« September 2006 | Main | November 2006 »
October 31, 2006
An Open Letter from Loren Acton
Posted by admin at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)
Wonkette endorsement
Watch Out, Conrad ... It's Blue Guy! - Wonkette
The coveted Wonkette endorsement for Montana's senate race goes to...the guy who drank "a silver solution to boost his immune system in the late 1990s after he became concerned about a possible shortage of antibiotics after the year 2000."
Posted by admin at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)
October 30, 2006
Jon Tester: Rally for Change
It's the biggest political rally of the season. Senator Jon Tester, Representative Monica Lindeen and Senator Max Baucus, and all our Gallatin Valley Candidates. It's this Saturday, November 4th 6pm-7:30pm Wilson School Gym. Music, food, Multimedia and best of all our future Senator and Representative: Monica Lindeeen and Jon Tester. You may consider alternate transportation to the event: There's a high school play, Jazz Montana at the Emerson, and the rally itself.
We need your help: This link will send you to Jon's site, you can download and print the poster and distribute it around the Valley. There's a map and RSVP on the event page.
Questions? email media@gallatindemocrats.com
Posted by admin at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)
Rasmussen: Tester at 51
Left in the West: Rasmussen: Tester at 51
Posted by admin at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2006
Bush to appear at Metra on Nov. 2
BillingsGazette.com :: Bush to appear at Metra on Nov. 2
Posted by admin at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)
Possible Burns indictment in the can?
Justice Delayed: John Doolittle and Conrad Burns | TPMCafe
Posted by admin at 12:43 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2006
Wilmer embodies integrity, will be great legislator
Is integrity enough of a reason to elect a candidate? I would certainly think it is the base upon which stands the remainder of one's political platform. I cannot think of any candidate that I have known over my many years for whom this more broadly defines than Franke Wilmer.
It has been my pleasure to have worked with Franke for the past two years on the state Human Rights Commission. As the governor's appointed chairman, Franke has led our commission with a well-informed evenhandedness. Preparation requires hours of readings of transcripts and case study. I find that Franke not only is completely familiar with even the broad base of the case but also has explored its width and depth.
Beyond all, is her deep and abiding concern for the humanity of those before our commission. Her integrity would permit no other approach.
Does this translate into a good legislator? I haven't a moment's doubt. Any action on her part will be well reasoned and well studied. Most of all though, her vote will be determined by its effect on both the populace in general and the individual in particular.
Integrity matters. Integrity counts and most of all it is defined in the person of Franke Wilmer.
Allen Secher
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2006
Montana's Tester on Track to Pick Up Another Senate Seat for Dems
Montana's Tester on Track to Pick Up Another Senate Seat for Dems - New York Times
These would be top assignments for any senator and exceedingly rare for a first-year freshman. The tack is aimed at offsetting what is perhaps Burns' biggest political asset: his current Appropriations seat and Interior Subcommittee chairmanship, which have enabled him to send money back to the state.
Posted by admin at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)
The Forgotten House Race: Lindeen vs. Rehberg
The Forgotten House Race: Lindeen vs. Rehberg | Politics | New West Network
So the huge upset on the national political scene isn't Tester over Burns, it's Lindeen over Rehberg. It would be the real story of a grassroots underdog beating an entrenched incumbent. Stranger things have happened, though not often.
Posted by admin at 01:56 PM | Comments (0)
Rising Radical Center
Rising Radical Center - washingtonpost.com
But Democratic moderation this year carries a sharp edge of economic populism, and a consensus is already developing around health care, energy and corporate accountability. In one his advertisements, Montana's Tester marries fiscal conservatism with an anti-corporate appeal by promising to "stand up to oil company giveaways, no-bid contracts to Halliburton and billions in pork, including bridges to nowhere, all saddling our kids with more and more debt."
Posted by admin at 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
Internal Democrat Polling has Tester up 9?
Know Your Democratic Candidates: Jon Tester Running for US Senate from Montana
We cannot verify these internal polls, so treat this with a grain of salt.
Posted by admin at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2006
MT-SEN: Polls
Posted by admin at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)
Commentary: National GOP denies abandoning Burns re-election bid
Missoulian: Commentary: National GOP denies abandoning Burns re-election bid
Posted by admin at 10:44 AM
Burns' Legal Fees Top $90,000
TPMmuckraker October 23, 2006 10:57 AM
Posted by admin at 09:57 AM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2006
How the West Was Won
Wow, a fluff piece on Jon Testor from the
Weekly Standard?
Posted by admin at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Burns Gains on Tester as Both Prepare for Final Debate
Burns Gains on Tester as Both Prepare for Final Debate | Missoula | New West Network
Posted by admin at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)
Bill Warden is not a moderate
Two Letters to the editor in Todays Bozeman Chronicle:
JP is straight shooter
... Bill Warden said in his Oct. 8 letter to the Chronicle that he believes he accomplished his goal of being nonpartisan in his first term as the HD 63 representative.
I do not believe the record really reflects this assertion. He's voted along party lines repeatedly. A case in point was HB 560, the stream access bill, where in 2005 he and the other Republicans deadlocked the bill in committee. That is not crossing the aisle! It is important that the voters not let a candidate get away with making statements to appear moderate when in fact they have not been. Examples of Warden's party line voting run the gamut of issues. Please check his record for yourself, and then decide.
Supports stream access
The bill was deadlocked in committee and shot down by the bloc voting of Gallatin County's representatives, Scott Sales, Roger Koopman and Bill Warden. This is surprising since all three men identify themselves as interested in hunting and fishing rights.
None of these representatives would work in a bipartisan way to vote for a bill that would benefit sportsmen. Warden voted the straight party line in committee against the bill when a yes vote was vitally important.
