When I bring up Midwest and Western politics to people, all too often people want to dismiss the results, but in Big Sky Country, the Democratic Party has been far less toothless than anyone would expect. Despite Trump’s prevailing numbers in the fall general, the Democratic Party still holds significant state-wide offices, including Senator John Tester and recently-elected Governor Steve Bullock.
With the appointment of their representative, Ryan Zinke, to the department of the Interior, Montana Democratic party members had a choice of several candidates, and decided that Rob Quist would be their candidate going into the May 25 election.
Quist, who has never served in politics before, has a special role in Montana — as a true cowboy, poet, and performer, his connection with the people of Montana goes back decades, leading former Governor Brian Schweitzer to say: “Rob Quist is Montana.”
Quist has been a staple at Montana county events, and while many may not have associated him with his politics in those forums, large numbers of people in Montana know who he is — and have appreciated his efforts to improve their state.
Taking to a local radio host, Quist offered his “campaign theme song”
Honored by the University of Montana for his art and promotion of the state, Quist ran for office as an outsider: “I may not be like DC” he told constituents, “but I’m a lot like you.”
The message resonated this afternoon in the Democratic state meeting, where Quist, after 3 ballots, prevailed 90-69.
Party officials tell me “Quist is the real deal, and he connects with voters everywhere in this state.”
Quist will build his campaign around direct outreach to Montana residents, something his campaign points out he has done for years.
Quist is likely to face off against Greg Gianforte, who served as a Republican candidate for governor last fall in a losing race against Democratic Governor Bullock.
Gianforteran afoul of Facebook, when, in a campaign speech he argued that Facebookdecided not to expand to Montana based on tax policy, causing Facebook to go onthe offensive,saying they had never spoken to the Republican candidate and the tax was not the reason for their decision.
Montana Democratic Party members hope their straight-shooting, well-liked local artist can overcome a wealthy Republican, with a bit of an honesty problem, come May.
The state support for Trump, who won there handily, tell political scientists this race favors the well-moneyed Republican.
Former State Auditor John Morrison certainly is not counting him out, “For decades, we have known him like family and he has been our friend. His values, his passions, and his causes are the kind that makes Montana proud. Let's make Rob Montana's congressman. Because no one represents Montana better than Rob Quist. ”
Learn more about Rob Quist: robquistformontana.com/...