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Short memories?

Why would Mr. Gianforte think we forgot the reasons that brought about his defeat in the last election? The lawsuit against the state of Montana regarding access for sportsmen. His referring to a discussion about Facebook building a data center in Montana. Facebook stated that no such discussion ever took place. Damaged credibility is very difficult to restore. I don’t believe Mr. Gianforte can restore his by election day. —Peter Daniels, Polson

Not qualified

Most of us in the Flathead really revere Rob and Bonni Quist. Many are close friends with them for decades; loving them for their talent, dedication, generosity and friendship. Of course all of us are charmed by celebrity and personhood. However, it is my prayer that this country is not going to elect a bunch of celebrities to run the country or the state. It is not that celebrity disqualifies someone for running for high office (like Gov. and President Reagan ), but celebrity alone does not qualify someone for high office.

Mr. Quist’s curriculum vitae would really qualify him to run for City Council or county commissioner, that he might gain entry-level political experience. The Montana Democrats clearly chose Mr. Quist for his celebrity and it was reported that he fits “...into what Democrats envision as the ... mold for electability...” That completely ignores the precept that we need the most qualified and proven person for the job. The Democrats passed on two very qualified and experienced candidates. This is only about getting a Democrat in the seat, not about who can do the best job for Montana and America.

I think that many Montana folk do not like Mr. Gianforte. But, every thing I read, hear and discover about him is that he is very well qualifed to be a congressman. The most crucial issue here is that Mr. Quist is an avowed Bernie Sanders supporter. The U.S. is one of the most non-socialistic countries, and Montana one of most non-socialist states. Mr. Quist does not fit with the needs of Montana and the U.S. —Charles Wardle, Kalispell

Refreshing

Multimillionaire Greg Gianforte is at it again. His efforts to discredit Gov. Steve Bullock with his negative TV adds and half truths during the last election failed. He doesn’t seem to understand that attempting to make your opponent look bad only make you appear bad. By his own admission he spent $6 million of his own money on TV ads and fliers during the last election. He is a classic example of the old adage about “attempting to buy the election.”

Now he is using the same mudslinging approach with his attacks on Rob Quist in the campaign for the open seat for the U.S. House of Representatives vacated by Ryan Zinke. Rob Quist is a native Montanan and was raised on a ranch on the High Line, attended Montana public schools and the University of Montana. He has traveled the entire state and understands all Montana citizens and our way of life.

It would be refreshing to have a truthful and honest citizen with Montana values represent our state in Washington, D.C., rather than more of the rich and famous we are now experiencing. It appears that Gianforte is a political opportunist and would use the office of the House of Representatives as a retirement effort and his own gain. Rob Quist is an honorable citizen with high standards for Montana and our nation. —Jerry Reckin, Kalispell

A new choice

Montanans are faced with an election on May 25 that we didn’t choose. To some, an off-year statewide election is an unwelcome intrusion to our lives. However, this election is a great opportunity for Montana to make a difference in Washington.

We only get one voice in the U.S. House, so it’s important that we get it right. It’s important to choose someone who can be the voice of Montana, and not serve their own interests.

We have, as one of our choices, a socialist cowboy, who aside from his debt issues, is out of touch with many, many Montanans. We also have a non-native Montanan who some consider unelectable with a bad report on the issue of public lands. This non-native Montanan thinks he can buy an election with his money, and attitudes like that make it easier to sell out to corporate interests once in Washington.

If Montana voters want someone truly in touch with Montana, they should look no further than Mark Wicks. He is a third-generation Montanan, who will fight for social and personal liberties, and who won’t be bought or sold. As a Libertarian, he won’t have “party leadership” yanking his chain and making him vote a “party line.” He will not be a sellout to corporate interests and he will always be in touch with constituents.

For a healthier Montana, a better voice in Washington, and liberty, vote Mark Wicks for Montana’s congressman. In 1917, we sent the first woman ever to congress. Now 100 years later, let’s send the first Libertarian. —Joshua-Luke O’Connor, Kalispell

He’s one of us

Rob Quist is Montana; it’s in his nature. He is one of us!

Rob Quist was raised and educated in Montana. Rob Quist will fight for affordable public education for all. Rob Quist, a Montana small business owner, smart and sincere. He is one of us!

Rob Quist knows hard, working Montanans need livable wages. Rob Quist will reach out with an independent voice for economic growth. Rob Quist knows affordable health care, for all, will keep Montanans healthy. He is one of us!

Rob Quist will protect our priceless public land resources for Montana’s future. He is one of us!

Rob Quist is truthful and trustworthy, protecting sensible gun ownership. He is one of us!

Montanan Rob Quist will serve us well as our next U.S. congressman, representing us in Washington, D.C. He is one of us! Vote for Rob Quist in our special May 25 election. —JoLynn Yenne, Bigfork