Welcome! Here are the topics for today’s common sense commentary:
- U.S. Senate Montana
- Trump’s Flathead County Visit
- Forstag & Social Security
- One More Thing
U.S. SENATE MONTANA:
Yesterday, I wrote that the recent right-wing hit piece targeting Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar suggests this race is much closer than we think.
Today that comment was proven true.
Concord Public Opinion Partners released the results of a recent poll showing Bodnar leading Republican Kurt Alme 39% to 38%. Democrat Alani Bankhead comes in with 10%.
President Donald Trump’s 55% unfavorable rating suggests that candidates who closely align themselves with him could face significant challenges in winning their elections.
View the complete poll HERE.
TRUMP’S FLATHEAD COUNTY VISIT:
MTN News reports that Flathead County has identified about $58,000 in expenses tied to security operations during President Donald Trump’s Oct. 14, 2026, visit to the Flathead Valley. Flathead County also reported that it will not seek reimbursement from the federal government for these expenses.
I wonder how much was spent locally on diapers for Trump during the visit.
FORSTAG & SOCIAL SECURITY:
An article in the Daily Montanan reported that a high portion of Montanans are 65 and older, but those who receive Social Security benefits are facing a 22% cut in 2032 without action from Congress. That’s according to data from the Social Security Administration.
This issue personally impacts me and many others in our state. I need my federal representatives to take it seriously and champion real solutions. I am one of those people who vote in every election.
According to reports from advocates and campaign tracking, Sam Forstag—the Democratic nominee for Montana’s 1st Congressional District—has been endorsed by four key organizations focused on senior advocacy, Social Security, and Medicare.
The specific organizations that announced their endorsements at a rally on the steps of the Missoula County Courthouse include:
- National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC: Formally backed his candidacy, with board member Tula Thompson speaking in support of his platform against cutting or privatizing the programs.
- Montana Alliance for Retired Americans: The state chapter of the national advocacy group officially endorsed Forstag.
- Big Sky 55+: A Montana-based senior advocacy organization that verified his alignment with key retirement issues.
- Social Security Works: A national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and expanding Social Security benefits
The Daily Montanan reported that “He (Forstag) submitted one of the best completed questionnaires we’ve ever received with regard to his positions on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and drug prices,” said Social Security Works PAC President Jon “Bowzer” Bauman in an email. “His opponent, Aaron Flint, never even bothered to return the questionnaire. The contrast is stark.”
Note: I do not reside in Congressional District MT-01, where Forstag and Flint are facing off.
Read the complete report in the Daily Montanan HERE.
ONE MORE THING:
Experts say that circumcision at birth doesn’t hurt. Are you kidding? I couldn’t walk for a year!
## MAKE SURE YOU VOTE ##
