News

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” released the following statement regarding the events that have taken place in Afghanistan over the past several days:

“Joe Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan is a tragic event that not only will weaken the United States national security just weeks before the anniversary of 9/11, but it puts our allies at risk. Over the past several days, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking footage of Americans being evacuated by helicopter from our embassy, we’ve seen Afghan civilians attempt to cling to the side of U.S. military aircraft to try and escape the Taliban, and President Biden has returned to his vacation after briefly addressing the nation. Our servicemen and women, who bravely served our country for the past twenty years, deserve better than a President who has failed to take accountability for the current situation.

“During this critical time, I would encourage Senator Tester and Democrats in Washington D.C. to put aside their political devotion to the Biden Administration, demand the President take responsibility for his failed leadership and disastrous withdrawal, and ask him to give the American people more than an 18 minute speech without questions. We deserve answers from the President directly.”

Additional Background:

• Just last month, President Biden stated “There’s going to be no circumstance where you see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy in the-of the United States from Afghanistan.” He was wrong.
• Biden also stated “the likelihood there’s going to be the Taliban overrunning everything and owning the whole country is highly unlikely.” Again, he was wrong.
• Because of Biden’s failed withdrawal, the Taliban “has seized scores of American weapons and military equipment.”
• Instead of staying in Washington, D.C. to monitor the ongoing events, Biden briefly addressed the nation, refused to take questions, and promptly returned to Camp David to resume his vacation.

####

HELENA, MT.– Republican Party member and Montana State Representative for House District 10 has been appointed by Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt to serve on the Montana Republican Party Executive Board.

“I’m honored to be selected by the Chairman to serve on the Montana Republican Party Executive Board,” said Representative Noland. “Coming off a successful legislative session, it is imperative we continue making strides for conservative values in Montana. I’m committed to helping Republicans throughout the state advance our vision for limited government, strong communities, and economic prosperity.”

Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the statement below:

“Representative Noland is a strong Conservative leader and will be a great asset to our Executive Board. His passion for service, understanding of Montana values, and commitment to his community will allow us to build on our momentum as we move closer to 2022. I look forward to working with Representative Noland to grow our majorities in both the state house and senate, and win our new second congressional seat.”

Representative Noland was elected to serve the people of House District 10 first in 2014, and has continued to serve since. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

####

Helena, MT– Senator Tester (D-Mont.) and all Senate Democrats are working to pass a massive $3.5 trillion spending bill to pursue their far-Left, socialist agenda at the expense of Montana taxpayers.

“With inflation at the highest it’s been since 2008, it is appalling that Democrats in Washington D.C. are pushing for another massive pork filled spending bill to pursue their radical priorities,” said Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Montanans are already seeing their pockets shrink every time they go to the grocery store, gas station, or even when shopping for appliances. This tax and spend spree will hurt hard working Montanans, increase taxes, and result in even higher inflation. It is time the Administration and Democrats in Congress put the American people before their far-left priorities.”

While Senator Jon Tester claims the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package will be fully paid for, the reality is that the bill is equivalent to $27,000 in new spending for every single household in America. This reckless spending package will increase taxes on Montana families and agriculture businesses and lead to runaway inflation, causing price increases on everyday goods for all Americans. It would create the largest expansion of welfare benefits since the 1960’s, provide amnesty for illegal immigrants during the middle of a border crisis, and include portions of the left’s Green New Deal, particularly forcing utilities to reduce fossil fuel usage or face fines.

####

Helena, Mont. – Pressure is building in Montana on Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to get off the fence and finally take a public stance on Joe Biden’s controversial nominee to implement his gun-grabbing agenda at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), David Chipman.

While Tester claims he hasn’t decided if he will support Chipman’s nomination, our Republican leaders are standing together to protect Montanans’ right to keep and bear arms from Biden and Chipman’s radical anti-Second Amendment agenda.

Yesterday, 25 Republican legislators, including all leadership from the state House and Senate, released a letter they sent to Tester calling on him to reject Chipman’s confirmation.

“Mr. Chipman’s history as a lobbyist for radical gun control groups and support for unconstitutional firearm bans make it glaringly obvious he will not respect Montanans’ Second Amendment rights and will actively work to infringe upon them,” the lawmakers stated. “Rejecting Mr. Chipman’s nomination should be an easy, no-brainer decision. We urge you to oppose his confirmation and announce your opposition without further delay.”

Attorney General Austin Knudsen has opposed Chipman’s nomination since Day 1 and led a 21-state effort of attorneys general calling on Tester and his Democrat party bosses to reject Chipman. Read his latest op-ed in the Washington Times here.

Representative Matt Rosendale is leading a group of GOP lawmakers, who are threatening to introduce an impeachment resolution against Chipman if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Senator Steve Daines is steadfastly opposed and helping lead opposition to Chipman’s confirmation in the Senate, urging his colleagues to oppose the nomination saying, “The Senate must oppose Mr. Chipman’s nomination for the sake of protecting our Second Amendment rights.”

