Letters to the editor July 27

Republicans are laughing

I can hear the Republicans laughing. In a year when even lifelong Republicans are upset with the Republican party and where Democratic candidates have been over performing in races all over the country, the retired generation of Montana Democrats has decided that only an independent can win in a statewide election.

They’ve undermined their own party to put forth Seth Bodnar, who was reportedly coerced into running for Senate by former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Bodnar is a bad candidate.  Rumors swirl that his campaign paid for petition signatures to get his name on the ballot and his time at the University of Montana shows misogynistic tendencies.

Now we are going through a period where, on a weekly basis, more Democrats put out statements asking the winner of the Democratic Senate primary, Alani Bankhead, to leave the race. Former Sen. Max Baucus has joined Tester in endorsing Bodnar. Two old white men undermining their own party in an attempt to regain relevance. The snowball they pushed downhill gains momentum, gathering Democratic legislators and gaining size as time paces.

The people who should be counted on to lead the Democratic party have instead betrayed us and our elected candidate, Alani Bankhead. They say she can’t win, but, if that is true, its because of their own actions.

Alani Bankhead has a background that includes 21 year of military service and many years spent hunting child predators and human traffickers. Her website shows her position on every issue and confirms her commitment to take no money from PACs. She’s a great candidate.

When faced with a great candidate, in a year when the blue wave could be bigger than ever, what do the party elders do? Cave. Throw in the towel.

I can hear the Republicans laughing.

— Amy Weeks, Columbia Falls