Montana Democrats pick musician Rob Quist to run for U.S. House
http://billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/mt-democrats-pick-musician-rob-quist-to-run-for-us/article_ae4853b1-3b4b-565c-8769-6ddea049a7b8.htmlRob Quist has been selected by MT Dems to run in the special election for the seat vacated by the resignation of Ryan Zinke - possibly the only silver lining to Zinke being named to 45's Cabinet.
Quist, who gained fame in the Mission Mountain Wood Band, hasn’t ever held elected office. When announcing his campaign, Quist touted years of public service including serving for 11 years on the Montana Arts Council and as a state ambassador to Montana’s sister state in Kumamoto, Japan. He advocated for the Montana Food Bank and received a grant from the Office of Public Instruction to create anti-bullying programs and art programs in public schools.
Quist said he’s traveled the state and understands what kind of representation Montanans need. He grew up in Cut Bank and now lives in the Flathead Valley. The musician received an endorsement from former Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who called Quist a political outsider who will stand up for Montana.
While nominating Quist, Rosebud County Committee Vice Chair Jean Dahlman said he has a unique relationship with Montanans and will appeal to Independent and Republican voters.
I know Rob personally and really hope that he can win this election.
This was his campaign site before he received the official party nod, so it may be/have been updated since. Please be generous! I know that I will be. http://www.robquistformontana.com/
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has traveled the state as a musician in a popular band.. and knows the people seems ideal!
Mahalo
support and could just pull this off. I really hope that he does!
The MT GOP picked Greg Gianforte, who ran - unsuccessfully - against Governor Steve Bullock in 2016 as their candidate. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana/articles/2017-03-06/montana-gop-to-pick-candidate-for-election-to-replace-zinke
The national GOP is also pouring $$$ into this race. See, e.g., http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/322574-gop-super-pac-pours-700k-into-montana-special-election
But Gianforte is seen as somewhat of a carpetbagger by many AND is very cozy with RW Xtian evangelicals. Quist was born in MT and is a lifelong resident. He may also have good support among the native coalition who supported Denise Juneau, especially those who are most powerful and politically active, in part due to his long and close collaboration with singer Jack Gladstone. Here's one example:
The second-place finisher in the Dem race was State Rep. Amanda Curtis, whom I also supported (although I have no vote in MT anymore). But I believe that the GOP will have a much tougher time against Quist, who is universally liked throughout the state, which is nothing, if not "quirky" politically.
I am very much keeping my fingers crossed!
uniquely creative, pics that go with their song.
It seems like people of all stripes can relate to this homegrown music in Montana!
Blue Thank you for the backstory on the repub, too. He has a lot of $$$$$$
Gianforte has put $5.1 million of his own money into bid to be Montana's governor
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/gianforte-has-put-million-of-his-own-money-into-bid/article_20e138c3-ea89-58db-bb90-a9082cbe26c1.html
absolutely right! Both of these seats are essential and we have a chance to win both!
