Campaign Beat

Campaign Beat

Campaign Beat is Montana Public Radio's weekly political analysis program. It's hosted by Sally Mauk and features Lee Newspapers State News Bureau Chief Holly Michels and Rob Saldin of the University of Montana’s Mansfield Center and Political Science Department.

Episodes

Primary election wrap-up; Candidates roll out new attack ads; We'll be back in the fall!

June 7, 2024 • 14 mins
The primary election had few surprises — but laid the groundwork for some bruising general election races. New ads in the Senate and gubernatorial races come out swinging. Campaign Beat will return in September.
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Republicans rush to Trump's defense; Don't forget about dark money! The primary is on June 4

May 31, 2024 • 14 mins
Montana's Republican congressmen stick with Trump, despite his criminal conviction. Democrat Jon Tester is well ahead of his Republican opponent Tim Sheehy in fundraising. Dark money groups are also spending heavily in that Senate race. Tuesday's primary features intriguing contests in the eastern district Republican congressional race, and in the Republican race for Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court.
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Property tax blame game; Gianforte weighs-in on legislative races

May 25, 2024 • 13 mins
Voter outrage over high property taxes is a big campaign issue, but how will that translate at the polls? Gov. Gianforte's primary endorsements aren't sitting well with some Republicans. Jon Tester unveils a new hard-hitting ad against his opponent Tim Sheehy. Tim Sheehy has a new ad with a powerful message about his military service.
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Property tax blame game; Gianforte weighs-in on legislative races

May 20, 2024 • 13 mins
Voter outrage over high property taxes is a big campaign issue, but how will that translate at the polls? Gov. Gianforte's primary endorsements aren't sitting well with some Republicans. Jon Tester unveils a new hard-hitting ad against his opponent Tim Sheehy. Tim Sheehy has a new ad with a powerful message about his military service.
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Migrant family draws ire in the Flathead; Tester backs immigration bill; Will there be a special session?

May 11, 2024 • 13 mins
Republicans clamor over the arrival of a migrant family in the Flathead. Tester signs on to a Republican immigration bill. And calls for a special legislative session are racking up.
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Shying away from the spotlight; Ducking the debates; Trashing transplants

May 4, 2024 • 13 mins
Tim Sheehy seemed to shy away from the spotlight when Don Jr. came to campaign. Congressional candidates who showed up to debate talk immigration, climate change and transplants; Schools superintendent candidate faces legal troubles.
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The best of times, the worst of times; One of these ads is not like the others

April 26, 2024 • 13 mins
A Republican candidate's new ad stands out for its subtlety. Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy says times are bad and change is needed, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte argues times are good and he should get another term. A national group opposed to abortion is going door-to-door in Montana. Rep. Zinke votes no on more aid for Israel.
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Cash pours into the Senate race; Sheehy bullet story doesn't add up; The press gets pushed out

April 19, 2024 • 13 mins
The mystery of the lodged bullet continues. Is it fair for candidates to both criticize and shun the press? As expected, campaign fundraising is breaking records. Learn more now on Campaign Beat.
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Did Sheehy shoot himself in the foot? Can an anti-Trump Republican win in Montana?

April 12, 2024 • 13 mins
Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy faces scrutiny over a mysterious bullet wound and his company’s finances. New polling illustrates just how close and competitive that Senate race is. And at least one candidate in the crowded Eastern District House race turns his back on Trump.
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Abortion amendment fuels feud between the Legislature and courts; Who loves Trump the most?

April 6, 2024 • 13 mins
A constitutional amendment to protect abortion moves closer to getting on the ballot. The Republican fight with the judiciary keeps escalating. And the winner of the Republican eastern district congressional primary may boil down to who loves the Trump the most.
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Voting laws blocked; Abortion amendment amended; Arntzen rebuked again

March 29, 2024 • 13 mins
Republican lawmakers aren't happy with the State Supreme Court's voting rights ruling. Abortion rights activists aren't happy with Attorney General Knudsen's changes to a proposed constitutional amendment. The Board of Public Education isn't happy with School Superintendent Elsie Arntzen's job performance. Cheer up! It's time for another episode of Campaign Beat.
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Abortion proposal clears a hurdle; Ranchers, rhinestone cowboys and ... Beyonce

March 22, 2024 • 13 mins
Abortion supporters face a tight deadline to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy talks up his ranching credentials, but an ad from his opponents calls him a rhinestone cowboy. Gov. Gianforte has a lot more money in the bank than challenger Ryan Busse.
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Will bad publicity turn good for Tester and Arntzen? Whose coattails are longer?

March 15, 2024 • 13 mins
Sen. Tester's position on the war in Gaza could cost him some young voters. State school superintendent and Republican congressional candidate Elsie Arntzen has angered some members of her party. Democrats hope to pick up a few more legislative seats this year.
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Rosendale drops out – again! Party bosses, pet candidates and poll numbers

March 8, 2024 • 14 mins
Matt Rosendale's roller coaster campaign decisions have everyone — including the Campaign Beat team — scratching their heads. Meanwhile, the Senate race is getting tighter.
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Rosendale is back and wearing the team jersey. Could Daines become the Senate Republican Leader?

March 2, 2024 • 12 mins
Rosendale is in, but will that push others out of the race for his House seat? A new Democrat has entered that House race. Steve Daines is being courted to become the next leader of Senate Republicans.
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In or out? Liz Cheney with a mustache? Busse announces his running mate

February 24, 2024 • 14 mins
Will he, or won't he? Questions abound about Rep. Matt Rosendale's political future. A former congressman wants Rosendale's House seat. Democrat Ryan Busse picks a well-known Helena attorney as his running mate in the governor's race.
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Rosendale’s bombshell. His future in the U.S. House? Gianforte makes a run for the border.

February 16, 2024 • 14 mins
Matt Rosendale shocks everyone by dropping out of the Senate race just days after entering. Republicans are left wondering whether he'll seek re-election. Gov. Gianforte, like all Republicans running this year, makes border security a top issue.
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Rosendale makes it official. A former Rep. hints at a sudden return. China, China, China!

February 9, 2024 • 13 mins
Matt Rosendale joins the U.S. Senate race. A familiar name in Montana politics may run for Rosendale's House seat. And both Democrats and Republicans target China in their campaign ads.
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National Dems bet on Tranel; Who's more MAGA? Racicot says Trump should be disqualified

February 2, 2024 • 14 mins
Democrat Monica Tranel's race for Congress is drawing national attention and resources. Montana Republicans are getting chippy with each other over who should be their nominee for Senate. And former Gov. Marc Racicot thinks Donald Trump should not be allowed to run again for president.
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Busse makes his case; Candidates buck their party; He's not a president but he plays one on TV

January 26, 2024 • 13 mins
The Democratic candidate for governor thinks Montanans are ready to reject Republicans. Rep. Matt Rosendale is having a very public feud with one of his Republican Senate colleagues. And former Gov. Steve Bullock stars in a new documentary about a potential civil war.
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