A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

25 May 2017 — 2336 mdt

Rob Quist campaigned hard and gave Democrats hope

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Democrat Rob Quist conceded Montana’s special congressional election to Greg Gianforte a few minutes ago, after the Associated Press called the election for Gianforte.

Quist worked hard and gave Democrats hope. Enduring savage, scurrilous, attacks, he kept smiling, strumming, and running, preaching the progressive gospel throughout Montana’s far-flung valleys and plains. It was a campaign for the history books — and there’s a book in his campaign that I hope he writes. With his knack for telling stories, it would be a best seller.

I thank Quist for running, and I’m proud to have been among the first to endorse him.

Greg Gianforte begins his legislative career as the least senior member of the U.S. House, and with a cloud over his head from his altercation with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs. I hope Gianforte represents Montana well, and votes to protect the interests of Montana’s middle class from the cruel policies proposed by President Trump and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.