Montana has been in the national spotlight many times recently. First the election of Jon Tester who (along with Jim Webb) swayed the United States Senate, then this year because of the June 3rd Presidential Primary. With these two Democratic victories in the big sky state, the question remains, does Montana truly remain a red state, or are some cracks forming through which new candidates might get an opportunity to make change?
Montana has long been a place in a sort of strange political balance. In some ways resembling Washington or Oregon with regards to the sharp political divide between city and rural life, but in many ways different due to the lack of a single large urban area with a population sizable enough to sway politics in any given direction. Montana's population is spread across cities nestled in lush mountain valleys, and others cities on the high plains. One thing is certain Montana has a complex set of issues and peoples which need representation.
Montana has traditionally been represented by two Democratic Senators, and there have only been two Republican Senators representing Montana in the National Senate since 1911. While other political positions in Montana have more evenly represented the two parties, the last three years Democrat Brian Schweitzer has served as Montana Governor. While the House representative from Montana is a Republican, the Montana Senate is comprised of a Democratic majority, and the Montana House majority is held by republicans by a narrow 50-49 margin.
The possibility of Montana ending up either closely contested, or even going for Obama in the fall seems a distinct possibility in the newer political climate in Montana where increasing numbers of young people are becoming politically active. However, this new younger demographic and trending toward a "bluer" Montana are even being felt in more traditionally "red" parts of Montana.
One such "Red" area, Ravalli County, down the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of southwestern Montana, serves as a sort of microcosm of the issues and problems facing Montana on the whole. Policy battles between the incumbent Republican majority in the state legislature and various interest groups have lead to a climate of non-action in one of the most economically damaged areas in the nation. Even Jared Diamond (best-selling author of "Guns, Germs, and Steel") mentions the economic and land-resource problems of southwestern Montana in his book "Collapse".
However, a wind of change is also blowing across Montana. As mentioned above the republicans entrenched in power in the state are being ousted for people who are more concerned with Montana's development toward responsible policies regarding our future. Down the Bitterroot Valley one such entrenched Republican is being seriously challenged for his seat. Republican Ron Stoker's voting record has shown a disinterest in both the natural beauty and resources of Montana (through his voting record on environmental issues) and the future of Montana's children (through his voting record on education and minimum-wage issues)
The challenger down the Bitterroot Valley is Peter Rosten. Like others across the state Peter believes that a primary concern right now is the economy. Toward developing jobs in Montana Peter formed and taught the Media Arts in the Public Schools (www.mediarts.org) program through Montana Schools. This program taught young people important skills in media production, as well as general business and employment skills better preparing them to build a stronger work-force in Montana. Montana's legislature is a true citizen government, and relies heavily on the ability of the people there to make a good living. In Montana there are no full time politicians, but concerned citizens ready to do the right thing.
Looking toward the bipartisan work being done on the national level Peter believes that we do need to put our country before our party, but moreover we need to develop Montana (and other areas) into viable areas where young people can build lives. This, is where the entrenched "red" political system, both in Montana, and on the national stage, has failed. This is why a bluer Montana will be a better Montana.
Interested in helping sway the Montana house majority blue? With one victory it could happen.
check out the Rosten for HD87 website at www.peterrosten.com
where you can view our video "I Won't Back Down"