by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
The terrific trio of true representation in the valley! Taxes going down!
Across Montana – on television, radio, streaming services, mailers, and social media – tens of thousands of dollars are being spent attacking three Bitterroot Valley legislative candidates known for common-sense conservatism, constitutional judgment, and practical public service:
• Michele Binkley – House District 85 (Corvallis)
• Wayne Rusk – House District 86 (Hamilton)
• David Bedey – Senate District 43 (Corvallis, Darby, parts of Hamilton, Connor, Sula, and the West Fork)
These three are NOT high-profile candidates for congress or the presidency, just local people who love the Bitterroot valley and are willing to be the voice of Bitterrooters in the state legislature. They are our neighbors and friends. So why is so much money being spent to take them down?
It’s simple! They don’t vote to “go along to get along.” They vote FOR the people, not the party.
They vote for what is good for the Bitterroot. They are common sense independent people – all small business owners who know what the job of a legislator is all about – being the representative voice for the Bitterroot.
Binkley is a 2nd amendment supporter and taught gun safety to her two sons. A small business owner, with lots of banking and mortgage experience, she also encouraged them to serve in the US Marine Corps. She is one strong Montana cowgirl who will defend the Bitterroot if elected back to HD 85 like she did before she broke her leg and was unable to campaign in 2024.
Rusk is also a gunner and hunter. He too is a small business owner and taught his son to hunt and shoot. He studies the constitution with both his children and all know it well which is a foundation for his -principled- stand on some of his votes. He checks to make sure his vote is constitutional! His son took third in a state-wide constitutional knowledge contest so Dad is doing his job for his children and yours too!
Bedey is also a gunner and a fisherman. He is a small business owner and one of the best educated in the state legislature with a Ph.D. in Space Physics. He is a 30-year retired Colonel from the US Army so you know that he will defend the Bitterroot. When you see him in action as a state senator, you will understand why he is one of the most highly respected legislators in the state and has over 52 bills signed by the governor!
All three individuals actually read bills on which they vote, and as important, they weigh consequences now and in the future.
They ask whether the legislation is constitutional, affordable, and safe for the people they represent – not whether it pleases party factions or outside power brokers.
That high quality representation and independence is exactly why they’re under attack.
Consider that Americans who study history often point to our founders being people of divine providence, the idea that at critical moments, principled leaders emerge together, much like the Founders did when drafting the U.S. Constitution.
Whether one sees that spiritually or historically, the fact remains: Binkley, Rusk, and Bedey represent a rare alignment of judgment, experience, and restraint in an era dominated by ideological theatrics.
Vote for Bedey, Binkley and Rusk June 2.
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