big sky democrats

Primary elections are two weeks away, and in the absence of hard work, solid platforms, and integrity, some candidates are choosing to use ad hominem attacks against their more qualified opponents. This is nothing new in politics, and at this time in a campaign, the person flailing wildly to toss mud at their opponent is usually the person weeping into their beer after a making a phone call congratulating the winner of the campaign.

Matt over at Left in the West pointed the finger at one Montana legislative candidate behaving just as I’ve described. It seems as though Michele Reinhart’s primary opponent is attempting to paint a picture of Michele that is less than favorable, regardless of the facts. After making a phone call to his local temp agency to buy himself some ‘volunteers’, he proceeded to call Michele an ‘environmental extremist’.

Now, having been raised in Montana and having led her life in a way to ensure that she could stay here for years to come, Michele is understandably concerned about Montana’s environment. However, instead of pursuing extreme tactics, Michele chose to affect change from within, and lobby the Montana legislature for alternative energy development and responsible relationships with local landowners. Crazy, huh?

Ms. Reinhart’s opponent can throw all the labels he likes, but it doesn’t change the fact that Michele is being attacked for being a younger than average candidate with common sense experience behind her, unlike her opponent. Michele has worked to bring folks under the age of 37 into the Democratic Party, and to educate them on progressive issues.

Send a message to Michele that you like what she’s working for, and send a message to her opponent that you know exactly what he’s doing. Let him know that here in Montana, it’s ok to be young and to work to bring industry and the environment into harmony. In fact, it’s just what he should offer to do to help Representative Reinhart when she’s elected in two weeks.