Montana Politics - KXLH.com | Helena, Montana
Member Center:
Six Green Party candidates are currently on the ballot - three running for U.S. House and U.S. Senate
Six Green Party candidates are currently on the ballot - three running for U.S. House and U.S. Senate
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Troy Downing says he didn’t falsely portray himself as a resident when buying in-state hunting licenses for the past half-dozen years – and can’t believe the issue has become a full-scale criminal case in a Bozeman court.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Troy Downing says he didn’t falsely portray himself as a resident when buying in-state hunting licenses for the past half-dozen years – and can’t believe the issue has become a full-scale criminal case in a Bozeman court.
One of Gov. Steve Bullock’s longest-serving cabinet members, state Revenue Director Mike Kadas, is retiring next month, closing out a political and public-service career that spans four decades.
One of Gov. Steve Bullock’s longest-serving cabinet members, state Revenue Director Mike Kadas, is retiring next month, closing out a political and public-service career that spans four decades.
I-185, if approved, would increase state taxes on a pack of cigarettes by $2
I-185, if approved, would increase state taxes on a pack of cigarettes by $2
Three of the potential Republican challengers to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester are near or past the $1 million mark in campaign funds this year – but their totals stand in stark contrast to Tester, who’s now raised more than $11 million in campaign cash.
Three of the potential Republican challengers to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester are near or past the $1 million mark in campaign funds this year – but their totals stand in stark contrast to Tester, who’s now raised more than $11 million in campaign cash.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox revealed Monday that he had a cancerous section of his colon surgically removed less than three weeks ago – and that he’ll undergo chemotherapy for further cancer treatment.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox revealed Monday that he had a cancerous section of his colon surgically removed less than three weeks ago – and that he’ll undergo chemotherapy for further cancer treatment.
Grant Kier and John Heenan continue to be the top fundraisers among the six Democrats
Grant Kier and John Heenan continue to be the top fundraisers among the six Democrats
The deadline for filing state, and federal, income-tax returns is usually April 15 – but the combination of a weekend and a holiday this year have pushed it to Tuesday, April 17.
The deadline for filing state, and federal, income-tax returns is usually April 15 – but the combination of a weekend and a holiday this year have pushed it to Tuesday, April 17.
In a field that includes three attorneys, two former state legislators and a geologist, the six Montana Democrats who want to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte have perhaps one thing in common: Few voters know who they are.
In a field that includes three attorneys, two former state legislators and a geologist, the six Montana Democrats who want to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte have perhaps one thing in common: Few voters know who they are.
In the past three months, political-action committees bankrolled by an Illinois billionaire have spent $1.2 million on radio and TV ads in Montana, promoting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale.
In the past three months, political-action committees bankrolled by an Illinois billionaire have spent $1.2 million on radio and TV ads in Montana, promoting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale.
Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday touted a report outlining the economic impact of Montana of expanded Medicaid – and said it’s “critical” that the program be continued past next year.
Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday touted a report outlining the economic impact of Montana of expanded Medicaid – and said it’s “critical” that the program be continued past next year.
A state judge has blocked the state from enforcing a law prohibiting certain nurses from performing abortions, opening the door for expanded abortion services in Montana.
A state judge has blocked the state from enforcing a law prohibiting certain nurses from performing abortions, opening the door for expanded abortion services in Montana.
Here’s a closer look at the four men who would challenge Tester
Here’s a closer look at the four men who would challenge Tester
Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday his administration rejected an offer this week from CoreCivic
Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday his administration rejected an offer this week from CoreCivic
Montana Democrats say they suspect conservatives helped the left-leaning Green Party qualify,
Montana Democrats say they suspect conservatives helped the left-leaning Green Party qualify,
Montana’s largest electric utility has agreed to a buy power from a proposed 80-megawatt wind farm in north-central Montana at less than $23 a megawatt hour.
Montana’s largest electric utility has agreed to a buy power from a proposed 80-megawatt wind farm in north-central Montana at less than $23 a megawatt hour.
