Montanans Deserve A State Auditor Who's Looking Out For Them

Dear Editor,

The primary responsibility of the Montana State Auditor, also referred to as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, is protecting Montana insurance consumers. In most states, the office is appointed based on qualifications. Here in Montana, we elect our State Auditor – and we should elect someone who has the experience, track record and integrity to serve Montana insurance consumers. I am running to put my 40 years of honest business experience to work for Montanans.

My campaign is focused on the job of State Auditor. Unfortunately, my opponent, Jim Brown, is resorting to lies and personal attacks.

It's no surprise that Brown's campaign is political nonsense – he can't stand on his own record. In his attacks he brings up gun control, defunding the police, and men competing in women's sports. What!? None of these have anything to do with the State Auditor.

Brown is blowing smoke, hoping Montanans won't notice his incompetence and lack of interest in fighting for affordable, quality health, home, and auto insurance – interests that I will protect. Brown is a perennial candidate who wants another government job that we all pay for.

But what really rubs me the wrong way – and it should you – is that he claims to represent 'Montana Values.' Since when is lying a 'Montana Value'? He attacked me claiming I have "spent the majority of (my) time in Montana attacking private industry." Really? I spent my entire career in private industry. It's an outright lie – 100 percent false.

It's slander, its sleazy – and it reflects Brown's willingness to lie to voters.

Brown's public actions also do not reflect 'Montana Values.' As a lawyer for an out-of- state dark money group that worked to influence Montana elections by attacking moderate Republicans – and refusing to disclose who was behind the money he said: "I don't believe there is too much money in politics, so it should be unlimited." That's not a Montana Value, that's the viewpoint of someone who wants outside, concealed interests to have their way with Montana. Another 'Montana Value', Jim?

And Brown can't be trusted to keep his word. When running for Public Service Commission in 2020, Brown said, "Once elected, I pledge to put the interests of Montana energy consumers ahead of out-of-state corporations." When elected, he stuck those consumers with a 28 percent rate increase. Great for the out-of-state corporation, not good for the ratepayers. And he hired unqualified political cronies into high-paying jobs at the PSC, so they could, like him, live off the ratepayers they failed to represent. Not a 'Montana Value' in my book. Let's not let him do the same with the Auditor's office and our insurance rates!

If you are like me and are fed-up with politicians who don't work for you, I ask for your vote to serve as Montana's next State Auditor. I have no agenda other than to protect​ Montana insurance consumers and fight financial scammers. I stand by my word and my background. I am the candidate you can trust.

Sincerely,

John Repke

John Repke is running in the general election for Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor on Nov. 5, 2024.