
● John Fitzpatrick, HD 76 (Anaconda)
● George Nikolakakos, SD 12 (Great Falls)
● Melissa Nikolakakos, HD 20 (Great Falls)
● Valerie Moore, HD 29 (Plentywood)
● Eric Albus, SD 14 (Saco)
● Ed Buttrey, SD 11 (Great Falls)
● Doug Martens, SD 18 (Forsythe)
● Ross Fitzgerald, Chair of Teton County Central Committee
● Roger Hagan, Precinct Committeeman of Cascade County Central Committee
● Ted Kronebusch, Chair of Pondera County Central Committee
I know many of these people, and they are hardworking and care deeply about the people they represent.
THOSE DEEP DIVISIONS:
The Helena Independent Record (IR) is reporting (Paywall) that Montana fundraising reports indicate fierce legislative primaries are in full swing.
The IR says that divisions between Montana Republicans are as deep as they’ve ever been, and hardliner organizations like Americans for Prosperity and the Montana Freedom Caucus have been toiling away for months against centrist GOP incumbents who typically stay quiet on culture war issues while effectively running the Legislature from a coalition forged with most Democrats.
In other words, the Montana Republican Party may implode before the primary season is over.
MONTANA PSC:
The five members of the Montana Public Service Commission often act like clowns in a circus instead of fighting for ratepayers. I often feel they are on the side of big business instead of Montanans.
Lee Newspapers is reporting (Paywall) that after an effort last legislative session meant to make only two of the five Montana Public Service Commission members elected, a bipartisan bill in the works for the 2027 session is advancing to have all five commissioners appointed.
The new bill is worth a look because the current system is not working.
ARTEMIS II:
I was able to watch the launch of the Artemis II space rocket carrying four astronauts yesterday afternoon. It is always exciting and also scary. I always pray for a safe mission.
The mission will take the spacecraft around the moon and back to Earth. It will take about 10 days.
As Americans, I think someone once said that we have it in our souls to explore, from the time of Lewis and Clark to our missions to the moon. We want to see what is over the next horizon.
God bless America!
TRUMP ADDRESS:
President Donald Trump made a primetime address last night. Someone said the speech was like a string of Truth Social posts made into a speech.
It was pretty much a nothingburger. He said the war may last another 2-3 weeks.
You can watch his speech HERE.
ONE MORE THING:
My love for the truth outweighs my fear of offending you.
## THE END ##
The Western Word 
I live in district where this MAGA purge is taking place against House District 13 Rep.Linda Reksten of Polson. Our mail boxes have been filled with Anti Reksten literature all fall and winter by Americans for Prosperity out of Helena. We weren’t sure till recently who their candidate was going to be. It’s 20 year old Finley Warden out of Missoula who has been living in a local Hotel all winter to claim he is a local resident. He grew up in University district of Missoula. The AFP of Montana has been very aggressive in getting literature out on Warden and has been door knocking every day. I had two Warden door knockers at my house yesterday. When pressed the door knocker admit to being paid by Montana AFP. Linda Reksten is a well known person in this area. Grew up here attending local school,is well educated with a doctorate in education. She is retired educator of 34 years,with passed Superintendent jobs in Butte and Polson. She has been big supporter of education in State Legislature working with Democrats to increase school teachers salaries. She also supported Medicaid expansion. So for those things Warden and AFP have been claiming votes like Bernie Sanders. I thought she wouldn’t have a problem getting by the primary but she hasn’t responded to these attacks and not campaigning much. All Warden’s literature has AFP Montana all over it. I’m a Independent but will vote for her. My biggest worry is Lake County has become so MAGA they probably will vote for Warden, has they had huge rallies here after Kirk dealth and are still supporting Trump hugely. Even stand behind his crazy war, as it drives local gas prices up neatly $4 and diesel up pass $5. This is a very agricultural area,so this war is hurting these farmers and ranchers as did the tariffs. But they continue to believe Trump words will be short time pain for long time gain. I really dont understand why the believe one thing Trump says. I guess will just hope some sane Republicans will continue to support sane candidates.
Dennis – This campaign season is going to be crazy. I think we need a reset or something. Thanks, JmB
I like having the ‘rebuked’ list. It tells me which Republicans deserve my respectful attention, even if I might disagree with them.