big sky democrats

Back by popular demand, Big Sky Democrats officials are preparing a May Hot List to show who’s hot and who’s not this month. But we’re taking this idea to the streets -- kicking it back to our readers for some creative juice.

If you have an idea for the Hot List, send us an e-mail with “Hot List” in the subject line. Ideas should include both a “Hot” entry and a “Not Hot” entry. A panel of judges will pick the most creative entries for the May list. Please submit by May 7. (Please indicate whether or not you want your identity shared and we’ll give credit where credit is due, if not all entries will be anonymous.) more

Kate Steadman of TPM Café has high praise for Max Baucus' new bill to simplify the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Steadman writes: “A bill reducing the options, currently at an average of 41 per region, to six plans still allows for ample choice while destroying the barriers of confusion currently keeping out millions of beneficaries.”

Baucus is also opposing the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Health Care Bill proposed by Sen. Enzi of Wyo. Way to go Max!

Conrad Burns took the day off as other more serious contenders debated at a health care forum in Helena. A pointer for organizers of similar events who’d like to see CB show up: No money—no Conrad. Check out the article below:

http://www.gftribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/NEWS01/605010304/1002

Primary Endorsements Rolling in for Kendall

Word around the campfire is that Teamsters Local 190 in Billings has endorsed Kendall Van Dyk in the primary and general race for House District 49. Such endorsements are rare in primaries and Kendall already picked up an MCV primary endorsement. What a tremendous groundswell of support in a primary race! more

As we move toward the November election, the Big Sky Dems have launched a “New Era” campaign focused on recruiting and supporting young candidates for the Montana Legislature.

This first-of-its kind initiative is focused on three major components: 1) grassroots organizing, 2) communications, and 3) fundraising. We need your help with number 3 right away.

Please contribute today to our New Era Campaign by clicking here. Don’t want to give online? Send a check to Big Sky Democrats. Box 1161. Billings. 59103. Your contribution will help the Big Sky Democrats turn a new day in Montana into a new era in Montana.

National Journal's Hotline - Montana 4-27-06

MONTANA: Innocent Until Proven You've Hired An Atty more

Count it down! For $8.95 you can keep track on your keychain. Check out www.backwardsbush.com. It's not as far away as you think.

Here’s news: Kendall Van Dyk, a founding member and former Regional Director of the Big Sky Democrats, has picked up the Montana Conservation Voters’ endorsement in his primary race for House District 49 in Billings. Congratulations Kendall!

Also, check out Kendall’s new website. He has a fundraising module up, so now would be a good time to kick down for the ranch-kid-outdoorsman who will work harder and deliver more.

Today's Montana Standard opinions page includes my Op Ed on Equal Pay Day.

This doesn't get a lot of play in Montana during election cycles, because it's fraught with boring statistics, and national averages of a particular group are not always the stuff that makes sexy TV commercials. However, it's an issue we should all concern ourselves with.

Here's the story in its entirety:

Equal Pay Day

Montana women come up short
By Jennifer Hensley - 04/25/2006

Today, Tuesday, April 25, is the national observance of Equal Pay Day, the day when women and men around the country recognize the wage gap between working women and men, and offer remedies to address pay inequity.

If you are living in Missoula, you have no excuse whatsoever for not showing up to the BSD Meet-the-Candidates Mixer on Thursday night at the Union Club. The BSDs have RSVPs for the event from every Democrat running for the legislature in the Missoula area. This is your chance to mingle with them in an informal setting while sipping an adult beverage and kickin' it to some live jazz. What other group can offer this kind of venue with the future leaders from the Garden City? Be there or be lame……