Montana's Choice 2008

Scenes from Election Night in Helena

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:44:00 +0000

CNS photographer JEREK WOLCOTT covered the thrill and agony of election night at Democratic and Republican gatherings in Helena. For a better view of of the photos and capitions, click on the "View All Images" button above.

Democrats Poised to Sweep State Offices

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:35:00 +0000

Democrat Steve Bullock won a hard-fought race become Montana's next attorney general. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

With Gov. Brian Schweiter leading the way, Democrats were on the verge early this morning of sweeping all of the state offices on yesterday's ballot.

As expected, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, a Republican, won their re-elections races easily but races for state offices were harder-fought affairs.

Incumbent Republican Secretary of State Brad Johnson was trailing his Democratic opponent Linda McCulloch in a close race, but other Democrats were winning by convincing margins.

Democrat Steve Bullock defeated Republican Tim Fox in the attorney general's race, which featured some of the most negative TV adds of the campaign.

In the state auditor's race, former legislator Monica Lindeen, a Democrat, held a commanding margin over Republican Duane Grimes, another former legislator.

Democrat Denise Juneau defeated Republican Elaine Sollie Herman in the race for superintendent of public instruction.

In the nonpartisan race for chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, Attorney General Mike McGrath won a lopsided race against challenger Ron Waterman of Helena.

Montanans also voted on a trio of ballot issues. They approved a renewal of the six-mill property tax levy to fund higher education and voted to expand health care coverage for Montana children under the CHIPs program. They rejected a proposal to allow the state to invest more of its trust fund revenue in the stock market.

Montana Democrats Celebrate Victories

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:36:00 +0000

Democrats gathered in Helena react as CNN projects Barack Obama the winner in Tuesday's presidential election. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

Blue Night for Republicans

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:30:00 +0000

A lone viewer at Helena's Republican election party watches as Democratic President-elect Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

Schweitzer Wins a Second Term

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:51:00 +0000

Gov. Brian Schweitzer receives a supporter's congratulations in Helena after CNN projected him the winner over over GOP challenger Roy Brown of Billings. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT

"The Unlikely Candidates": Mike Fellows

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:32:00 +0000

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Stan Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:29:00 +0000

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Donald Eisenmenger

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:22:00 +0000

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

You Decide: Should Montanans Expand Health Care Insurance for Children?

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:33:00 +0000

CNS Reporter Tess McEnroe produced this multimedia report on the arguments over I-155. The ballot issue asks Montanans to expand the CHIP program, which provides health care insurace for children of parents who cannot afford to provide it themselves.

For an article on the issue, click here.

"The Unlikely Candidates": John Driscoll

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:38:00 +0000

Watch for additional "Unlikely Candidates" coverage tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS. This story was produced by Radio-TV students at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Robert Kelleher

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Watch for additional "Unlikely Candidates" coverage tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS. This story was produced by Radio-TV students at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

Radio-TV Students Cover "Unlikely Candidates"

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Watch the Broadcast Tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS

MISSOULA - In a political season marked by promises of change, "Montana Journal: The Unlikely Candidates," profiles six Montana candidates who offer an alternative to mainstream politics. They face long odds to win one of the 2008 statewide offices but they all agree it is important that they run.

The show features two candidates inside the major parties, Republican Bob Kelleher of Butte running for U.S. Senate and Democrat John Driscoll of Helena running for U.S. Representative, each using unusual campaign strategies. The program also profiles Libertarian candidates Mike Fellows, Stan Jones and Donald Eisenmenger as well as Constitution Party candidate Sieglinde Sharbono. Each of the candidates speaks to the question of what they bring to the process.

Montana Journal will be broadcast on Montana PBS (KUFM-TV in Missoula and KUSM-TV in Bozeman), Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m. The program will repeat on Monday, November 3rd at 9:30 p.m.

The Montana Journal series is produced by The University of Montana School of Journalism Radio-Television Department students. Montana Journal is now in the 11th year of production and is produced by senior-level students in the University of Montana Radio-Television Department and School of Journalism. John Twiggs, RTV adjunct instructor and award-winning MontanaPBS producer, teaches the class and oversees the student production.
MontanaPBS is a service of The University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman.

LR 118: Should Voters Renew the 6-mill levy?

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:25:00 +0000

CNS Reporter Tiffany Wilson produced this multimedia report on the arguments over LR-118, which asks Montanans to renew the statewide 6-mill levy in support of the state's university system. For an article on the issue, click here.

In Their Own Words: Montana's Candidates for Governor

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:51:00 +0000

CNS Reporters Natalie Newumann, Holly Baker and Molly Priddy produced this report asking Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer and his Republican challenger, Roy Brown, to outline their agendas for Montana's next legislative session.

Third-Party Hopefuls Offer a Different View

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:06:00 +0000

Libertarians Stan Jones(left) and Mike Fellows

Sieglinde Sharbono, Constitution Party, and Libertarian Donald Eisenmenger

Watch: The Unlikely Candidates," at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 30, on MontanaPBS.

