Our candidates shine in press Q&As as they work to flip seats
Every election year, Montana newspapers do Q&As with candidates for the Legislature, so voters can get a sense of the candidates running in these down-ballot races.
Here’s a look at how Carol’s List targeted candidates — the ones working to flip House seats blue — outshone their opponents in the press this fall!
Jasmine Taylor
Great Falls, House District 22
“Meet the candidates that are running for Montana House District 22 in Great Falls,” Great Falls Tribune, Oct. 12, 2020.
Highlight of Q&A: Jasmine’s smart, compassionate answer to the question about the challenge facing Great Falls — rising crime rates, specifically property crimes — and what she’d do as a legislator to address that challenge. “These crimes are inextricably linked to mental health and substance use issues. Drug addiction has reached a crisis level in Great Falls. We need increased access to treatment options and strong public health prevention measures. Increasing availability of chemical dependency and mental health services will help decrease crime and save money on associated expenses across the criminal justice system.”
Her top priority: “I will work to protect our health care, including expanding mental health and chemical dependency services. We must lower and control prescription drug prices and expand health coverage to costs associated with aging.”
Her opponent says: The number-one priority right now is “stopping socialism”.
Anne Giuliano
Billings, House District 51
“House District 51,” Billings Gazette, Sept. 21, 2020.
Highlight of Q&A: (In answering what to do for Montanans if the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, next month.) “The ACA is not perfect, but it has some important elements. It protects your insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. But more importantly, it returns every Montantan’s federal income tax dollars back to Montana to cover the costs of the Medicaid expansion services for our people here. Without the ACA, the Federal government uses tax dollars for needs wherever they arise (not necessarily Montana). We must proceed with caution and preserve the most important ACA benefits while improving its flaws.”
Her opponent says: (In answer to the same question.) Medicaid = “massive fraud.”
Hannah Olson
Billings, House District 52
“House District 52,” Billings Gazette, Sept. 21, 2020.
Highlight of Q&A: “COVID-19 has caused significant harm to Montana’s economy and businesses, but it has also caused irreparable harm to Montana’s families, and that has to be the priority moving forward. Cuts cannot be made in regards to necessities like education, housing, or Medicaid, and I will never back down on that position.”
Her opponent says: The pandemic “would be the perfect time to pursue free-market health care solutions”.
Lisa Pavlock
St. Ignatius/Ronan, House District 93
“House District 93 candidates share views,” Valley Journal, Oct. 7, 2020.
“House District 93 candidate Q&A: Lisa Pavlock,” Missoulian, Oct.
Highlight of Q&A: (When asked by the Missoulian how she’d approach serving in the Legislature during a pandemic.) “Governor Bullock has already made a strong stand about how to approach COVID-19, namely that if we want to keep others safe, we must all wear a mask. Since science says that we should all be wearing masks when we gather, I will wear a mask. And, although I am sure there is great benefit to being together for the legislative session, limiting our time spent together is also what will stop the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, a mixture of in-person and remote sessions will be the best path to take until we have a vaccine.”
Her top priority: “Access to quality, affordable healthcare through the Affordable Care Act must be maintained and expanded.”
Her opponent says: The top priority is to “keep the balanced budget”.