by Carrie Rusk, Corvallis
Bitterroot Star, May 14, 2024
Two years ago Wayne Rusk ran for HD 88 with a vision in mind of Uniting the Conservative Community of Ravalli County. He decisively won a tough campaign battle against Alan Lackey, despite the fact that he was “Manzella Approved”.
I believe he is getting closer to accomplishing his vision. The next step is unseating Mrs. Manzella from her senate seat. Wayne will bring a new type of leadership to SD 44. He will bring hope and optimism, not fear and discontent. He will bring a love of country and community, not strife and the latest conspiracy theory. He will bring courage to make tough choices when needed rather than just go with the status quo.
Wayne understands that many people in our community are tired of the extreme sides of both political parties. Both the right and left have gone too far off the deep end of some issues. He is not afraid to point out where Republicans have gone past the point of being conservative and also not afraid to see where there is some common ground among our democrat neighbors….don’t we all want lower property taxes and schools that are the best they can be. No one wants a round-about!
Wayne believes that how you treat people matters…that its not ok to lie and personally attack your opponent under the cover of “its just politics”. He has too much integrity to ever set the Christian ideals aside of loving your neighbor as yourself. He is able to withstand the outright lies and slander against him and is willing to do so because of how much he cares about our community. Beware of the truth being twisted. Anyone who knows Wayne knows that he would never want non-citizens to vote (a lie being spread) He has spent so much of his life hunting, fishing. He has passed love of the outdoors along to his kids as well. He will always protect these rights. Don’t believe the lies that he won’t.
If you are tired of your elected leader telling you, bulling you, or outright shaming you into how you should feel, then now is your chance to vote for a new choice for SD 44. Please cast your vote for Wayne Rusk on June 4th.
Read the article here.
by Dan Tomlinson, Hamilton
Bitterroot Star, May 14, 2024
During her tenure, Theresa Manzella has perfected a unique brand of incompetence and hysteria, typified by making wild statements and producing very little.
For instance, in the last session she put forth more than a dozen bills in a legislature with a Republican supermajority. A golden opportunity thus presented itself. But Manzella daffily fumbled it away by bringing forth such nonsense that a bare handful even made it out of committee. Typical Manzella – big noise, small results.
In the wake of this colossal failure, Manzella shifted her support to another pack of losing bills. She now seeks to make these bills into a battleground. I confess that digging into legalese is not my forte. (Thankfully Wayne Rusk has done this hard work, and you can read his analysis on his website.) But even the drive-by view suggests the bills were flawed, based again on their failure to pass even with a Republican supermajority.
In stark contrast to Manzella, Wayne Rusk stands as a figure who attracts support across a wide range of the constituency. In this regard he follows, albeit on a smaller stage, in the tradition of Ronald Reagan. Reagan drew lifelong Democrats without sacrificing conservative principles. I believe Wayne can do the same thing, and can get good laws passed. This would be a welcome change. Please vote Wayne Rusk for Senate District 44.
Read the article here.
by Ed Greef and Ray Hawk, past representatives HD88, HD90, Florence
Ravalli Republic, May 9, 2024
The character qualifications couldn’t be more opposite than the choice between Wayne Rusk and Manzella. Wayne Rusk earned a record of integrity while serving in the state House of Representatives last session, while Manzella’s record was less than stellar and at the least, self serving. These two candidates couldn’t be more opposite. Last campaign season Manzella used Wayne’s donor list and contacted the donors using her official Senate stationery without the permission of Rusk. She advised Rusk’s donors that they shouldn’t vote for Rusk but vote for her. On state stationery! A law was passed in the 2023 legislature to prevent this occurring again.
The positive side of ethical behavior is now being shown in the recent ads of endorsement in support of Wayne by the legislators from Ravalli County who have served in the past 30 years plus current and past Ravalli County officials. This is powerful recognition plus endorsement by the folks that know from their own experience what it takes to accomplish good public service and the excellent operation of Ravalli County and the state government. Ethics matter… endorsements matter…character counts!
You won’t be disappointed if you elect Wayne Rusk for Senate District 44.
Read the article here.
by Danny Tomlinson, Hamilton
Bitterroot Star, April 30, 2024
Cartoon characters can be fun on TV, but they are dangerous in real life. Theresa Manzella, the Duck Dodgers of the local radical right, is one such character. We have survived her so far, but I do not think we can afford her any longer. Perilous times demand more from leadership. Allow me to provide an example of how Manzella falls short.
In April, 2022 she exchanged blows with Dave Bedey in the Star. In her preposterous attack, she twitted him for sponsoring a bill which she actually voted for! Now ponder this for a moment. Is she so arrogant that she believes she can openly deceive and not be scrutinized for it, or is she a flip-flopper who votes one way one day, then pivots to the opposite side on the next? In the first case she comes off as a liar. In the second case, she comes off as wishy-washy. This is rich, since she excoriated her opponent in her first senate race on the accusation of flip-flopping. Either answer to this question puts her in a very bad light, revealing a character unbecoming the office.
