Montana Headlines gives us a glimpse at the type of politicking to expect out of Republicans this year - meaningless wedge issues intended to distract us away from serious problems. Gun control!
Yes, you, like I, assumed the recent SCOTUS decision on the DC gun ban has made this topic somewhat pointless - not that it's ever been relevant with any Montana Democrat candidate I know - but classy Tim Fox has added gun control to his other issue, sexual predators:
"Obama could be the next president of the United States, and he's way to the left of the mainstream on gun rights," the Republican, Tim Fox, said in a press release. "It should raise questions in all Montanans' minds about where, specifically, the candidates for attorney general stand on various aspects of their Second Amendment rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. It's important that Montana voters know what their candidates believe. I strongly believe in gun rights, and I call on Mr. Bullock to come out of the shadows and finally announce his position."
The irony here is that's Tim Fox who's spent his days in the "shadows," as it were. Who is he? What does he believe? He's offered voters nothing so far. Besides fear, divisiveness, and partisan rancor, I mean.
And you wonder why some folks are turned off by politics.
But that's the idea isn't it? Chasin' away the good folks from the polls...
Dear Lord Jesus, I do not often speak with you and ask for things, but now, I really must insist that you help me win the election tomorrow because I deserve it and Paul Metzler doesn't, as you well know. I realize that it was your divine hand that disqualified Tammy Metzler and now I'm asking that you go that one last mile and make sure to put me in office where I belong so that I may carry out your will on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Oh, and some endorsements - these are going to be quick because I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow working for the first candidate I'll endorse - Hillary Clinton! Shocking, I know. Health care, health care, health care, health care.
I voted absentee a few hours before attending a Missoula County Democrats meeting where Claudette Morton and the AG candidates spoke.
After attending the meeting, I was pleased that I voted for Steve Bullock for AG.
I wished I had voted for Claudette Morton, however. I was really impressed with the breadth and depth of her experience. I think I have a little vote-swapping action going on with a Juneau supporter, though, so I don't feel as bad about this anymore.
The State AG race is the hardest to pick. I would be gleeful to any one of them in the office next year. In my interviews with each, all of them were courteous to me -- a blogger hack -- and passionate about the law, the AG's office, and doing the best for Montana.
I've been wrestling whether I should even bother to endorse this race, for those reasons. Let people draw their own conclusions from the data that I have. But Mike Wheat and John Parker have been getting a lot of endorsements from, bothhere and from respected sources, and I thought I would pitch in my two cents' worth for the candidate I'm planning on voting for, Steve Bullock.
First, Steve's an excellent campaigner. He's raised a ton of cash. Of the three, he's done the best this race. Again, these are political positions, and we need to win the general. Republicans -- and their corporate handlers -- are desperate to win a majority on the State Land Board; there's going to be a lot of big money thrown at this race from industry's backers, we need our best campaigner in the field.
Second, both Mike Wheat and John Parker are running as lawyers, talking up their courtroom abilities. The fact is, the AG's role is an administrative one. Bullock's got the experience of working in the office already (and the endorsement of former AG, Joe Mazurek, who's Bullock's treasurer. And he's the only one who addressed creative ways for funding new mandates out of his office.
That's the thing for me, Bullock's vision for the AG office is more...well...visionary.
Take his plans for consumer protection. For Wheat and Parker, consumer protection largely meant protecting seniors from Internet and telemarketing scams -- yes, desperately needed -- but only Bullock included trust busting and protecting the consumers of health care, as well. To me, that shows that Bullock has a greater view of what a consumer is, and how an inequitable market affects not just seniors, but folks of all ages and income brackets, as well as small businesses, too.
Bullock's efforts for Raise Montana, stream access, unions, and affordable energy for seniors points to an earnest progressive belief system behind the man. While Ochenski supported Wheat largely on the strength of his feelings against the death penalty, it's important to note that only Bullock was the only candidate to propose any solutions -- the creation of a Helena-based capital sentence review team -- to possible local prejudices against defendants, ensuring a fairer enactment of that punishment.
