Gallatin Democrats: News Archives

Gallatin County Democrats - Bozeman, Montana - Government by the people  <meta name="description" content="Gallatin County Democrats | The Bozeman, Montana Democratic Party - Dedicated to Government by the People" > <meta name="keywords" content="Gallatin County Democrats, Bozeman, Montana, politics, political, MSU, news, central committee"> <meta name="GOOGLEBOT" content="index, follow"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <link rel="icon" href="/img/favkickingdonkey.ico" type="image/x-icon"> <style type="text/css"> @import url(/nav.css); </style> <script type="text/javascript" src="/navbar.js"></script>   </head> <body onLoad="if(self.onLoadHandler) onLoadHandler() ;"> <div id="header"> <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com"><img src="/img/bridgers.south.jpg" alt="Gallatin Democrats" width="850" height="175" border="0"></a> </div> <div id="container"> <ul id="nav"> <li><a href="candidates/Candidate%20contact.html">Candidates</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/senate.html">Senate</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/LarryJent.html">Larry Jent</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/alexrussell.html">Alex Russell</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/house.html" class="daddy">House</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/Jennifer%20%20JP%20Pomnichowski.html">Jennifer Pomnichowski</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/FrankeWilmer.html">Franke Wilmer</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/bradywiseman.html">Brady Wiseman</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/mikephillips.html">Mike Phillips</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/lauraobert.html">Laura Obert</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/johnvincent.html">John Vincent</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/lorenacton.html">Loren Acton</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/county.html" class="daddy">County</a> <ul> <li><a href="/candidates/LyneaSeher.html">Lynea Seher</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/ericsemerad.html">Eric Semarad</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/derikpomeroy.html">Derik Pomeroy</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html">Officeholders</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">House</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">Senate</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">County</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">County Commissioner</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">Sheriff</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">Clerk & Recorder/Surveyor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">County Attorney </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html" class="daddy">Statewide</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Governor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Lt. Governor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Attorney General</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">State Auditor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Superintendent</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Public Service Commisioner</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="Volunteer/Volunteer.html">Volunteer</a><ul><li><a href="Volunteer/Newspaper.html">Newspaper</a></li> <li><a href="Volunteer/Talk%20Radio.html">Talk Radio</a> </li> <li><a href="Contribute.html">Contribute Funds</a></li> <li><a href="Volunteer/Volunteer.html" class="daddy">Volunteer to help a Campaign </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="voting/Vote.html">Register & Vote</a> <ul> <li><a href="voting/Vote.html">Register</a></li> <li><a href="#" class="daddy">Vote</a> <ul> <li><a href="voting/precinct.html">What Is My Precinct?</a></li> <li><a href="#">Absentee Ballots</a></li> <li><a href="voting/precinct.html">Where to Vote</a></li> <li><a href="voting/voter%20identification.html">Identification Needed</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/Contribute.html">Contribute</a> <ul> <li><a href="Contribute/Fundraisers.html">Fundraisers</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Projects</a> <ul> <li><a href="Projects/Video.html">Multimedia</a> <ul> <li><a href="Projects/lovegallatinvalley.html">TV Ads </a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Calendar</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/calendar/month.php">Month</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/calendar/week.php">Week</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Contact </a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/Candidate%20contact.html">Candidates</a></li> <li><a href="Central%20Committee/Executive%20Committee.html">Executive Committee</a></li> <li><a href="Central%20Committee/precinct%20committeeman%20and%20committeewoman.html">Precinct Committeewomen and Committeemen </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="Links/Links.html">Links</a><ul><li>Blogs <ul> <li><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/weblog/">Gallatin Democrats</a></li> <li><a href="montanademocratnews/index.html">Montana Democrat News <br /> </a></li> <li><a href="fromthehousefloor/index.html">From the House Floor</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Affiliates</a> <ul> <li><a href="Affiliates/Gallatin%20Democratic%20Forum.html"> Gallatin Democratic Forum</a></li> <li><a href="Affiliates/MSU%20College%20Democrats.html">MSU College Democrats </a></li> <li><a href="Affiliates/West%20Valley%20Democrats.html">West Valley Democrats </a></li> <li><a href="Affiliates/Friday%20Morning%20Democrats.html">Friday Morning Democrats </a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="content"><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/">Home</a> > </div>   <div id="content" style="float:left;"> </div> <div class="content"> <h2>April 09, 2007</h2> <h3 id="a000424">Jefferson Gallatin Jackson Celebration</h3> <p><img alt="06 jgj.jpg" src="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/06%20jgj.jpg" width="700" height="901" /></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/documents/2007%20JGJ%20Invitation%20%20PDF.pdf">Downloadable invitation</a></strong><br /> Dress Code:<br /> "There's no dress code, but folks<br /> do generally dress up." <br /> <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/oldsitefiles/Photo%20events/JeffersonJacksonDinner.htm">Pictures of the 2005 JGJ dinner</a><br /> </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/04/jefferson_galla.php">07:51 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/04/jefferson_galla.