I appeal to voters in Senate District 44 to vote for Wayne Rusk. We need steadfast integrity at the helm of leadership. Wayne can provide this, Manzella not so much.
Read the article here.
by Sharon Greef, Former HD88 Representative
Ravalli Republic, April 27, 2024
Wayne Rusk is a candidate I wish each of you knew personally. I am proud to call him a friend after knowing him several years.
Wayne is representing us now in the Montana Legislature, in House District 88. He proved himself to be a solid conservative this past session and took tough votes that he knew people could question but took them because it was the right thing to do. Looking at a yes or no vote does not tell the whole story. He is happy to answer any questions on the votes he took.
Wayne is running for Senate District 44 and so will still be representing us here in Florence and Stevensville plus the House district south of Stevensville. I just read a letter by a Matthew Sullivan in the 4/17 Star. In it he states that Rusk is running to ‘get back at’ Manzella. First of all, with all of the things a candidate for office goes through, I have NEVER heard Mr. Rusk give any indication he is undertaking this huge task to ‘get back’ at anyone! Wayne is a very principled man who has worked diligently to serve the people of Florence, Stevensville and the State of Montana and Wayne has found common ground where others weren’t even looking and he has done so without compromising his core principles.
Wayne, and his family, are sacrificing a lot to enter this race because he believes the people deserve a choice. We can vote for the incumbent who represents the John Birch Society and who sadly chooses to use every negative trick and untruth in the book to win an election or we can vote for Wayne Rusk – a true conservative, whose optimism and hard work have earned him great respect with his fellow legislators.
As a former legislator here in the valley, I am very proud to endorse Wayne Rusk for SD44.
RUSK or Manzella……pretty darned easy choice!
Read the article here.
Read the same article in the Bitterroot Star here.
by Roger Hagan, Great Falls
Ravalli Republic, April 25, 2024
I am writing this letter in support of Wayne Rusk and his candidacy for Senate District 44. I had the honor of working with Wayne during the 2023, 68th Legislative Session and was pleased to find him as a thoughtful and honest legislator. It was my observation that he was very respectful of his constituency and wanted to do what was best for Montana.
I have advocated for military and Montana veteran issues at the state legislature for over 40 years. While Wayne never served, he had a solid commitment to understand our issues, ask probing questions, and make his decisions based on the facts. I was pleased to discover that Wayne Rusk, without fail, was a solid supporter of our Montana Veterans and our National Guard.
I am a 38-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force/Montana National Guard and a former State Representative who has worked with legislators to encourage their understanding and support of the needs of our veterans. The 2023 Session was a particularly brisk session for our veteran and military issues. I tracked dozens of bills in committee and assessed the vote of multiple legislators. In the 33 bills that I used as my measuring stick, I am pleased to report that your Representative, Wayne Rusk, was 100% in voting for our Montana Veterans and military members.
It is because of his solid record with our veterans and National Guard members, I ask you to support the election of Wayne Rusk Senate District 44.
Read the article here.
Read the same article in the Bitterroot Star here.
by Dan Tomlinson, Hamilton
Bitterroot Star, April 23, 2024
Most of us realize that politics is a dirty business. Even so I am appalled at the way Wayne Rusk is being portrayed by the Loony Tunes rejects opposing him. By way of rebuttal, I would like to offer three points of truth to which I can give personal testimony.
First, Wayne is a devoted husband and father. He and his beautiful wife have raised a daughter and a son, fine young people now entering adulthood.
Second, Wayne entered politics in the first place due to his devotion to the philosophy of the founding fathers and of our Constitution. I am proud to say that my living room has been a forum for lofty conversations over the years as he honed his arguments on me.
Third, since the loonies have made it an issue, let me say that I have also shared all-day deer stands with Wayne, in sub-zero weather that truly tested the commitment of a hunter. Wayne hangs in even when feet get cold and deer are scarce. He has proven himself as an outdoorsman, and I know our traditional way of life in Montana is safe in his hands.
It seems that the virulence of the attack on Wayne rises from the panic and paranoia that currently reigns on the fringe of the Republican Party. People in the grip of hysteria seldom make rational sense. But courage and common sense can still prevail. Please vote Wayne Rusk for State Senate.
Read the article here.
by Mike Cressler, Hamilton
Ravalli Republic, April 20, 2024
In my research on the candidates for the Montana legislature in Ravalli County, I’ve discovered to my dismay that one of the leaders of the nullification movement, Sen. Theresa Manzella, holds office in Ravalli County and is running for re-election.
The nullification movement misinterprets the U.S. Constitution to give any state the right to nullify or invalidate, and thus ignore, any federal law that it considers unconstitutional or otherwise in violation of the Constitution. Nullification is not the law and never has been.
