Daines Exits, Alme Enters
Sen. Steve Daines, 63, shocked Montana by dropping his reelection bid just minutes before the deadline. After months of internal debate, Daines decided retirement sounded better than another term. Apparently, seven grandkids and Montana’s scenery were too tempting.
In a not-so-subtle handoff, Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme swooped in, endorsed by none other than Donald Trump. The move was as subtle as a bull in a china shop, with Trump praising Daines for passing the torch to Alme, his chosen successor.
Political Musical Chairs
This isn’t the first time a politician orchestrated their own succession. Rep. Chuy Garcia faced the music for a similar stunt, getting a slap on the wrist from the House. Meanwhile, Rep. Ryan Zinke, also retiring due to health issues, endorsed his former staffer Aaron Flint, who got Trump’s nod too.
Al Olszewski, running for Zinke’s seat, called out the ‘deep state’ for handpicking successors. He urged Montanans to reject these political heirs, suggesting voters might prefer their leaders not come pre-approved by D.C. insiders.
Bodnar’s Independent Run
Seth Bodnar, former University of Montana President, launched an independent campaign for Daines’ seat. With Democrats absent from the race, Bodnar’s entry highlights their dwindling influence in Montana.
Bodnar’s campaign paints him as a political outsider, but critics label him a ‘fake independent.’ He’s criticized for supporting transgender athletes in sports, a hot-button issue. Bodnar’s team dodged questions on his potential Senate alliances, promising only to fight for new leadership.
Quick Facts
- •💡 Steve Daines withdrew from the Senate race minutes before the deadline.
- •💡 Kurt Alme was endorsed by Donald Trump immediately after entering the race.
- •💡 Ryan Zinke retired due to health issues and endorsed Aaron Flint.
- •💡 Seth Bodnar launched an independent campaign for the Senate seat.
- •💡 Daines had raised over $8 million for his campaign by the end of 2020.