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>March 19, 2007</h2> <h3 id="a000414">Thank you</h3> <p><img alt="deadletter.JPG" src="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/deadletter.JPG" width="1200" height="600" /><br /> Thanks to all who spent their Sunday's stuffing Mailers for JP. Here's a list:<br /> Alex Russell<br /> Lain Kay<br /> Sue Roughton<br /> Don Bachman<br /> Drusha Mayhue<br /> Elizabeth Darrow<br /> Jim Walseth<br /> Elizabeth Marum<br /> Gary Bogar<br /> Gordon Julian and Sarah Williams<br /> Kristen Walser<br /> Lynea Seher<br /> June Schweitzer<br /> Debra DeBode</p> <p>Doughnuts from Robert McWilliams/Granny's Donuts</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/thank_you.php">04:16 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/thank_you.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>March 15, 2007</h2> <h3 id="a000410"> From JP: Dear Valued Voter,</h3> <p> 15 March 2007 </p> <p> Dear Valued Voter,</p> <p> I'm writing with a mid-session report of our work in the Montana Legislature!</p> <p>The 2007 session is going well, and I've introduced bills to protect your privacy, help disabled hunters, give our counties greater power to complete projects, more strictly classify a prescription drug, help the Montana Conservation Corps, and much more. </p> <p> First, I must say how honored I am to serve in our Legislature. I work every day among the best people that Montana has to offer, and we all work sincerely at crafting state policy to serve the best interests of Montana. </p> <p> I was fortunate to be appointed to serve on excellent committees. I serve on the House Taxation Committee, where I've voted for property and income tax relief, business tax relief, and tax credits for elderly homeowners and for energy audits of homes. I also serve on the House Natural Resources Committee, and I've voted to protect water rights as well as clean air and water standards, to prohibit the export of mercury, to protect the Big Hole River, and to keep our access to our rivers and streams. </p> <p> One of the most important bills I've sponsored is House Bill 450, a pro-privacy and pro-hunting and fishing bill. HB450 would allow for partial Social Security Numbers (last four digits) to be collected on hunting and fishing licenses instead of full SSNs. The biggest hurdle is that the federal government must issue the state an exemption from the requirement to collect full SSNs. To collect just the last four digits and keep your information from being compromised, we need both state statute and the federal exemption. HB 450 helps prevent identity theft. Good news-HB 450 passed the House of Representatives on February 20, and on February 27, the federal government granted our exemption! Now, the bill goes to the Senate. Once it passes there and is signed into law by the governor, Montana recreationists will have greater privacy and much lower chances of identity theft, while enjoying our world-class Montana hunting and fishing. </p> <p> I've sponsored a bill to authorize Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (nurse practitioners) and Physician's Assistants to make medical determinations for issuance of disabled hunting permits, and to allow anyone to appeal to the Board of Medical Examiners about disabled hunting permits. The bill will grant our citizens more access to our Montana heritage of hunting and fishing. </p> <p> In addition, I'm proud to have carried House Bill 51 for the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) and the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, to remove state oversight from the MCC. The Montana Conservation Corps is a success story. Formed in 1989 under the State Parks Division, the MCC became an independent non-profit organization just one year later and is now a model of conservation efforts. The Corps has offices around the state with its main office in Bozeman! Now that the MCC is independent, its work on trail-building, historic preservation, and habitat restoration serves FWP and many other agencies. The MCC is widely regarded as an exemplary program. </p> <p> Unfortunately, some of you may have received a disturbing and graphic mailer from the Republican State Central Committee about House Bill 340. The mailer stated my position as against self-defense, which is blatantly wrong. I completely support our constitutional right of self-defense and our right to bear arms. But this bill would allow people to carry guns without a concealed weapons permit, to brandish a gun, to claim self-defense for any action, and to require prosecutors to delay filing charges for ten days for gun crimes if a defendant claims self-defense. </p> <p> Law enforcement officials, including the Montana Police Protective Association, the Montana Association of Police Chiefs, Montana County Attorneys Association, and the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, including our own Gallatin County Sheriff Jim Cashell, County Attorney Marty Lambert, and Bozeman Director of Public Safety Mark Tymrak, as well as citizens of both political parties, opposed House Bill 340, and so did I. </p> <p> I cast my vote against HB 340 because we as citizens should not be affronted by people with guns.