Nevertheless, in the last legislative session, Sen. Manzella sponsored Senate Bill 434, which was intended to give political structure and legitimacy to the nullification movement. When adopted by at least nine states, this bill would have created a political body called a “Constitution Settlement Commission of the States,” whose purpose would have been to define what powers the states have “granted” to the federal government in the U.S. Constitution.
If enacted, the bill would allow the participating states through this commission to issue decisions, like a court, on whether a particular federal law is constitutional or not and, if not, recommend that the federal law be ignored. This is nullification – pure and simple.
Fortunately, the Montana Senate recognized this nullification bill for what it was and voted it down with only about a half dozen voting for it. But we cannot give Sen. Manzella another chance to introduce this radically unAmerican bill again or anything like it. Vote for Wayne Rusk!
Read the article here.
Read the same article in the Bitterroot Star here.
by Tony Hudson, Stevensville
Bitterroot Star, April 9, 2024
Americans across the political spectrum are becoming increasingly concerned about the flood of noncitizens spilling across our southern border. This crisis threatens national security and is putting a strain on social services, public schools, and law enforcement across the nation. It also poses a threat to our electoral process because a quirk in federal law prevents local election officials from requiring proof of citizenship when a person registers to vote. Consequently, some unknown number of noncitizens currently vote in our elections.
So it is infuriating to hear politicians like Theresa Manzella and her loyal followers – Kathy Love and Kim Dailey – celebrating the defeat of HB 402, a bill introduced last legislative session that would have permitted Montana to lead the nation when it comes to responsibly and effectively verifying voter citizenship. But they go further by distorting the truth in order to launch dishonest political attacks on Republican legislators who supported the bill.
It’s time to set the record straight. Here are the facts:
First, under present federal law all a person need do to “prove” U.S. citizenship when registering to vote is check a box on a form and then sign it. Thereafter for the purpose of voting, the person is to be treated as a citizen whose constitutional right to vote must not be infringed.
Second, efforts by other states to require proof of citizenship have been struck down by federal court as unconstitutional violations of the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) and the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
Third, HB 402 was specifically written to withstand court challenge and thus succeed where other states had failed. It placed the burden for verifying citizenship on the state – not the individual – and required that a person whose citizenship status has not yet been confirmed nonetheless be allowed to vote while verification is pending. The need for this provision was regrettable. But without it, the bill would have been ruled unconstitutional.
HB 402 was neither intended nor designed to let noncitizens vote. This is already happening. The only question is to what extent. So we are back to where we started. Some unknown number of noncitizens vote in Montana, and we have no reliable way to catch them and to thus deter this illegal activity.
The responsibility for this failure rests squarely on Theresa Manzella and her network of John Birch Society collaborators, who put sound bites and vulgar political gain ahead of doing the hard work necessary to understand the issues and address the challenges facing Montanans. We can do better than Manzella, Love, and Dailey.
Read the article here.
by Rep. Wayne Rusk HD-88, candidate for SD-44
Bitterroot Star, April 2, 2024
Once again I must take in hand some misinformation that appeared last week in regards to the proposed constitutional amendment. Amendment HB372 had the potential to compromise property rights and to create endless legal uncertainties for both the legislature and the agencies tasked with regulating hunting, fishing and trapping.
We already have a constitutional amendment safeguarding these rights (Article IX, Section 7) and, interestingly, it was authored by the same lobbyist who has now decided that it won’t do. Their argument for the Preservation of our Harvest Heritage (passed in 2004) was that it strikes a “great balance”—which it did—and is why it passed both legislature and ballot box in overwhelming and bipartisan fashion (see Ballotpedia C41 2004) https://ballotpedia.org/Montana_Right_to_Wild_Game_Hunting_and_Fishing,_C-41_(2004).
Now it seems they have turned on their own achievements and deemed them “very weak.” The truth is, if this bill had passed, lawyers would have been busy for many years litigating the meaning of some of the new constitutional language – something that has long been settled with the existing constitutional provision (and giving yet more power to the courts). In particular, the definitions of “present means and methods” and “necessary” provide the potential for a large number of lawsuits because their meanings will determine the relationship between the “right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest” and the power of both the legislature and the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to modify that right. For example, if FWP changes any “means and methods” for harvesting a particular species, there would likely be litigation over whether the change was “necessary” for the management of the species involved or whether it was even a “present” means or methods in the first place.
It is asked why I voted HB372 out of committee before ultimately determining it was not going to achieve the ends for which it was drafted. There was a space of 5 days between the committee vote and the hearing on the House floor in which time I learned of its failure the two sessions before, and came to better understand the concerns of opponents.
I did not make deals with anyone to kill 19 amendments as was asserted. Only six even made it to the House floor — the others having lost support before they could get that far. I own these votes outright and they were taken consistent with the constitutional conservatism upon which I campaigned, and I have gone to the people to sustain me in them.