And that's ultimately what kind of person I'd like to see fill the office of the State Attorney General and why I'm voting for Steve Bullock.
I was on Steve Bullock's website yesterday and came across a link to a fundraiser in Butte hosted by Don Peoples. I seem to remember Peoples as a big Burns supporter in '06.
A little research on opensecrets revealed that Peoples has given over $13,000 to Republicans in the last two election cycles alone. The search I did is here:
Peoples also wrote a letter to the editor of the Butte Standard on August 27, 2006 publicly opposing Tester and suggesting that he would be worse for the Butte economy than Burns.
He's spent a lot of money trying to defeat good Democrats. Why is Bullock even touching this guy?
Let me make it clear from the outset that any of the three Democratic contenders for Attorney General would undoubtedly do a great job. Bullock has been an assistant AG and has worked on the stream access issues that are near and dear to Montanans' hearts. Parker paid his dues in the horrendous last legislative session, battling headstrong Republicans through a vicious 90 days of party-line votes and ugly debate. Both men are young, smart and ambitious, so Montana can't really lose if either one of them winds up in the AG's office.
Those are pretty fair statements about Bullock and Parker coming from someone endorsing their opponent.
Ochenski's words on why Wheat:
Winnowing the chaff from the wheat, so to speak, isn't easy, but the reason Mike Wheat stands out is, simply put, his compassion. [...] Wheat, like Parker, was a county prosecutor in Butte many years back. But unlike Parker, his focus is not about what a tough prosecutor he's going to be-in fact, of the three candidates, Wheat is the only one who personally opposes the death penalty. In a recent interview on the blog Left in the West, (which has great interviews of all three candidates), [Hey, look, Jay -- we're famous!] Wheat put it this way: "We cannot, in our constitutional jurisprudence system, guarantee that the people we're killing for crimes actually committed the crime. And so, to me, it's very simple. If you can't guarantee that, then you're denying the constitutional rights to people who may be innocent."
That's also a great summation of one of the best arguments for backing Mike Wheat.
I think it is also tough to overstate the value of this in the race. Most papers won't endorse. The Independent gets pretty broad distribution in a big ol' Democratic stronghold. This could easily move a few thousand votes in a comparatively low-information race.
(AG candidates talk DNA evidence on video at a forum - promoted by Matt Singer)
Here's the first of some video footage taken last night at the Missoula County Democrats' Central Committee meeting- this one is a question about DNA evidence and whether a full investigation should be made into all criminal convictions- similar to legislation in Illinois. All three answer the question(s)-
IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR BETTER TAGS, etc., GIVE A SHOUT OUT- fair and positive- Angela
UPDATED- here's a link to a story about the AG's race in this week's Missoula Independent- http://www.missoulanews.com/in... entitled, "Ochenski
Daily dose of compassion: Punitive attorney generals are a bust"
I think it's great that we've got some lively discussions going on here around the Attorney General's race. Jay is set to interview John Parker today and will hopefully get that interview and transcript posted soon. Once that happens, I'll tinker with some way to have both the longer interviews and the endorsement posts located prominently on the site for the time leading up to the primary.
But let me also say this -- every once in a while, I read a comment from one or another candidate's backer that reminds me too much of the weird crap from the Presidential race. Frankly, all three of the Democratic candidates are extremely good candidates. Extremely good. Like extremely good to the point that the Democratic Party should be excited if even just one of the three had filed.
So we've got a wealth of riches.
And, unfortunately, I think a lot of voters are just now tuning into the race. So for supporters out there, here's my advice: stay positive. Let people know what's good about your own candidate. Especially in a three way race, when I see candidate X (or X's supporters) knocking candidate Y over something silly, I just become more inclined to either support candidate Y or Z.
Now, I've already cast my ballot (for Ron Paul, Bob Kelleher, and Tim Fox), but I don't think I'm alone in this sentiment.
This is also why I think this whole write up endorsement posts and get them promoted to the frontpage is cool, we won't be extending a similar offer to write up anti-endorsements and get them promoted to the frontpage.
