Campaign Beat

Latest Episodes:

Sexual abuse allegations abound; 'Dark money' meets AI; ICE dispute moves to Supreme Court May 08, 2026

Show notes

A congressional candidate reenters the race despite allegations of sexual misconduct. A legislative candidate faces sexual abuse allegations. A GOP "dark money" PAC uses AI to disparage other Republicans. A battle between the A.G. and a county attorney ends up at the state Supreme Court.

Campaign Beat: Ballrooms, brutality and big bucks May 01, 2026

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A Montana senator's push for the Trump ballroom could backfire at the polls. Threats of violence mar present-day politics. Prominent endorsements start to surface as the election gets closer. And a rising Democratic party star is headed to Butte to campaign for a proposed Montana ballot initiative.

Democrats vs. independents; Republicans vs. Republicans; Busse vs. social media Apr 24, 2026

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Democrats are fighting with independents, Republicans are fighting with Republicans. A debate between two House candidates is more lovefest than contest. A House candidate's son tangles with a Bozeman rabbi. And a new campaign ad hopes an anti-war message will resonate with voters.

Democrats dump on unions; Republican resentment surfaces; Windy Boy faces abuse allegations Apr 17, 2026

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A Democratic candidate drops out of the race after allegations of sexual abuse. Rep. Ryan Zinke criticizes President Trump and a Republican candidate. And Democratic House candidates take swipes over dark money and data centers.

Campaign Beat: Establishing a name and shifting the blame Apr 10, 2026

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Democratic House candidates try to separate from the pack. Senate Republican candidate Kurt Alme tries to downplay the last-minute maneuver that put him into the race. Senate Democratic candidate Reilly Neill promises to hold President Trump accountable if she's elected. And this may be the last time voters elect members of the state Public Service Commission.

Campaign Beat: 'No Kings'; Shirtless on social media; Strange bedfellows Apr 03, 2026

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"No Kings" rallies draw thousands from across Montana. What effect are they having? Candidates have their hands – and chests – out. Moderate Republicans acquaint themselves with Democratic consultants for legislative races.

Republicans embrace Trump; Education or electioneering? Will Dems back Bodnar? Mar 27, 2026

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Republican Senate candidate Kurt Alme comes out of the shadows. Former Sen. Jon Tester says he is "wait and see" on endorsing independent candidate Seth Bodnar. Republican House candidate Christi Jacobsen crams a lot of activities into her new ad. And the Gianforte administration backtracks on its ban of weekend rallies at the Capitol.

Alme's been quiet, Bodnar's been busy; Mudslinging begins; Protest pushback Mar 20, 2026

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The supposed Republican frontrunner in the U.S. Senate race is off to a timid start. The independent candidate in that race vows not to resort to namecalling. Two of the candidates for the U.S. House make no such promise. A national Conservative group is working hard to defeat moderate Republicans running for the Legislature. And the Gianforte administration reconsiders its ban on weekend rallies at the Capitol.

Campaign Beat: Little to debate among Dems; A new way to fight dark money? Mar 13, 2026

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Democratic candidates for the western district House seat try to differentiate themselves from the pack. One area they differ: whether or not to take PAC money. Montana voters may get a chance to change campaign spending laws in the state. And one of the Democratic candidates hopes to channel the campaign success of a former governor.

Campaign Beat: A wild week in Montana politics! Mar 06, 2026

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Daines is out, Alme and Bodnar are in. Flint is in, Zinke is out. Sheehy is in ... a scuffle in the Senate. Just another week in Montana politics.