Here's what Brady Wiseman, who has worked with Bill Warden, has to sayBut Bill is no moderate. He votes with his leadership time after time. And the men who lead the Montana House Republican caucus are some of the most extreme in the state. So don't you believe any campaign material that claims that Bill was reaching across the aisle, because he didn't
Posted by admin at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)
Letters to the Editor State
Great Falls Tribune
Lobbying initiative remains on ballot
"There was never any doubt in my mind that a judge would throw out this outrageous complaint," said Jim Farrell, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, which backs I-153.
Missoulian
Throw the Republicans out
This is but one of many levels on which Republicans have engaged in corrupt, immoral and disgusting behavior. Throw the bums out. Vote Democrat in November.
Enough with the GOP scare tactics
We are bogged down in a very expensive and tragic war that is not about democracy but is all about $400 billion and how much of that cash Halliburton can garner. Our country is not safer. Our border with Mexico is wide open for anyone wanting to bring anything across by rail or land to U.S. cities. Are you happy about the low price of gas? Would you be happy if you knew the oil companies have kept oil prices artificially high for years - and the U.S. government still subsidizes the oil companies in the amount of $16 billion a year? Wait until after the November elections: The oil companies will then recoup their loss of exorbitant profits.
Burns should withdraw from race
I have been trying to listen to what Conrad Burns has to say with an open mind, but it is difficult. When I voted for him, I gave him the right and responsibility of representing my personal and my family needs on a national level. And when he sold his congressional vote to Jack Abramoff, he sold my vote as well. He traded the votes of all Montanans.
Vote Burns to support Bush's tragic war
it is comforting that we have sophisticated statesmen, like President Bush, aided by equally sophisticated members of Congress, like our own Conrad Burns, who refuse to listen to those pesky intelligence officers, or really, anyone else. Although the war has been sold to Americans through changing Rovian marketing ploys including bogus claims that Iraq was involved in 9/11, weapons of mass destruction, bringing freedom to Iraqis, spreading democracy, fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them over here and other fear-based slogans, the bottom line is that regardless of the justification, old war veterans like Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney really just know best.
Money, time could be better spent
He would never let his elderly children die as a result of not receiving medical care because the facility also performs abortions. So don't use God as your excuse for violence.
If we looked at the abortion issue from a different angle we might see other ways to prevent them. Spend some of that airplane money educating youth on birth control and abstinence. Donate some of that money to young couples seeking family planning at Blue Mountain Clinic.
Religion, science don't have to conflict
The age of the Earth is not a religious matter, nor is it mere opinion: it is a scientific matter. Schweitzer, in fact, understated the age of the Earth. As you drive Interstate 90 from Missoula to Wallace, most of the rocks you see are about 1.5 billion years old. Drive the Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge to Gardiner and gaze on rocks that are more than 3 billion years old, two-thirds as old as the Earth itself.
These ages are not speculations; they are best estimates derived from fundamental processes that can be measured such as radioactive decay of specific elements. They are not irreligious rants by atheistic scientists determined to destroy the moral fiber of our youth, they are dispassionate calculations by trained professionals who share a desire to know as much as possible about our world.
Helena Independent Record
What rights does Tester want for himself that he would like to withhold from me? What "allowances" is he referring to? In this country we know that separate is not equal (please see Brown v. Board of Education). Throughout the primary Tester stated he did not support discrimination in any form. I believed him. What has changed?
Misleading ad
In one of many examples, one of the commercial’s attacks is "Jon Tester is supported by radicals that want to close bases like Malmstrom." This is not where Jon stands on the issue. In past legislation, Tester has supported and expanded Malmstrom's role in Montana.
Seldom seen Congress
...the 97 days the House of Representatives is scheduled to be in session in 2006 is the fewest since Harry Truman derided the 80th Congress in 1947-48 as the "do-nothing" Congress. The 2006 figure compares with a yearly average of 161 days in the '60s and '70s and 139 days in the '80s and '90s."
Posted by admin at 06:52 AM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2006
Guts and guns: how the Democrats are planning to win back the West
Guts and guns: how the Democrats are planning to win back the West - World - Times Online
Mr Tester, like the other Democrat candidates, is also being helped by the Republicans’ myriad political problems, including Iraq, corruption and scandal — and nowhere has this been more colourfully on display than in Montana
Posted by admin at 04:14 PM | Comments (0)
News
The Billings Outpost
Quote of the week
"It's like when I walk in my barn. It's like no other place. Every time I walk through those doors, there's a feeling that comes across that's like nowhere in the world."
-State Sen. Jon Tester in the Oct. 15 Great Falls Tribune on walking into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., as a U.S. senator.
Thursday George
The hour of decision
Which brings us back to the second of these seemingly unrelated reasons to consider your vote carefully. The latest polls show Bush and his Republicans tumbling in a tidal wave of unpopularity that may finally end the Republican domination in Washington. Scandal and corruption, endless and pointless wars, and now eating salad greens just might kill you. Simply put, just as one-party Republican rule failed in Montana, it has now failed on the national level for the same reasons-they blew it because their plans just don't work.
Posted by admin at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Letter: Burns, Rehberg wrong on conservation issues
Does it make sense, then, that Sen. Conrad Burns has consistently voted against conservation of natural resources and for huge subsidies to energy companies in the last three congresses?
Letter: Hypocrisy by GOP is beyond appalling
When you cast your vote in November, you should not be saying, "Well, my congressman was not involved in this." Wrong. The entire Republican Party has supported actions such as this ever since they came into the power they now hold: This is not the first display of hypocritical behavior by Republicans. The only proper response now is to make sure that they no longer hold that power, then perhaps it will be the last display of hypocritical behavior by the politicians who "represent" us
Letter: With his dismal record, Burns distorts the truth
Boy, have we heard those before; and often the dreaded "L" word is being flung at Tester with all the venom possible. That's the scary word that means broad-minded, not prejudiced, and according to Webster, progressive, generous, tolerant of views differing from one's own, and favoring political reforms tending toward democracy and personal freedom.