The state Democratic Party is alleging a Nevada-based consulting firm paid signature-gatherers earlier this year to qualify the Montana Green Party for the 2018 ballot, and violated state law by failing to report its involvement.
The state Democratic Party is alleging a Nevada-based consulting firm paid signature-gatherers earlier this year to qualify the Montana Green Party for the 2018 ballot, and violated state law by failing to report its involvement.
For local leaders in Toole County and Shelby, the Crossroads Correctional Center is seen as a good corporate citizen, a tax-paying employer that also happens to be a prison.
For local leaders in Toole County and Shelby, the Crossroads Correctional Center is seen as a good corporate citizen, a tax-paying employer that also happens to be a prison.
Former inmate Art Heffelfinger has few good things to say about the privately run prison in Shelby, calling it a “felon factory” that does little to rehabilitate its inhabitants – and says that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Former inmate Art Heffelfinger has few good things to say about the privately run prison in Shelby, calling it a “felon factory” that does little to rehabilitate its inhabitants – and says that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
An effort is under way to strike the Montana Green Party from the 2018 ballot, Secretary of State Corey Stapleton said Monday – but he believes the effort will fail.
An effort is under way to strike the Montana Green Party from the 2018 ballot, Secretary of State Corey Stapleton said Monday – but he believes the effort will fail.
In their first public debate, Montana’s four Republican U.S. Senate hopefuls strove to define why they’re the one to defeat Democratic incumbent Jon Tester – but spent most of Thursday night agreeing with each other. Still, the 90-minute debate on the Montana State University campus had its moments.
In their first public debate, Montana’s four Republican U.S. Senate hopefuls strove to define why they’re the one to defeat Democratic incumbent Jon Tester – but spent most of Thursday night agreeing with each other. Still, the 90-minute debate on the Montana State University campus had its moments.
Montana’s contested Green Party primary this June means county election offices must print thousands of additional ballots – so they can give one to every person who votes.
Montana’s contested Green Party primary this June means county election offices must print thousands of additional ballots – so they can give one to every person who votes.
The forest-management language has been inserted into a huge, $1.3 trillion spending bill
The forest-management language has been inserted into a huge, $1.3 trillion spending bill
A top staffer for U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Monday she was assaulted last week by a man later identified as an operative for a political-action committee that’s been critical of Zinke.
A top staffer for U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Monday she was assaulted last week by a man later identified as an operative for a political-action committee that’s been critical of Zinke.
Tim Adams, a former data analyst for the Montana Republican Party, is one of two people who filed this week as a Green Party candidate to run for the U.S. Senate in Montana this year.
Tim Adams, a former data analyst for the Montana Republican Party, is one of two people who filed this week as a Green Party candidate to run for the U.S. Senate in Montana this year.
The Montana Green Party qualified for the 2018 ballot Monday, the final day for candidates to file in Montana – and two of its candidates immediately filed to run for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.
The Montana Green Party qualified for the 2018 ballot Monday, the final day for candidates to file in Montana – and two of its candidates immediately filed to run for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.
Former Vice President Joe Biden urged Democrats in Helena and across the state Saturday night to fight for the middle class, which he said made America the power and beacon of the modern world.
Former Vice President Joe Biden urged Democrats in Helena and across the state Saturday night to fight for the middle class, which he said made America the power and beacon of the modern world.
A group of Helena high school students, who’ve organized to push for solutions to gun violence, met this week with two of the state’s top elected officials – and talked political strategy with Gov. Steve Bullock.
A group of Helena high school students, who’ve organized to push for solutions to gun violence, met this week with two of the state’s top elected officials – and talked political strategy with Gov. Steve Bullock.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, said to be mulling a presidential run in 2020, is flying into Helena Saturday to headline the Montana Democratic Party’s annual fundraising dinner.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, said to be mulling a presidential run in 2020, is flying into Helena Saturday to headline the Montana Democratic Party’s annual fundraising dinner.
Montana’s expanded Medicaid program, which is now covering 94,000 low-income adults, has had a huge economic impact in the state, creating 5,000 jobs and $280 million of additional personal income, a new study says.
