Democrats allege that Attorney General Knudsen violated campaign finance rules. Tester is confident he can outperform President Biden in Montana. Are the recent school levy failures due to more than just tax fatigue?
Campaign Beat is MTPR’s weekly political analysis program. Sally Mauk from MTPR is joined by Lee Newspapers State Bureau Chief Holly Michels and UM Political Science Professor and Mansfield Center Fellow Rob Saldin. MTPR News Director Corin Cates-Carney is filling in for Sally today. Missoulian State Bureau Reporter Seaborn Larson is filling in for Holly.
Corin Cates-Carney: The Daily Montanan reportedly obtained audio of a speech from Austin Knudsen, where he discussed recruiting a primary opponent to raise more campaign funds. Montana Democrats have filed complaints related to this. What is the latest on this situation?
Seaborn Larson: Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices is investigating complaints about Knudsen recruiting a candidate to raise more money. Sheila Hogan from the Montana Democratic Party filed the complaints. The allegations are about circumventing campaign finance laws by having a secondary candidate to raise additional funds.
Corin Cates-Carney: How have Knudsen and Olson responded to these allegations?
Seaborn Larson: Knudsen’s campaign believes they are following the law and expects the complaints to be dismissed. Olson is defending his qualifications for the role. The situation is being looked into by the Commissioner of Political Practices, who enforces state campaign laws.
Olson has not addressed questions about his recruitment into the race. Democrats emphasize the connections between Knudsen and Olson, raising concerns about their shared campaign manager and treasurer.
Senator Jon Tester is aiming to outperform President Biden in the upcoming election, recognizing the challenges posed by the state’s political dynamics.
Election results have highlighted challenges for candidates in Montana, especially with recent school levy failures attributed to tax fatigue and potential lack of confidence in public schools.
Frictions between the legislature and the judiciary are influencing election campaigns for state Supreme Court seats and the Clerk of Court position.
The campaigning for judicial positions has been impacted by partisan dynamics, with some candidates aligning themselves with political parties, while others emphasize the importance of judicial independence.
As the primary election approaches on June 4th, absentee ballots have been sent out to voters, setting the stage for an eventful political season.
