Although not unanticipated, the news of Gov. Steve Bullock’s appointment of John Walsh to the vacated Senate seat of Max Baucus is a glaring example of the self- serving corruption we suffer here in Montana. It confirms partisan politics means more to our governor, senator and senatorial candidate than genuine concern for Montana and our nation.
The people of Montana elected Baucus for a full six-year term. Now, 11 months short of fulfilling that obligation, Baucus has abdicated. And why? So he can collect his payback from political cronies for his support of Obamacare and for political advantage for his party’s candidate in a desperate bid to salvage this senatorial seat for a president whose popularity has set new lows. His duty to our country and to our state was forgotten in favor of partisan politics. Baucus, who had experience and expertise garnered through years of experience, is now replaced by a political novice virtually unknown in our state. How revealing.
Bullock knew, discussed and participated in this political sham. It was carefully planned out down to the last detail, including the timing of the appointment of Baucus as ambassador to China. It is obvious our governor had no qualms about giving undo advantage to the Democratic candidate for the Senate although he had other options that would have left the integrity of our elections untainted. But, he too, as usual, put politics before principle.
Last but not least is the John Walsh himself whose statement that “there are too many politicians who put their own political agendas ahead of doing what’s right” is an accurate description of his own actions. He was (and is) a willing participant in this whole affair letting personal gain and partisan politics trump any consideration of the principles that so many of our citizens would like to see in our elected officials. This type of dishonest political manipulation is sickening. The conclusion of obvious: voting for Walsh is a vote for an affirmation and continuation of this type of corruption.
Mark Agather
Kalispell