Until Jan. 1, Rep. Reksten still has a job to do

After days of numerous phone calls and emails with both well-wishes and concerns, I feel the best way to respond so that everyone hears the same thing is by answering the questions I have received in writing.

Most importantly, I want to thank again the many wonderful friends, supporters, donors and volunteers who were there for me during my campaign and continue to support me even now.  Please know that I am grateful beyond words. It is the constituents of Lake County and those of you who might be silently questioning the results of the election to whom I direct these answers:

First, I am told that my opponent is 'wishing me well in retirement.' Apparently, he is not aware my term does not end until January 2027 when legislators are sworn in for the new session. Until that time, and after, I will continue to remain very active in this community as not only the Representative for HD 13, but also as an active and vocal participant in many local activities and political issues.

I was born here, and I'm not going anywhere. During this time, I will also continue as the Chairman of the House Interim Education Committee, and I look forward to supporting sound policy for Montana children in public, home and private schools.

Additionally, I will have an active role in the upcoming legislative session. Be assured that I am still working for HD 13 in Lake County and will be providing updates on key legislation proposed for the 2027 Legislature.

Many of you have also expressed concerns that my opponent does not have the background, education or experience to have answers to what he promised to do if elected. I encourage you to ask him directly how he plans to lower taxes, improve education, expand housing opportunities, and support health care. These are promises he made in over 30 campaign pieces sent to your homes.

If he is elected, be sure to hold him accountable for all that he has promised to do for our community. I know I will. 

Many of you have expressed anger at the savage, negative and vicious tone of this campaign. It's a sad commentary on the status of politics in our state, and it's a shame that anyone resorts to low-level campaigning to get elected. It is not the Montana way we elect legislators to represent us.

Lastly, Republicans who were defeated in this primary throughout Montana, were all targeted by Americans for Prosperity, Accountability in State Government PAC, Make Liberty Win PAC, the Montana GOP, and in some cases, their local Republican party. In almost every case the data that was sent out by the dark money groups to disparage Republican candidates were lies, and phony, artificially generated deceptions.

If you don't condone this kind of low-level campaigning, I encourage you to take this into account when you vote next time. I ran an honest and transparent campaign, which I've always done, and I would do the same thing again. I believe in earning votes by telling the truth.

Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 406-471-8359 if I can be of service to you in any way. After all, I am still working for you as your elected representative for HD 13.

– Linda Reksten, Polson, Rep. HD13