</p> <p>We should not be fearful that basic frustrations of everyday life will turn into gun crimes, and that those responsible for gun violence could not be held to their actions by claims of self-defense. As a state representative, it's my job to balance the rights and responsibilities of gun owners like me with the safety and effectiveness of our law enforcement officers. I opposed HB 340 because it tipped the balance too far to the degree that police and the public would be needlessly endangered. </p> <p> Back to more positive things, I requested some great legislation that has passed the Senate, including Senate Bill 166, to allow families and Purple Heart recipients to fish for free, and SB 452, the Working Forests, Ranches, and Watersheds Program, which would give Montana the opportunity to purchase lands for public use and to keep our lands in traditional uses and conservation. It will allow us to continue Montana’s legacy and pristine beauty into the future. </p> <p> I have been asked by Trout Unlimited to carry Senate Bill 78 on the House floor for stream access at county bridges, and I've been working on water policy legislation to protect both water quality and water quantity. My work on the House Natural Resources Committee gives me a good start on a long career of fighting for the rights of hunters and fishermen. </p> <p> I am proud and honored to serve as your representative in our state legislature, and I appreciate hearing from so many of you via email, phone calls, and letters. Please contact me anytime. I'll continue my good bipartisan work here in Helena, and I’ll always do the best I can for you and all of our fellow Montanans. </p> <p>Best regards, <br /> <br /> </p> <p>JP Pomnichowski</p> <p>Montana State Representative</p> <p>House District 63, Bozeman/Gallatin County</p> <p>repjp@mt.gov pomnicho@montanadsl.net</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/_from_jp_dear_v.php">04:33 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/_from_jp_dear_v.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h3 id="a000409">Guest Editorial from Sheriff Jim Cashell</h3> <p>Last week Representative J.P. Pomnichowski was the subject of a vicious attack that misrepresented her views on Second Amendment protections and totally ignored the content of the bill she voted against. </p> <p>Representative Pomnichowski opposed House Bill 340 because of serious</p> <p>concerns that were raised by law enforcement agencies from all corners of our state. Including the Montana Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association, Montana County Attorney's Association, Montana Chief's of Police Association and the Montana Police Protective Association. Republicans and Democrats working in law enforcement know that the bill as written will create new opportunities for violent criminals to evade responsibility. It will also frustrate the efforts of prosecutors to handle this category of cases. </p> <p>The attack on Representative Pomnichowski was unwarranted and misrepresented the impact of the bill in question. The mailing featured a shocking photo of a woman in a plastic bag that was clearly designed to prey on people's fears. This ad is an offensive piece of negative campaigning. </p> <p>Montana's law enforcement agencies appreciate Representative Pomnichowski's strong support for public safety. We are deeply troubled by this unethical attack on a hard-working legislator. Montana's law enforcement community is as diverse as the state itself...made up of democrats, republicans, constitutionalists, and just about any other party or persuasion you can think of. Some are lifetime NRA members. Most are avid outdoorsmen and women. </p> <p>They all know and understand this, however: </p> <p>Your right to self-defense is guaranteed under the Montana Constitution. HB340 will put law enforcement and the public at risk. HB340 will make criminal convictions more difficult to obtain. HB 340 WILL DO MUCH MORE HARM THAN GOOD. </p> <p> </p> <p>Jim Cashell, Sheriff</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/guest_editorial.php">04:13 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/03/guest_editorial.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>January 15, 2007</h2> <h3 id="a000385"> Be The Change That You Wish To See</h3> <p><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b80Bsw0UG-U"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b80Bsw0UG-U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/01/_be_the_change.php">07:57 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2007/01/_be_the_change.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>December 14, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000375">Tell Speaker Sales We Need New Education Committee Leadership!</h3> <p><a title="Forward Montana" href="http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/Forward%20Montana/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=423">Forward Montana</a></p> <p>Montanans deserve better. We deserve an education committee chair who supports public education. Sign the petition below asking the leaders of the Montana House to appoint a new chair.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/tell_speaker_sa.php">12:46 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/tell_speaker_sa.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>December 03, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000359">GOP will go back to basic</h3> <p><a title="IR // News // GOP will go back to basics" href="http://www.helenair.com/articles/2006/12/03/montana_top/a01120306_02.txt">IR // News // GOP will go back to basics</a></p> <p>Those proposals include permanent property-tax reductions, giving parents more rights over a child's decision to have an abortion, harsher penalties for sex offenders, a "personal defense" bill giving citizens more leeway to defend themselves against crime, and reforms of the public pension funds.<br /> ...<br /> "That's how you meet the political middle ground," says incoming Senate President Mike Cooney, D-Helena. "You find those people willing to look at other ideas, rather than just the party line. That's the political process. There's nothing sinister about it."</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/gop_will_go_bac.php">11:08 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/gop_will_go_bac.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 27, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000353">Legislative leaders picked with control of House still unknown</h3> <p><a title="Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com - Great Falls, MT" href="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS01/61127006">Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com - Great Falls, MT</a><br /> <em><br /> The fireworks were in the House Republican race, where Sales beat out a more moderate candidate and promised to use the chamber to groom Republicans for future races.