by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
The right of citizens to choose their own representatives—local, state, and federal—is not simply a tradition; it is the constitutional foundation of our system of self-government.
When any political leadership body creates barriers to participation or diminishes the voice of rank-and-file voters, it undermines both the legitimacy and the trust essential to representative government.
Recent actions taken by the Montana Republican State officers and convention delegates have raised serious concerns among everyday Republican voters who expect transparency, fairness, and integrity from those who claim to represent them.
Regardless of political preference or faction, all Republicans should agree on one principle: voters must never be treated as inconveniences in their own party but that is exactly what the attitude of the Montana GOP leadership displays.
The Founders understood human flaws and the tendency of power to centralize if unchecked. James Madison warned that elected officials might “pervert their administration into a scheme of oppression” if not held accountable by the people. That warning remains relevant.
When leadership functions in a way that diminishes the voice, standing, or participation of ordinary Republicans, it contradicts both the spirit of our Constitution and the expectations of those who built the party from door-knocking, precinct organizing, and grassroots efforts—not from insulated authority.
As Republicans, we often speak passionately about election integrity, fairness, and citizen engagement. Those principles must apply inside the party, not only during general elections.
If we, as a party, promote ballot integrity in November but look the other way at procedural integrity in June, we risk appearing selective rather than principled.
At issue is not merely who holds a gavel or title. The deeper concern is whether the GOP leadership recognizes that its legitimacy flows upward—from the voters—not downward from a state office. The moment voters feel excluded, talked down to, or disregarded, a party loses more than elections; it loses moral authority. and funding from the people.
This is a moment for reflection, not recrimination. Republican unity does not come from silence, but from honest course correction when necessary. True leadership seeks not only to hold power, but to steward it wisely, humbly, and with respect for those whose trust granted it.
My hope is that Montana Republicans can return to operating as a party that welcomes discussion, respects the grassroots, and honors the constitutional premise that power begins with the people and remains accountable to them. Leadership must regain the confidence of voters through transparency, fair process, and humility—values our Founders expected and voters deserve.
If we wish to uphold Republican principles in public office, we must first uphold them within our own house. That is not division; it is restoration.