While we’re on the subject, I would also point out that I did not deprive the electorate of a chance to decide the issue because these amendments did not originate with the people; they were rather, in this and other cases, the offerings of longtime lobbyists, and they are therefore vetted through the legislature.
In sum, the high bar of two thirds to amend a governing document (constitution) was established in order to transcend partisanship and achieve consensus. While we had the “letter” of the law met (supermajority), we still lacked the “spirit” of the law (consensus). This, together with the fact that nothing was to be gained for sportsmen obliged me to lay aside partisanship and stand upon the airtight amendment already passed by both parties, in both places (legislature and electorate). For more information visit my website (waynerusk.com) where my constitutional conservative position on many of these bills is explained under the voting record heading.
As a sportsman and gun owner I will always be found preserving, protecting and defending our sporting traditions and second amendment rights consistent with our constitutional system. Reach out anytime, 1-406-370-8486.
Read the article here.
by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
Bitterroot Star, April 2, 2024
It’s disappointing to see politicians twist the truth to gain an advantage. At the Republican Women’s Club meeting on Tuesday, March 26, Kathy Love and Theresa Manzella claimed that House Bill 402 would allow “illegals” to vote. This is outright wrong. Both women were present when the bill’s sponsor explained that the purpose of the bill was to STOP and IDENTIFY, and prevent illegals and other unauthorized individuals from voting.
It’s concerning that Love and Manzella would intentionally deceive their audience. And when Manzella was called out on her lie, she reacted immaturely, stomping her feet, and yelling at those who questioned her. This is not the behavior we need from our elected officials and it showed the “true” Manzella. Not a good look on your part, Theresa!
Citizens now know that Manzella cannot stand to be criticized and will explode if they state such. Love also realized that she is NOW tainted as a Manzella mini-me, and she wisely faded back into the woodwork and closed her mouth. From the look on her face, she realized that she too, should not have lied for self-serving purposes.
In June, we can elect representatives who are honest and have our best interests at heart. Binkley HD-85, Bedey HD-86, Rusk SD-44, and Overstreet HD-88 are the kind of representatives we need in the legislature.
They will listen to us, care about us, and keep us safe from those who seek power and control. Let’s not fall for the same old lies and deceit. We deserve better.
As Reagan said, “there you go again,” but this time we can say “enough is enough.” Let’s demand honesty and integrity from our elected officials.
Read the article here.
by Marc Sabin, Corvallis
Bitterroot Star, March 26, 2024
This letter is prompted by the D. Bohn letter published on Feb 28 by the Bitterroot Star. His letter and the defeat of HB 402 in the 2023 legislative session are especially unfortunate considering the invasion by millions of illegal immigrants, many unidentified, crossing the southern border of this country resulting from the Biden Administration’s Open Borders policy. Recent polls show that immigration problems top the list of issues for concern among Americans. Illegal immigrants are not just causing increased crime and drug deaths (such crime has already arrived here in the Bitterroot Valley), but they also compromise election integrity by casting illegitimate votes that cancel out the votes of legitimate American voters.
Therefore, it is necessary to correct the false narrative put forth by candidate K. Love in her comments at a meeting on Feb. 2 and perpetuated by Bohn in his letter to the paper. Both falsely attack Rep. Michele Binkley, the incumbent candidate for HD 85 and Love’s opponent in the June primary, for supporting HB 402, a bill that sought to improve Montana’s ability to prevent voting by those illegal immigrants. Further, neither of them understands the significance of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 or of the requirements it places on states trying to prevent voting by people not legitimately registered to vote. These requirements were driving considerations for the sponsor as he drafted HB 402.
I posed the question at the Pachyderm Club meeting that Bohn references in his letter, asking Love to explain why she should be elected to replace Binkley. Love asserted a commitment to support the Constitution and contrasted that with an assertion that Binkley had violated her oath of office. When asked for an example of Binkley violating her oath, Love asserted HB 402 was such an example because Binkley supported that bill.
Then asked to explain HB 402 and why Binkley’s vote was “unconstitutional,” Love’s response and Bohn’s letter make it clear that each lacks knowledge of the NVRA and related Federal Court decisions. Federal Courts have ruled that the Act prohibits states from requiring proof of citizenship before registering to vote. State laws that attempt to prevent registration without non-citizen status being proven before an election have uniformly been declared unconstitutional.
Fortunately, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. David Bedey, was in the audience and immediately countered Love’s misinformation as he schooled Love and the audience on the federal requirements. He also explained how HB 402 was structured to comply with those requirements as it enabled Montana to develop and deploy processes and systems to identify, punish and remove unqualified registered people who falsely claimed citizenship. If passed, HB 402 would have been precedent-setting and a model for other states. Instead, the wrong-headed and emotional arguments of people such as Love and Bohn and of legislators such as State Sen. Theresa Manzella once again denied Constitutional process to the citizens of Montana, while arrogantly claiming they were the ones protecting our Constitutional rights.