</em> </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/legislative_lea.php">07:24 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/legislative_lea.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 26, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000351">Circling the Welcome Wagons</h3> <p><a title="Circling the Welcome Wagons -Los Angeles Times" href="http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/magazine/la-tm-nuthirdcoast48nov26,1,7144926.story?coll=la-headlines-magazine">Circling the Welcome Wagons - Los Angeles Times</a></p> <p>Yet it falls between the cracks of laws and rules and moralities that the other industries have to play by, and will no doubt continue to do so until the unique natural world of the Rocky Mountains becomes as homogenized and crowded as the rest of the country. And then, of course, it won't be unique anymore.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/circling_the_we.php">04:40 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/circling_the_we.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 22, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000345">Two Thanksgiving messages from Jim, Elizabeth and JP</h3> <p><br /> Jim and I also send our greetings to everyone and best wishes for the<br /> holiday. We hope everyone can take time to relish our victories and heal the wounds of our defeats. GCD will plan to have a festive event during the holiday season that will bring us all together again.</p> <p>Best regards to all!<br /> Jim and Elizabeth</p> <p>JP:<br /> Everyone,</p> <p>Thanks so much for everything this campaign season! I'm honored to be in your company, and so grateful for the dedication, perseverence, devotion, and energy that everyone put toward the efforts for Democrats this election.</p> <p>Have a very happy holiday and know that I'm most thankful for people like you this Thanksgiving!</p> <p>Best regards as always,</p> <p>JP Pomnichowski<br /> Montana State Representative<br /> House District 63, Bozeman/Gallatin County<br /> pomnicho@montanadsl.net </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/two_thanksgivin.php">08:02 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/two_thanksgivin.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 20, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000340">Behind Democrats' climb in Mountain West</h3> <p><a title="Behind Democrats' climb in Mountain West - USATODAY.com" href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-11-20-democrats-west_x.htm">Behind Democrats' climb in Mountain West - USATODAY.com</a></p> <p>Some Republicans say their party should gird for long-term trouble. "The West is not going to be as definitively conservative and Republican as it has been," says Eddie Mahe, a veteran GOP campaign strategist.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/behind_democrat.php">08:01 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/behind_democrat.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 16, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000332">New Kid's on the Block</h3> <p>Gallatin Democrats new Legislative leaders:<br /> <strong>JP Pomnichowski<br /> House District 63</strong></p> <p> Thanks, Democrats, for a strong campaign and strong election! I'm truly<br /> honored to serve. Gallatin County will have equal Democrat/Republican<br /> representation in the state capitol, and I'm one of two women (myself and<br /> Franke Wilmer) who will represent our county. I'll work hard on issues that<br /> directly affect our city and county, and those same issues impact all of<br /> Montana. I'm dedicated to improving land use and water resources policies,<br /> keeping growth manageable, and promoting education and innovations in energy<br /> production. Many thanks!<br /> <strong>Mike Phillips<br /> House District 66</strong></p> <p>It is a great honor to be elected to serve as the Representative for HD 66.<br /> I am looking forward to the 2007 session to do a little more than my fair share to ensure passage of useful legislation concerning public education, renewable energy, and environmental protection.</p> <p><strong>Franke Wilmer<br /> House District 64</strong><br /> A very hearty THANKS to the voters of HD 64 who elected me with 57%<br /> of the vote! This speaks volumes about them as door by door, voter by<br /> voter, I asked them to trust me, and they did. I am so honored to be<br /> the new representative for these fine people and already working on<br /> draft bills to remedy some of the issues they raised with me during<br /> the campaign -- encouraging alternative energy use by the state,<br /> bigger deductions for installing residential alternative energy, tax<br /> relief for seniors and disabled Veterans on fixed income, promoting<br /> respect of Montana's First Nations through education, and more. I<br /> will work with our local delegation and others throughout the state to<br /> strengthen protection for a clean and healthful environment, move<br /> toward clean and domestic production of energy, expanding access to<br /> affordable health care, and improving education at all levels to<br /> enable Montana and the US to become more competitive in a globalizing<br /> economy.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/new_kids_on_the.php">04:00 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/new_kids_on_the.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h3 id="a000331">New West Article about the election</h3> <p><a title="Rural Montana Voters Carried Jon Tester’s Victory | Missoula | New West Network" href="http://www.newwest.net/index.php/city/article/montana_election_rural_voters_carried_jon_tester_victory/C8/L8/">Rural Montana Voters Carried Jon Tester’s Victory | Missoula | New West Network</a></p> <p><em>In Gallatin alone, he gained 2,085 votes from the 2000 election, which added up to a pickup of 6.5 percentage points.</p> <p>The Gallatin numbers get even more interesting when you look at the U.S. House race between Republican incumbent Denny Rehberg and Democrat Monica Lindeen. Rehberg won by 6,643 votes and 19 percentage points. Burns only won in Gallatin County by 182 votes and a half of a percentage point.</em></p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/new_west_articl.php">12:50 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/new_west_articl.