Press Release

FOR RELEASE
February 1, 2022
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont – To ensure we have a winning message in November, the Montana Republican Party is pleased to announce the addition of Alden Tonkay as Communications Director.

“The Montana Republican Party is focused on building a strong team that will help us win in November’s elections. Alden will be a great addition to our organization,” Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt said. “Alden will be crucial in our mission to re-elect Congressman Rosendale, elect a strong Republican in our new congressional district, and expand our legislative majorities in Helena.” 

Alden joins the Montana Republican Party after serving in Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office. Prior to his time at the Department of Justice, Alden worked on several statewide political campaigns.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining such a great team of people at the Montana Republican party and am honored to be entrusted with delivering our party’s message to Montana voters as we move closer to November,” Alden said. “The balance of power in Congress runs through Montana in 2022 and I look forward to working to ensure that Montana sends two Republicans to Congress and retains a super-majority in both houses of our state legislature. 

Alden attended college at the University of Montana and lives in Helena. When not working, Alden can be found fishing, hunting, golfing, and enjoying our great outdoors with his family and friends. 

Alden can be reached at alden@mtgop.org

FOR RELEASE
January 28, 2022
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Republican candidates running for the Montana Legislature gathered today outside the Secretary of State’s Office to hold their Republican candidate filing event to kick-off the 2022 election cycle. During the event, Republican Leadership shared their vision for Montana – one with a strong economy, more jobs and opportunity, and a commitment to protect our personal freedoms and liberties – and expressed confidence in winning key races across the state in November.

“Montana voters strongly supported Republican candidates from all across the state in the 2020 election. We listened to the voters and kept our promises – and now we need your support again. There are two competing visions for the future of Big Sky Country: the Republican vision of freedom and the Democrats’ vision of government control of your lives. In the upcoming 2022 election, we need Montanans to once again vote for these individuals who will protect your rights, liberties and freedoms – vote Republican.” – Greg Hertz, State Senator and Chair of the Montana Republican Legislative Campaign Committee

“Over the past twelve months, the people of Montana have seen the first hand benefits of electing Republican candidates. From cutting taxes and opening Montana for business, to fighting against federal government overreach, Montana is stronger under Republican leadership. We will continue working tirelessly to make sure no race is left behind and that our candidates are in the best position to win come November.” – Don “K” Kaltschmidt, Chairman, Montana Republican Party

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FOR RELEASE
January 14, 2022
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Yesterday, Senator Jon Tester announced his intention to erase long standing Senate rules by abolishing the filibuster in order to advance Chuck Schumer’s agenda and cram through a federal election takeover. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to Tester’s reckless decision:

“Once again Senator Tester has flip-flopped on his previous position to appease Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden. This time, he turned his back on Montanans to support the radical Left’s attempt to change election laws to help the Democrats,”Chairman Kaltschmidt said. “Tester’s decision is nothing more than a far-left power grab to pass the Democrat’s federal election takeover legislation. If ultimately passed and signed into law, this bill would place the control of Montana elections in the hands of the federal government, allowing D.C. politicians to make decisions about what Montanans vote on. If Jon Tester cares at all about representing Montana voters, he needs to immediately reverse course.”

Tester filibustered 280 times when Republicans controlled the Senate. And it was just three years ago that Tester vowed he would never eliminate the filibuster. Montana voters see through Tester’s hypocrisy and they will remember it at the polls in 2024.

FOR RELEASE
January 14, 2022
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to yesterday’s two U.S. Supreme Court rulings:

“The Supreme Court made the clear, correct decision in striking down Joe Biden’s overreaching vaccine mandate for private businesses. No person should be forced to choose between their personal healthcare decisions and their job,” said Chairman Kaltschmidt. “However, we are disappointed in the Court’s decision to allow Biden’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers to proceed. This mandate will have a permanent and damaging effect on Montana’s healthcare facilities.”

Yesterday’s decision does not bring an end to either case. Currently, the OSHA mandate is being challenged on the merits in the Sixth Circuit and the CMS case in the Fifth Circuit.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led the fight in challenging 4 of President Biden’s illegal vaccine mandates including the OSHA and CMS mandates. In response to the court rulings, Attorney General Knudsen stated, “This unprincipled ‘split the baby’ approach undermines public confidence in the Supreme Court and the rule of law. Today’s decisions do not mean either case is over – I will continue our fight to protect Montanans’ rights and strike down President Biden’s unlawful mandates for good.”