Letter: There must be reason Racicot backs Burns
He is telling us what a great guy Burns is. Now let me see: Where does former Montanan Gov. Racicot live? Oh, yes. ...
Missoulian
Measure opens the door for developers
What it essentially does is require us, as taxpayers, to either waive regulations that affect what developers and polluters wish to do or pay them not to do it. It's not hard to imagine that when faced with a "waive-or-pay" scenario, our government regulating bodies will choose to waive regulations that protect our environment and quality of life rather than face the lawsuits that developers would file. And why wouldn't they sue? Because I-154 provides for compensation of their legal costs whether they prevail in court or not.
Bozeman Chronicle
Letter misrepresents Tester stance on drug enforcement
The Patriot Act is an outrageous infringement upon the civil liberties of Americans. Tester is right to oppose it, for he sees it as the political blasphemy that it is. The powers granted to the federal government by this act are comparable to those held by the fictitious governments created in novels such as "1984" and "A Brave New World."
Helena Independent Record
Wrong on stem cells
Putting a frozen clump of cells that will never become a person above the lives of people who are now living and suffering with diseases and debilitating injuries that can be cured through embryonic stem cell research is not a very "pro-life"stance. At the expense of progress and our health, Burns and Rehberg are promoting a pious, extremist agenda. If you prefer reasonable leaders who will honestly work to protect our health and freedom, please vote for John Tester and Monica Lindeen
Down on Burns
I am proud to be a Democrat, moderate liberal-but I resent TV ads saying I am a radical or extremist because support Tester.
Liberal and proud
So I looked up "liberal" in the dictionary and found that a liberal is open-minded, generous, bountiful, open-handed, warm-hearted and has common sense.
Oh yes, now I see why the closed-minded, greedy, cold-hearted, conservative people are different from liberals. I am proud to be a liberal. Are you?
Why to change vote
One should change their vote because of the six years of lies and deceit by the Republicans and this administration. Iraq, Foley, lobbyist scandal, "mission accomplished," building a theocracy, on and on and on. The "moral"party?
A kind vote
From a variety of sources we know that he is a subject in a larger investigation. He knows what he has done, and it may be beginning to haunt him. For his place in history, wouldn't it be better to lose the election, fair and square, than to win, only to have resign in disgrace when/if his is indicted?
For his sake, be kind to Conrad ... vote for Tester.
Backs Tester
I'm 79 years old, a native Montanan, a veteran of WWII and a retired state employee. I will vote for Jon Tester for U.S. Senate for several reasons.
A bad dream
The insidious and sometimes illegal connections between venal politicians and crooked lobbyists have corrupted our democracy and violated the voter's trust. Unfortunately this dark side of politics only lines the pockets of greedy insiders serving themselves and special interests at the public expense. It's time to put Burns out to pasture.
Posted by admin at 06:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2006
MT-SEN: Burns Says GOP Has Iraq Plan But "We're Not Going To Tell You" What It Is
MT-SEN: Burns Says GOP Has Iraq Plan But "We're Not Going To Tell You" What It Is | TPMCafe
Posted by admin at 04:23 PM
Tester widens lead over Burns in new poll
Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com - Great Falls, MT
Posted by admin at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Russell promises to help Montana overcome challenges
I am Alex Russell, the Democratic candidate for Montana State Senate District 35 which is the western two-thirds of Gallatin County. I have worked for UPS for the last 13 years and I would like to take that work ethic to Helena. I serve on the board of directors of Career Transitions, which is a local non-profit community organization dedicated to retraining and placing displaced workers. This fits well with my belief that the private sector can be very responsive to the needs of displaced workers as well as helping employers.
I want to see us continue our state's economic success. We can do this by taking advantage of the opportunities that are right here in our backyard. We have some of the greatest potential for wind and solar energy development in the nation. In addition, we are in an ideal climate zone for growing camelina, the most efficient biodiesel crop we know of. Not only will these alternative energy resources keep our dollars here at home and out of hostile countries but they will boost our economy with high-paying, high-tech jobs and greater farm income.
I also want to address our healthcare crisis. The system is broke because we have no incentives for people to live healthier lives or seek preventive care. I see no reason why Montana shouldn't take the lead in finding solutions.
Finally, many people have expressed concern over our federal government's reluctance to enforce immigration laws. This failure suppresses our wages and puts honest employers at a disadvantage. If our federal government is unwilling to address these concerns, then I think we in Montana can.
A vote for Alex Russell is a vote to show our country Montana can and will overcome these challenges.
Alex Russell
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Helena Independent Record
College costs
His voting record on education is no more impressive. He consistently votes against funding education, even when the funds come from cutting corporate loopholes. As a college student, it feels like Sen. Burns is constantly voting against me. Montana’s families and Montana’s students need someone new in Washington who will represent our educational interests.
Bozeman Chronicle
Sterilized society
When did we start sterilizing our society so much that we cannot or should not voice our thoughts and opinions when "our" elected and well-paid politicians are in a public forum? In the days before television, communities held open forums that were raucous and electrically charged so that those who wanted to represent the public’s view would have an idea just what
Conservative Lockstep
As much as it seemed to pain the various authors, they all agreed "a divided government" works best. Several of them (including Viguerie) said it would be beneficial to the United States if both the House of Representatives and the Senate went Democrat!
Posted by admin at 07:36 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2006
Hometown donations
One of strengths of the American political process is its transparency. Because law requires that candidates who run for public office disclose the sources of their donations, we can get an accurate picture of who's giving the money to support a candidate's campaign. Since neither candidate has a voting record, this may be a valuable way to understanding what (and whom) the candidate represents.
In the case of the race for House District 64 (Franke Wilmer-D and Jim Klug-R), the contributors to these campaigns paint very different pictures.
