Governor Bullock Rallies for Campaign Finance Reform in Missoula

Montana Governor Steve Bullock was in Missoula yesterday, urging students and faculty at the University of Montana to push for the passage of 11 bills related to campaign finance disclosure. Bullock repeatedly mentioned bipartisanship during his speech and emphasized the Montana Disclose Act, a bill carried by Republican Senator Dwayne Ankney more than any other.

"At first glance, he and I don't have a lot in common," said Bullock of Ankney. "I'm a lawyer, he's a coal miner. I'm a Democrat, he's a Republican. He's got a great mustache, I don't know that I can grow one. But we do share something in common inasmuch as we know that in Montana, elections are decided by individuals."

The governor pleaded with the audience to call the legislature in support of bills that could be killed off completely if they don't make the transmittal deadline before Friday.

"It is up to you to play a part and be sure that elections are representing your interests," Bullock said. "I don't care if that is on the Democrat side or on the Republican side. Ultimately all we are asking to add is disclosure and transparency to our elections to make sure that we know whose voices are being herd and who is trying to influence."

Bullock also admitted that the campaign finance bills he pushed for would not be able to override the Supreme Court's Citizen's United decision, saying "We'll need a new Supreme Court for that."