Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Zinke Campaign: Juneau A 'Liar And Hypocrite' About Public Lands

Democrat Denise Juneau and Republican Ryan Zinke
Denise Juneau: courtesy Bronte Wittpen; Ryan Zinke: William Marcus
For the past several weeks Zinke and Juneau have swapped strongly-worded press releases and statements condemning each other's views on public land.

Following Democrat Denise Juneau’s campaign speech on public lands Wednesday, the campaign of her Republican opponent in the race for Montana’s U.S. House seat called her a liar and hypocrite.

Zinke says Juneau’s claims that he wants to sell and transfer federal lands to states are false.

The freshman congressman says there are differences between himself and Juneau

"But public lands, I think we would both agree -- I believe we would -- that public lands should not be sold or transferred. But certainly we need to look at better ways at managing our public lands, in the best interest of all of us.”  

For the past several weeks Zinke and Juneau have swapped strongly-worded press releases and statements condemning each other's views on public land.

Zinke said Juneau’s proposals on public land policy were nothing new, and that he has co-sponsored and voted for legislation in the U.S. House that would accomplish the kinds of things she’s calling for.

Both candidates support the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), although there is some disagreement between them on the funding of the LWCF.

Juneau says leadership is a big part of the ongoing debate. In her stump speech Wednesday, she said that if elected she will deliver more than empty promises.

"A promise that says these places are for all of us. Not just for the wealthy and not just for the privileged."

Both Juneau and Zinke have said they’d like to meet to debate this and other issues, but over the last month they haven’t been able to agree on a date or location. Both campaigns say they getting close to an agreement on that.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content