Jim Klug received 65 cash contributors (as of May 25) for his election campaign for a total of $8,245. Half of the people who made these donations are contractors, realtors, developers, their employees and families. And 65 percent of the people in this group who gave money to the Klug campaign are from out of state, most of whom gave the maximum amount allowed by law.
Franke Wilmer received 98 cash contributions (as of May 25) for her election campaign for a total of $5,986. Half of all the people who made these donations are people in K-12 and higher education. Less than 6 percent of the people in this group who gave money to the Wilmer campaign are from out of state.
The obvious question for voters in House District 64 is "Which person reflects the values I care about?" People who donate to campaigns expect that their candidates will vote in ways that favor their interests. Do we, the people of House District 64, want to be represented by the interests of contractors, realtors and developers, many of whom are from out of state? Or do we want to be represented by people in education, the overwhelming majority of which are local?
Ada Giusti
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Letter: Republicans should pay for Cheney's visitWhy aren't the campaigns of these two Republicans paying for Air Force Two, the helicopters, security (both local and federal) and road closures for the quarter of a day that Cheney is here?
Where are our congressman when we need health care for families without any or seniors who need financial assistance with their prescription medicine?
Letter: Senator should support Montana, not Bush
My folks were always for the underdogs, the poor and the elderly. Their pet peeves were the big shots who threw their weight around, such as Bush and his cohorts.
Letter: If politicians lie enough, they believe their nonsense
Many politicians see that lies might be their savior. One such person is Conrad Burns. He must believe that on the day after the election, he can quit lying and cozy up to all the Abramoffs he wants - maybe even work on a bill that might help someone. My name is Mike Kennedy, and I approve of this message.
Letter: Conservatives don't abide by conservative ideals
Cutting veteran and health benefits to allow tax cuts for the wealthy who can repay with campaign contributions doesn't really help the budget.
What's conservative about cuddling up to the "military-industrial complex" that Republican Dwight Eisenhower warned against?
Missoulian
Vote to improve health care
We need decision-makers willing to invest in Montana's future. Our national and local governments have the resources right now to invest in affordable quality health care, if they consider these investments a priority. This is the time to talk to candidates about the need for government to come together in partnership with businesses and citizens to ensure that all people can receive the health care they need and deserve.
We can't just stay the course
Freedom isn't free. That's for sure. Our grandchildren will be paying for this mistaken war. Make the Iraqis finally take responsibility. Let's get Afghanistan right. Secure our own nation. Protect U.S. citizens first and foremost. Elect leaders with the vision and courage to not just "stay the course."
Helena Independent Record
Minimum wage
Conrad, tell me it is not true that you make over $160,000 a year and you will vote against the minimum wage.
Taylor’s deregulation
Taylor sponsored deregulation in 1997. This gave us our high and still increasing prices for gas and electricity. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see this would happen. Taylor now claims he voted against his own bill — which he did, But like other unprincipled legislators, he took advantage of a legislative procedure to vote both ways.
Bozeman Chronicle
Conclusion about age of Earth flies in face of science
But when he claims to have arrived at this conclusion scientifically, he is not protected by the impenetrable cloak of faith. His conclusion flies in the face of every interlocking piece of geological, paleological and evo lutionary evidence. Mr. Koopman would have to present remarkable evidence to defend such a fantastic scientific claim. His foolish conclusions on this issue make me question the quality of his thinking on other, more practical matters.
We cannot afford not to impeach now
We need honest, courageous, intelligent and ethical leadership in this country. We have none of the above from Bush and Cheney. They should both be impeached now. The world cannot afford two more years of their arrogance and ignorance.
Burns is senator by day, but what's he doing at night?
Montanans want an honest representative to take care of the state's needs. A junior senator might take a while to earn his clout, but at least we can pray that he'll do it ethically, and we can hope that he won't make national headlines with his latest racist gaffe.
Lack of political leadership on energy issue appalling
Mass behavioral changes and monetary investments in programs whose full benefits will not be seen in our lifetimes. Do we have the attention span?
I do. I'm ready. I'll pay the tax. I'll make sacrifices. Don't just tell us we're addicted to oil. Help us through rehab. Because we don't need experts to read the gas gauge. We need them to figure a way out of this tangled mess.
Posted by admin at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2006
Via Left in the West: Debate news
DebateScoop.org: Too Many Debates?: Montana's Never Ending Senate Campaign
Posted by admin at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)
Good Story on Fire Burns, and a poll
Posted by admin at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Letter: Tester will represent all Montana citizensMontana needs a second senator who will work for all of its citizens: children, teachers, health care workers, retirees, firefighters, original natives, veterans, farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and -women, miners, loggers, business owners and everyone who is a wage earner.
Conrad Burns brags about all of the federal money he has brought to Montana. Hey, folks, guess who ultimately pays for this? Your grandchildren!
Letter: Burns' campaign reaches heights of nonsense
It seems that Burns' strongest argument for re-election is that he has brought over $2 billion in federal money to Montana. Is it just me, or does anyone else see the irony in a man who claims to be a fiscal conservative, adamantly opposed to runaway government spending, making his pitch for votes on the basis of how much money he has managed to spend?
Missoulian
Scared Republicans lying about Tester
Jon Tester opposed redundancy within the government regulations along with 18 other Republicans who also opposed the bill. In fact, only 12 people actually voted in favor of the redundancy. Let's ask why the Republicans are scared of the whole story.
Posted by admin at 07:24 AM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2006
Montana tires of senator's shtick
Montana tires of senator's shtick
Echoes of Montana history came in Tester's closing remarks.
In the late 1930s, a progressive Montana Democrat, Sen. Burton Wheeler, took on a president of his own party -- Franklin D. Roosevelt -- and led the effort to block FDR's plan to pack the U.S. Supreme Court.
