Downtown Venue a Good Fit for Quist Event

A packed house welcomed Rob Quist at the Loaded Toad coffee shop and Sean R. Heavey gallery on May 18. The Democrat is challenging Republican Greg Gianforte and Libertarian Mark Wicks for Montana's at-large congressional district seat in the upcoming special election.

Speaking to area voters, Quist outlined his positions on healthcare (supports the ACA, with improvements), women's reproductive rights (pro-choice), and land use issues, distinguishing himself from Gianforte on the latter issue by claiming his opponent plans to misuse resources.

The candidate spent several minutes attacking Gianforte, a tactic his Republican challenger also employed at a May 8 campaign appearance at Glasgow's Farm Equipment Sales on Hwy 2. Attendees at both events expressed dismay about the negative tone of the special election campaigns.

After some prepared remarks, Quist took questions from the audience. An informal poll conducted by the Courier indicates that many area residents who came out to see Quist in person have already voted by absentee ballot. Supporters and opponents alike were pleased to see both campaigns making appearances locally, a rarity in a part of the state usually written off as unwinnable by Montana Democrats.

Quist concluded his appearance by playing some music. The event marks the first major liberal campaign event in Valley County in over two years, excepting the congressional debate between Ryan Zinke and Denise Juneau in Frazer last year.

Election day is set for Thursday, May 25.