Voter polls in Montana and across the country show that the majority of voters (including Democrat, Republican and independents) feel the Senate should hold hearings and vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. Regardless of the wishes of a majority of our citizens, Sen. Daines continues to oppose any hearings or votes on a nominee this year.

It seems like Sen. Daines is more interested in supporting Mitch McConnell and what his caucus wants than what the majority of his “fellow” Montanans consider is the right action. According to a recent online poll in Kalispell, Sen. Daines appears to be supporting the 38 percent in the Flathead that oppose hearings and a vote, versus the 62 percent that feel he should do his job and give Judge Merrick Garland the courtesy of a hearing and a vote.

Is this the behavior of a Montana statesman who is concerned about his constitutional responsibility to advise and consent or that of an ideologue who is determined to obstruct the government’s business and what is best for Montana and our country in support of his own agenda?

Let Sen. Daines know how you feel. Leave a message for him at the Capitol switchboard, 202-224-3121.

—Craig McClure, Polson