Posted by admin at 12:44 PM
October 10, 2006
Guns and Burns and the Patriot Act
SHOWDOWN 06: The Washington Monthly
"It [the Patriot Act] lets federal government agents search our bank accounts, medical records, even our gun sales - for whatever reason."
Posted by admin at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)
Stan Jones
SHOWDOWN 06: The Washington Monthly
Good Story on Stan Jones
Posted by admin at 04:32 PM | Comments (0)
Is the Tide turning?
The National Republican party is pulling money from the Tester/Burns race: Helena IR: Republicans target three Senate races to limit Democratic gains
The move also raises questions about the priority assigned by the RNC to races in other states where Republicans are in jeopardy -Pennsylvania, Montana and Rhode Island among them.
The polls are in his favor: New West:Tester's lead may be unsurmountable
Although the Primary Election showed that polling techniques were highly flawed, the same methods have been used after the primary election to predict the Senatorial Election. Thus, not only does Burns trail Tester by 7 points in a poll of "likely voters", but likely trails by even more among those who will vote in November.
Posted by admin at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Helena Independent Record
Negative ads
Be prepared for more than the usual negative ads against Jon Tester associating him with that evil term "liberal" which is synonymous with broad-minded, nonconventional, nonorthodox, nontraditional, open-minded, progressive. I do not see many words synonymous with liberal that are evil, but Mr. Burns would like you to think so.
Be sure to vote no
"So Vote Like It Counts" and urge your friends to vote "NO" on CI-97. In addition, I would encourage you to vote "NO" on all three of these out-of-state sponsored initiatives. We really don't need to have out-of-state folks, with too much money, tell us how to change our constitution or run our state.
Hello, Brock Lowrance, spokesman for the Montana Republican Party.
Brock, I don't care if it isn't really cow flop, if it looks and smells like it. This is illegal whether or not you or your party authorized it. This type of behavior suits your party and your candidate well. It's what I've come to expect from both ... illegal and twisted bashing.
Missoulian
Rehberg out of touch on health care
What planet is Rehberg from? He apparently is out of touch with the average Montanan health consumer.
Keep looking for creative fuel solutions
World Watch magazine reports that waste fat from restaurants is a large and growing problem costing fortunes in environmental damage and cleanup each year. Biodiesel distilleries could easily turn this problem into a solution.
As oil prices rise and supplies dwindle, let us hope that we can see creative, synergistic solutions.
Burns' scare tactics are shameful
What I will point out it is a disgrace on the part of Burns to imply that anyone we elect would not take the responsibility of protecting us seriously. It is a scare tactic and dishonest and is exactly the rhetoric used by fundamentalist Islam to promote their agenda. I have never heard a Democrat or Republican ever give a speech supporting terrorism or promoting anything less than protection of our country. To say anything else is dishonest and an out and out lie.
Vote against I-154, CI-197 and CI-98
I-154's real meaning is deeply hidden in language few people will read. It actually would allow property owners to demand compensation if they feel a government action (read: environmental or zoning regulation) has devaluated their property. Under I-154, when government can't or won't pay, the regulation must be waived, stripping protection of our property values, wildlife and environment.
Billings Gazette
Letter: Lindeen represents a new start in Washington
If you would like to see a change, elect Monica Lindeen, who will ask questions of the administration's advisers and move to change conditions on the ground in Iraq, vote to improve education (not just test students more), improve health care for all, raise the minimum wage to help get more people out of poverty, change our federal tax laws so that the rich don't continue getting richer while the rest of us struggle to make it.
Letter: U.S. troops sacrificed for political reasons
It's time we were out of Iraq. It's not a matter of "cutting and running"; it's simply a matter of knowing "when to hold 'em" and "when to fold 'em."
Bozeman Chronicle
Global warming
Like Mr. Baden, I believe global warming is a complex issue with no quick fixes; unlike him, I do not believe this justifies inaction. Warming events have always been a part of Earth’s history, but warming caused by industrial activity is unprecedented. Progress can no longer happen at the expense of nature. We need to take our technological know-how and a strong environmental ethic into the post-industrial age.
Three Terms Plenty
Thank you, Conrad, and farewell. You've done a lot for Montana bringing funding to our state. There will always be a Burns Technology Center at MSU. But looking out for the interests of Montana was what you were hired to do, and it was a job other able Montanans could have done just as well. We even have a Democrat doing a good job for Montana in the other Senate seat.
Understanding war
The building where I work, the Christus Collegium, houses many international students. These students are not terrorists or the enemy, and I enjoy their opinions. One student from India, a Hindu, told me that she was not interested in becoming a Christian because she saw Christian Americans as a warring people.
Posted by admin at 07:16 AM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2006
Debate info: Times Format, questions
CITY:
Bozeman, MT
WHEN:
Monday, October 9th
doors open at 6 PM MST
WHERE:
SUB Ballroom A-D
MSU Campus
7:00 PM: Senate debate begins.
8:00 PM: Congressional debate begins.
Format: Panelists will include one representative state media, local media and a student.
Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to each question. The order of responses will rotate with each question.
Each candidate will have two minutes for an opening statement. Order will be decided by drawing names out of a hat. Prepared notes will be allowed.
Pannelists will ask questions for 30 minutes. No prepared notes will be allowed for this portion. A sheet of paper and pen will be allowed for candidates to take notes at this event. Rebuttals will be allowed only if the moderator determines that, if one candidate references another candidate, directly or indirectly. Rebuttal comments will only be allowed by the referenced candidate and may not exceed 90 seconds. The decision whether or not to allow a rebuttal is final. Following panelist questions, the moderator will ask questions that will be submitted by the audience and screened by personell by the wheeler center. Questions selected will be strictly policy centered and and not include topics covered previously. No prepared notes will be allowed and no rebuttal will be allowed during this portion of the debate.
