Heenan/Downing Lead Challenger Fundraising
Since the last time we’ve touched base, we’ve all seen the back of President Trump’s head. That video bummed us all out, but we gotta press on and focus Montana politics. Speaking of hair, check out the new GOP attack ad on Senator Tester. It’s fun, but is it effective? We’ll see.
Let’s Talk Turkey
Candidates in both races have all reported some impressive fundraising numbers. Republicans as a group are finding more cash, but the Democrat side is reporting some decent numbers as well. Let’s have a look:
Congressman Gianforte has raised about $5.5 million, but is darn near tapped-out according to current FEC numbers and has slightly less cash on hand than John Heenan. But remember, Congressman Gianforte is the wealthiest member of Congress, and he can self-fund his campaign.
Senator Tester reports a massive war chest of $6.3 million with most of that on hand. Here’s how the challengers are stacking up to the man with the flat top:
Perhaps most impressively, former judge Russ Fagg of Billings pulled in over $600,000 since the last report. Fagg is vying to challenge State Auditor Matt Rosendale for front-runner status against Senator Tester. While Troy Downing of Big Sky continues to be outstanding in fundraising, his hunting license controversies and ‘deep state’ conspiracy theories are ultimately likely to sink his candidacy. (Downing was also the most recent guest on Montana’s #1 politics podcast, the Montana Middle. Check it out here.)
On the House side, Kathleen Williams of Bozeman posted some decent fundraising numbers but still lags far behind John Heenan of Billings and and Grant Keir of Missoula.
Meanwhile the Deans of Havre caused a school lock-down and continue making news in their own way. They unsurprisingly have not raised any cash.
Democrats Lay Out Their Platforms in Missoula
With Tom Woods’ early departure from the race, Heenan appears to be positioning himself as the progressive candidate à la Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders. Other candidates seem to be posturing as moderates and pragmatists. This article from the Missoula Current has a good wrap-up of the event from February 8. Also, this Saturday, Gianforte’s prospective challengers will meet in Bozeman for a debate! We will be sure to keep you in the loop on that.
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