Governor Greg Gianforte expressed support for the Supreme Court’s OSHA ruling, stating, “The Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s vaccination mandate for America’s job creators, ending this gross, unconstitutional federal overreach.”

Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale also released statements supporting the Court’s decision in the OSHA case while expressing disappointment in the Court’s decision to mandate vaccines on healthcare workers.

FOR RELEASE
December 21, 2021
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and 23 other state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Biden’s nonsensical mandate requiring toddlers to wear masks and Head Start teachers and volunteers to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to the action:

“Joe Biden has foisted unlawful mandate after unlawful mandate onto Montanans, but our Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, is fighting back. He’s won court victories against three different COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and Montana families who use Head Start programs will be watching this case closely. Montana families deserve better and I’m grateful Attorney General Knudsen and other Republicans are fighting to stop this executive overreach.”

There are 20 Head Start programs around Montana that provide services to children 3 to 5 years of age and their families, with the goal of increasing school readiness of children from low-income families.

Attorney General Knudsen has won court victories temporarily blocking the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private businesses with more than 100 employees, federal contractors and their employees, and medical workers. The injunction against the private employer mandate was overturned by a higher court, but AG Knudsen and others have filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Earlier this month, U.S Senator Steve Daines called on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to rescind the Head Start mask and vaccine mandate.

FOR RELEASE
December 15, 2021
Contact: press@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Last night, Senator Jon Tester and Democrats in Washington D.C. voted to increase the debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion, bringing the U.S. debt ceiling limit to $31.4 trillion. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to the vote.

“Jon Tester’s vote to increase the debt ceiling enables Joe Biden’s Build Back Broke agenda to become a reality. Let’s not forget that Democrats in Washington D.C. have already supported over $8 trillion in new spending this year prior to this increase. With inflation hitting a 40 year high and families paying more than ever for groceries, gifts, and electricity this holiday season, Montanans cannot afford more debt or frivolous government spending. Democrats have done significant damage to our nation’s economy over the past eleven months, and next November, Montana will be sending two Republican members of Congress back to Washington D.C. to help clean up the mess that Jon Tester and Joe Biden have created.”

Senator Steve Daines voted against Democrats efforts to raise the debt ceiling and has continued to speak out against the “fiscal madness.”

Congressman Matt Rosendale voiced his opposition to the increase following last night’s vote.

FOR RELEASE
December 3, 2021
Contact: press@mtgop.org

Helena, MT – Last night, Democrat Senator Jon Tester voted against Republican efforts to block Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandates. Following this disappointing vote from Montana’s senior senator, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement:

“Jon Tester has chosen to stand with Biden and the radical Left over Montanans once again. While it’s extremely disappointing, it’s sadly not surprising. For months, Tester avoided giving a straight answer to the public on whether or not he supports Biden’s vaccine mandates. With this vote, Montanans now know where he stands – and it certainly is not with them. Don’t be fooled by his response to why he voted no – we all know it’s because he’s scared to stand up to Biden and the Left.”

FOR RELEASE
November 24, 2021
Contact: press@mtgop.org

Helena, MT – The Montana Republican Party has released a new radio ad titled “Higher.”

The radio ad features Donald Trump Jr. and is focused on Joe Biden and Jon Tester’s multi-trillion-dollar tax and spend proposal.

The sixty-second radio ad is airing in markets across Montana.

Listen to the radio ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxm2HqKXw1Y

A transcript of the ad can be found below.

Voiceover: With inflation rising, Montanans are paying more for everything.
Now, Joe Biden and Jon Tester want you to pay even more.
Biden and Tester are trying to force trillions in new government spending.
Their plan…
…would raise taxes
…double the size of the IRS
…and direct billions to “green new deal priorities” that will raise energy prices for hardworking families.
The Biden-Tester spending plan is wrong for Montana.
Here’s Donald Trump Jr…

Donald Trump Jr.: Jon Tester and Joe Biden say their new spending plan won’t cost Montanans a dime…
That’s bullsh*t.
Biden and Tester’s plan will raise taxes on Montana families
Hurt small businesses.
And kill Montana jobs.
Tell Jon Tester “enough is enough.”
…it time for Tester to stop Biden’s trillion-dollar spending plan.

Voiceover: The Montana Republican Party is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by Montana Republican Party. not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www dot mt gop dot org

HELENA, Mont. – Yesterday, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced he is leading a lawsuit with 11 other states to fight back against the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. It is Attorney General’s third lawsuit against the Biden administration’s illegal mandates that force Montanans to undergo a medical procedure at the threat of losing their livelihoods.

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in support of to the Attorney General’s fight for Montanans’ rights:

“Just a few weeks ago, Joe Biden was rightfully praising our healthcare workers for their bravery fighting COVID-19 and now he wants to fire these heroes if they don’t comply with his unconstitutional mandate. Biden’s mandates are nothing more than an attack on the rights of Montana’s frontline workers, first responders, small businesses, and families. His private employer mandate alone would affect 142,00 Montana workers-which is over a third of our private sector workforce. I am grateful Montana’s Republican leaders are fighting to reverse the rule and defend the rights of all Montanans, whether they choose to be vaccinated or not.”

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte reaffirmed House Bill 702, passed by the Montana Legislature and signed into law earlier this year, which prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual based on their vaccine status. Governor Gianforte also expressed support for Attorney General Knudsen’s efforts to fight the Biden Administration’s overreach.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote a letter to President Biden expressing his concerns over the CMS ruling, which requires all healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or lose their jobs. Senator Daines also voiced his support for Attorney General Knudsen’s actions, stating the mandate “will cripple Montana’s health care workforce and impact Montanans seeking medical care.”

Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale remains strongly opposed to any mandate or vaccine passport and earlier this year introduced the “No Taxpayer Funding for Vaccine Passports Act” which would prohibit federal funding from being used to implement or create a COVID-19 vaccine passport system. He also expressed serious concerns about the impacts a mandate on workers would have on the nation’s current labor shortage.

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HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement honoring those who have served our nation on this Veterans Day:

“On this Veterans Day, Montanans are gathering across our great state to honor all the men and women who have so bravely served in the United States Armed Forces. With Montana being home to nearly 100,000 veterans, our state has a rich legacy of service. As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps myself, I understand the sacrifices our service members and their families make to allow us to remain free. Because of these sacrifices, we are able to live in peace. To all of Montana’s veterans, thank you for your service and for defending our freedoms.”

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HELENA, Mont. – Last week, the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) voted to end their membership at the end of the current contract, which is set to expire at the end of next June.

“On behalf of the Montana Republican Party, I want to extend a huge thank you to the Montana School Boards Association for standing with Montana’s parents,” said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Parents have the right to hold school boards members accountable for their actions. I am grateful for Montana’s Republican leaders, and the Montana School Boards Association for supporting local engagement and the voices of Montana parents.”

In September, the National School Boards Association sent a letter to the Department of Justice labeling critics of mask mandates and critical race theory as “domestic terrorists.” Following the letter, Montana’s Republican leaders voiced strong support for parental rights and were quick to call for respect of local control. Since the letter was sent, 25 states have chosen to distance themselves from the National Association and create a new national organization that “values community ownership through school boards governance”.

Senator Steve Daines and Montana Superintendent Elsie Artnzen praised the MTSBA for their decision.

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HELENA, Mont. – Yesterday, Jon Tester and Senate Democrats failed at their third attempt to federalize elections across the country and dictate Montana’s election laws.

H.R. 4, which was originally sponsored by Senator Tester, would have given the Biden Administration the power to overturn state election integrity reforms that make it easier to vote and harder to cheat. Thankfully, Montana’s Republican leaders took action to stop the radical power grab in its tracks.

Following the vote on the bill, Senator Steve Daines stated, “Democrats are laser focused on taking over our elections and rewriting the rules in their favor,” Daines said. “The Democrats’ bill this time around is just another power grab that would federalize our elections and undermine commonsense state voting laws. The Democrats should spend a little more time focused on fixing the inflation, energy and border crises they’ve created.”

Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale voted against the legislation when it was voted on in the U.S. House, and said, “I trust Montanans to run free, fair, and secure elections. It is extremely disappointing to see Jon Tester again side with far-left Democrats’ attempts to overrule many of Montana’s recent election reforms and hand complete control over Montana’s elections to Joe Biden and federal bureaucrats.”

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen released the following statement: “We’re grateful to partner with Senator Daines on standing tall against the federal assault on Montana elections.”

In September, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined a letter along with 22 other state attorney generals to congressional leadership expressing intent to sue if the bill were to pass, stating “This legislation is a misguided, clumsy, and heavy-handed effort to circumvent Supreme Court decisions, state sovereignty, and the will of the people.”

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