Posted by admin at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
New York Times Magazine on Brian Schweitzer
Here's a commentary from Intelligent Discontent
Posted by admin at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
Letters to the Editor State
Helena Independent Record
Vote no on I-154
I-154 would force our elected officials to let developers like Rich dodge our local laws and do whatever they want with their property. As taxpayers, our only recourse would be to pay developers to follow our laws. Now there's an idea; Montanans could get paid for each law we don't like to follow and we'll all end up wealthy like Mr. Rich.
Publicise debates
Debates are the best way for the average person with limited time and political attention span to make a decision. Oh, and if you don't make the effort to be informed and make a considered decision, or at least consult an informed, trusted friend with similar beliefs, do us all a favor and Don't Vote!
Just leave it alone
Constitutional framers put the basic underlying principles of government into place upon which everything else is based. To mess with these principles is not to be done lightly. Every proposed constitutional amendment immediately gets a no vote in my mind, even if I think it may be a good idea. A good idea is not enough justification to change the basic structure, the very essence of our government.
Vote Tester
I recently had the opportunity and pleasure of hearing General Wesley Clark speak in support of Jon Tester in his run for the U.S. Senate. This intelligent, experienced general explained that the current administration has never had a plan following the totally expected military victory.
Milking universities
Why does a U.S. senator need an additional payment to do the job he was elected to do? Are the other units of the university system forced to grease the skids too? The press needs to find the answers to these questions.
Foley scandal
Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg- whose own "family values" are exemplified by his efforts to repeal the estate tax for multi-millionaires like himself while steadfastly refusing to raise the minimum wage for workers-has been a compliant cog in this machine.
It's time for serious change in Congress - and it begins with a vote for Monica Lindeen.
Burns' ad
Conrad Burns is the great enabler of the Bush adminstration. Join me in voting for Jon Tester this November and restoring the Constitutional freedoms that we all cherish.
Posted by admin at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Letter: GOP rhetoric insults votersPlease, those of you who are inveterate Republicans and yet-uncommitted independents, consider a change this election. Let's elect someone we can be proud of, a real farmer, a guy with agricultural and business experience, respect and integrity who is brave enough to help make major changes in national policy.Missoulian
One way or another, Burns will lose seat
Conrad Burns is running for a Senate seat that he knows he won't be able to occupy. If he were to win the election, I would guess that soon after the first of the year he would have to step down. He has not received a free pass for the crimes he has been alleged to have committed.Prices based on consumptionAnd golly if the prices didn't skyrocket just when we needed gas the most. Is it possible that oil producers benefit by this phenomena? And equally interesting (at least to me) is that elections are around the corner, and, lo and behold, gas becomes (arguably) affordable again.
Posted by admin at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Missoulian
Stand up to this bully administration
Go ahead and vote Republican, throw more bombs around, create more hate. After all, we are the strongest nation in the world. I guess that gives us the right to take what we want and bully the Middle East into submission.
Go with who makes the most sense
Gosh darn it, let's ignore all the obnoxious blather and simply go with who makes most sense. Let's look into the eyes of our children, and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren and go to the polls in great numbers to vote for the person who has simply shown the most integrity.
Democrat offers homegrown cure
However, the virulent smear campaign by his ruthless adversaries and the big money involved is not only demeaning of the Republican Party but an untruthful and vicious assault on the character of one of Montana's respected leaders.
Tester is Montana. His ticket to D.C. is in your hands.
There's no upside to Bush's battle
our children will inherit the long-term costs of the war, now estimated at $1 trillion to $2 trillion. And they will inherit a world in which Americans are hated rather than admired because of the death, destruction and chaos our continued occupation has brought to Iraq.
Helena IR
Remove Rehberg
Come on Mr. Rehberg. Even Republicans know that we wouldn’t be so concerned about the middle east if that region were not of vital importance to the U.S. economy because of its vast oil reserves. North American oil production peaked in the 1970’s and no amount of tax breaks for oil drilling is going to change that.
Support Tester
Jon Tester supports our troops to the fullest degree, but maintains that a clear plan for withdrawal from Iraq is essential. It’s not surprising that Montanans have recognized this good judgement in the recent Lee Newspaper Poll by supporting Tester’s courage and common sense over the old ideas and tired rhetoric of Conrad Burns.
State deserves Tester
Montana has a proud history of sending brilliant and effective persons to represent us in the halls of Congress. Many of these have been dynamically involved in the issues of their times, such as Jeannette Rankin, Burton K. Wheeler, Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf, to name a few. Now we have Conrad Burns whose sole contribution to his current bid for re-election is to disparage and distort the record and character of his oppponent.
Billings Gazette
Letter: It's time to retire foes of Schweitzer
For the first time in many years, we, the people of Montana, have someone who is full of energy and good ideas, a born leader - our Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The polls show that the people of Montana believe in him and wish him well.
Letter: Republican ad misleads about Tester
For 13 years I have been involved with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that deals with the protection of neglected and abused children. I deeply resent seeing child victims being used for any candidate's political mileage. These children are being used and abused enough already.
Bozeman Chronicle
Montanans would reject CI-97 if backers were honest
Ballot measure CI-97 is a radical measure that, if passed, would result in cuts in vital public services and higher local property taxes and higher public fees. CI-97 amends the state constitution and would keep us from adequately funding basic services such as firefighting, police and education.
Posted by admin at 06:31 AM | Comments (0)
October 04, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Gazette Editorial
Consider a typical work week for the 109th Congress. Take up the week's first business Tuesday after lunch and finish the last vote by midday Thursday. GOP leaders of both chambers have scheduled the fewest workdays that Congress has used in decades, according to the Detroit Free Press. Legislators working two-day weeks didn't have time to complete nine of 11 budget bills.