When Bedey finished explaining the bill, it was clear that both Bohn and Love were incorrect in their statements. They both slandered Ms. Binkley’s reputation. Reps. Binkley and Bedey have a far better understanding of the US and MT Constitutions and federal election law than do Mr. Bohn and Ms. Love.
In closing, both Bohn and Love need to make the efforts to read and comprehend state legislative documents and their intended purpose. They should cease their Democrat-like attacks on those who disagree with their wrong-headed positions, as demonstrated by their attack on Rep. Binkley’s commitment to protect the US and MT Constitutions. Bohn also needs a better education on the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
All of us should notify our MT Reps and Senators that we want the issues addressed by HB 402 in the last session of the MT Legislature to be revisited with an improved version of that legislative proposal during the 2025 session. Also, for those of us in District 85, vote to return Michele Binkley to the legislature for a second term as our responsive and committed MT State Representative.
Read article here.
by Sonny LaSalle, Hamilton
Bitterroot Star, March 26, 2024
In my 82 years I have witnessed many elections and have heard many times that an upcoming election is the most important one we have ever had.
The divided situation we are experiencing at the local, state, and national levels is resulting in an environment that is threatening our future well being. Our only choice of action is to be careful and knowledgeable when we cast our votes. I am a conservative Republican and I am saddened by the events in my Party at the local level by people that call themselves Republicans, but are truly members of the John Birch Party. This party seems to believe that if you don’t believe the way they do you are the enemy and are to be treated as such. This behavior is mirrored by the far left socialist Democrats, and this is exactly why we have the division that results in nothing being done to benefit the citizens these people represent.
We need to wake up and put reasonable people in office that have the best interest of the citizens they represent foremost in their minds. We have a Republican primary coming up that gives us that opportunity, and I believe that Wayne Rusk is the only candidate that will work with everyone to benefit all of us. Wayne is knowledgeable of all the issues we face in our county and state, and most importantly, he is committed to finding solutions, not bragging about the things he voted against. He will listen to everyone, not just those that think like he does. We have other reasonable and knowledgeable elected people from our Valley and Wayne will be an excellent addition to our legislature.
Please think before you vote and vote for Wayne!
Read the article here.
by Tony Hudson, Stevensville
Bitterroot Star, March 26, 2024
It is hard to live in Western Montana and not be aware of those who came before us. Marcus Daly – the best known of the Copper Kings – founded Hamilton, funded the Bitterroot Valley’s first hospital, and built the Daly Mansion and Tammany Hall – a castle for his most famous racehorse Tammany.
On the other hand, another of the Copper Kings, William Clark, is most remembered for meddling in politics at a time when state legislatures appointed United States senators. The Montana legislature selected Clark to represent the state as a U.S. senator. But on April 23, 1890, the U.S. Senate refused to seat him as it became glaringly apparent that he had secured the appointment by bribing members of the Montana legislature by paying off mortgages for some, buying ranches for others, setting some up in business, or simply handing out envelopes stuffed with cash.
Although Clark was never prosecuted for his unethical and criminal behavior, something good came out of this scandalous affair. On December 4, 1911, the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, ensuring that citizens vote to choose their U.S. senators, rather than having them selected by corrupt politicians.
Now along comes Theresa Manzella, state senator and chair of the “Montana Freedom Caucus,” openly advocating for the repeal of the 17th Amendment in order to strip you of your right to vote for the U.S. senator of your choice. Whether her conduct is a matter of political design or of ignorance, neither should be tolerated in a state legislator.
This is yet another case of Manzella pursuing her political objectives by attempting to manipulate public opinion with terms like “Freedom” and “We the People” in a manner reminiscent of totalitarians like Maximilian Robespierre, Benito Mussolini, and Fidel Castro. But like the totalitarians who came before her, “Freedom” really means political power and control for the band of the “People” who follow her. Theresa Manzella’s concern is certainly not for the citizens of Montana.
Read the article here.
by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
Bitterroot Star, March 21, 2024
Ms. Kathy Love, a legislative candidate for HD85, which includes the towns of Corvallis, Darby, Connor, Sula, and parts of Hamilton, does NOT have the honesty and integrity, nor the listening, reading, and comprehension skills necessary to be a “productive” member of the legislature. Here’s why I say this.
At a recent meeting of the Pachyderm Club in Stevensville, Love, who was the guest speaker, presented House Bill 402, as proof of why she should be elected.
Amazingly, Love didn’t understand the bill or hadn’t even read it, because its sponsor, David Bedey, was present and refuted completely what she had stated – which was that the bill allowed illegals to vote. He explained the objectives of the bill and how it was developed. and clearly demonstrated that her claim was not correct.
