Two questions for Kathy Love

by Helen Sabin, Corvallis

On June 2, Bitterrooters in Senate District #43 must vote on who will be their next senator. This decision should be based on a candidate’s judgment, credibility, honesty, and whether positions taken are grounded in reality and provide responsible solutions. 

HERE ARE TWO QUESTIONS FOR KATHY LOVE – candidate for Senate Seat # 43 covering the east side of the Bitterroot Valley.

Kathy Love states she voted NO on the 2025 legislative salary raise or House Bill 13. Despite the NO VOTE, she will get the raise anyway as the bill passed 71-27.

However, if Love honestly believes the raise is wrong, for whatever reason, then we voters ask Love if elected, to publicly commit and announce that she will return the full amount of the increase to the community. Donate it each month to a Corvallis organization that assists those facing rising living costs such as The American Legion Post # 91 in Love’s house district.

Legislators relate that voting no when a bill is sure to pass is a game that is played in Helena so legislators can claim that they are fiscally conservative and are trying to save money, but the others out voted them – It’s an excuse without a penalty.   

Second Question: Painted Rocks Dam Funding

At a Republican Women’s Club meeting in March 2026, Love said she voted NO on funding repairs and long-term maintenance for Painted Rocks Dam using a 30yr. bond at 3% and stated that she would have used the “billion-dollar surplus fund” instead.  

Her opponent David Bedey voted YES as that long-term bond method is widely used by states for funding major projects, ensuring that costs are shared fairly over time by all those who use it now and in the future. 

Love’s solution is problematic because according to David Bedey, those funds have already been allocated by the legislature and placed into designated accounts and trust funds governed by strict legal rules. The funds are not a discretionary pool of money available for new spending.  

In other words, the “surplus” she referenced is not sitting idle waiting to be spent, it is not available. Love should have known that fact but didn’t.

Her statement reflects a poor to non-existent level of preparation expected of someone seeking to be a senator and responsible for evaluating real options within real constraints. That requires understanding how funds are allocated, what restrictions apply, and how long-term obligations are financed.

David Bedey voted for a plan that works.  Love voted for a plan that doesn’t exist.  

Kathy Love’s position raises legitimate concerns about her understanding of the job, her preparation for it, and her obvious lack of knowledge about budgeting and financing.  

Bitterroot voters must elect a competent, experienced decision maker to be our next senator. On June 2, the choice is clear: David Bedey is prepared to do the job. Kathy Love is not. The choice is up to voters. Please vote carefully!