Unanswered questions
Time and again, Don Loranger has broken his promise for a clean campaign. His entire strategy, so far, has been to wrongfully smear his opponent while evading any question as to what he will do if elected. He avoids taking a firm stand on any of the important issues facing the citizens of Montana, the Flathead Valley and Senate District Number 5.
I believe it is the right of every voter to know what core beliefs guide the people who will represent us and where candidates stand on the issues. Verdell Jackson has a solid record as a conservative Republican legislator working for Montana values during his four terms in the House of Representatives.
Don Loranger, on the other hand, has no public record. He is running on a "Trust me, I'll do better," platform that is long on criticism and short on ideas. He avoids answering hard questions. He relies on reputable surrogates to represent him in the written media and many public forums.
What is clear is that Loranger's meager public record and pronouncements on the issues do not establish him as a credible Republican. I think the voters deserve answers to the following questions prior to the June 6th primary.
Why was Don Loranger registered to vote in Arizona as recently as last year? His interest in Senate District #5 seems to have been a recent event.
Why did Loranger sign on to a full page advertisement in favor of a liberal Democrat for County Commissioner? He claims to be a Republican but his only political activity in Montana has been his effort to defeat a Republican candidate.
What is Don Loranger's position on private property rights and individual land use? Loranger's words and deeds during his brief time with the Bigfork Steering Committee show a consistent anti-growth attitude. The voters should know if he favors government control over private property rights. Whether it is confiscation through eminent domain or condemnation by regulation, private property owners will lose if their elected officials are not honest regarding this issue.
What does Don Loranger do as a member of The Council on Foreign Relations? The activities of that group are super secret. The voters of the Flathead Valley have a right to know what Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Don Loranger discuss at the secret meetings of The Council on Foreign Relations.
Why does Don Loranger's sister, a resident of Bigfork, have a huge sign supporting Verdell Jackson in her yard? Does she know something we do not?
We eagerly await Don Loranger's response to these questions.
Beware of liberal Democrats that pose as Republicans.
Tim Calaway
Bigfork