Missoulian
Keenan's support is suspect
Surely there are others besides me here in Montana who can remember all the things that Bob Keenan had to say about Conrad Burns just prior to the June 2006 primary election? Now Keenan is back on the airways, telling us what a great choice Burns would be. Hmm. It couldn't have anything to do with his future political aspirations in 2008 and an attempt to regain lost favor with the Montana Republican Party?
Burns tries ignore Abramoff ties
Conrad Burns claims the allegations of his relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff are "baseless." What is truly baseless are Burns' attacks on Jon Tester's family values, his claims that his own fiscal irresponsibility is the fault of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and accusations of Tester’s softness on terror.
Drop in prices not a coincidence
If the general public doesn't recognize the connection between the "coincidental" free fall of pump prices and the approach of a pivotal election, I fear for this country. For those of you who doubt this, check into the long and close relationship between the Bushes and Saudi royalty. Think, please.
Helena IR
Government censors
Washington seems to be infected with a bad case of selective intelligence - they applaud science when it supports them but when it doesn't, it's suspect or worse. I wonder how much else goes on inside the Beltway that is witheld from us.
At the extremes
We the people are being ripped off big-time, and our politicians are doing nothing about it.
We badly need a national health care program, like other developed countries. When a nation is as complex as ours, it is to our benefit to come together as a nation to take care of some things. Whomever we elected needs to "feel our pain" a little more and get this job done.
Sad outcome
If the goal of the war in Iraq is to bankrupt the United States (by costing nearly $200 million per day), hamstring America's military capabilities, kill 45,000 Iraqi civilians while creating a new breeding ground for Middle East religious terrorists, frighten Iran and North Korea into accelerating their nuclear weapons programs, erode civil liberties at home, and degrade this country's moral standing worldwide by advocating the torture of prisoners, then I guess I'll have to agree with our president: Mission accomplished.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
It's not our place or business to force democracy down the throats of other nations, particularly when our own brand of democracy is so badly flawed and broken. Our schools are failing our children. College tuition costs have risen so dramatically that middle class families are saying that there is just no way. The war on drugs is a failure. Nearly 50 million Americans have no health insurance. Hospitals have closed due to treating illegals without payment. The trade deficit exceeds $2 billion per day and is not addressed. Five years after 9/11 our borders remain open and cargo containers are not inspected. INS has absolutely no handle on special work visas.
That is why I support Jon Tester for the United States Senate and pray that you will do the same.
Posted by admin at 06:29 AM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
Letter: Republicans gutted public access
As some might know, I have been deeply involved in public-access issues, and I have some insight into the politics of this subject.
During the last Montana legislative session, a bill was presented to the House Fish and Game Committee that would have made into law the attorney general opinion supporting public access to streams at bridges where public roads cross.
The Republican members of that committee tabled the bill on a party-line vote....Access continues to be a hard battle. Anyone who enjoys the public land and water in Montana would be foolish to vote for these people. That includes Burns and Rehberg. If you want to see our U.S. senator and representative's true colors, ask them about Big Elk Canyon in the Crazy Mountains.
Letter: Access to public lands benefits Montanans
In Montana, our quality of life is greatly enhanced by our flowing rivers, majestic mountains, wide-open prairies and the ability to enjoy them. As a state representative and outdoor enthusiast, I encourage all Montanans to support adequate public access on state and federal lands.
Letter: Record in Iraq doesn't bode well for GOP
The Bush administration has created, in Iraq, the top breeding ground for terrorists. The recent National Intelligence Estimate confirms this.
After all this, are the Bush administration and the Republicans in Congress to be trusted to finish the job and get our troops home? I think not.
Missoulian
Oct 2nd
Americans are throwing away millions
I see a crisis looming on the horizon. Instead of saving, paying off mortgages, investing, etc., we are throwing literally billions of dollars a year at an institution that produces no product. Worse, to supplement this drain on our income we are taking out loans/debt.
Insurance is a parasite getting fat off the lifeblood of the hardworking American. If it continues to grow at its current rate one of two things will happen: It will kill us, or it will explode.
Gruesome images target children
I feel that no matter what one's stance on abortion, it is wrong to use these bullying tactics aimed at scaring kids. We should instead strive for open, respectful discourse on the subject.
Protect innocent from graphic photos
I understand that people have the freedom of speech, but what about our children's freedom to walk down the street and not have to see very graphic pictures of aborted babies?
Burns is an embarrassment
"Rag heads." "Little Guatemalan man." "Women should be home having babies." "Firefighters don't do a (expletive) thing." These statements aren't just "Conrad being Conrad." They are Conrad Burns representing the state of Montana.
It's time to put Burns out to pasture
Burns has become the detached and spoiled incumbent he railed against in 1988. Tester is a more humble man with simple goals to restore integrity to the Senate, regain common sense in government, and help ordinary working people thrive. Burns unfairly attacks Tester's honor because Burns is cornered. Tester is not deceitful, but simply speaks truth to power. We need fresh ideas. Burns has served us well in some ways, but has lost touch. It's time to put Burns out to pasture and elect Tester to the Senate.
Helena IR's Readers Alley
No to CI 97
The initiative CI 97 is being promoted by out-of-state interests who do not know nor care about Montana's needs. It is based on population growth and inflation and would result in higher property taxes.
Ridiculous claim
Jon Tester does not support gun control. And, he has a much better record than Senator Conrad Burns on assuring public access to public lands-something all hunters should look at as they decide who to vote for in November.
Posted by admin at 05:26 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2006
Letters to the Editor State
Billings Gazette
New blood needed for U.S. Senate, House
I used to be a Republican. That was before George W. Bush, Conrad Burns and Denny Rehberg. Currently, the Republican Party has set America on the wrong course. I am sure some moderate Republicans, most Independents and all Democrats could give you reasons this is so sadly true.
