John MuesVerified account

I've seen this timely article, authored by Russell Rowland, circulate around for a while. A few thoughts, as a 4th generation Montanan: - Outsiders can bring wonderful new blood and ideas to our great state and shouldn't be precluded from running for state-wide office.

- That said, I don't think Democrats can out-carpetbag Republicans in state-wide elections, and, thus, should call out carpetbagging during a Democratic primary (even when a candidate attests to her "deep roots"). We're really lucky the GOP runs these carpetbaggers. It gives

Democrats a chance in the general election. It's helped Tester, and should help Bullock, Cooney, and Williams. At a minimum, it will help them perform better than they otherwise would. Let's not give up that competitive advantage. - A number of Montana's transplants,

including Democrats, may prefer to elect and be led by those from out-of-state. We may even see wealthy out-of-staters - or, those with wealthy connections - recruited to come to Montana for the purpose of seizing political power. To an extent, that's already happening.