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 15, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000329">State senator gets hunting violation</h3> <p><a title="BillingsGazette.com :: State senator gets hunting violation" href="http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/11/15/news/state/80-balyeat.txt">BillingsGazette.com :: State senator gets hunting violation</a></p> <p>Ultimately, I should pay the fine because the final analysis is that I shot an elk on private land."</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/state_senator_g.php">02:00 PM</a> </p> <h2>November 09, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000324">Post Election appeal for funds to keep the HQ going until Spring</h3> <p>Gallatin Democrats have thrown everything into this race. Including almost all of our bank account. We figured that this election was too important to not commit everything we had. We think it was money well spent. <br /> We have enough money for a few months expenses. (We're generally very frugal with your hard earned money.)We don't have enough to last until the Jefferson/Gallatin/Jackson Dinner, our big fund raiser.<br /> So we're asking you good folks for some donations to cover our expenses until the spring fund raiser dinner. You can contribute by credit card or mail. You don't have to give huge amounts, every little thing helps. Please consider giving $5 or $10 per month on your credit card. Those donations add up, and will keep us going, growing our party. We've achieved Legislative parity with the Republicans, let's keep going and become the strongest party in the Gallatin Valley. <br /> Thanks for your previous and continued support.<br /> Gallatin Democrats<br /> <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/Contribute.html">Contribute</a></p> <p> </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/post_election_a.php">09:06 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/post_election_a.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 08, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000322">Thank you to the candidates</h3> <p>Chairman Jim Walseth:<em><br /> <em>Thank you to all the Candidates. It feels like winner take all. The truth is that the fine candidates all over our county have done a great service to our community. </em><br /> </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/thank_you_to_th.php">09:21 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/thank_you_to_th.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 07, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000319">Fast Election Results</h3> <p><br /> The Gallatin County Clerk will be posting election returns on the Gallatin County website before they become available to folks waiting at the courthouse. Anyone can see them anytime.<br /> <br /> The website is: www.gallatin.mt.gov<br /> Follow the link in the red bar for election results.<br /> <br /> The returns will be updated every half hour or so, and will be cumulative as we go through the night. <br /> <br /> For legislative races, the site will list which precincts have been counted, but will not list precinct-level totals. It's up to you to know what the precincts are for each race, in order to know if the results are final.<br /> <br /> The election officials will make an effort to count the absentee ballots first, but there are no guarantees. If they don't count them first, then they will just show up in the cumulative totals as we go.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/fast_election_r.php">12:47 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/fast_election_r.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>October 30, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000280">Peace Seeker's Newsletter: Peace demonstration in Billings </h3> <p><strong>ONCE IN A BLUE MOON OPPORTUNITY:</strong></p> <p>Who: The Royal Ruler himself: GEORGE W. BUSH will be in Billings </p> <p>What: A private, invitation only Republican Fundraiser for Conrad Burns,with a gala PEACE PRESENCE on the outside, consisting of<br /> Folks just like YOU from all over Montana</p> <p>Where: At the Metra Park Arena, Billings. Our Peace Demonstration will be on the corner of 4th and Main, in front of the Metra, We'll move to 6th street until we have a site. Maps to the Metra can be found at: <br /> http://www.metrapark.com/directions/grounds.asp (Or you can ride share, see below)</p> <p><strong>When: Thursday November 2nd Festivities begin at 9Am. Republicans have been advised to be at<br /> the arena at 8:00am, for a 10:30am "Rally" <br /> WE INTEND TO BE THERE TOO.</strong></p> <p>JUST FOR YOU: Carpools will be leaving Bozeman at 5:50 A. M. In front of the Gallatin County Courthouse. <br /> We have interesting signs and materials for crafting your own message. <br /> There are rumors of a potential presence of some orange jump suited, black hooded prisoners of Bush and Burns justice - could this be you? Let us know. Margarita has kindly offered to make a jumpsuit to anyone who wants one. There's at least a dozen people signed up, more cars are needed. <br /> There's also an opportunity to get a ticket to get into the Metra. Call 406-656-9999. <br /> TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE OR VOLUNTEER TO DRIVE:<br /> Margarita McLarty<br /> 586-2876</p> <p>P.S. there will NOT BE A PEACE SEEKERS meeting on November 7th, since<br /> we'll all be out rounding up the last possible votes for our<br /> favorite candidates. HINT: Local Democrats still have lots of tasks<br /> to share: Gallatin County Democrats 595-0829 or 587-0411</p> <p>P.P.S. Lord willing and the creek don't rise; a more detailed newsletter<br /> will come your way soon.</p> <p><*> To visit your group on the web, go to:<br /> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BozemanPeaceSeekers/<br /> </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/peace_seekers_n.php">11:00 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/peace_seekers_n.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>October 27, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000274">Volunteer and Absentee Ballot News</h3> <p><strong>Volunteer for GOTV: </strong>We Need you NOW! call 587-0411 or 595-0829</p> <p>Today Friday Oct 27 is <strong>last day to request an absentee ballot</strong> and expect one<br /> to come in mail from county--otherwise expect to vote at courthouse!