It's all in the message, these candidates say

By CHRIS D’ANGELO and MATT MCLEOD
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

For major-party candidates in high-profile races, earning a nomination can be the thrill of a lifetime and a stepping-stone to the halls of political power and respect. But for most third-party Montana contenders, being on the ballot is more about sending a message than winning an election.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Meet Montana's Attorney General Candidates

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:10:00 +0000

Reporter Breanna Roy produced this story on attorney general candidates Steve Bullock, a Democrat, and Republican Tim Fox. The race, featuring dueling TV ads over gun rights and other issues, is one of the hardest fought campaigns on the Nov. 4 ballot.

For more information on the race, see CNS reporter Mark Page's story for this blog and an article by the Lee State Bureau analyzing the candidates' TV ads.

For PSC, District 3: John Vincent

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:42:00 +0000

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 66

BIRTHPLACE: New Haven, Conn.

HOME CITY: Gallatin Gateway, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Peggy; one daughter

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Government teacher, Bozeman Senior High School, 30 years; adjunct instructor, government, Montana State University

EDUCATION: BA, American Government (Honors) Seattle University; Teaching Certification (BA Equivalent) Seattle University. Approximately four years of graduate study, Montana State University and University of Montana

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Eight terms, Montana House of Representatives; House Speaker, 1985-1986, 1989-1990; Minority Leader, 1987-1988; Majority Leader, 1985-1986; Bozeman City Commissioner, 1992-1995; Bozeman Mayor, 1994-1995; Gallatin County Commissioner, 2001-2006, Chairman, 2003, 2004, 2006

MILITARY SERVICE: None

ORGANIZATIONS: Montana Retired Teachers Campaign

Olson, Vincent Vie for PSC District 3 Seat

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:14:00 +0000

John Vincent (left) and Alan Olson

By LAURA BARNES
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

As the cold season descends on Montana, consumers can expect their power bills to make serious dents in their pocketbooks. How those power bills change over the next few years, however, depends in part on what the state rate-setting Public Service Commission has to say about it.

That’s where PSC candidates Alan Olson and John Vincent step in.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Secretary of State Rivals Spar over Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Brad Johnson and Linda McCulloch

By ERICA DOORNEK
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Whether it’s striving to comply with election law, helping voters register, or streamlining business licensing, the secretary of state’s job is to set the record straight and ensure Montanans’ confidence in the process.

But after the 2006 election raised concerns about vote security and late-registration policies, the question is, just how far has election reform come and where should it go?

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

I-155 Would Insure More Montana Children

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Photo by Tess McEnroe

Patients at Missoula's Partnership Health Center wait to see a doctor. Health care costs are a major issue in many campaigns this year.

By ELIZABETH HARRISON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

This morning, more than 30,000 Montana children woke up without health insurance. If ballot Initiative 155 is passed on Nov. 4, that number could disappear.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Ethics Charges Trump Issues in PSC District 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:17:00 +0000

Brad Molnar (left) and Ron Tussing

BY RYAN THOMPSON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Public Service Commission District 2 candidates Brad Molnar and Ron Tussing may not hate each other, but don’t look for them to be playing golf together anytime soon.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Schweitzer, Brown Spar over Energy, Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Roy Brown (left) and Brian Schweitzer

By MOLLY PRIDDY
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

You might not guess it by their increasingly negative TV ads, but both major-party candidates for governor foresee a brighter future for Montana. They just disagree on how to get there.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

LISTEN TO THE CANDIDATES' DEBATE: Vol. 1, Vol. 2.

Rehberg Lands a Crucial Vote: His Rival's

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:31:00 +0000

John Driscoll (left) and Denny Rehberg

By CHRIS D'ANGELO

Community News Service

UM School of Journalism

It’s hard to imagine a stranger contest than U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg’s run for a fifth term in Congress. First his Democratic challenger, John Driscoll of Helena, vowed not to raise or spend any money on his campaign. Weeks later Driscoll promised to vote for Rehberg on Nov. 4.

What’s going on here?

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Lee Bureau 'Truth Checks' Attorney General Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Jennifer McKee, a reporter for Lee newspapers' state bureau, sifted fact from hyperbole in her story today about broadcast ads endorsed by attorney general candidates Steve Bullock and Tim Fox. Her colleague, bureau chief Charles S. Johnson, did a similar analysis this summer on ads run by Gov. Schweitzer. It's good, helpful work.

If you're interested in sites that fact-check national campaign ads, see Factcheck.org or Politifact.com.

Rivals Mood, Gutsche Clash in PSC District 4

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis Swibold) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:06:00 +0000

Doug Mood and Gail Gutsche

By MATT MCLEOD
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Republican incumbent Doug Mood said he wants another term on the state’s Public Service Commission for two reasons: to keep energy bills low and to keep Democratic challenger Gail Gutsche from getting the job.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY