We all know the phrase “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” but there’s an even bigger danger here in
Montana: Democrats in Republican clothing. Though Montana voters sent a conservative
majority to Helena, a small faction of self-identified Republicans abandoned their colleagues and
handed power over to Democrats, enabling a massive tax shift and growing government.
While Democrat leaders celebrated the session as a success, Republicans started working to
ensure real conservative policies get passed in 2027. Now, the fake Republicans who empowered
the Democrat minority are attempting to play victim.

One of them, Rep. David Bedey, wrote an article about “discord” in the Montana Republican
Party (MTGOP). In reality, the only discord is coming from the likes of Bedey and swamp boss
Llew Jones. Instead of watering down conservative principles and fracturing the Republican
majority, they should just be honest with voters and run as Democrats or Independents.

Bedey claims the MTGOP is no longer a “big tent” party, having supposedly been limited to a
“right-wing” definition of conservatism. Why does Bedey object to a right-wing version of
conservatism, and how does he think the Republican base defines itself? Would he prefer a left-
wing conservatism? As always, the MTGOP welcomes anyone with a genuine commitment to
lower taxes, limited government, and stronger families.

Bedey also complained about being asked to complete a simple questionnaire sent to all self-
declared Republican candidates. The prompts were straightforward, asking candidates about
issues like the role of government, when human life begins, and how to lower property taxes.
These questions get to the heart of fundamental differences between conservatives and liberals.

Although Bedey admitted that such questions matter to his voters, he nevertheless refused to
respond, claiming that answers could be used to “purge” the party. Why exactly does Bedey
think giving honest answers would result in his departure from the party? Voters can draw their
own conclusions.

The article concludes with a desperate attempt to reframe the situation as a “people vs. the party”
situation, rather than what it really is: fake Republicans undermining the will of the grassroots
Republican base. Bedey seems to arrogantly believe that the platform of the party he campaigns
under — and the voters that support it — are beneath him.

Bedey missed the mark. Political parties are built on shared principles and policy priorities.
Voters have every right to decide whether he consistently represents those principles and
advances those policies.

Lincoln once cautioned: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
Republican voters are right to stand firm in questioning whether a person who allies with
Democrats and attacks their colleagues has, in fact, put their feet in the right place.

Representative Kathy Love

House District 85

Published in the Bitterroot Star, November 18, 2025
https://bitterrootstar.com/2025/11/fake-republicans-sow-discord-in-montana-republican-party/