Outside mailers attacking Tempel not part of Montana politics

As the Nov. 6 election nears and we watch the political process unfold, none of us are surprised by the steady onslaught of attack ads. However I was surprised and very disappointed by the recent mailers attacking Russ Tempel. The attacks on Russ are simply not true. Saying that Russ “just doesn’t care” could not be farther from the truth and shows how desperate Russ Tempel’s attackers are to find something negative on a fine longstanding public servant. I served with Russ in the last legislative session, as well as serving concurrently for two terms as county commissioner in neighboring counties. I know that Russ is a hard-working dedicated politician who cares deeply about his constituents.

Until this election, most local races, in rural Montana, for state House and Senate have been exempt from the mudslinging we see in the statewide races. Here in north-central Montana, people in communities like Chester, Havre, Big Sandy and Fort Benton know their candidates’ reputation, and there is a mutual respect between candidates. It comes as no surprise to me the attack ads against Russ Tempel are coming from PACs in Helena and Missoula. Please vote for Russ and show the people in Helena and Missoula who are attacking him that is not how we play politics in rural Montana.

——

Rep. Jim O’Hara, R-Fort Benton, is a former Chouteau County commissioner and gubernatorial candidate.