big sky democrats

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……

The April 24 edition of TIME will name Sen. Conrad Burns one of the five worst Senators serving today. TIME notes that Burns is "in trouble with the law," "serially offensive," and calls his 17 year record "meager."

Click here for link to the story, the section on Burns is pasted below.

And in maybe-not-so-unrelated news, the AP reported over the weekend that Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn said that he expects six congressmen and a fellow senator will go to jail on corruption charges following investigations involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Refusing to name names, Coburn said, "if you've been keeping up with things, you've got a pretty good idea" of who the seven lawmakers are.

Thats right! According to a recent SurveyUSA poll released Wednesday, almost 3 out of 4 Montanans approve of his performance. In fact, coupled with his very low disapproval (only 18%), he is the third most popular governor in the U.S.

Keep it up, Gov!!

The Missoula Big Sky Democrats are throwing a party for our local Democrats who are running for the state legislature. Stop by and mingle with your future state senators and representatives!

The Meet the Candidates Mixer
Thursday, April 20th
5:30-7pm
The Union Club
208 East Main Street , Missoula

Featuring live music by THE JAZZ GUISE

This event is free and open to all those ages 21 and over.

ALSO, be sure to bring your $20 Big Sky Democrats membership dues if you haven't renewed yet for 2006.