Here is a short summary of what he said to the crowd and to Ms. Love. Bedey’s bill was intended to identify “voting offenders” but allowed for the “fact” that the “citizen verification system,” at least initially, might not be “real-time correct” so that in some instances a person could cast a vote if the verification process was NOT complete.
The intent of HB 402 was to “catch illegal voting offenders early.” However, to “survive court challenge,” it was necessary to add the provision, “allowing a person whose registration has been accepted and processed to vote while citizenship verification is pending.” Without this clause, the bill would have been ruled unconstitutional by the courts.
This was an unfortunate necessity driven by the NVRA (National Voting Rights Act) and the Montana courts’ interpretation of the law, i.e. once you attest to being a citizen on a registration form, you must be treated as a citizen even if you are NOT!
(NOTE: Given the clear violation of what we Montanans consider our citizens’ right to vote and having it protected by the courts, we must get justices on the courts who read and interpret the Montana and U.S. Constitutions correctly and support them – and not rule for their political parties or ideologue activist thinking! We must get this rule changed or the thirty or so million illegals currently residing in the USA will be allowed to vote and always disenfranchise or cancel out Americans who vote! Choose your justices carefully when you vote later this year.)
For further info check this page: https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2023-2024/State-Administration-and-Veterans-Affairs/Meetings/January-25-2024/5.2-2024-Primary-General-Election-Calendar.pdf.
When she wrote her recent op-ed, candidate Love proved that she wouldn’t or couldn’t understand what Bedey had clearly explained, or hadn’t even read the bill or she would have known that what she wrote was incorrect and misinformation. This may be due to possibly having poor literacy skills: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/doc/PIAAC-SAE-Brochure.pdf.
And/or, perhaps her misunderstanding of the bill was due to being around members of the John Birch Society (JBS) and her mentor, Theresa Manzella. Love may have been gaslighted. Here is the definition of what gaslighting means: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gaslighting.
If you cannot listen to and comprehend what you are told by a bill’s sponsor, as Love clearly could NOT, you are not ready for prime time in the legislature.
I ask all residents of HD85 to consider that if honesty and integrity, and good literacy skills are among the qualifications for the legislature, then vote for the current incumbent of HD-85, Michele Binkley. Please get out and vote June 4. As you can see from the court rulings, and Love’s disinformation, we MUST elect “good” people with good skills and values to public office.
Read the article here.
by Patty Franklin, Hamilton
Bitterroot Star, March 21, 2024
I have spent the last few years getting to know my way around the Republican party here in the valley and I’ve come to some determinations that will direct my vote on June 4th. In the beginning, I was an open book and very eager to learning about all of our representatives and what their core beliefs and values are. I had never met Wayne until my husband and I joined the Central Committee and I found him to be a decent and kind man, committed to his community and country. By contrast, I found Theresa Manzella to be dogmatic, manipulative and vindictive, which rings true today. I was probably most shocked by the audacity of Theresa, and her small group of followers, stating that THEY had the moral superiority and obligation to vet candidates and determine WHO we would be ALLOWED to vote for in the primary. You may not have known that this took place, but it did and that was a turning point for me.
I then did something I’ve never done before – I actually paid attention to what took place during our last legislative session and was very confused by the disconnect between what Theresa “claimed” to accomplish and the truth. The reality is, Theresa accomplished very little in the last session. The vast majority of her work never made it out of committee or died in process. She was so hyper focused on her personal agendas, she forgot to represent us. She likes to claim she is the “winner” of some score card that has never earned the respect of conservatives and expects that this will direct Ravalli Country in how to vote. The only problem is that the real score does not work in her favor.
I want a Senator that is not a member of the John Birch Society (you can’t be a slave to an activist organization and also serve your constituents), I want a Senator that is more concerned about representing the citizens of our valley than some angry national narrative that has become all-consuming and detrimental to our party. I want a senator that is measured, committed to the constitution and has the common sense necessary to know when to fight and how to fight to get things accomplished. I want a representative that does not blindly follow a fringe in Washington but stays rooted to what is important here at home. I want a Senator that is not consumed with hating and attacking people and works with people to accomplish what we need. I want Wayne Rusk to be my next Senator.
Read the article here.
by Rep. Wayne Rusk HD-88, candidate for SD-44, Corvallis
Bitterroot Star, March 12, 2024
I would take a moment to address a letter to the editor by candidate Davis last week claiming that I voted against hunting, fishing and trapping, and to demonstrate that the assertion is patently false.
In 2004 our state constitution was amended to include Article IX, Section 7 which reads as follows: “The opportunity to harvest wild fish and wild game animals is a heritage that shall forever be preserved to the individual citizens of the state and does not create a right to trespass on private property or dimunition of other private rights.” It received overwhelming and bipartisan support in both the legislature and on the ballot. As you can see, our harvest heritage is already constitutionally forever preserved.