</p> <p><strong>Urgent:</strong> Volunteers Needed--walk door to door, call and make lit drops for<br /> Franke Wilmer in HD 64. Help put Franke over the top in this close race.<br /> <strong>Call Julie Middleton today: 406-223-6786.</strong></p> <p><strong>Huge Stamp & Lick next Thursday Nov 2 at the Labor Temple for final<br /> county-wide Tester mailing. (The Stamp and Lick for Thursday has been canceled) Starts at 10:00 am goes all day until we are</strong><br /> done! Come when you can and bring a friend. Questions? Call 586-4593</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/volunteer_and_a.php">09:15 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/volunteer_and_a.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>October 21, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000254">Telephone lines needed</h3> <p>Gallatin Democrats are planning a huge get out the vote campaign (GOTV). In fact, we're planning the biggest get out the vote campaign ever in the Gallatin Valley. Right now, we're leading the state in GOTV volunteers. We have a critical need for telephone lines to call people for get out the vote for the November 7th we have 14 lines, we need 51 lines. If you have a business with some extra lines, or any other phone lines <strong>particularly during the day Tuesday November 7th</strong>. Please call 587-0411 to help. Thanks! </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/telephone_lines.php">04:36 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/telephone_lines.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h3 id="a000253">Contribute </h3> <p>From our Chairman Jim Walseth<br /> We have only 18 days left--to not only <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/Contribute.html">contribute </a> but to participate--before election day. In order to get out the Democratic message and help our candidates we need contributions now. Since we are the party of<br /> people and not giant corporations, we understand the sacrifice involved in donating to our cause, but it has to be done. We have a chance to change not only the U.S., but the world in this election. We need to grab that chance and get our message out while we still can. Help us do that. Give what you can. <br /> Help where you can. <strong><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/Contribute.html">Get out and make a difference</a>.</strong></p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/contribute.php">04:14 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/contribute.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>October 15, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000235">Some things you need to know about absentee votes By Shelly Vance</h3> <p> Time is closing in on the upcoming election Nov. 7. I am sure most of you have started to see or hear articles or advertisements on ballot issues and/or candidates. I would like to pass on some important information to you as a voter. My hope is to clear up procedural questions you may have and encourage you to vote this election, and future elections.<br /> Now, there are even more ways to make it easier for you, as a voter, to obtain a ballot. In 1999 the Montana Legislature passed a law that removed certain restrictions on absentee voting. Prior to this legislation a voter needed to have a "reason" to request an absentee ballot. Now, any qualified voter may apply for an absentee ballot, without needing a reason. In 2005 the Montana Legislature passed an additional law that allows any qualified voter to request absentee ballots for subsequent elections. This is now being commonly<br /> referred to as having your name on the "permanent absentee list."<br /> Requesting that your name be placed on the permanent absentee list is fairly simple. When applying for an absentee ballot, a voter may also request an absentee ballot for each subsequent election in which the elector is eligible to vote, or only for each subsequent federal election in which the elector is eligible to vote. The Gallatin County Election Department has an absentee ballot application form that contains an area for you to check if you wish to be placed on the permanent absentee list.<br /> The aforementioned laws are your "rights" as a Montana voter. As stated in an article written by Secretary of State Brad Johnson in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on June 3, with that "right", you, as a voter have certain "responsibilities." As the election administrator, I am required to mail an address confirmation form at least 75 days before the election to each elector who has requested an absentee ballot for the subsequent election. Now comes the "responsibility" part. You, as the voter, are responsible to sign the form, indicating whether you wish to receive a ballot or not, confirm the address to which the absentee ballot should be sent, and return the form to the election administrator. This process is repeated for every subsequent election for which you are to receive an absentee ballot. If the form is not completed and returned, the election administrator shall remove the elector from the register of electors who have requested an absentee ballot for each subsequent election. A ballot will not be sent to those who have not returned a completed address confirmation form.<br /> If you applied to be on the permanent absentee list prior to or during the primary election on June 6, you will soon be receiving, or may have all ready received from me, an address confirmation form. These forms were mailed on Aug. 24. For those of you who signed up after the primary election you will not be mailed an address confirmation form because this is your first election as a permanent absentee voter.<br /> There are several ways to obtain an absentee ballot application form. You can drop by, call, or write the Election Department and we will gladly give you a form or send you a form, or you can download an application form from the county or state web site. Our contact information is as follows:<br /> Gallatin County Election Department, 311 W. Main, Room 103, Bozeman, MT 59715. Phone: (406) 582-3060. Web site address (County) www.gallatin.mt.gov and go to Services Directory; County Government; Elections, Voting, & Ballots, and click on the Absentee Ballot Application. The Secretary of State’s web site is www.sos.mt.gov.