by Dr. M. L. Sabin, (Sc.D), Corvallis
Congratulations to Tony Hudson, Joan Mell, and all those who worked tirelessly to earn the recent Montana Supreme Court decision on which “political entity” is the correct Ravalli County Republican Central committee to be recognized by Republicans throughout the state as well as by the state and national level GOP leadership!
Tony Hudson, in particular, deserves special recognition — he has become Ravalli County’s own version of Donald Trump: bold, determined, and unafraid to challenge the “business-as-usual” crowd that thought they could get away with corruption and cronyism.
Under his leadership, the NEWLY elected March 31, 2025 Ravalli County Republican Central Committee is doing exactly what true conservatives should do — restoring integrity, accountability, and vision to a party that had been hijacked by self-serving opportunists. Hudson and his team are laying the groundwork to carry that same energy into the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.
This victory parallels what President Trump is doing nationally: exposing the rot within the bureaucratic “Deep State,” confronting the arrogance of entrenched power, and reminding Americans that public office is about service — not self-preservation.
But as we celebrate this success, we must not let optimism cloud reality. There remains a faction within the Montana GOP – the Freedom Caucus/JBS group — that behaves more like an ideological monarchy than a movement for liberty.
They believe themselves smarter, holier, and more righteous than every other conservative. They dictate what everyone should believe, how everyone should vote, and who is “pure” enough to receive party support or even to call themselves Republicans.
They weaponize loyalty, punish dissent, and rewrite rules to suit their whims. Sound familiar? It should — these are the same tactics used by the radical Left and the bureaucratic elites they claim to oppose.
This faction isn’t promoting freedom — it’s promoting control. And until they can respect honest disagreement and ethical conduct, any talk of “unity” is wishful thinking.
Let’s move forward with our eyes wide open. The battle for constitutional conservatism isn’t just against Democrats — it’s against anyone who substitutes arrogance and tyranny for leadership and manipulation for morality.
Ravalli County has proven that principled Republicans can rebuild trust and momentum when they lead with conviction instead of ego. Let that example stand — for Montana, and for America.
Linda Schmitt says
Congratulations, Tony. The last year or so must have been stressful and difficult. You and your colleagues persevered to defeat those who tried to bend legal electoral results to their will. Good job. You upheld proper elections. Thank you.
Helen sabin says
Linda, that is a very gracious note to Tony and the Centralcommittee here in River Valley County. Thank you for your courtesy.