Gulf of America
Well-known member
Any theories as to why Zinke, who had to be the presumptive favorite, would bow out? Is it just because the prospect of being in the minority post-26 sounds like no fun?
Mid Term Election - Zinke vs D TBD
- Thread starter MTGomer
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Nameless Range
Well-known member
Though I don't think he lives in that district,Aaron Flint, UPOM fanboy, is rumored to be interested.
From the email I received:
“While my belief in term limits for elected office is a consideration, I have quietly undergone multiple surgeries since I returned to Congress and unfortunately face several more immediately after leaving office. The injuries sustained from a career in Special Operations are not immediately life threatening, but the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with my wife Lola and my family. My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes.”
Irrelevant
Well-known member
If true, it's a reasonable position.
Gulf of America
Well-known member
It does sound like a reasonable decision, but waiting until 2 days before the filing deadline to announce makes me question it. I guess it could have been an intentional move give his preferred candidate an inside track without challengers and a messy primary.
Pretty curious to lead the charge on overturning the Boundary Waters mining ban, seemingly in contradiction with his past positions, then suddenly decide to bow out of the race. I bet his "leadership" is rewarded with a pretty cush part time consultant gig soon enough.
Irrelevant
Well-known member
Honestly gives the Ds the advantage, no?
Gulf of America
Well-known member
Hard to say. A real wild-card could emerge from a 3-way primary that would turn more folks off than a party-preferred (ie Daines pick) candidate.
rogerthat
Well-known member
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This is too bad. Zinke was my favorite MT congressional delegate. I hope all is well with his health.
Carnage2011
Well-known member
He was the only one that I trusted at all. Didn’t always agree with him but I’m not sure if we get the PLT stuff shut down last time without him.
Agreed. Daines and Heshee’s canned responses to anything public land related que me in that they don’t care.
Nameless Range
Well-known member
Flint is clearly the front runner now, with Gianforte, Zinke, Downing, and Sheehy already endorsing him.
Flint has spent quite a few years now shilling for Americans for Prosperity. I assume they paid him, but I don’t know. Either way, they were one of the leading proponents of public land transfer when it was rearing its head a few years back. He also relies on Chuck Denowh, who seems to be the spokesperson for UPOM, for a lot of opinions. You only have to listen to his radio show for a couple weeks to see it.
The Republican Party in Montana is a different critter than it was 15 years ago.
Carnage2011
Well-known member
I listened to it a couple times and that was enough for me. I’m hoping there is someone else to give him a run or we’re in deep shit.
D4570
Well-known member
Zinke just announced he will retire at the end of his term.
Gulf of America
Well-known member
Al Olszewski threw his hat in the ring (and hinted something similar about the suspect timing). I know he’s a perennial candidate but idk if he’s any better than Flint on things we care about. 2 days isn’t much time for someone to determine whether they can drum up the resources for what promises to be a very expensive race.
This is what’s concerning these days. Doesn’t seem like most people can break tickets and vote their conscience. Only matters if it’s an R or a D.
SAJ-99
Well-known member
This will be interesting to watch. I respected Zinke for being willing to say publicly what his position was on public lands and hold to it. Oftentimes that courage in DC is nonexistent. However, even agreeing on public lands staying public, I certainly disagreed with him on the broader topic of conservation. He was aligned with the general view of destroying things in the name of profit. I'm sure he will be fine and end up as a well-paid consultant somewhere.
It would certainly be great to see Montanans move away from MAGA and back toward center with some emphasis on the things they value. Independents should be shown the opportunity. Republicans across the country are certainly feeling heat just for the R. I can't remember the Montana party taking out an attack on an Independent, like ever, but someone will fill in my memory.
dailymontanan.com
It would certainly be great to see Montanans move away from MAGA and back toward center with some emphasis on the things they value. Independents should be shown the opportunity. Republicans across the country are certainly feeling heat just for the R. I can't remember the Montana party taking out an attack on an Independent, like ever, but someone will fill in my memory.
Republicans cut first ad attacking Seth Bodnar, potential Daines challenger • Daily Montanan
Republicans cut first ad attacking Seth Bodnar, potential Daines challenger
dailymontanan.com
Nameless Range
Well-known member
Christi Jacobsen has thrown her hat in the ring. I'd take her over Flint or Dr. Al. It's interesting to follow some of the Montana GOP dorks on twitter. They kind of talk $h!t about her a fair amount, largely because she seem at least a bit capable of independent thought. Flint definitely has the backing of the Trump acolytes - which is what most of the Montana GOP is nowadays.
Straight Arrow
Well-known member
Yes ... and Flint is a super MAGA-ite. 'Don't know what his stance would be on public lands, but I have watched his positions for years and continue to be alarmed at his talk show rhetoric and amazed that he as a Montanan can be so un-Montana in far right wing mania.
morley.tyler
Well-known member
Wants to spend more time learning how to hold a fly rod. You know, True Montanan...
