No headline

As one of the individuals interested in replacing Congressman Zinke, I feel obligated to respond to the Republican State Party’s action to require a fee of $1,740 in order to run in the special election.

Unfortunately, this self-imposed fee only plays into the stereotype that the GOP is not interested in encouraging new blood to participate in the political process. It presents a negative image of the State Republican Party. The party leaders should be encouragers. This proposed fee does not encourage potential candidates. The state party should always be looking for new potential candidates for office. Perhaps the state party leadership thinks the best solution to replace Congressman Zinke is found in a recently elected state legislator. In my opinion, that is thinking too small. There is room in the big party tent for newcomers and freshness. The GOP should be pleased to see new people come forward who want to serve Montana and our country.

In a regular election there is a filing fee, which pays for the cost of placing a person’s name on the ballot. There is no such ballot under the rules of a convention. During a primary, candidates also have the opportunity to address the issues. This is a great experience. It gives candidates a chance to present themselves to the public. That does not happen at a state convention. Candidates usually only have about 5 minutes to stand before the delegates and attempt to sell themselves, often to an audience that has already been lobbied for its vote. The Party establishment usually wins out.

State party Chairman Jeff Essman stated that this fee was to help defray the cost of the delegates traveling to the convention. I would recommend that each County Republican Central Committee fund the travel expenses for their delegates,

I hope the Montana Republican Party will give my concerns serious consideration, and rescind this unnecessary and restrictive fee. There is time to do so.

Gary K. Carlson,

Victor