One last thought -- there are also contested primaries for Governor, Superintendent, and a number of legislative races. Anyone want to take a side and make their case? Post away -- we'll give you the space.
(A Mike Wheat supporter threw down the gauntlet and now a Bullock backer responds. One of Parker's peeps have his back? - promoted by Matt Singer)
Of the three Democratic candidates for attorney general, Steve Bullock is not only the best one for the job, but offers the best chance for the Dems to hold onto this vital office and seat on the land board.
Steve has four years in the AG office under Joe Mazurek, where he defended Montana's stream access laws, served as the Legislative Director, and came to understand the structure and dynamics of the agency. That kind of experience, combined with his years in private practice taking on such clients as AARP, labor unions, peace officers and consumer groups, makes Steve the man I want out in front representing the people of the state of Montana.
How will he beat the Republican nominee - presumably Tim Fox? To start with, Steve took his passion for the working people of the state and led the Raise Montana campaign in 2006 which earned 73% of the vote. Not only do folks respect him for taking that on, but it shows he can build a broad coalition of support in Montana. He's proven he can raise the money that it will take to win in November. Also, the progressive 21st Century Democrats endorsed Steve, committing a team of organizers, training, and resources when he wins the primary.
From the top of the ticket this year on down, the grassroots are mobilizing - especially younger voters. Steve is just the candidate to attract this crowd and get them excited about an office that is extremely important, even though it's labeled as second tier. He's young and relates well to those voters, and, from personal experience, they like what he has to say about the office. He has said many times throughout this race that there is great potential for the AG not only to protect the citizens of the state from criminals, but also to be an advocate for consumer rights, promoter of internet safety, and protector of Montana's natural beauty and heritage.
Steve is an incredibly friendly and charismatic guy and he has a history of public service and a commitment to Montana. He's my choice to win this primary, not only because he has the best shot in November, but also because he's the best man for the job.
(Here's a post arguing for Mike Wheat as Montana AG. Please don't misconstrue this as an endorsement from LiTW; also, if you support another AG candidate and want to make a plea in his favor, feel free to post a diary as well.
Don't forget to check out the interviews with Steve Bullock and Mike Wheat. I'll be interviwing John Parker tomorrow... - promoted by Jay Stevens)
The interview of Mike Wheat by Jay Stevens was much appreciated as well as the other interviews.
I've known Mike Wheat for 8 years. Mike is a warm and personable guy. Having visited with him many times, I've observed that he likes to listen to people, likes to hear what they have to say and what their concerns are. He's a good listener. He has a wry sense of humor, and he has a great deal of empathy for the people of Montana who work hard to provide for their families.
I would like to know of the other Democratic candidates running to be Montana's next Attorney General: how will you beat Republican Tim Fox, the presumptive Republican winner based on the amount of money he's raised, in the November Primary
It has already been noted that the national Republican Party has targeted the Montana Attorney General's race as one in which they think they can win, and will pour in big money to do so. I don't think that John Parker or Steve Bullock can beat Tim Fox.
Mike has proven that he can beat a Republican challenger in a conservative district. He ran against Jack Wells in a conservative Senate District in Gallatin County in 2002 and beat him 52 to 48 percent.
Mike has worked his entire professional career in Montana. However, Steve Bullock worked at the international law firm of Steptoe & Johnson, based in Washington DC. Look at Steptoe & Johnson's clients on their website (http://www.steptoe.com/). This firm represents clients from the following sectors: "Aerospace & Defense", "Energy", "Food & Agriculture", "Insurance", "Manufacturing", "Natural Resources" (Mining & Extracting and Petroleum Refining & Marketing), "Real Estate", "Trade Associations", and so on and so on. The Natural Resources representation really bothers me.
These types of interests are on the other side of the fence, the side that an attorney general is usually suing, on behalf of Montanans.
All three candidates seem decent. But Mike Wheat has spent his life in Montana representing individuals...people who have been harmed by another individual, by an employer, or by a corporation. And because of this, I have full confidence that he will represent and protect all Montanans against those interests who may not have our own best interest at heart.