The referendum Mr. Davis references (HB372) which I and others opposed on constitutional grounds, would not have—and could not have—improved those rights. Instead, they would have collided with property rights and the ability of FWP to effectively regulate hunting and fishing activity. Consequently, this proposed amendment has met with defeat three times in as many sessions, precisely because those rights are as airtight as a constitution can make them without diminishing the other rights it must protect. Nothing—absolutely nothing—was lost, or for that matter could have been gained in regard to these privileges.
As a lifelong sportsman and now a legislator, I keep a constant vigil over our rich sporting heritage and have passed it on to my children. These priceless pastimes could not be in better hands, and I will always be found fighting to protect them.
Read the article here.
by Jessica Abell
Ravalli Republic, February 2, 2024
Republican legislator Wayne Rusk of Corvallis, who currently represents House District 88, has filed a primary challenge against incumbent Republican State Senator Theresa Manzella of Hamilton to represent Senate District 44.
The primary challenge comes as divisions between hard-right and moderate Republicans have become center stage not only on the national level, but locally as well.
Filing opened on Jan. 11 for Montana residents wishing to run for office on the June primary ballot.
Ravalli County consists of four House districts (HD 85, HD 86, HD 87, HD 88) and two Senate districts (SD 43 and SD 44). All four Ravalli County House seats as well as one Senate seat, all currently held by Republicans, will be up for grabs in the 2024 election.
Rusk was elected to the House in 2022 and serves on the House Judiciary Committee and Human Services Committee. Rusk sponsored one bill that was signed into law during the 2023 Montana Legislature, HB 157: Generally revise laws related to alcohol.
Manzella is chair of the Montana Freedom Caucus, a group of about 20 hardline Republicans in the Montana Legislature. Manzella was previously elected to the Montana Senate in November 2020, and served in the Montana House of Representatives in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Manzella serves on the Senate Judiciary and Administration committees, and chairs the Senate Highway and Transportation Committee. Bills sponsored by Manzella that were signed into law during the 2023 session include SB 47: Revise commercial drivers license laws to comply with federal requirements; SB 57: Allow Department of Transportation to use alternative project delivery methods; SB 432: Require a report on the use of Help America Vote Act funds; and SB 518: Revise parental rights laws to increase parental involvement in education.
Manzella spoke at a Ravalli County commissioners’ meeting last week in support of a recently submitted ballot initiative calling for hand counts of election ballots in Ravalli County. She has also repeatedly backed former President Donald Trump’s claims of fraud in the 2020 election, and submitted three election security proposals backed by right-wing “election integrity” groups during the 2023 Legislature, all of which were rejected by the Republican supermajority.
Manzella has referred to those incarcerated or awaiting trial for their part in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as “political prisoners” and has repeatedly garnered criticism for her rhetoric regarding the LGBTQ community.
The primary challenge comes after Republican infighting between hard-right members affiliated with the John Birch Society and the county’s GOP establishment resulted in the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee voting in October to oust its longtime chair, Terry Nelson, in favor of former Ravalli County Commissioner Ron Stoltze, who was nominated by Manzella.
Prior to the vote on his ousting, Nelson said, “If your purpose here is to beat up on other Republicans, I don’t want to be a head of that.”
In a written statement regarding his decision to challenge Manzella, Rusk stated:
“It has been an honor to serve as your representative in Helena this past session. However, as a lifelong Republican, I must admit I was at times taken aback by the undue influence of hyper-partisanship and political faction that obtained in our party, and how on these occasions it tended to render us poor stewards — of our own positions.
In light of this, and after much deliberation, I determined that the most value I could bring to the voters of Ravalli County would be to give them a choice; a choice between the deep division my opponent continues to sow in our ranks, and the authentic, constitutional conservatism that informed my votes, and that can operate to return this seat to the people, and to its proper function of representation.
So come June 4th, (the primary election), we have a rare chance to be done with soapboxes, symposiums, and politics as usual, and instead elect someone with the courage to be generous; someone who has and who will put the people first — and the scorecards of special interests and narrow party factions — a distant second.”
Manzella was a supporter of Rusk’s primary challenger, local John Birch Society leader Alan Lackey, in what became an ugly Republican primary battle in 2022 where Lackey attempted to capitalize on DUI convictions Rusk received in 2014. Rusk says he quit drinking after his experience 10 years ago, and that quitting led to the personal growth that brought him to where he is today.
“It was a decade ago … I never hid it to begin with,” Rusk said. “It was a crucible through which I passed at that point, and it's in the past. I've never drank since. It was a time when I had to fight for my life, quite frankly, and did, and won by the grace of God by a ton of hard work.”
Manzella was accused of using state financial disclosure documents to target her fellow Bitterroot Republican by sending out personal letters to Rusk’s financial supporters on her official Montana Senate stationary in an attempt to sway their support to Lackey — a move she didn’t deny. Manzella responded to the criticism at the time without apology and defended her actions, citing campaign donations as public records she had the right to use.
