The impact of the surging COVID-19 pandemic was on display Sunday as Montana Democratic candidates from the top of the ballot down gathered in Kalispell for a “drive-in” political rally.

Instead of a traditional rally, the Democratic Party opted for a socially distant “Drive Out The Vote” event at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Each candidate was greeted with a chorus of honks as they took the outdoor stage.

Appearing at the event were House District 3 candidate Debo Powers, candidate for state auditor Shane Morgeau, Flathead County commissioner candidate Kristen Larson, attorney general candidate Raph Graybill, secretary of state candidate Bryce Bennett, candidate for U.S. House Kathleen Williams and U.S. Senate candidate Gov. Steve Bullock. Candidate for superintendent of public instruction Melissa Romano, and gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney sent pre-recorded video messages.

County Commission candidate Larson said she would bring balance to the commission “with a strong heart and independent mind.”

She took aim at the county commission’s recent announcement that they believed the Governor’s mask mandate is a choice, calling it a “shameful political act” that endangered citizens. The commissioners released their statement a day after Gov. Bullock said Flathead and Yellowstone counties are not doing enough to implement his mask directive as virus cases surge.

“Their lack of leadership did not go unnoticed,” Larson told the crowd. “I stand with Gov. Bullock and the health professionals that are pleading with our community to follow public health guidelines. When we disregard the very people that are trying to keep us safe, we risk losing a loved one, a small business, closing our schools and affecting Montana’s strong economy.”

Along with her husband Derek, Larson owns Glacier Lanes bowling alley in Columbia Falls. She is facing another newcomer to local politics, Republican Brad Abell, for the District 1 commission seat held by Phil Mitchell, who is not running for reelection.

U.S. House candidate Williams told the rally crowd that voters want Montana’s next representative in Congress to focus on expanding access to affordable health care, and someone who will protect Montana’s outdoor heritage and access to public lands.

She also noted veterans’ issues, saying that she comes from a military family.

“We have to make sure that all those veterans who served get all the services and programs they earned. We need to make sure that happens.”

Williams is running against Republican State Auditor Matt Rosendale for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House. Williams lost the 2018 election for U.S. House to current Rep. Greg Gianforte, who is now seeking to be elected Montana Governor. Williams is a former state representative from Bozeman.

Two-term Gov. Bullock closed the event, checking off some of the same talking points about access to health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

“We deserve to be protected,” Bullock told the crowd.

He also spoke about the importance of access to public lands as a “Montana value” that’s important to the state economy.

You know in the Flathead Valley, like we know all across this state, our public lands belong to each and everyone one of us,” Bullock said. “Public lands won’t be transferred out of public hands. Not on my watch.”

He said public lands are a key economic driver in Montana that should be protected.

“They ain’t coming for our Wal-Marts,” Bullock said of Montana visitors. “They’re coming to enjoy these lands all around us.”

Like Williams, he also touched on veterans issues and some of the successes of his two terms as Governor.

"We improved access to health care through Medicaid expansion that [helped] 15,000 veterans and their families.

"We've provided tax cuts for businesses that hire veterans."

Gov. Bullock is in a tight race with incumbent Republican Sen. Steve Daines, with various polls showing the race essentially tied.