Donald Trump, Jr. has also been calling on Tester to oppose Chipman and had wrote recently that, “Senator Tester either supports the Second Amendment, or David Chipman, but he cannot do both.”

For background, Chipman is a former lobbyist for two major anti-gun groups, has a history of favoring gun bans, and disdain for gun owners whom he recently mocked as “Tiger Kings” prepping for a zombie apocalypse. His nomination alone is an attack on law-abiding Montana gun owners.

Tell Senator Tester David Chipman does NOT represent Montanans and sign our petition today!

####

Helena, Mont. – President Biden’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management, who also served as a senior staffer for Senator Jon Tester, continues to be defended by President Biden, despite shocking new revelations during the nomination process.

“It is truly disturbing that Senator Tester, along with the Biden administration, have continued to support a nominee who has not only violated Senate Ethics rules by taking a gift from a Tester donor while serving as his staffer, but has ties to an eco-terrorist plot and blatantly lied to federal investigators,” Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt said. “Stone-Manning is so radical, she even called for population control and referred to a human child as an environmental hazard. Her extreme history should immediately disqualify her from leading the largest land management agency in the country. It’s time Jon Tester backs down and admits Stone-Manning is a bad choice to lead any agency in this country.”

Stone-Manning previously served as Senator Tester’s Regional Director and as Chief of Staff for Governor Steve Bullock. She also worked for several extreme, dark money environmental organizations including Montana Conservation Voters.

According to MSNBC, White House officials have even admitted that Stone-Manning’s nomination was “a massive vetting failure.” However, despite her actions, Senator Tester has continued to ignore the facts and says he is glad to see her nomination moving forward.

Senator Tester needs to stand with the people of Montana and their values, instead of caving to the far left and supporting another radical Biden administration nominee.

####

Helena, Mont. – Yesterday, the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission met to adopt state legislative redistricting criteria. While Montanans from around the state took time to submit comment, attend virtually, and testify in person in favor of nonpartisan districts, three Commission members chose to inject partisanship into written redistricting goals.

“It is truly disappointing to see the Commission toss aside over 400 comments they received from Montanans last week, including those that requested public comment be heard at the beginning of the meeting” said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Public comment is an important part of the redistricting process and in order for the process to be transparent, Montanans need to be heard.”

In a partisan 3-2 vote, the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission adopted language that allows the Commission to consider the partisan makeup of districts when drawing state legislative lines. This allows Democrats to create districts that favor the Democrat party even if an area has a clear majority of Republican constituents.

“Additionally, yesterday’s vote on competitive criteria completely undermines Montana’s rule of law,” said Chairman Kaltschmidt. “Montanans expect their legislative districts to be drawn in a manner that does not favor one political party over another. It is disappointing this decision was made to give Democrats an unfair partisan advantage and it’s evident members of the Commission on the other side of the aisle only obey laws they like.”

For background, the Commission is comprised of five members, including two Republicans and two Democrats. Former University of Montana Law Professor and tribal attorney Maylinn Smith, who is supposed to serve as the non-partisan chair of the Commission but has previously supported Democrat politicians, was appointed by the Montana Supreme Court.

The next Commission meeting will be held in August. While we are discouraged by today’s actions, we hope the Commission will reject partisan gamesmanship in future meetings.

####

Helena, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Executive Director, Spenser Merwin, is stepping down from his position and Danielle Tribble, a former staff member for Montana’s United States Senator Steve Daines, has been named his replacement as the next Executive Director of the Montana Republican Party.

Spenser Merwin, who oversaw the MTGOP during the historic 2020 election in which Montana Republicans swept every statewide office and landed historic majorities in the Montana Legislature, is stepping down after 20 months in the position and provided the following statement:

“The last 20 months were historic at the Montana Republican Party, and I am grateful to our Republican leaders for giving me the opportunity to earn their trust and serve as the Executive Director during the 2020 election cycle,”, said Spenser Merwin. “The work moving forward will continue, and we are leaving the Montana Republican Party in very capable hands as the organization continues to build on its incredible success from last year. “

Merwin’s replacement, Danielle Tribble, joins the Montana GOP after serving as Senator Daines’ Regional Director based out of his Missoula office. In the 2020 election cycle, Tribble managed the Field and Coalitions Departments for Senator Daines re-election campaign.

MTGOP Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt offered the following statement after Tribble was officially selected as the next Executive Director of the Montana Republican Party:

“I am pleased to announce that Danielle Tribble will serve as Montana Republican Party’s next Executive Director,” said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Danielle has the experience and relationships needed to continue growing our party. We had tremendous success in 2020 and I know Danielle will continue to build on that momentum as we move closer to the midterm elections.”

