State GOP Chairman Explains Trump’s Ballot Lawsuit for Montanans

On September 2, President Trump sued the State of Montana after Democrat Governor Steve Bullock gave counties the choice to conduct the November election entirely by mail amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Bullock’s directive would dilute the integrity of Montana’s election system.

State GOP Chairman Don Kaltschmidt further explained the purpose of the lawsuit.

“At its core, the lawsuit challenges governor Bullock's unconstitutional power grab in unilaterally suspending and rewriting Montana's election laws,” said Kaltschmidt. “That's why we're suing. On August 6, the governor issued two executive orders that gave Montana's 56 counties the authority to decide the time, place and manner of elections. But counties don't have that authority.”

Let's remember that Governor Bullock is on the ballot this November in one of the tightest Senate races in the country. This is a clear conflict of interest in the governor's directive and it must be overturned.

Kaltschmidt referenced the state and federal constitutions in his argument for the lawsuit.

“According to the US and Montana constitutions, the legislature alone has the authority to designate the time, place and manner of elections,” he said. “While the governor did consult with the legislature regarding June's primary election, he didn't consult with the legislative leadership at all in issuing the August directive.”

Kaltschmidt claims Governor Bullock’s run for the U.S. Senate makes his directive for an all-mail election self-serving, and therefore is a conflict of interest.

“What the governor's unilateral executive order boils down to is a blatant and unconstitutional abuse of power,” he said. “Your listeners need no reminder of this, but let's remember that Governor Bullock is on the ballot this November in one of the tightest Senate races in the country. This is a clear conflict of interest in the governor's directive and it must be overturned.”

Kaltschmidt reminds voters that Montana already has a safe, secure, and robust absentee voting system that around 70% of Montanans use.

Kaltschmidt will be a guest on the KGVO Talk Back show on Friday morning.

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