big sky democrats

via Mt Demo Party....

Baucus, Schweitzer, Tester, Lindeen, Morrison tour state to kick off campaign

Helena, MT - The Montana Democratic Party today released the schedule for the ‘Path to Victory' Tour and kicked off the 2006 general election campaign.

Joining U.S. Senate candidate Sen. Jon Tester(D-Big Sandy) and U.S. House candidate Monica Lindeen (D-Huntley) will be Montana's Senior U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, Gov. Brian Schweitzer and State Auditor John Morrison in a day of rallies around the state.

On Friday June 16th, Tester, Lindeen, Baucus, Schweitzer and Morrison will travel to Billings, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula for a series of events to introduce Montana voters to the Democrats' federal candidates for 2006. details

Thank you Max. Thanks for standing up for what is the right thing to do. Thanks 100 times over for taking a stand and NOT voting for the Federal Marriage Amendment.

After almost 2 weeks of hateful newspaper ads, push poll calls, e-mails and not being able to turn on your TV without hearing about "Activist Judges" and "1 man and 1 woman" the Senate again took up the issue of a Constitutional amendment which would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman only. I for one am grateful that once again this amendment failed yesterday, and to see our own Montana Senior Senator Max Baucus stand up and vote against what I think could have become an embarrassing time in our country's history. Once again, when it was important to me, Max made the right decision. Prejudice and hate has no place in my house, and it is good to see it has no place in our Country either.

I just received this from my wonderful wife. In case we were running out of reasons to eliminate Repubs, here are a few more:

"Just wanted to pass on some of the "good news" I received this morning... (yes, you detect sarcasm.... )

The President's 2007 budget proposal to congress contains a number of changes to employment related programs:
* Occupational and Employment Information - Eliminated
* Vocational & Technical Education Basic State Grants & Tech Prep - Eliminated
* TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Talent Search - Eliminated
* GEAR UP - Eliminated
* Dropout Prevention - Eliminated
* Elementary and Secondary School Counseling - Eliminated
* Employment Services/One-Stop Career Centers - Reduced by 95%
* Adult Employment and Training - reduced by $145 million
* High School Reform (New) - $1.5 billion added (what exactly is this?)
* American Competitiveness Initiative (New) - $380 million added (and what is this?)

Why prevent problems.... I guess we'll just pay for the consequences later.."

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!