Montana Democrats Royal Rumble in Bozeman
Four of the Democrats running to challenge Congressman Greg Gianforte met on Saturday night at the newly opened Rialto Theater in Bozeman for the Montana U.S. House Democratic candidate debate. John Heenan, Grant Keir, Kathleen Williams (check her out on the most recent episode of the Montana Middle Podcast) and Jared Pettinato squared-off for about an hour and half of debate in front of a packed house of alpaca-hat-wearing, Subaru-driving Gallatin County Democrats. Candidate Lynda Moss of Billings did not attend the event. If you’re interested in watching the whole shootin’ match, we have it here.
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Both Williams and Kier shared compelling personal stories and registered strong debate performances. Pettinato came across as the least-experienced candidate and flubbed a few questions. But John Heenan clearly landed the strongest debate performance with consistent messaging and the most polished delivery. The pescatarian from Billings also dished out the red meat by eviscerating Gianforte and President Trump at every opportunity, much to the enjoyment of the deep blue Bozeman crowd.
Guns
Guns are an important issue on any campaign in Montana. This year will be no different. How the Democratic candidates form their policy positions on firearms could be the single most important policy and messaging issue of the campaign.
Following the recent school massacre in Florida, gun control was on the top of everyone’s mind Saturday night, and the first question of the evening asked the candidates for their ideas on the issue. Here’s what they had to say:
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Pettinato said we should focus on enforcing our current laws and ensure the ATF has the budget and resources it needs to fight gun crime.
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Kier advocated the repeal of the Dickie Amendment (the law that has virtually made it impossible for the Center for Disease Control to study gun violence as a public health issue for the past twenty years).
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Kathleen Williams advocated the ban of the AR-15.
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Heenan vowed to not take a penny of NRA money, recommended closing the gun show loophole and banning bump stocks.
Left, Right, and Center
The candidates agreed on many things throughout the evening, but Heenan laid out the most progressive agenda. He was the only candidate that supported Medicaid-for-all. Kier was perhaps the most moderate of the group, focusing on bringing people together and bridging the divide between urban and rural America. He was also the only candidate that opposed a $15/hr federal minimum wage. All candidates expressed frustration with campaign finance laws and the Trump tax plan. Kathleen Williams even advocated for the repeal of the Trump era tax cuts.
Mic-Drop of the Evening: John Hennan [Figuratively] Body Slams Gianforte
Question: “What is your approach to the constant and persistent attacks against the free press?”
John Heenan’s answer: “Stop electing politicians that engage in violent rhetoric and that commit violence towards journalists.” Heenan’s quip drew one of the loudest applause lines of the evening.
Facepalm of the Evening: Jared Pettinato Goes Nuclear
Question: “Can you envision any scenario where you would support the use of nuclear weapons?”
The question was posed to all four candidates. Williams: “No.” Kier: “No.” Heenan: “No.” Pettinato: “Maybe.” Come on, man! This was an easy one.
As we move into March and edge ever closer to the primary in May, we’ll continue to cover all things #mtpol in 2018. Coming up, we’ll keep an eye on the annual Mansfield Metcalf Dinner the Democrats are hosting March 10 in Helena with special guest V.P. Joe Biden. Later this month, we’ll also cover the Republican Senatorial primary debate on March 22 in Bozeman.
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