Danielle brings both political and management experience to the MTGOP where she will be responsible for overseeing the organization and implementing Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt’s vision to support our Republican candidates.

“I am grateful that Chairman Kaltschmidt and the Executive Board have selected me serve as the Montana Republican Party’s Executive Director,” said Tribble. “With Montana picking up a second congressional seat, 2022 is a big year for our state. I am looking forward to working closely with our candidates and positioning the party to be successful next November.”

Danielle was born and raised in Missoula, Montana and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Political Science. In her free time, Danielle enjoys hanging out with friends and family, and exploring all the beauty Montana has to offer.

####

Helena, Mont. – Today, Senator Jon Tester agreed to support the largest spending package in U.S. history as Democrats in Washington, D.C. continue to do everything they can to appease their socialist base and its tax and spend agenda – regardless of the economic impacts.

Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to the Democrats’ continued spending-spree:

“On the heels of a the highest Consumer Price Index in 13 years, Senate Democrats are now moving ahead with the largest and most reckless spending package in U.S. history”, said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Concern for inflation is now higher than anytime since 1991, and we have the reckless spending at the heart of the socialist agenda of the Biden White House to blame. Senator Tester knows this reckless behavior will threaten our economic recovery and that Montana families are looking for relief for today’s price increases; not a handout.”

With former Obama Cabinet members sounding the economic alarm, Senator Tester’s actions are truly reckless, and his self-proclaimed “centrist” label is now in even more doubt.

####

Helena, Mont. – Republican Party member and Montana State Senator for District 21 has been selected by Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt to serve on the Montana Republican Party Executive Board.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve on the Montana Republican Party Executive Board,” said Senator Small. “I am looking forward to working with Republicans across the state to advance conservative values and preserve our Montana way of life for generations to come.”

Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the statement below:

“Senator Small will be an incredible addition to our Executive Board. He is a voice for hard working Montanans, an incredible servant to his community, and a strong representation of our core conservative values. I look forward to working with him over the next several years as we work to keep Montana red.

Senator Jason Small was elected to serve the people in Senate District 21 in 2016 and again in 2020.

245 years ago today, the greatest nation the world has ever known was born. Families and friends across the country are coming together to celebrate our God given rights and the freedoms we have as Americans. While we celebrate, let us honor the brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives to protect ours–and let us remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to live in peace and freedom.

We must never take our freedoms for granted. As Ronald Reagan once said, “We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something–for liberty and freedom and fairness. And these things are worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.” The Montana Republican Party and patriots around the country remain committed to preserving life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for generations to come. Through unity, we will remain free.

Happy Independence Day and God Bless,

Don “K” Kaltschmidt, Chairman

Montana Republican Party

Helena, Mont. – Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of election integrity by upholding Arizona’s election laws in a 6-3 decision. The monumental decision rightfully acknowledges that states have the authority to enact voting security measures without violating anyone’s right to cast his or her ballot.

“Today’s ruling is a monumental victory for champions of election integrity across the country,” said Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “During the 67th Legislative Session, our leaders in Helena strengthened the integrity of our elections by passing commonsense security measures like requiring photo ID and preventing paid political operatives from the mass gathering of ballots. The Montana Republican Party strongly supported these efforts in Montana, and I applaud the Supreme Court for their decision today which upholds our view that states have the authority to enact our own election security measures.”

In Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed two critical bills to strengthen election security and ensure Montana is a leader in election integrity. Immediately following the passage of these bills, the Montana Democrat Party filed suit in a last ditch effort to circumvent the will of Montana voters that overwhelmingly supported Republicans at every level of Government in the 2020 election.

The Arizona laws at the heart of the decision prevented anyone other than the individual, family, and caregivers from collecting and delivering a completed ballot, and a long standing policy that votes cast in the wrong precinct may be discarded.

Montana had a similar law challenged and ultimately struck down by the Montana Supreme Court, however, a recent version of the ballot security measure that passed the Legislature and was signed into law is currently under litigation in Montana. This SCOTUS ruling is welcomed news in regards to the merits of those measures currently in the Montana judicial system.

####

HELENA, Montana- Today, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte joined 19 other governors in urging President Joe Biden to withdraw his proposal to pack the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Power hungry Democrats will stop at nothing to gain control of the United States Supreme Court by packing it full of liberal justices that will fill their far-left wish list. This radical effort to push for one party rule is dangerous and a complete disregard to what our founding fathers intended for our great country,” said Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt.

“The judicial branch of the United States government was created to be free of partisan power. I am thankful for Governor Gianforte’s leadership on this issue to make sure the highest court in the nation remains independent.” 

Just three months into President Biden’s term, Democrats in Congress introduced legislation to pack the Supreme Court with four additional justices, changing the number from nine to thirteen.

President Biden also signed an Executive Order forming a Commission to study expanding the Court.

####