Montana’s expanded Medicaid program, which is now covering 94,000 low-income adults, has had a huge economic impact in the state, creating 5,000 jobs and $280 million of additional personal income, a new study says.
One year into Donald Trump’s presidency, one of his signature achievement has been the rollback of environmental regulations.
One year into Donald Trump’s presidency, one of his signature achievement has been the rollback of environmental regulations.
Montana Green Party officials did not return phone messages from MTN News
Montana Green Party officials did not return phone messages from MTN News
A state judge says a Nebraska-based private insurer is liable for an entire $43 million state settlement of 100 asbestos claims related to Libby’s defunct vermiculite mine – and the full cost to the company is likely more.
A state judge says a Nebraska-based private insurer is liable for an entire $43 million state settlement of 100 asbestos claims related to Libby’s defunct vermiculite mine – and the full cost to the company is likely more.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte met with Helena business leaders Friday to talk tax cuts – but also engaged in a wide-ranging exchange on issues from guns to welfare programs to health care.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte met with Helena business leaders Friday to talk tax cuts – but also engaged in a wide-ranging exchange on issues from guns to welfare programs to health care.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., paid his candidate filing fee Thursday to run for re-election, likely completing the filed of competitors for Montana’s only congressional seat.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., paid his candidate filing fee Thursday to run for re-election, likely completing the filed of competitors for Montana’s only congressional seat.
State Rep. Walt Sales says water is the lifeblood of farms and ranches like his in the booming Gallatin Valley – but that ag operators here have been willing to share the resource, to foster cooperative action when water shortages occur.
State Rep. Walt Sales says water is the lifeblood of farms and ranches like his in the booming Gallatin Valley – but that ag operators here have been willing to share the resource, to foster cooperative action when water shortages occur.
While the new documentary film “Dark Money” highlights Montana’s efforts to shine a light on unreported campaign spending, the state is still fighting a lawsuit that seeks to void its primary enforcement laws.
While the new documentary film “Dark Money” highlights Montana’s efforts to shine a light on unreported campaign spending, the state is still fighting a lawsuit that seeks to void its primary enforcement laws.
Gov. Steve Bullock, who’s been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2020, has scheduled a campaign event in the early presidential-caucus state of Iowa – but not for himself.
Gov. Steve Bullock, who’s been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2020, has scheduled a campaign event in the early presidential-caucus state of Iowa – but not for himself.
Parents of and advocates for the disabled on Monday implored Gov. Steve Bullock to find a way to back off on planned budget cuts to human services in Montana, saying the damaging cuts aren’t necessary.
Parents of and advocates for the disabled on Monday implored Gov. Steve Bullock to find a way to back off on planned budget cuts to human services in Montana, saying the damaging cuts aren’t necessary.
As the national debate on gun violence intensifies, Montana’s members of Congress say they’d like a thoughtful approach to get to the “root cause” of the problem, and believe it can be done through existing law.
As the national debate on gun violence intensifies, Montana’s members of Congress say they’d like a thoughtful approach to get to the “root cause” of the problem, and believe it can be done through existing law.
Hospitals and other health-related organizations Thursday proposed a voter initiative to extend Montana’s expanded Medicaid program past 2019 and raise cigarette and other tobacco taxes to finance it.
Hospitals and other health-related organizations Thursday proposed a voter initiative to extend Montana’s expanded Medicaid program past 2019 and raise cigarette and other tobacco taxes to finance it.
The Bullock administration is going ahead with $37.5 million in proposed budget cuts.
The Bullock administration is going ahead with $37.5 million in proposed budget cuts.
The Republican candidates have been busy beating up on Tester
The Republican candidates have been busy beating up on Tester
Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, who caused a political stir last year when he highlighted 363 mail ballots not counted because of improper signatures, says his office and others have agreed how to review such ballots for possible “voter misconduct.”
Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, who caused a political stir last year when he highlighted 363 mail ballots not counted because of improper signatures, says his office and others have agreed how to review such ballots for possible “voter misconduct.”
Montana may have the wealthiest member in all of Congress – Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte – but he’s far from being the only multimillionaire running for federal office this year in Montana.
