Quick Takes: Missoulian on Bullock, Daines on Environment, War on Property Rights, and More

In light of an ill-considered and largely intemperate editorial that has Montana Republicans terribly excited, I was reminded of another Missoulian editorial about Steve Bullock and John Walsh, from October 2012:

Bullock’s running mate, recently retired Adjutant General for Montana John Walsh, is a well-known and well-respected name throughout Montana. He served in the Montana National Guard for more than 30 years, and led the state unit into Iraq in 2004.

Both men know a thing or two about what it takes to lead large, complex organizations. And they have offered a cohesive, coherent plan for Montana’s economic future.

That sounds like both a ringing endorsement of Governor Bullock’s judgment and Senator Walsh’s qualifications to me.

Walsh will all but certainly face Representative Steve Daines in the November 2014 election, and the media would do well to report that Daines is no friend of Montana’s environment, having achieved a worse environmental record than Dennis Rehberg did. According to the Montana Conservation Voters:

Executive Director Theresa Keaveny says congressman Daines scored less than congressman Rehberg did when Rehberg made the dirty dozen list in 2012.

The 2013 environmental scorecard ranks Senator Baucus at 85%, Senator Tester at 92%, and congressman Daines at 4%.

Want to understand a practical implication of the abuse of eminent domain? Look no further than Alexis Bonogofsky’s report about the proposed Tongue River Railroad route:

Regardless of your political affiliation or your views on coal you have to ask yourself if seizing people’s property against their will so a corporation can make massive profits is right?

There’s more excellent news out today about Montana’s schools. On the heels of reports about increased graduation rates across the state, the College Board is touting the achievement of Montana students on Advanced Placement exams, which offer the promise of college credit and advanced coursework. In the last decade, Montana schools have seen a 38% increase in the number of students taking the exams—while results continue to be excellent. While local districts are certainly making strides, it’s hard to ignore the sustained leadership from Denise Juneau and the Office of Public Instruction that has driven both improved scores and graduation rates.

If you appreciate an independent voice holding Montana politicians accountable and informing voters, and you can throw a few dollars a month our way, we would certainly appreciate it.