While the temperatures in Montana are very mild, the temperature in Montana politics climbed today as the Montana Democratic Party (MDP) sent out an e-mail to their subscribers (I subscribe) attacking GOP Representative Denny Rehberg saying:

While the rest of us were celebrating Independence Day, Denny decided it was a good time to sue Montana firefighters. That’s right, firefighters.

Not to be outdone, Rehberg sent his subscribers (I subscribe) a couple e-mails explaining the reason why Rehberg Ranch LLC had filed a civil complaint against the City of Billings and Billings Fire Department. The first came from his attorney saying:

Contrary to the unfounded allegations circulating in the political spectrum, the claim focuses on the administrative and management decisions and actions which led to the withdrawal of firefighters from an existing fire scene during high temperature and high wind conditions.

Then Rehberg himself followed up with a statement of his own saying:

It’s unfortunate that some folks are mischaracterizing this situation for political gain. The appreciation I expressed to the front-line firefighters back in 2008 is the same appreciation I feel today. Jan and I have the deepest respect for firefighters and the dangerous work they do here in Billings. We continue to be very thankful for their bravery and skill.

At least one can say those running the MDP are opportunists. I’ve watched them in the past throw so much crap against the wall that some of it had to stick. On the other hand, I’ve also seen them embarrassed by making some false accusations, too. To hatch their plan, all the MDP has to do is get some of the inept and supportive members of the Montana media to buy off on their crap and soon they have a story puttering around the state getting noticed. Continue reading →