For country's sake, new leadership needed
With presidential leadership, with conservation and alternative energy, we could become energy self-sufficient in 10 years or less and tell the Middle Eastern oil cartel where to go. With the $500 billion spent in Iraq, we could pay for it. We need to get out of the no-win conflict in Iraq and dedicate our resources to our country, our citizens and our future.
Oct 1
Letter: Lindeen sees Iraq war for the mistake it is
Helena IR
Unsubtle ads
The flaming T is just missing one line that would make it the Klan's burning cross. Are they suggesting Burn’s opponent is the devil? Not very subtle. I'm waiting for the one proclaiming non-supporters as fascist-terrorists (oops, hope I haven't given them any ideas).
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Independent voters
Recent letters to this paper encourage voters to vote for Republican candidates on the mere basis of their party affiliation. Such sentiment belies the ideal of Montanans as independent people to whom things like character, honesty and integrity are important. Instead of examining each candidate's history and where he or she stands on issues important to voters, we are encouraged to put blinders on and join the herd going wherever party leaders chose to take us. As one who has voted across party lines, I find this advocacy offensive.
Devil's Work
The great invention of the American system was to give us a process that leads toward the truth in spite of the political Elmer Gantrys. Take away the rule of law and our self-governing principles, and we are in a hall of mirrors where we cannot determine who is lying or who is telling the truth.
Absentee voting
If you haven't registered, you must do so in order to vote. There are easy rules for that, too. Most of all it allows you one of the many privileges of an American citizen. A happy thought.
So take our advice, you still have time, vote absentee and make sure you are registered to vote. Voting by mail is the best way to assure that you have participated as all good citizens must.
Not a Letter, A Commentary on I154 By Joe McCarty
Someone suggested that if I-154 passes that another initiative should be adopted to require landowners whose property value is improved by government planning to pay back some part of the gain. The idea is that this payment would provide money to pay for any planning that diminished some other property-if any of it could ever be calculated. It sounds like a lawyer’s dream to me. With all the misinformation and confusion about this problem we didn't know we had, I hope you’ll adopt the only logical approach: just vote no.
Missoulian
Oct 1st
Organized labor often subject to attacks
Thomas Jefferson stated, during a heated debate in Congress, "When the working people in this country no longer have the right to strike their employer for a better living, then this country will no longer be my country." Thanks to men like Jefferson the many attempts to add anti-working class provisions to our Constitution and the Bill of Rights were prevented.
Posted by admin at 06:15 AM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2006
Be Alert During the Last Weeks of the Campaign to Under-the-Radar Tactics by Our Opponents
Note: we got this from the State party:
Let us know immediately if you hear of any suspicious activity. We have received numerous reports already of under-handed attempts to confuse or intimidate our supporters or smear our Democratic candidates.
This is extremely important.
* Our campaigns might be faced with:
* Rude messages or scripts allegedly in support of Democrats.
* Late night/early morning calls by callers claiming to be Montana Democrats.
* Calls designed to incite their base or depress ours on hot-button issues.
* Calls intended to confuse voters about their registration status or polling location.
These dirty tricks aren't new:
* In 2000, our candidates were hit with post-midnight, pre-7am calls into households from callers claiming to be working for Democrats.
* Other communities and targeted phone lists were barraged with calls, again claiming to be from the Democrats, which took the opposite position of those being called.
* These calls were "under-the-radar," but we believe they were effective -- and very damaging to our efforts.
* These calls may have made a difference in close local and state races.
Please be alert to anything similar in your communities. Ask your family, friends and coworkers to also keep their ears open and let you know what they're hearing.
If you get one of these calls, call us immediately after taking these steps:
* Take notes.
* Ask to speak to the caller’s supervisor.
* Ask the supervisor for the name of their company and phone number.
* Dial *69 to get their phone number and write the number down.
* If you have caller ID, check your read-out and write the phone number down.
* If the call is recorded on your answering machine, save the message.
Let us know right away so we can respond quickly and notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Call the Montana Democratic Party at 1-877-495-9215
Posted by admin at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
10 things you can do to get Jon Tester Elected
We recieved this from the Tester Campaign
1. Volunteer for Jon Tester at your local Coordinated Campaign field office. Bozeman number:587-0411
* Voter phone calls and door to door canvasses occur every day.
* Become a precinct captain for your neighborhood.
* Carry Tester literature with you when you go door to door.
2. Represent Jon Tester at local events.
* When you are at a meeting ask if you can say a few words about the Senate race.
* Search for local meetings of sportsmen organizations, Rotary clubs, the VFW, etc., and share your support of Jon and remind folks to vote.
3. Write letters to the editor.
* Write some yourself and find new people like veterans or gun owners to get letters published.
* Ask a Republican friend supporting Tester to write a letter.
4. Help Jon Tester raise money.
* Call your family and friends and ask them to donate to the campaign.
* Send out an email to everyone you know asking them to join the online team.
* Attend or co-host a local fundraiser.
5. Start postcard campaigns and phone trees.
* Write and call your friends and neighbors. Explain why you are supporting Jon Tester. This is also an opportunity to make sure that your friends and family members are registered to vote and get out to vote.
6. Fill out an early vote form and encourage your contacts to do the same.
7. Find prominent sign locations and pick up signs from your local Coordinated Campaign field office.
8. Reach out to local talk radio shows.
* Call every day you can.
9. Sign up for our email list and keep up to date on events in your area.
10. Help us find housing for staff and supporters.
* If you have an extra room in your house or know someone who does, let us know. We need housing for people today.
MONTANANS FOR TESTER CONTACT INFORMATION:
Montanans for Tester Phone: (406) 449-0117
48 N Last Chance Gulch Fax: (406) 449-0184
Lower Level
Website: www.testerforsenate.com
PO Box 1135
Helena, MT 59624
Posted by admin at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)