Campaign Beat

Montana's House and Senate races are tightening, giving hope to the challengers; new ads trumpet Trump support and guns; and the Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination process could be a wild-card in the congressional contests. Sally Mauk, Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin analyse this week's campaign news now, on "Campaign Beat."

New ads in the Senate race go after ethics pledges, campaign finance violations — and feature the inevitable cow. The booming economy and the Trump factor are featured in new ads in the House race. And last but not least, a new ad appeals to Montana beer drinkers. We break down the latest ads and issues in the congressional races, right now on "Campaign Beat."

Trump rallies in Montana again hoping to defeat Jon Tester's bid for re-election — and it's personal. New campaign ads in the House and Senate races stretch the truth. And Governor Bullock shifts position on guns as he ponders a run for president. These stories and more tonight on "Campaign Beat," MTPR's weekly political analysis program.

Sally Mauk: Welcome to "Campaign Beat," our weekly political analysis program I'm Sally Mauk and I'm joined by veteran Capitol reporter Chuck Johnson and University of Montana political science professor Rob Saldin. And Rob, political junkies like us are still figuring out what led to Kathleen Williams' victory in the House Democratic primary. She didn't have the money or the name endorsements that John Heenan and Grant Kier had she didn't have as many TV ads. She had pundits like us saying she was a longshot at best. And here she is the nominee. How'd she do it?

Sally Mauk: Welcome to Campaign Beat, our weekly political analysis program I'm Sally Mauk and I'm joined by University of Montana political science professor Rob Saldin and veteran capitol reporter Chuck Johnson.

And Chuck, Tuesday is Election Day and even though many people have already voted absentee many others are still making up their minds. I think especially in the U.S. House Democratic primary race I've talked to several people who say they like Kathleen Williams, they like John Heenan, they like Grant Kier and they aren't sure yet which of those three they're going to choose.

Democrats ask for an investigation on the one year anniversary of Congressman Gianforte’s assault of a reporter; we look at the latest campaign fundraising numbers; and a candidate’s past litigation may hurt his changes in the general election. Those stories and more right now on "Campaign Beat."

What could a potential presidential visit mean for Montana’s Senate race? Senator Daines’ proposal to work through the August congressional recess could affect the campaigns of Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte. And a new ad says Tester “stepped in it” when he voted against Trump’s tax reform.

Nicky Ouellet (filling in for Sally Mauk), Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin discuss these stories and more, on this episode of "Campaign Beat."

General Flynn endorses Troy Downing in the Republican Senate primary, but skips his visit to Montana. While Sen. Tester is counting on the vet vote, Republican Russ Fagg veers to the right. Republican Matt Rosendale is all in with Trump, while Democrat Grant Kier courts the women's vote.

Join Sally Mauk, Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin as they analyze these stories and more, on this episode of "Campaign Beat."

Trump's attacks on Jon Tester continue, and spawn new anti-Tester ads. Republican Russ Fagg's new ad plays on fears of illegal immigrants. Two new Democratic ads use humor and personal stories. And House Democratic candidates point out each other's drawbacks in the general election. Sally Mauk, Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin look at these stories and more, on this episode of "Campaign Beat," MTPR's weekly political analysis program.

Tonight on "Campaign Beat:" Trump threatens Tester, Republicans debate who's a "real Montanan," and the new campaign ads range from funny to poignant. Sally Mauk, Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin review this week's Montana campaign news.