I seldom find myself agreeing with Bruce Tutvedt but I do concur with his observation that there is a fight for the heart and soul of the Republican Party. The question is: will the Republican Party be pulled to the left by the “Responsible Republicans” or maintain its traditional values. The starting point of this discussion should be the realization that the traditional Democratic Party has been taken over.

Over the last three decades the “progressives” have completed their invasion and conquest of the Democratic Party. With them they brought their new left-wing agenda which embraces the following: anti-capitalism, anti-business, anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-Constitution, anti-Christian, anti-America, anti-marriage, anti-states’ rights, anti-individual rights, anti-morals and decency, anti-life of babies, anti-morality, anti-logging, anti-mining, anti-oil, anti-gas, anti-ranching, anti-farming,  pro-federal government control, pro-homosexual rights, pro global warming and favoring globalism.

The stench of this intoxicating brew has become so overpowering that traditional Democrats have begun looking for a new home sensing such an agenda could never win an election in our state where the majority of people still understand common sense. As is the same with any displaced group, the traditional Democrats are now spilling over into the Republican Party desperately trying to establish a home there. However, while not full-fledged progressives, they still support the same left-wing infrastructure of big government and increased governmental regulation and spending. Such is the case with people like Bruce Tutvedt.

It is now apparent that most conservatives understand this development. The last two elections dramatically emphasize this point. Both times, in 2012 and in this election, conservatives overwhelmingly voted for conservatives by about a two to one margin. Ryan Zinke is claiming victory and is now the candidate for the Republican Party. In fact, the election was a resounding defeat and rejection of his message as he only received one-third of the vote and this one-third minority are the only people that he truly represents. Now, this left-leaning minority of the Republican Party is adamantly saying the conservatives must support Zinke with his muddle-to-the-middle approach.

In reality, the split in the Republican Party has been caused by this liberal minority faction residing in the midst of Montana’s sea of conservatives. I don’t think this group realizes that they are the problem, not the true conservative base. I don’t think they realize that it is them, the Irresponsible Republicans, who are out of step and must change. For we will never unify the Republican Party with a message crafted to lean to the left. True conservatives know that the philosophy they embrace is the best cure for the ills of our society. We have seen the failed results of the left-wing approach for the last 40 years and we will not be enticed to embrace them any longer in any form whatsoever.

Yes, once again the majority of the conservatives will have to hold their nose and support a man who has no real plan, no real goals and no true leadership in these very desperate times —but only as the lesser of two evils. However just a warning — this is last time. Either this minority of pseudo-conservatives  finally embraces the conservative message or the split in the Republican Party will become total and irrevocable.

Yes, the progressives and their ilk have taken over the Democratic Party. But that doesn’t mean conservatives have to be shunted aside by the Republicans. If the Republican Party continues to push us out, the only option will be the formation of a new party. We will be heard one way or another.

Agather is a resident of Kalispell.