Here's an interview I had with Montana state attorney general candidate, and Democrat, Steve Bullock.
This is a fly-by-night, seat-of-my-pants operation here, so keep that in mind when you listen to the sound quality of the interview, which takes place on the front lawn of the county courthouse. Many thanks to Steve Bullock for talking to me and agreeing to post this on LiTW.
For more information, check out Steve's website, and if you're so moved, you can help him out at his ActBlue page.
More interviews are coming, including one with Mike Wheat, which I should have up by tommorrow.
Finally, we're about to see John Parker enter the fold. The Attorney General race has a bit more momentum and money than some of the other Montana races, but it's still fascinating watching this.
Maybe they'll start writing diaries and giving the community a chance to ask questions soon. That'd be cool.
Brian Schweitzer has over $500,000 in the bank and over $600,000 raised (he raised about $1.5m in his successful '04 race). That's an intimidating number for potential opponents (and that's a great argument for clean election public financing alternatives). Back of the envelope calculations reveal that about .8% of the voters in the state have now contributed to his re-election campaign. By Election Day, expect that to be a much higher figure at his fundraising clip.
Steve Bullock's fundraising has continued at a monster clip, with his total being $77,500 and change raised ($12k online, good enough to make a top 10 list of state candidates on ActBlue). He's banked $65k of that. Mike Wheat is only down by about $500, but nearly half his money is self-financed. John Parker of Great Falls got a later start, but my understanding is he raised close to $30,000 this quarter (his numbers weren't available yesterday) -- an impressive showing. Meanwhile, the two Republicans running for AG are sitting about about $2k raised each. They both got a much later start, but are clearly behind in the money chase.
Monica Lindeen has $20k in the bank for her Auditor race -- formidable for this early with no opponent. Brad Johnson, by comparison, has $15k banked for his as yet uncontested re-election campaign for Secretary of State.
Denise Juneau has nearly $15k in the bank in her OPI bid. Holly Raser has raised a bit over $2k.
Democrats shot out of the gates faster and are raising far more money. Indication of things to come?
(Just to be clear, I'm still sitting out the '08 Attorney General race, but I want to highlight stuff so that people can start getting a feel for these candidates. -- Matt)
A very cool piece of email just landed in my inbox from the Steve Bullock for A.G. campaign. It's a story from Doug Mitchell about Steve Bullock coming into his office two years ago to start the campaign to raise the minimum wage.
I'm not sure how much money it will raise because I have no clue the size of their list. SteveBullock.com doesn't have an obvious way to sign-up for campaign updates, so their list is probably compiled from live events. But given what donate rates tend to be, I'd be surprised if they didn't raise something.
The campaign has the ability to track these donations, though, because the donations don't go through the generic campaign site but through a specific ActBlue page. They know whether the fundraising ask worked and whether it will work in the future.
Even if it doesn't raise money, it establishes good will. 75% of Montanans and 98% of Democratic primary voters like the hike in the minimum wage. Reminding us that Steve Bullock was instrumental in that fight is a way of reminding me that he doesn't just share my ideals, but my priorities. That's important in a race with a lot of great candidates.
Raising money online takes a big list, a good ask, and commitment. It's also very early in this cycle and people aren't paying real close attention to the Attorney General race.
Finally -- and this is a piece of advice for all candidates -- making it easier to sign up for your email lists is a real good idea. Properly managing an email list is an interesting task, but email is extremely useful. It's a way to keep your message and image in front of both swing voters and your supporters (the people most likely to persuade their undecided friends). It's a way to push back on unfair attacks in the waning days of a race. And it's a way to raise money in a pinch. But they don't grow on their own -- so make it easy for people to get on 'em. Bill Kennedy is doing this pretty well right now.
Steve Bullock -- running for Attorney General. Mike Wheat, another AG contender, has his site up as well (check the right sidebar for campaign links). We're still waiting on John Parker's as far as I can tell.
