Ryan Busse

A Montana senator's push for the Trump ballroom could backfire at the polls. Threats of violence mar present-day politics. Prominent endorsements start to surface as the election gets closer. And a rising Democratic party star is headed to Butte to campaign for a proposed Montana ballot initiative.

Democrats are fighting with independents, Republicans are fighting with Republicans. A debate between two House candidates is more lovefest than contest. A House candidate's son tangles with a Bozeman rabbi. And a new campaign ad hopes an anti-war message will resonate with voters.

A Democratic candidate drops out of the race after allegations of sexual abuse. Rep. Ryan Zinke criticizes President Trump and a Republican candidate. And Democratic House candidates take swipes over dark money and data centers.

Democrats seeking their party's nomination for the state's U.S. House seats met in Helena last weekend to debate. The eastern district candidates covered many issues, including how they each plan to address health care costs. In the western district debate, candidates traded sharp criticisms over union backing and 'dark money.'

Democratic House candidates try to separate from the pack. Senate Republican candidate Kurt Alme tries to downplay the last-minute maneuver that put him into the race. Senate Democratic candidate Reilly Neill promises to hold President Trump accountable if she's elected. And this may be the last time voters elect members of the state Public Service Commission.

The supposed Republican frontrunner in the U.S. Senate race is off to a timid start. The independent candidate in that race vows not to resort to namecalling. Two of the candidates for the U.S. House make no such promise. A national Conservative group is working hard to defeat moderate Republicans running for the Legislature. And the Gianforte administration reconsiders its ban on weekend rallies at the Capitol.

Democratic candidates for the western district House seat try to differentiate themselves from the pack. One area they differ: whether or not to take PAC money. Montana voters may get a chance to change campaign spending laws in the state. And one of the Democratic candidates hopes to channel the campaign success of a former governor.

Democrats competing in Montana’s western district congressional race met for a debate in Butte Tuesday. They discussed money in politics, data centers and access to health care, among other topics. While the candidates found some distinction between their views, they agree on most issues.

The Montana GOP prioritizes judicial elections and party loyalty; Gov. Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen launch an investigation over a possible violation of the state’s "sanctuary city" ban; Democratic congressional candidates try to distinguish themselves.

Four Democrats competing for Montana’s western U.S. House seat met for their first public forum Tuesday. The candidates covered a wide range of topics, from housing costs to immigration policy.