Hey my good Kos friends … I’m about to head out on a final canvassing run, squeezing out those last few votes here in bright blue Missoula, MT. Over my 20 years living here, I’ve seen our state shift from purple to red but today, I’m hopeful the pendulum starts to swing back toward purple en route to blue in the next decade. Why? For one, we’ve been seeing the polls tighten up, with Jon Tester surging, Ryan Busse (our gubernatorial candidate) getting closer and Monica Tranel, running for our competitive Western MT Congressional District, nipping on Ryan Zinke’s heels. Here was the last poll pre-election, partisan but a good sample:
Same poll has Monica Tranel only 1% down (MOE of 5%). We’re also seeing our abortion initiative (CI-128) up 62-36%! That’s going to sail to victory and provide some coattails to pro-choice candidates.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen loads of new registrations for women, young folks and Native Americans. I’ve seen declining GOP enthusiasm, hardly any Trump signs even in red counties. I’ve seen intense enthusiasm by Dems, at rallies across the state, including 800 fired-up folks turning out on Saturday afternoon in Missoula at the historic Wilma Theater.
I may be too optimistic but when the dust settles, I see many good things: Jon Tester in the Senate for 6 more years (and Dem majority nationally); no more GOP supermajority in the state legislature; and abortion rights enshrined (strongly) in Montana’s constitution. I’m also hopeful that Monica Tranel will give Zinke the boot and Ryan Busse will send Greg Gianforte packing back to his fancy ranch.
As per tradition, we’ll be at the downtown Union Club tonight, playing pool, watching returns and rejoicing in good news for our state and nation. Now it’s back to canvassing, with the added benefit of a big hug from my progressive pal Ethel and her pup Leila. LFG!