This is a hodgepodge post.
It consists of some half-started posts that I’d like to just get out there.
If you have any interesting info or names or whatnot, please feel free to list them in the comments.
It consists of some half-started posts that I’d like to just get out there.
If you have any interesting info or names or whatnot, please feel free to list them in the comments.
Montana Political Relationships
2016 Gianforte Campaign Director Aaron Flint is married to a lead member of Steve Daines’ staff, Jessica Flint. Reader correction: Just an FYI, Jessica Flint hasn't worked for the Daines crew for over a year. She worked the Zinke campaign last cycle.
Jake Eaton, the former executive director of the Montana Republican Party, is married to Emily Jones, the woman who threatened to sue Jessica Karjala in the 2016 election on behalf of Robert Saunders.
Lauren Caldwell, the campaign manager for Denise Juneau in 2016 (and former head of MDLCC in 2014), is married to Gabe Furshong of the Montana Wilderness Association.
Lesley Robinson, Greg Gianforte’s running mate in 2016, is the sister-in-law of Judge John McKeon, the judge who gave just 60 days in jail to the man who raped his 12-year-old daughter.
Representative Adam Rosendale is State Auditor Matt Rosendale’s son.
Travis Mateer is the real name of “William Skink,” the main writer of the Missoula political site Reptile Dysfunction. Here’s a post he had on Last Best News in March 2016 about cleaning up the Missoula homeless camp.
Adam Hertz of HD 96 in Missoula is the son of Flathead representative Greg Hertz.
Jake Eaton, the former executive director of the Montana Republican Party, is married to Emily Jones, the woman who threatened to sue Jessica Karjala in the 2016 election on behalf of Robert Saunders.
Lauren Caldwell, the campaign manager for Denise Juneau in 2016 (and former head of MDLCC in 2014), is married to Gabe Furshong of the Montana Wilderness Association.
Lesley Robinson, Greg Gianforte’s running mate in 2016, is the sister-in-law of Judge John McKeon, the judge who gave just 60 days in jail to the man who raped his 12-year-old daughter.
Representative Adam Rosendale is State Auditor Matt Rosendale’s son.
Travis Mateer is the real name of “William Skink,” the main writer of the Missoula political site Reptile Dysfunction. Here’s a post he had on Last Best News in March 2016 about cleaning up the Missoula homeless camp.
Adam Hertz of HD 96 in Missoula is the son of Flathead representative Greg Hertz.
Montana Politicians to Watch
Scott Twito – Yellowstone County Attorney elected in 2011. His office handled 630 felony convictions that year. By 2013 it was 1,300, most brought on by meth.
Jay Harris – Big Horn County Attorney elected in 2014. In April 2017 he called for a task force to tackle the child abuse epidemic brought on by meth.
Dan West – Ran for the Democratic Special Nominating Convention in March 2017 and made it to the 3rd ballot before dropping out. After that he started rural outreach efforts for Quist’s campaign.
Rachel Huff-Doria – Heads up Forward Montana in Missoula.
Bryce Kirk – Spokesman for the Aaniiih Nakoda Anti-drug Movement on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Jay Harris – Big Horn County Attorney elected in 2014. In April 2017 he called for a task force to tackle the child abuse epidemic brought on by meth.
Dan West – Ran for the Democratic Special Nominating Convention in March 2017 and made it to the 3rd ballot before dropping out. After that he started rural outreach efforts for Quist’s campaign.
Rachel Huff-Doria – Heads up Forward Montana in Missoula.
Bryce Kirk – Spokesman for the Aaniiih Nakoda Anti-drug Movement on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Historic Montana Campaign Literature #4
I knew right away when I saw Jim Brattin’s 1960s campaign literature that I'd eventually have to show it to you.
I’m not sure when this is from, but it’s going to be one of the U.S. House campaigns from the 60s, and I’m going to guess 1962.
I’m not sure when this is from, but it’s going to be one of the U.S. House campaigns from the 60s, and I’m going to guess 1962.
There are great captions for the images. “Off to work – Jim leaves the family bright and early and heads for his office.”
“Telephone! – Jim’s clients start calling early for appointments. After two hours in the office, off to the courthouse to plead a case or check up on important details.”
Notice the cigarette in this one. The captain says “A Toughy! – A practical person, Jim Battin doesn’t claim to know all the answers, but he sure makes an effort to find them. In Congressional matters, Jim knows there are problems, some of them seem insurmountable but he also realizes with hard work and diligence they can be solved.”
“Meanwhile…back home! – Barbara entertains the youngsters; Joyce, 4 1/2 and Patty, 2 1/2.”
The bottom images reads, “After dinner…relax! – While Barbara does the evening dishes Jim keeps the youngsters happy with a play period. To Jim his family is all important, he and Barbara have been married 14 years, they enjoy their home, youngsters and each other.”
And finally, here’s a look at the kinds of things Battin sent out to constituents back in 1968.
You can see more old Montana campaign literature in our #1 and #2 and #3 posts on the subject.
If you'd like to read about who James Battin was and what he did, check out my 6th volume of MT history.
A Little from Sun Tzu
From Book XI: The Nine Situations
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans.
Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear, and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground.
From Book XII: The Attack by Fire
Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
You’ll find a lot more Sun Tzu quotes in my post about MT Democrats and their love of fake Twitter accounts.
And if you like Chinese history and philosophy, check out my book From Heaven to Earth: Ancient Chinese History, 8500-1046 BC.
