It would seem that the modern campaign play book is one of using selective facts, subjective voting records and producing a storm of misleading advertisements. Added to the fact that negative campaign strategies have become common practice, the question of whether truth in politics can exist at all is at question.

The ramifications of deceptive practices are far reaching in that good people in our community won’t run for office, the true positions of candidates are difficult to determine, and a general disdain exists for the political process and those who serve. The right answer, however, is that “We the People” are responsible for demanding truth in politics and need to hold candidates and our elected officials accountable. In that vain, let’s break the rules of modern campaigning and talk about truth.

On a state level, let’s talk about the Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s recent television campaign about our budget surplus. True, Montana has a surplus and we are one of only a few states to have money in the bank. However, the whole truth is the governor started in office with a surplus of over $1 billion and with a 40 percent growth in government, coupled with a drop in revenues, the state coffers are near depleted. It is expected that the upcoming legislature will face an estimated $400 million shortfall.

The governor is both right and wrong. Yes, we have a surplus, but we also have to cut government or raise taxes by $400 million to balance the budget. To be clear, I am not placing all of the blame on the governor, as I believe him to be a talented politician who plays his cards well. The point I am making is the truth is the surplus isn’t a surplus anymore, and we should accept the fact that difficult decisions are on the horizon.

At the local level, the big event is the house race to fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Mike Jopek. It’s a tight race between Derek Skees, a Republican, versus Will Hammerquist, representing the Democrat side. Aside from all the negative campaign tactics, the truth is that the two candidates are very different and your vote matters.

Derek Skees is a conservative who champions cutting government, state sovereignty, strong property rights and believes that economic recovery is best achieved through the free market. If you believe in those ideals, Derek is your man. Will Hammerquist, is a moderate with a background in environmental non-profit organizations and is an advocate for government-funded health care and conservation easements, and supports the use of government subsidies and tax credits for economic recovery. If you believe in those ideals, mark Will on your ballot.

Regardless of party affiliation, I strongly encourage careful deliberation this election and that you vote for the candidate you believe represents your interests and shares your vision of the future of our great state. The truth is that “We the People” have the power to decide our own fate.

Ryan Zinke, of Whitefish, is the state senator representing Senate District 2.