by Rep. David Bedey, HD 86, Hamilton
You have probably heard in the news about discord within the Montana Republican Party. At issue is whether the party will remain a “big tent” coalition that welcomes a broad spectrum of conservative voices or is to become limited only to those who swear allegiance to a narrow, right-wing definition of conservatism and obediently follow the party line. The officials now controlling the state party headquarters take the latter view and are actively engaged in eliminating those who will not kneel to their will. I am one who refuses to submit.
My issue with the newly installed Montana GOP establishment is set forth below in my response to party functionary Keith Regier, who recently asked me to complete a questionnaire that ostensibly would be used by a secretive committee to determine my worthiness for the state party’s endorsement in the June 2026 primary. (Previously, the state party has not endorsed primary candidates, leaving that decision to the voters.)
“Chairman Regier, I must decline your invitation to submit the Montana Republican Central Committee (MTGOP) candidate questionnaire for review by the newly formed ‘Conservative Governance Committee’ that you chair. That said, many of the questions therein are likely to be of interest to my voters. I look forward to reaching out directly to them during the upcoming campaign season to explain my position on these (and other) issues.
“It is evident your committee has been created to effect a purge of the Montana Republican Party. Why else would you evade providing me the names of the committee’s members? And who could trust your objectivity when you have already contributed to candidates in the upcoming primary election? But one shouldn’t be surprised, given the stated objectives of the new MTGOP chairman and of various members of the right-wing Montana Freedom Caucus. Returning the questionnaire would lend credibility to this blatant effort to empower a cabal of party bosses who believe themselves entitled to define what it means to be ‘Republican’ or ‘conservative’ and who believe that Republican legislators must obey their diktats. As a matter of principle, I must oppose this centralization of power.
“There is more at stake here than intra-party politics. Today’s toxic hyper-partisanship is causing citizens to view each other as enemies rather than as neighbors who simply disagree on some issues. When one’s political opponents are branded as hated enemies, finding any common ground becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible. The constitutional order put in place by our nation’s Founders cannot long survive in this political environment.
“Regrettably, both of Montana’s major political parties are increasingly falling under the influence of factions that value ideological purity over effective governance. The losers in this sad affair are everyday Montanans who simply want to live their lives in peace and expect their legislators to do the hard work necessary to solve problems for the good of all Montanans.
“I confess to being a traditional ‘Reagan Republican’ with a conservative disposition informed by thinkers such as the British statesman Edmund Burke. My record over four terms in the Montana House of Representatives—despite the willful distortions being put out by my opponents—bears out this assertion. I remain committed to restoring civility to our politics and to placing service to my fellow citizens over ideology or the demands of party bosses. It’s up to the voters in my district—not the state party—to decide if this is the kind of person they want representing them in Helena.”
Regier acknowledged receiving my letter but has had nothing more to say. Meanwhile, traditional conservative Republicans across the state, who are inspired by Lincoln’s wisdom and Reagan’s fortitude, are already being attacked with misleading, anonymous television ads and robocalls. This is not normal Montana politics. It is almost certain that Republicans will be the majority in the state legislature for the foreseeable future. The question for all Montanans to consider is who those Republicans will be. Dedicated, conservative public servants working for the good of all Montanans, or political puppets serving party bosses in Helena?
WMA says
Paying gas taxes is not a “so what” situation. A damn silly response. And yes, we are lucky enough in Montana not to pay sales taxes but in 45 states, their resident undocumented immigrants, do pay millions in sales taxes. And do all immigrants live under bridges? No. They rent homes and apartments, and, as a former landlord, I factored the property taxes I paid into the rent I charged. I doubt I was unique.
Helen sabin says
Are you aware that Mexican illegals typically send around $12 billion home to Mexico each year from the United States. They send money home to build a retirement home. One month it’s money a window or for a door or to purchase a plot of land. Many of them do not want to retire in the United States or become citizens. I know I taught them for years and my husband and I are quite we’re familiar with Mexico and the actions that illegals here are doing for their country. They do not consider the US their country. .
Helen sabin says
And why were you renting two illegals anyway you were helping them break the law WMA
WMA says
Undocumented immigrants do pay income taxes — and receive no benefits in return. The IRS will issue an ITIN, individual tax identification number, regardless of status. The total tax revenue paid by immigrants, state federal and local, is nearly 800 billion dollars. I know you MAGA disciples won’t believe me, but I can’t unbrainwash you.
WMA says
There is absolutely nothing in hb402 that would allow noncitizens to vote. I read the complete text, fyi.
Helen Sabin says
WMA – you are absolutely correct and Bedey explained it to both Theresa Manzella and Kathy Love at a Pachyderm meeting – it was designed to stop illegals from voting but neither one will share that intent of the bill – instead they flat out LIE about the bill because both are so jealous of Bedey and what he has accomplished in great bills for the state all they can do is bash him.
MAH says
Can you spell HYPOCRISY
This coming from a guy who sponsored the bill that would have allowed illegals to vote…
And
Votes with the Democrats 50% Of the time.
WMA says
What bill would that be? Please be specific.
Stan Eckel says
It’s a sad state of affairs when a party makes a candidate beholding to an ideology or a person instead of our constitution. I’m sure the GOP will claim “transparency” when selecting the approved. Pretty sure I know where this ideology comes from and it’s not Reagan or Lincoln! Government is best from the bottom up, not top down.
Chuck says
If only Bedey supported the constitution. That’s the issue.
Matt says
Please tell me which portion of the US Constitution Rep Bedey didn’t support
Stan Eckel says
Voting by illegals has been permitted in some cities as they also work and pay taxes. From my research Mr. Bedey did indeed vote for HB 402 which I believe is against our constitution but, it is his right to vote for it or to vote with the Dems but, it will most likely hurt his career in politics in MT.
WMA says
Noncitizens can vote in some local elections in some cities. School boards and such. Not a problem in any statewide or national elections.
Bill Cavanaugh says
Wrong. Check your facts. And do Illegals pay income taxes etc? NO. so we all pay the other taxes they “pay” but we cover the most expensive one yet they reap all off the rewards? Not on my watch.
SRK says
I would love to hear what taxes illegals pay?
WMA says
Gas taxes, sales taxes, property taxes. Any other questions.
SRK says
WMA – So they “pony up” and pay gas taxes? So what. We all pay those. Since Montana does not have a sales tax, that one is irrelevant. And Property Taxes? I don’t think so. They are not here legally. How are they owning property? They do not carry the same tax burdens as the American Citizen. Do they file taxes and pay based on their wages like American Citizens. Nope. They benefit equally or in most cases, more.