Untold facts

A quote from Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, in the May 7 Flathead Beacon, “These responsible Republicans, and I hate calling them that because they’re irresponsible, they want bigger, more overreaching government. Last year was a tough year. These so-called responsible Republicans vote with the Democrats and support Gov. Bullock’s priorities. I have never seen that kind of split.”

Untold facts. One of the so-called responsible Republicans, Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, is supporting Tammi Fisher, for Senate District 4, Frank Garner for House District 7 and Al Olszewski for House District 11.

What was not told is that all three of these people work for Kalispell Regional Healthcare. All three have flip-flopped at one time or another on where they were or were not in support of Medicaid expansion and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Bruce claims that the conservative Republicans in our legislature will not cross the aisle and work with Democrats. I asked Rep. Mark Blasdel, the Republican from Somers who is running for Senate District 4, why he voted no on Medicaid expansion in the last legislative session. His answer was if the bill had passed the way it was written and the way the Democrats wanted it, it would have bankrupted the state of Montana.

That sounds like someone who works for Montana not just what the Dems want. Since Montana has had Democratic governors, working with the Dems more and more means their way or no way. They have been influenced by Washington D.C. politics.

I know for a fact that one of our state representatives had their business audited when then did not play ball or (reach across the aisle.) Do we really want Chicago-style politics in our state legislature?

A side note. Ronalee Skees, the Republican candidate from Kalispell running for House District 7, has just received an A rating and endorsement from the National Rifle Association. She also was endorsed by the Montana Shooting Sports Association.

Mark Blasdel has proven himself as a conservative Republican who works for all of the people of Montana. Ronalee Skees and Mike Hebert, the Republcan candidate from Somers running for House District 11, are not smooth talkers like their opponents. They are true conservatives who will work for the best interest of the people of this state without undue outside influence.

Vote for Montana, vote for true conservative values. Vote for Ronalee Skees, HD 7, Mark Blasdel, SD 4, and Mike Hebert, HD 11.

Pat Arnone

Kalispell