Montana GOP Headquarters in Helena, MT. Credit: Keith Schubert
The Montana Republican Party issued a statement on Monday “strongly rebuking” nine state senators who have formed a working majority coalition with 18 Democrats to effectively run the upper chamber from the floor, change rules, and pass legislation, often going against GOP majority leadership.
The statement said the senators’ actions have created obstacles for the Republican Senate majority and “undermined the will of the people.”
“Montanans voted for Republican governance, not compromises that shift power away from their elected majority. We believe these nine senators, at times, prioritized personal and political considerations over the broader priorities of their constituents. Their actions have contributed to a shift in influence that does not align with the platform they campaigned on,” the statement said.
Members of The Nine earlier told the Daily Montanan they believe they are acting in the best interests of their constituents, although they are not marching in lockstep. At least one member also said the shift in influence represents Democrats agreeing to work with their Republican group — not the other way around.
On the first day of the 69th Legislature, the nine Republican senators joined with the Democratic minority to change Senate rules, bucking their party’s elected leadership in the body.
Since then, the same group has voted to refer an internal ethics investigation of one member to the Department of Justice, reshape committees, and assign bills, all against the wishes of the GOP leaders.
“The MTGOP calls on these senators to cease obstructing key Republican priorities and return to the faithful representation of their constituents and the Republican platform. If their actions continue to damage the integrity of the Republican majority, the party will consider additional steps to address the situation. The MTGOP urges all members to uphold the trust of the voters who elected them and to work together in support of Montana’s future,” the statement said.
The senators called out by the state party are Sens. Jason Ellsworth, Wendy McKamey, Gayle Lammers, Josh Kassmier, Butch Gillespie, Gregg Hunter, Denley Loge, Russ Tempel, and Shelley Vance.
The letter was signed by the Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt, and the executive board comprising Lola Sheldon-Galloway, Terry Nelson, Brad Tschida, Tanner Smith, Debbie Churchill, Steve Zabawa, Bruce Williams, Shane Eaton, Stu Goodner, Paul Fielder and Tracy Sharp.
