Welcome! Here are the topics for today’s independent commentary:

• Another MT GOP Resolution
• Governor’s Appointment Unconstitutional
• The Purging
• Tucker Carlson Apologizes
• One More Thing

ANOTHER MT GOP RESOLUTION:

According to a press release, the Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) Executive Board passed a second resolution admonishing those primary candidates and county party officials who continue to collaborate with Democrat consulting firm Fireweed Campaigns Inc. and rescinding their recognition as Republicans.

The Executive Board previously passed a resolution rebuking candidates in Republican primary races who received donations from Fireweed and paid the Democrat firm for campaign services.

According to the press release, the list of Republicans who have used Fireweed Campaigns Inc. includes: David Bedey; Llew Jones; Kenneth Walsh; Brad Barker; Michele Binkley; Linda Reksten; Shelley Vance; Curtis Cochran; Susan Geise; Russell Nelson; John Fitzpatrick; George Nikolakakos; Melissa Nikolakakos; Valerie Moore; Ed Buttrey; Doug Martens; Ross Fitzgerald; Roger Hagan; and Ted Kronebush. 

To me, this press release is just like a voter’s guide to see who I should actually vote for. These “Fireweed” candidates get things done and put their constituents ahead of their party. Please support them. 

GOVERNOR’S APPOINTMENT UNCONSTITUTIONAL:

Upper Seven Law announced that Jefferson County resident Jordan Williams prevailed in challenging Governor Greg Gianforte’s unconstitutional appointment of Representative Marta Bertoglio to be Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. At the time of her appointment, Bertoglio was still within her two-year term as a member of the Montana legislature, representing Montana House District 75 (“HD 75”). The Montana Constitution expressly prohibits appointing legislators to other public office during their legislative term. 

It seems like every week or so, the Republicans in Montana are found to have violated the Constitution. I am very thankful for our courts. 

You can read the press release HERE and the Order HERE. 

THE PURGING:

If you read one thing this week, read the guest opinion from former State Senate Majority Leader and President of the Montana State Senate Jim Peterson. Peterson served in the Montana Legislature for 12 years, from 2003 to 2015.

Peterson’s guest opinion is called “The Purging of Independent-minded Republicans.”

Peterson writes:

Montana used to be a place that welcomed respectful debate of issues, and we worked together to find sensible solutions that considered as many views as possible. Not anymore. At least not if the party bosses get their way this spring. 

Peterson contends:

The Montana GOP, under the leadership of former state legislator Art Wittich, has decided that hard line ideology and picking the “right” kind of Republican candidate is more important than supporting Republican candidates who can most effectively represent their districts. Wittich and the current Montana GOP aim to tip the scales for hand-picked candidates during the primaries, rather than letting you decide in an open, honest contest. 

Peterson closes with:

Montanans are smart and capable enough to understand the issues and vote their conscience. We don’t need party bosses or out-of-state billionaires to tell us who to pick. Your vote matters, and the outcome on June 2 will decide whether Montanans or the party bosses and their dark money machine gets to run our state.

I am happy to see Peterson speak out about the crap being pulled by the MAGA Republicans. 

You can read the complete guest opinion HERE.  

TUCKER CARLSON APOLOGIZES: 

You could say that I was years ahead of many people when I did not vote for Donald Trump in 2016. I thought he was an asshole, though I did like some of his comments about his primary opponents. It was an easy choice not to support him in 2020, after seeing him destroy the country in the prior years. I thought we were done with him, but he ran in 2024, and I could not believe people voted for him.

The bottom line is that Trump has run for President three times, and I have not voted for him once. NOT ONE TIME.  

Now we are starting to see some mindless MAGAs regret their support for Trump. Case in point is right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, who has apologized for his role in helping him get elected. He said he will be “tormented” by his support for Trump for a “long time,” apologizing to listeners for “misleading” them about the president.  (Source)

It’s OK to clear your minds, MAGAs. You’ll sleep better at night.

ONE MORE THING:

At this point, I wouldn’t even be surprised if the dinosaurs returned. 

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