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With Donald Trump leading in swing states after debating Joe Biden on June 28 — a lead that’s shown signs of evaporating after Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race in Biden’s stead — it seemed likely the former president would turn his attention to flipping Democratic seats in the U.S. Senate.
On Wednesday, news of an Aug. 9 stop by Trump in Bozeman to campaign with U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy was leaked by Montana Talks radio host Aaron Flint. On Thursday, the Trump campaign noticed the Bozeman event on its website: Friday night, 8 p.m., Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
Sheehy is challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. As in 2018, when Trump made four Montana stops to campaign for Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale’s challenge to Tester, there has been less than a week’s notice for Trump events around the country this summer. Event registration forms are usually posted five to six days in advance.
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How Montana’s federal campaigns are funded
Montana’s federal candidates have arrived at the final stage of the general election largely fueled by individual contributions. National political action committee donations and contributions from congressional leadership committees also play a major role. Here’s a summary of the financial picture for each major candidate who raised at least $90,000 in individual contributions leading up to the Nov. 3 election, including where the bulk of their itemized donors reside.
First Nations celebrate Albertans’ decision to remain a part of Canada
The Blackfoot Confederacy, a coalition of tribes in Montana and Alberta, celebrated Albertans’ decision this week to remain a province within Canada. The “no” vote represents a long-sought victory for First Nations in Alberta, who brought a legal challenge and launched a public information campaign to thwart the secession. Alberta’s independence movement dates back to the Great Depression, though it gained popularity and legitimacy after a handful of events in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the election of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Crow Legislature rejects bill to expand enrollment
After nearly two hours of impassioned debate, the Crow Tribe’s Legislature on Wednesday voted down a bill that would dramatically change who counts as a tribal member. The bill, brought by Chairman Frank White Clay, would have revised the tribe’s “blood quantum” standard, effectively making more people eligible for tribal citizenship. Supporters argued that the change was needed to ensure the continued existence of the tribe. Opponents expressed concern over straining federal funding.
