big sky democrats

Check out this web ad for Kendall Van Dyk. Its a quick introduction of who he is and what he stands for. Kendall is exactly the kind of new leader we need in Helena. Kendall is smart, hard working and dedicated to issues Montanans care about: education, jobs, access to public lands.

But Kendall is in the middle of the hotest legislative race in the state right now, and the bottom line is that many of the old guard are afraid of new leadership. (The same arguments were made against leaders like Nancy Keenan and Max Baucus when they first ran.) This race is is a referendum on whether we move Montana forward or remain stuck in yesterday's fights.

Primary elections are two weeks away, and in the absence of hard work, solid platforms, and integrity, some candidates are choosing to use ad hominem attacks against their more qualified opponents. This is nothing new in politics, and at this time in a campaign, the person flailing wildly to toss mud at their opponent is usually the person weeping into their beer after a making a phone call congratulating the winner of the campaign.

Matt over at Left in the West pointed the finger at one Montana legislative candidate behaving just as I’ve described. It seems as though Michele Reinhart’s primary opponent is attempting to paint a picture of Michele that is less than favorable, regardless of the facts. After making a phone call to his local temp agency to buy himself some ‘volunteers’, he proceeded to call Michele an ‘environmental extremist’.

The Big Sky Democrats are kicking things off in Lewistown tonight. Check it out.

Nick Lawyer, one of four candidates endorsed in the primary election for the state legislature by the Big Sky Democrats, has gone live with his website -- and he needs your help before Saturday. more

Alright, I’m stumping for my boy Kendall, but please feel free to substitute your favorite BSD endorsed candidate.

With $50 bucks…

You can buy…. Three rounds of Appletinis for you, the hot chick at the bar and her birth control friend (neither one will go home with you).
Kendall can buy….. about 35 yard signs.

You can buy…. half a tank of gas for your Chevy Behemoth SUV, which will only take you about 25 miles.
Kendall can buy…..165 direct mail pieces to send to targeted voters in his district.

You can buy…. two tickets to the latest Tom Cruise Crapfest, M:I:3, including drinks, popcorn and gas (she still won’t go home with you).

Come and welcome the Big Sky Democrats to Central Montana as the Lewistown chapter holds their inaugural event. Come meet Dan Teigen who is running for SD15. All are welcome to this relaxed get together to meet Dan, visit with old friends and make new ones.

When: Thursday, May 18 at 7pm

Where: The home of Beau and Smith Workswright
303 Fluorite, Lewistown

Did anyone else want to throw up last weekend after reading the Great Falls Tribune story about Dennis Rehberg’s meeting with Bono? I did.

Here’s why:

Bono is cool. Rehberg is so NOT cool. Bono actually cares about his mission helping African countries. Rehberg is a politician’s politician and he only met with Bono so Mini-Me could get an autograph and brag to his friend – yeah, friend singular. Ick!

Come out and support these Big Sky Democrats...

Kevin Furey for House District 91 Fundraiser
When: Friday, May 5th, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: The home of David and Monica Paoli
106 E. Crestline Avenue in Missoula

BBQ and Kickball Party Fundraiser for
Betsy Hands and Michele Reinhart
Saturday May 6th, 6-9pm at Franklin Park
Corner of 10th and Kemp, Missoula
Bring: Your favorite beverage in CANS, a side dish, and your check book! Burgers provided.

Michele Reinhart for House District 97 Fundraiser
When: Thursday, May 18th, 5 - 7:30pm.
Where: The home of Jeff Bookwalter
429 E. Spruce in Missoula

In Montana, the details of the immigration reform debate can sometimes be lost in the large brush-strokes, as Montana has fewer illegals visibly contributing to society than states like California, Arizona, and Florida.

However, it's stories like these that help us keep in touch with our Commander in Chief's grip on the situation. Even with a nearly 100-year history of attempts to welcome those of another tongue to our country, and with stories floating about President Bush tuning in en espanol, the official story? He's not literate in Spanish, either.

Group Backs 4 Young Democrats for State Legislature

HELENA – The Big Sky Democrats weighed in on the primary election for the Montana legislature today, endorsing four young Democrats for the Montana House of Representatives.

The Big Sky Democrats, with more than 400 members across Montana, has launched a first-of-its kind initiative to build a new generation of Montana leaders and “pump new blood into the Democratic Party,” said Tim Tatarka, Big Sky Democrats Political Director.

“These endorsements are an important step to toward fulfilling our group’s mission: mobilizing young people and building a new generation of Montana leadership,” Tatarka said. “We’re going to raise money, provide grassroots resources, and do everything we can to get these folks elected.” Here's the list.