Politics & Government
The Daily Inter Lake’s Politics & Government section delivers updated local and national political coverage, featuring legislative developments, elections, policy debates, and government actions shaping Montana.
Counting machines add vote of confidence to elections security
The conference room of the Flathead County Elections Department whirred with noise. Volunteers rattled off strings…
Montana senators respond to latest health-care bill
In the hours after the U.S. Senate released its latest attempt to wipe away the nation’s current health law, Montana’s senators stood where they had before: One undecided and the other adamantly opposed.
McConnell reveals new health bill; will his GOP support it?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell released his new but still-reeling health care bill Thursday, bidding for conservative support by le…
Tester rakes in cash as he awaits GOP challenger
HELENA — U.S. Sen. Jon Tester added another $2 million to his campaign war chest as he prepares to face his eventual Republican opponent.
County OKs $78.6M capital spending plan
A $78.6 million five-year capital spending plan that includes $50 million for a new jail won unanimous approval Wednesday from the Flathead County commissioners.
Daines remains undecided on GOP health bill
Montana’s Republican senator has yet to take a stance on his party’s plan to replace the nation’s current law shaping how people access health coverage.
Tester fields questions on GOP health bill
As the debate around health reform continues to unfold in Washington, Montana senators this week are discussing the Republican effort to replace former President Barack Obama’s health-care law.
Montana congressional race breaks fundraising record
HELENA (AP) — Republican Greg Gianforte and Democrat Rob Quist raised a combined $11.5 million in last month’s special congressional election, a record haul in Montana for a U.S. House seat.
Trump travel ban partly reinstated by Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is letting a limited version of President Donald Trump’s ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries take effect, a vict…
GOP members of Congress attacked by shooter; House leader wounded
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (all times local):
Reporter alleges attack by Gianforte
HELENA (AP) — A reporter said the Republican candidate for Montana’s sole congressional seat body-slammed him Wednesday, the day before the polls close in the …
Montana voters head to polls Thursday
Montana’s special election for its at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives takes place this Thursday, May 25. Polling places — and the Flathead County Election Office — will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Political newcomers share foreign policy views
[Editor’s note: This three-part series examines the policy differences between the three candidates on the May 25 special-election ballot to fill the vacancy i…
Bernie Sanders rallies voters to support Rob Quist
MISSOULA (AP) — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke about economic inequality and the failings of the country’s health care system Saturday as he sought to rally…
Trump fires FBI Director James Comey
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey Tuesday, saying it was necessary to restore “public trust and confidence” in t…
Pence to campaign for Gianforte in Montana
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to travel to Montana next week to campaign for a Republican congressional candidate running in a special elec…