Campaign Beat

Tonight on Campaign Beat: Primary election ballots are set to be mailed in six weeks. Members of Congress arguably have less influence than governors during the growing pandemic. Montana Republicans fess up to their effort to get Greens on the ballot. And Montana's secretary of state thinks this is "the perfect time for a crisis."

Listen now on Campaign Beat, with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

Campaign fundraising is tricky during a pandemic. The June primary could be mail-in only. State auditor and congressional candidate Matt Rosendale urges Montanans to get coronavirus testing that may not be available. A well-known Republican enters the Senate race — as a Libertarian. And no one knows how a global health crisis will affect the 2020 election.

Listen now on Campaign Beat, MTPR's weekly political analysis program, with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

The COVID-19 pandemic is altering candidates' campaign plans. New ads in the Senate race focuse on socialism and health care. A slew of so-called Green Party candidates have filed for all the major races. And the outcome of this election could change the public service commission's priorities.

Listen now on Campaign Beat, MTPR's weekly political analysis program, with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

Gov. Steve Bullock's anticipated about-face on a U.S. Senate run has upended the outlook for that race. The latest picks for lieutenant governor bring both balance and contrast. And we honor the outstanding legacy left by the late journalist John Kuglin.

Listen now on Campaign Beat, MTPR's weekly political analysis program, with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

Who stood out, and who didn't in the Democratic senate and governor primary debates. Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer reveals his pick for governor. And Mike Cooney picks a familiar name to be his running mate.

Listen now on Campaign Beat, with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

A Billings legislator's apology rings hollow. A new TV ad in the governor's race looks familiar. The U.S. Senate race has two more candidates. Census officials aren't happy about a Republican mailer. And the mystery deepens over who's sponsoring a 3rd party ballot petition.

Listen now on Campaign Beat.

The two Democratic candidates for governor use their first debate to attack their potential Republican opponent. President Trump says who he wants to be Montana's next congressman. An effort to get a third party on the Montana ballot has some suspicious origins. The Montana census could lead to the state reclaiming a second seat in the House. And a Democratic congressional candidate shows up shirtless on a dating app ... to woo your vote.

Listen now on Campaign Beat.

Listen now on Campaign Beat: A state legislator stands by his calls for violence against 'socialists.' Montana's two senators split their votes on impeachment. Democrats running for governor are down to two candidates. The AG race has a new twist. And did Barack Obama urge Gov. Bullock to change his mind about a Senate run?

The three Democratic candidates for governor hold their first debate soon; Gov. Bullock says no to a Senate run and maybe to a Cabinet position; Congressman Gianforte still won’t hold an in-person town hall; and how public officials' thin skins threaten democracy.

A Montana case before the U.S. Supreme Court could have far-reaching implications for public education funding and the debate over the separation of church and state. Two candidates in the U.S. House race — one Democrat and one Republican — are running away from the pack in fundraising. A controversial tribal water compact could become an issue in the governor's race. And the three Republican candidates for governor square off in their first debate. Listen now on Campaign Beat.