WRITTEN BY
Roy McKenzie
This story originally published in Western Montana News, www.westernmt.news
Montana GOP Rebukes Out of Line Nine – PDF
As the Montana Legislature crosses the halfway mark of its 69th Legislative session, the Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) is publicly “rebuking” nine Republican state senators, widely referred to by frustrated Republican legislators and angry Constituents as the “Out of Line Nine.” The GOP argues that these senators have frequently aligned with Democrats, effectively obstructing the Republican-controlled Legislature. The party asserts that Montana voters elected a strong Republican majority expecting governance that reflects their values and priorities.
Shift in Power: Republican Majority Undermined
Since the first day of the session, the MTGOP contends that these nine Republican senators have repeatedly partnered with the Democratic minority to overrule Republican leadership.
The party argues that their actions have resulted in a de facto 27-23 Democratic majority, undermining the will of Montana voters, effectively handing control to Democrat Pat Flowers (SD31), Minority Leader in the Senate.