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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Senate Candidates Campaign Over Labor Day Weekend

Senator Jon Tester received the endorsement of the Nation Border Patrol Council Union Friday in Billings
Jackie Yamanaka, YPR News
Senator Jon Tester received the endorsement of the Nation Border Patrol Council Union Friday in Billings

The major party candidates in the race for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat are campaigning this weekend. Today Senator Jon Tester will attend a Labor Day picnic hosted by the state public employees union, and then this evening he’ll join union workers locked out of the Imerys Talc Mill on the picket line in Three Forks.

On Saturday Republican Candidate Matt Rosendale hosted day of action events in Helena and Kalispell. 

In Kalispell, Rosendale addressed about 30 volunteers amidst yard signs and cardboard cut-outs of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. He hit his major campaign talking points: attacking his opponent, incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, and supporting President Donald Trump .

"What's good to America is great for Montana," Rosendale told the crowd. "All we have to do is to convince folks to come out and vote on the day that it’s time."

Rosendale also ticked off national supporters in his five-minute speech, like the National Rifle Association and President Trump, who will be in Montana this week campaigning on his behalf.

Among those mingling at Rosendale’s downtown Kalispell campaign office Saturday afternoon were a handful of people who said this was their first time participating in a political event.

"I made it a point to come in," Dain Salier of Kalispell said. "These are desperate times, are they not?"

Salier says President Trump is under assault and needs every available conservative. He says powerful Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, just do as they’re told by Democrats.

"I think they're cowards," Salier said. "They're afraid of the press. Instead of doing the right thing, they cower."

Republican US Senate Candidate Matt Rosendale campaigned in Kalispell Saturday
Credit Nicky Ouellet
Republican US Senate Candidate Matt Rosendale campaigned in Kalispell Saturday

Karen Fine from Columbia Falls was also a political event first-timer and was pleasantly surprised that candidate Rosendale made an appearance.

"I really believe in what Trump's doing for our country and I want to support anybody that will support all those good characteristics in our country," Fine said. "I will support them."

Fine says securing the nation is her biggest concern.

"Without any borders, just let them all in and kiss America goodbye, you know," she said.

Rosendale’s team turned down multiple requests for a candidate interview at the event and hasn’t responded to follow-ups.

He heads to Billings this Thursday for a rally with President Trump.

Nicky is MTPR's Flathead-area reporter.
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