big sky democrats

Group’s Candidates Go 4 for 4 in Legislative Primary Races

(BILLINGS) – In a move that is sure to rock the political establishment in Montana, all four candidates endorsed by the Big Sky Democrats won primary races for the Montana Legislature Tuesday.

“These victories prove that Montanans are ready to elect new young leaders,” said Big Sky Democrats Political Director Tim Tatarka. “We couldn't be more excited as an organization to be able to help make such a positive impact on the Montana political scene.”

The Big Sky Democrats, with more than 400 members across Montana, launched a first-of-its kind initiative to build a new generation of Montana leaders. Endorsing four candidates for the legislature, each of whom is under the age of 30, the Big Sky Democrats contributed the maximum amount allowable to each candidate and provided them with on-the-ground grassroots help in their respective races. more

Dan Villa wins the primary race for HD86 in Anaconda....

Michelle Reinhart wins the race for HD 97 in Missoula

Kendall Van Dyk wins the primary race for HD 49 605-427....

Regardless of what happens in this primary election, both Senate candidates deserve huge props for keeping this race above board.

While the Big Sky Dems stayed out of this contest, we tried to be equally helpful to both camps and I think we were. But what’s more, this race never dipped into the negativity and divisive politics we see in other state primaries. more

Today is primary day. If you haven't already, get out and VOTE! And if you have the time, lend a hand to one of the campaigns - they'll need poll watchers and help with GOTV today.....

This letter was sent out by Kendall's Campaign. It is the last push and they need our help:

Dear Friends,

Thank you! With the support of many, many other folks like you, the Kendall Van Dyk for State Legislature campaign has become the sleeper campaign of the 2006 primary.

But, we need to raise just $1,000 in the next 48 hours to push us over the top. We must to respond to a dirty trick of the highest order.

Our opponent has sent out a full-color mailing to primary voters implying Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer endorses his candidacy (see attached). The Governor does not. Use of the photo in question was unauthorized!

Check out this web ad for Kendall Van Dyk. Its a quick introduction of who he is and what he stands for. Kendall is exactly the kind of new leader we need in Helena. Kendall is smart, hard working and dedicated to issues Montanans care about: education, jobs, access to public lands.

But Kendall is in the middle of the hotest legislative race in the state right now, and the bottom line is that many of the old guard are afraid of new leadership. (The same arguments were made against leaders like Nancy Keenan and Max Baucus when they first ran.) This race is is a referendum on whether we move Montana forward or remain stuck in yesterday's fights.

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’.

The Big Sky Democrats are kicking things off in Lewistown tonight. Check it out.