Don't believe anti-Zinke smears

The other day I was watching a program that my friends and I find rather amusing. The topic of this particular episode was “going negative.” In the context of the show, it meant attempting to win a date with someone by pointing out all of their shortcomings. The theory was that they would feel so bad about themselves that they would agree to go out with you. The problem being, eventually they would realize you are not much of a catch yourself.

This reminds me of a candidate in the upcoming primary House election. If your platform is built upon negative allegations, what are you actually offering when the honeymoon is over and the votes have been counted? That is the trouble with a smear campaign. It often shocks voters into emotional decisions. Once the smoke clears, the truthfulness of the allegations is irrelevant. The damage was done, the goal was achieved. Unfortunately, the real victim is Montana. We are the ones left with a candidate that isn’t much of a catch, and has nothing positive to offer.

Ryan Zinke is a man of integrity, and a man of his word. I have had the opportunity to speak with him directly, and everyone I have queried affirms this fact. If you take the time to see what Ryan Zinke stands for, you will be impressed. He has a plan for Montana, and for America. It isn’t based upon what anyone else has done, but on what he can do. Third generation Montanan, retired Navy SEAL commander, born leader and optimist; Ryan Zinke is right for Montana.

So, the next time you receive some negative campaign propaganda in the mail, take the time to see who paid for it. Be an informed voter, get your information from reliable sources, and try not to get stuck in the mud.

Zac Andrews is a resident Bigfork