“If I want to use my stationery and postage to write a personal letter expressing my support, that too, is my choice,” Manzella said. “This is America and my First Amendment right is fully intact. Political endorsements happen every day. I happen to take mine seriously.”
The move resulted in a change to the Montana Legislature’s Code of Ethics after fellow Republicans cried foul at Manzella’s use of state resources for campaign purposes — former Bitterroot Valley Representative Ed Greef and current Representative David Bedey among them.
Bedey sponsored HB 412 in the 2023 Legislature, expanding an existing prohibition on the use of public time or resources for solicitation of political campaign support to apply to legislators and judges. The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte in May of 2023.
Rusk went on to beat Lackey 59.5% to 40.5% in the 2022 Republican primary. He beat his Democratic challenger Ko Moua in the 2022 November general election, 70% to 30%.
Manzella did not respond to repeated attempts by the Ravalli Republic to contact her via phone and email for this article.
Read the article here.
by Rep. David Bedey (R-Hamilton), House District 86
Bitterroot Star, December 19, 2023
Recently, I called out the John Birch Society’s takeover of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee (RCRCC). Theresa Manzella’s followers have responded by trying to mislead you about my record. So let’s set the record straight.
Start with the Montana GOP platform. The committee demanded that in exchange for contributing $1,000 to my reelection campaign, I must swear allegiance to the platform. I responded as follows: “As elected officials, legislators take an oath to support, protect, and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Montana – not to slavishly adhere to party platforms, which are narrowly focused and susceptible to the vicissitudes of hyper-partisanship. Therefore, I respectfully decline this contribution as inconsistent with my oath of office as well as my responsibility to represent the citizens of the district that I serve.”
While I agree with much in the platform, there are a few parts I cannot support. The first is its call for an absolute abortion ban with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. This extreme position is rejected by most Montanans, including many – if not most – pro-life Republicans (of whom I am one). Second is its assertion that legislators have “a right and duty to nullify federal laws.” This dangerous misreading of the Constitution is a formula for anarchy. And finally, I disagree with platform language meant to undermine public confidence in Montana’s election system. It is true that I was booed when raising these concerns at the party’s 2022 convention. But I will not compromise my conservative principles or neglect my constitutional duties for any reason, let alone to appease party activists.
RCRCC spokesmen accuse me of introducing legislation that opens voting to noncitizens and of advocating open borders. The first claim portrays willful ignorance of the law. The second is an outright lie that needn’t be dignified with a reply. Here are the facts. Most people don’t realize that nowhere in the U.S. is voter citizenship verified. Why not? Because under federal law a person registering to vote cannot be required to prove citizenship and is presumed to be – and must be treated as – a U.S. citizen. Attempts in other states to verify citizenship have failed in federal court. To overcome court challenge, it was necessary in HB 402 to allow a person to register and vote while citizenship verification is pending. Had the bill passed, Montana would have been the first state to confirm voter citizenship so that those abusing our voting laws could be caught and punished. Like it or not, until federal law changes, a bill like HB 402 is the best we can do. But Manzella’s allies joined with ACLU progressives to kill it. Consequently, some unknown number of noncitizens continue to vote with impunity in Montana.
They go on to claim that I voted to make Montanans susceptible to “Biden’s Central Banking Digital Currency.” This nonsense refers to SB 370, an update of a law (Montana’s Uniform Commercial Code) that governs financial transactions for companies engaged in interstate commerce. The bill was amended to make plain that it did not “support, endorse, create, or implement a national digital currency.” Nevertheless, for crass political purposes Manzella and her friends torpedoed it, despite the adverse effect this will have on Montana businesses.
The RCRCC leadership’s responses to my open letter have confirmed they are willing to pursue their agenda “by any means necessary.” Good to know.
Read the article here.
by Representative Wayne Rusk, HD88
Ravalli Republic, November 4, 2023
To the voters of Ravalli County,
It has been an honor to serve as your Representative in Helena this past session, and I am today announcing my candidacy for Senate District 44, which will continue to include the communities I currently represent.
As our politics have become increasingly polarized, I have consistently struck for common ground — and found it. In the legislature I remained steadfastly conservative and Constitutional amid the seductions of extremism and the pressures of partisanship — no matter what the scorecards of special interests groups are saying.
So come next June (the 2024 primary), voters will have a chance to trade politics as usual for someone who has and who will stand up — to either side — when party politics offer to undermine the public good.
In the coming months I will make myself available to hear your thoughts on the subjects that most concern us as Americans, and together may we continue to unite the conservative community of Ravalli County — and beyond.
Read the article here.
Paid for by Rusk for Legislature. P.O. Box 531, Corvallis, MT 59828. Republican.