by Bob Williams, Stevensville
The purpose of government is to protect the people from factions of the rich and powerful – Federalist paper #10.
You might have heard that “Democracy is on the ballot.” Well, a lot of people hold that the republic is on the line in the November 8 ballot. And what’s important here in Montana is winning another seat in the US House. Where revenue bills must originate. Where most appropriation bills originate.
Looking at winning House control, Republican leaders in Congress are now proposing reductions in Medicare and Social Security. And canceling some legislation supported by President Biden. And re-thinking US policy with Ukraine.
From what I have gathered, chances are that as of now, the Democratic party will keep control of the House, and the Senate.
Given that reality, a representative Monica Tranel will be more effective for Montana District 1, than would a representative Ryan Zinke.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell nailed it. The GOP lacked quality candidates for the Senate. Mehmet Oz, Herschel Walker, even J.D. Vance, may lose their races for the Senate.
For several weeks now, it’s looking like the Republican party will not wind up with 51 or more seats in the US Senate of 100 seats.
For several weeks now, it’s looking like the Republican party will gain a few seats in the US House. But not gain enough seats to win control of the House.
For instance, of the 435 House seats, the Republican party may wind up with 216, or 217 House seats. The Democratic party may wind up as the majority party in the House, say with 219 seats to 216 Republican seats. Or even 218 seats to 217 Republican seats.
Right, Republicans could wind up with 218 or 219 House seats. Even though, in most House races, Republican campaign fundraising now lags behind Democratic campaign fundraising.
In a narrowly balanced House, members who work across the aisle will be more effective at getting draft legislation advanced, improved, and voted on, in a form more likely to be passed by the Senate.
People want affordable pharmaceuticals and health care. People want affordable, clean, durable, level priced energy.
People want legislation to counteract gasoline price gouging enabled by consolidated ownership of petroleum companies.
It’s easy to see attorney Monica Tranel in a bipartisan setting in the House. Presenting evidence how petroleum companies jacked pump prices way up over global costs of crude oil. Or, presenting evidence about legal loopholes used by dark money to influence government officials. Protecting people from factions of the rich and powerful.
It’s kinda hard imagining, out of Montana financed, oil lobbyist Ryan Zinke, in the House, protecting US consumers from gasoline prices while pumping up excessive profits for oil and gas companies. But maybe that’s my lack of imagination.
Montana District 1 women and men want Congress to pass legislation that will durably protect reproductive, also health care, justice rights of women.
Mark your ballot for Monica Tranel to represent all people in Montana District 1!