<br /> Shelly Vance is Gallatin County clerk and recorder.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/some_things_you.php">07:30 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/some_things_you.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>October 06, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000208">Republican Senator Gary Perry supports a sales tax. </h3> <p>At a Montana Board of Regents meeting last November, Gary Perry brought up the need for a sales tax. Here's a quote from the <a href="http://www.montana.edu/wwwbor/MinutesNov2005.htm">minutes</a>: <blockquote> He believes there needs to be an overhaul of the entire tax system, including a sales tax, and he hopes the University System will support that issue.</blockquote><br /> Do you think the fine folks in Manhattan support Perry and a sales tax? </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/republican_sena.php">07:48 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/republican_sena.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>September 21, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000163">John Sinrud tangles with bloggers</h3> <p>Looks like Rep Sinrud is a bit touchy with some bloggers. Check out <br /> <a href="http://4and20blackbirds.wordpress.com/2006/09/20/meet-john-sinrud/">4 and 20 Blackbirds: Meet John Sinrud</a><br /> <em>I’ll let you ponder how Christ would have felt about clergy calling for violence against gays in his name.</em></p> <p><br /> Here's more information about <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/montanademocratnews/2006_09.html#a000155">Mr. Sinrud</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/09/john_sinrud_tan.php">07:23 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/09/john_sinrud_tan.php#comments">Comments (1)</a> </p> <h2>August 31, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000145">Number of Uninsured Americans Continues to Rise On Bush Administration's</h3> <p>American families are struggling to find affordable health coverage. The<br /> average premium for family health insurance is more than $10,000, and many<br /> employers are dropping coverage or requiring their employees to contribute<br /> more than they can afford to pay. The result has been a steep increase in<br /> the number of Americans without health insurance. Today, the U.S. Census<br /> Bureau announced that the number of uninsured Americans rose to 46.6<br /> million last year, an increase of almost 7 million people since 2000. The<br /> uninsured, who are overwhelmingly members of working families, have less<br /> access to care, are in poorer health, and are at greater risk of premature<br /> death. In addition to these serious health consequences, lack of<br /> insurance also creates serious financial hardships: medical bills are a<br /> leading contributor to personal bankruptcy. More than 46 million<br /> Americans are living without health insurance. The number of uninsured<br /> Americans has increased each year of the Bush Administration. After<br /> decreasing at the end of the 1990s, the number of Americans without health<br /> insurance has increased from 39.8 million in 2000 to 46.6 million in 2005.<br /> A major cause is a decline in employer-sponsored health coverage: the<br /> number of people receiving health coverage through an employer decreased<br /> from 63.6 percent in 2000 to 59.5 percent in 2005. And while children<br /> have largely been protected from the rising uninsured rate during recent<br /> years (thanks to Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance<br /> Program), the number of uninsured children increased in 2005 to 8.3<br /> million, up from 7.9 million in 2004. (U.S. Census Bureau, August 29,<br /> 2006)</p> <p>Not having health insurance has serious health consequences. The number<br /> of uninsured Americans is more than a statistic; it is a grim reality for<br /> many Americans. Extensive study has refuted the myth that the uninsured<br /> receive the health care they really need.</p> <p>The Institute of Medicine (IOM), an independent panel of experts, found<br /> that the uninsured receive an inferior level of care that contributes to<br /> poor health and premature death. The uninsured are more likely to forgo<br /> needed care, receive fewer preventive services, not receive appropriate<br /> care to manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and<br /> diabetes, and obtain substandard care when admitted to a hospital. The<br /> IOM estimated that about 18,000 unnecessary deaths are attributable to<br /> lack of health insurance each year. (IOM, May 2002)</p> <p>A survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that 59 percent of uninsured<br /> adults with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma, did not fill a<br /> prescription or skipped their medications because they could not afford<br /> them and 35 percent went to an emergency room or stayed overnight in the<br /> hospital in the past year because of their condition (about twice the rate<br /> of people with chronic conditions who were insured for the year). The<br /> uninsured were also less likely to receive preventive care such as colon<br /> cancer screenings and mammograms. In addition, the survey found that more<br /> than half of uninsured adults reported medical debt or problems paying<br /> medical bills. (Commonwealth Fund, April 2006)</p> <p>Millions of additional Americans lack adequate health insurance. In<br /> addition to the 46.6 million uninsured Americans, about 16 million people<br /> are underinsured, which means their health coverage does not adequately<br /> protect them from catastrophic health care expenses. Underinsured<br /> Americans are almost as likely as the uninsured to not receive needed<br /> medical care and have difficulty paying for medical care. According to a<br /> Commonwealth Fund survey, 54 percent of the underinsured report going<br /> without needed care and 46 percent report being contacted by a collection<br /> agency for medical bills. (Schoen et al., Health Affairs, June 14, 