Legislative Leader Describes Surprise Move by Fellow Republicans

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - A look back at the 69^th Montana Legislature brings one huge fact to light: that at the outset, nine key Republicans broke ranks to vote with Democrats, thus nullifying the GOP majority for the session.

Republican State Senate President Matt Regier was on Talk Back this week to discuss the total surprise effect that those nine Republicans had on the legislative session.

Matt Regier Said Nine Republicans Broke Ranks and Joined the Democrats

“It was a total surprise to me, as well as all of leadership there, I give them credit,” began Regier. “They did a great job of considering their workings with the Democrats. Usually, there are no secrets in Helena, and then you find out somebody talks to somebody, but we had no clue that was coming first day when nine of the Republican senators sided with 100% of Democrats to change up committees and the rules. I didn't see that coming. They did a great job of hiding it.”

Regier said the move totally brought control of the session to the Democrats.

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He Said the Move Gave Control of the Legislature to Democrats

“This was the mind shift,” he said. “23 out of the 32 Republicans came in thinking we're the majority party and could operate that way. However, time and time again, those nine senators went with the Democrats and blasted bills and changed committee assignments, almost on a weekly basis. The Democrats stood up and controlled the floor.”

Regier said the nine who sided with the Democrats should have been honest about their actions.

“I think this is where you still have some of the nine saying,  we're conservative Republicans,” he said. “And it's like, no, you can't give the entire liberal agenda a lot of what they want and then turn around and say you're conservative. To me, that's the unauthentic part of it.”

Regier said he hopes Republicans will stay true to their party in the future.

Regier Hopes Republicans Will Stay True to Their Party in the Future

“It’s nothing personal,” he said. “These guys, as well as Democrats and moderates, they have friends across the aisle. It's the political side of that. So, let's just be honest. If you're a moderate, if you want to enable the Democrats to implement their agenda, tell the voters that and let them send you there. And if they send you to Helena, then go and do that. But don't say I'm conservative and then turn around and keep voting 100 percent with the Democrats."

The nine Republicans who joined the Democrats were Jason Ellsworth, Wendy McKamey, Gayle Lammers, Josh Kassmier, Butch Gillespie, Greg Hunter, Denley Loge, Russ Tempel and Shelley Vance.