Montana may have the wealthiest member in all of Congress – Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte – but he’s far from being the only multimillionaire running for federal office this year in Montana.
Bozeman Justice of the Peace Bryan Adams scheduled Troy Downing’s trial for three days, from May 23-25.
Bozeman Justice of the Peace Bryan Adams scheduled Troy Downing’s trial for three days, from May 23-25.
The Bullock administration said initially it planned to take over case-management duties itself, with state employees.
The Bullock administration said initially it planned to take over case-management duties itself, with state employees.
Belgrade business owner Ron Murray, a Republican who’s been running a low-profile campaign for the U.S. Senate, said Wednesday he’s dropping out of the race.
Belgrade business owner Ron Murray, a Republican who’s been running a low-profile campaign for the U.S. Senate, said Wednesday he’s dropping out of the race.
Montana cities and counties are getting $6.2 million in additional road-maintenance money this year from higher state fuel taxes – and local officials say it’s a badly needed influx of infrastructure cash.
Montana cities and counties are getting $6.2 million in additional road-maintenance money this year from higher state fuel taxes – and local officials say it’s a badly needed influx of infrastructure cash.
A federal judge has upheld Montana’s ban on automated political “robo-calls” – although the 27-year-old ban has seldom, if ever, been enforced.
A federal judge has upheld Montana’s ban on automated political “robo-calls” – although the 27-year-old ban has seldom, if ever, been enforced.
Firearms manufacturer Remington reportedly is filing for bankruptcy protection, in the face of falling sales and lawsuits related to the 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings. But a Montana man who's criticized the company told MTN News Monday he believes the company’s financial woes also are linked to public knowledge that its products are dangerous.
Firearms manufacturer Remington reportedly is filing for bankruptcy protection, in the face of falling sales and lawsuits related to the 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings. But a Montana man who's criticized the company told MTN News Monday he believes the company’s financial woes also are linked to public knowledge that its products are dangerous.
Supporters of the state’s expanded Medicaid coverage for 91,000 Montanans, set to expire in mid-2019 unless the Legislature extends it, are mulling whether to run a voter initiative this year to extend the program, MTN News has learned.
Supporters of the state’s expanded Medicaid coverage for 91,000 Montanans, set to expire in mid-2019 unless the Legislature extends it, are mulling whether to run a voter initiative this year to extend the program, MTN News has learned.
Gov. Steve Bullock says he won’t rush into a new contract with the operator of the private prison in Shelby – even though it could yield the state as much as $30 million to offset planned budget cuts of “essential services” for the poor and disabled.
Gov. Steve Bullock says he won’t rush into a new contract with the operator of the private prison in Shelby – even though it could yield the state as much as $30 million to offset planned budget cuts of “essential services” for the poor and disabled.
He said his immediate political goals are to help Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester get re-elected
He said his immediate political goals are to help Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester get re-elected
Fagg, 57 of Billings, noted that he’s been endorsed by Montana’s previous three Republican governors.
Fagg, 57 of Billings, noted that he’s been endorsed by Montana’s previous three Republican governors.
A leading Republican lawmaker Friday said the Bullock administration must share the blame for looming budget cuts to human services in Montana – and that the governor could help defray the cuts if he chooses.
A leading Republican lawmaker Friday said the Bullock administration must share the blame for looming budget cuts to human services in Montana – and that the governor could help defray the cuts if he chooses.
A political action committee formed by Gov. Steve Bullock to boost his national profile raised $464,000 last year, with donations from wealthy individuals in New York, California and other locales.
A political action committee formed by Gov. Steve Bullock to boost his national profile raised $464,000 last year, with donations from wealthy individuals in New York, California and other locales.
Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte reported Wednesday that he’s raised a respectable $543,000 toward his re-election campaign this year – but two of his Democratic potential challengers are pretty much keeping up in the money chase.
Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte reported Wednesday that he’s raised a respectable $543,000 toward his re-election campaign this year – but two of his Democratic potential challengers are pretty much keeping up in the money chase.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat running this year for his third term, reported Wednesday that he’s cracked the $9 million mark in total campaign fundraising – and has more than 10 times the money of any potential challenger.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat running this year for his third term, reported Wednesday that he’s cracked the $9 million mark in total campaign fundraising – and has more than 10 times the money of any potential challenger.
Jacobs: "There was a local TV crew there when Gianforte body slammed me."
Jacobs: "There was a local TV crew there when Gianforte body slammed me."
Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, claimed on Wednesday afternoon that he was assaulted by Greg Gianforte, the GOP candidate for Montana's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, claimed on Wednesday afternoon that he was assaulted by Greg Gianforte, the GOP candidate for Montana's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Greg Gianforte, Rob Quist, and Mark Wicks are competing to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Greg Gianforte, Rob Quist, and Mark Wicks are competing to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The election is less than four weeks away – and absentee ballots are in the mail Monday.
The election is less than four weeks away – and absentee ballots are in the mail Monday.
Baucus discussed U.S. relations with China, the Affordable Care Act, and the current atmosphere in the U.S. Senate.
Baucus discussed U.S. relations with China, the Affordable Care Act, and the current atmosphere in the U.S. Senate.
Bill proposals like this one are not new, as several have failed to pass in recent years.
Bill proposals like this one are not new, as several have failed to pass in recent years.
MT State Senator Ryan Osmundson has introduced a bill in the Legislature to exempt Montana from the time-change.
MT State Senator Ryan Osmundson has introduced a bill in the Legislature to exempt Montana from the time-change.
The address is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The address is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
He says he feels like he's been "representing Montana for years" in different ways during his life.
He says he feels like he's been "representing Montana for years" in different ways during his life.
State auditor-elect Matt Rosendale has announced his first staff appointments, including current state senator Kris Hansen of Havre.
State auditor-elect Matt Rosendale has announced his first staff appointments, including current state senator Kris Hansen of Havre.
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and the State Board of Canvassers certified the election results of CI-116, also known as Marsy's Law, on Monday. The certification by the Board of Canvassers had been delayed after two members of the board initially refused to sign off the results. They felt the constitutional initiative should take effect on July 1st of 2017. The Montana Attorney General's Office previously said the law should take effect immediately. Those who want the delay b...
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and the State Board of Canvassers certified the election results of CI-116, also known as Marsy's Law, on Monday. The certification by the Board of Canvassers had been delayed after two members of the board initially refused to sign off the results. They felt the constitutional initiative should take effect on July 1st of 2017. The Montana Attorney General's Office previously said the law should take effect immediately. Those who want the delay b...
Montana’s three electors will meet on December 19th to cast their electoral college ballots for president.
Montana’s three electors will meet on December 19th to cast their electoral college ballots for president.
Election 2016 Results From Across Montana
Election 2016 Results From Across Montana
Governor Bullock received the endorsement of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance in his re-election campaign.
Governor Bullock received the endorsement of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance in his re-election campaign.
Among the recommendations: including salary ranges in job postings, and not asking applicants about their previous wages.
Among the recommendations: including salary ranges in job postings, and not asking applicants about their previous wages.
Results from Montana's primary election on June 7th, 2016:
Results from Montana's primary election on June 7th, 2016:
Gov. Steve Bullock Tuesday appointed a citizen council to help draft Montana’s proposed rules to limit carbon emissions in the state – and the fossil-fuel and utility industries are well-represented.
MTN News took a closer look at the school-specific data.
MTN News took a closer look at the school-specific data.
McLean (D) announced her upcoming resignation on Monday.
We have been told that authorities plan to file charges against the people responsible.
We have been told that authorities plan to file charges against the people responsible.
A fire near Choteau destroyed a Cascade Public School teacher's home on Monday.
A fire near Choteau destroyed a Cascade Public School teacher's home on Monday.
They still do not know the woman's identity, or why or how she entered the river.
They still do not know the woman's identity, or why or how she entered the river.
William Patrick Rose III was charged on April 18th with attempted deliberate homicide for the shooting.
William Patrick Rose III was charged on April 18th with attempted deliberate homicide for the shooting.
