by Rachel Bartlett, Stevensville
This June 7th 2022 we will be voting for one of two Republicans who will claim the banner of being a “True Conservative Republican.” Which one is it? Most voters are puzzled, because the truth is often concealed in the past history of our legislature. Unfortunately people have either short memories or do not understand the workings of the legislative process. Unless you know the history, you cannot determine the future. And “ay, there’s the rub” as Shakespeare would say.
Here is an example of one of the worst pieces of legislation passed in our legislature in 2019. It is called Medicaid Expansion. It was passed because the Rinos in the Republican Party joined the Democrats in promoting a health care system which emerged right out of the Obamacare playbook. Knowing where and how it came into being should have alerted all Republicans that this bill was not in our best interest. But that didn’t seem to bother the Rinos. In the spirit of bipartisanship combined with their lack of knowledge of the true nature of the bill, the Rinos joined the opposition.
So what has Medicaid Expansion accomplished for the state of Montana? According to the Foundation For Government Accountability, a non-partisan think tank, “Medicaid Expansion has caused substantial harm to Montana by shattering enrollment and budget projections, crowding out other state spending, destroying hospital finances, reducing health care capacity, promoting welfare dependency, leaving behind the truly needy, and increasing fraud.” It also indirectly increased abortion activity. FGA concluded that Montana’s Medicaid Expansion program “has been a disaster since the beginning.” This is what our illustrious Rinos accomplished during the 2019 legislative session. Need I say more?
As I evaluate the two men who are running, I believe Alan Lackey has the true conservative approach to serving in the Montana House of Representatives. His qualifications are impeccable. He supports States’ Rights; he supports the US Constitution and Montana’s Constitution; he believes in lower taxes; is definitely Pro-life; he believes small business is the foundation of our economic system; he supports election integrity and feels that control of education should remain at the local level. His promise to his constituents is that he will support bills that follow the true philosophy of the Conservative Republican Party and the values of their platform. Bills that may arise that are socialistic in nature will not be supported by him. He is a gentleman of substance who will vote his conscience.
As a voter, I came to the conclusion that I would choose to vote for a man not only because of his political philosophy, but I would have to look at his supporters. Alan’s supporters are strict constitutionalists who love America. When he becomes our representative in the legislature, he will defend our way of life and protect our freedoms.