2005)</p> <p>The Bush Administration has failed to respond to concerns about<br /> unaffordable health coverage. Making health care more affordable for<br /> working families and expanding coverage to the uninsured has not been a<br /> priority for the Bush Administration. The problem has grown worse, not<br /> better. Proposals offered by the President, such as Association Health<br /> Plans and tax deductions for high-deductible policies that accompany<br /> Health Savings Accounts, would provide little benefit to the uninsured and<br /> would actually make some people worse off by undermining<br /> employer-sponsored coverage and reducing the cross-subsidies that keep<br /> premiums more affordable for people in less-than-perfect health. <br /> Moreover, the Republican-controlled Congress and the President actually<br /> took a step backward earlier this year when they enacted legislation that<br /> will allow states to make Medicaid recipients pay more for health care and<br /> reduce Medicaid-covered benefits.</p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/08/number_of_unins.php">09:38 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/08/number_of_unins.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>April 18, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000056">News</h3> <p>Intelligent Discontent: <a href="http://intelligentdiscontent.com/?p=419">The Revolving Door, From Burns Office to Lobbying, Continues </a></p> <p></p> <p>One thing that can be said about working for Senator Burns: it certainly opens up career opportunities in the field of “government affairs”.</p> <p>Talking Points Memo: <strong><a href="http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/008226.php">Gop Senator thinks Conrad might go to jail?</a></strong></p> <p></p> <p>Speaking at a town hall meeting in Wagoner last night, Coburn said that "if you've been keeping up with things, you've got a pretty good idea" of who the seven lawmakers are. </p> <p>The Annual is Jefferson Gallatin Jackson dinner is next week </p> <p></p> <p>Please send in your invites </p> <p>We're posting the Letters to the Editor that we receive in </p> <p></p> <p>Montana Democrat news, they're sorted by the race. <strong><a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/montanademocratnews/cat_hd_66.html">HD 66</a></strong> for example. </p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/04/news.php">09:46 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/04/news.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> <h2>November 30, 2005</h2> <h3 id="a000019">Daily News</h3> <p><A HREF="www.billingsgazette.com"><STRONG><H3>Billings Gazette</H3></STRONG><br /> </A><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/11/30/build/state/25-school-funding.inc">$70 million extra proposed for schools next year</A></H4></strong><I>McCulloch's plan, which includes a $3,000-per-educator payment for every school district, won endorsement by the coalition of schools and education groups that led a lawsuit over inadequate school funding.</I><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/11/30/build/state/60-jan-session.inc">January session splits parties</A></H4></strong><I>"These guys underfunded education for 10 years, got us into court, and now it appears to me that they're just trying to one-up the governor," Tester said of Republicans. "In the '03 session, if they had put some (new) money into public education, we wouldn't be in court and we wouldn't be in the situation we're in. They're the ones that drove property taxes up by not funding education at the proper level."</I><H4><CENTER>Opinion</CENTER></H4><STRONG><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/11/30/build/opinion/30-gaz-op.inc">Keep promise to fight HIV/AIDS</A></H4></strong><I><br /> The only way to know someone's HIV status for sure is to get tested and to have one's partner tested, too. Yet, in the United States, HIV researchers estimate that more than a quarter of those infected don't know they have the virus. Worldwide, it's estimated that about half of those infected are unaware they carry the virus. </I><strong><H3><A HREF="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage">Great Falls Tribune</A></H3><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/NEWS01/511300308/1002">Records show tribe gave thousands to Burns</A></H4></strong><I>Sen. Conrad Burns has received about $34,000 from a wealthy Michigan tribe that got his support for $3 million in federal funding for a new school.<br /> Burns, R-Mont., sent a letter dated May 16, 2003, to the Interior Department asking officials to reconsider their position that the tribe was not eligible for a government program that would help with school funding, according to documents released Tuesday by the agency.</I><H4><CENTER>Opinion</CENTER></H4><STRONG><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/OPINION01/511300305/1014/OPINION">Impact of anti-meth ads undeniable</A></H4></strong><I>Siebel "not only brought his financial resources to the table, he brought his intellect to the table," Mayor Randy Gray said at the campaign kickoff in September. "He's looking for a return on his investment."<br /> It's a novel approach to combating a social ill, and only time and Montana prison rosters will tell how well it's working.</I><A HREF="http://www.missoulian.com/"><STRONG><H3>Missoulian</H3></STRONG><br /> </A><H4><CENTER>Opinion</CENTER></H4><STRONG><strong><H4><A HREF="http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005/11/30/opinion/opinion4.txt">Cleaner river tied to better economy</A></H4></strong><I><br /> Meanwhile, to state the obvious, cleaning up the Clark Fork hasn't hurt the economy. To the contrary, communities up and down the river - most of all Missoula - are prospering. Far from being a drag on the economy, a cleaner Clark Fork arguably has become an engine of economic growth. It definitely adds to the quality of life that is one of the region's strongest assets in attracting the people and businesses that fuel economic growth.</I></p> <p class="posted"> Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2005/11/daily_news.php">07:22 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2005/11/daily_news.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> </p> </div> </div> </body> </html>