Here are just a few of the events we've got lined up this spring and summer.  Hope to see you there!

27th Annual Democratic Harry S. Truman Dinner – Billings

You are cordially invited to the 27th Annual Democratic Harry S. Truman Dinner Friday, May 17th, in Billings.  This year's Special Guest and Keynote Speaker is U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Democrat from North Dakota.  We'll also be joined by Guest Speakers:  Montana's own Senator Max Baucus and Senator Jon Tester, as well as many of our statewide and locally-elected Democratic officials.  The Reception begins at 5:00 p.m., with Dinner at 6:15 p.m., at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane.  Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.  Attached to this email is a form which contains pricing and ticketing information.

For more information contact:  Joseph Raffiani, Chair of the Yellowstone County Democrats, chair@yellowstonecountydemocrats.org, (406) 252-5577

Gallatin County Spring Social & Potluck – Bozeman 

In case you missed it, the Billings Gazette ran this great profile of Insurance Comissioner Monica Lindeen's work to protect one Montanan who found herself in a bind.  

Here's more from the story in the March 7th edition: 

"A motorcycle mechanic for 35 years, Pat died last year of a genetic disorder known as alpha-1. When she called to collect on the policy, she was stone-walled.

The company first said that no such policy existed. When she faxed them documents she and Pat had signed to buy the policy, the company responded by telling her the policy had been purchased for her, not for Pat. 

They battled back and forth until finally Kathleen began looking into hiring an attorney. But first, she tried one more approach. 

"That's when I called the Montana insurance commissioner," she said. 

And the fight was on.

Helena, Mont. -- The Montana Democratic Party today announced that Jim Messina and U.S. Sen. Al Franken will be the featured speakers at their Mansfield-Metcalf dinner. Former NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan and AFSCME president Lee Saunders will also address the attendees. 

Jim Messina led President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign after completing his position as a Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House.  He has a long history with the Democratic party in Montana, serving as Sen. Max Baucus' Chief of Staff from 2005 to 2008 and as his campaign manager in 2002.

Sen. Al Franken has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2008.  He is an award-winning satirist and author, and was previously the host of a nationally syndicated progressive talk radio show.   

Helena, Mont.— As news about cleaning up dark money in politics continues to dominate the headlines, Montanans are reminded that U.S. Senate candidate Corey Stapleton could literally care less about how money is spent in elections.

Here's what Stapleton told Montana's News Stations during the gubernatorial primary last year:

Should corporations be allowed to spend money to influence Montana elections? Why or why not?

In case you missed it, Steve Bullock took his oath of office to become the Governor of Montana.  Before a crowd of hundreds on the capitol steps, Steve talked about the values that have brought him, and the state, this far.  

His approach will bring people together to leave an even better state for our kids than the one we already love so much.  

Here's some of what Steve had to say, via the Lee Newspapers: 

“We’ll improve our schools and by doing so, expand opportunities for Montana businesses and workers,” the new governor said. “We’ll continue to grow our economy, foster 21st century industries and create jobs that didn’t even exist when we were children.

In case you missed it, Montana farmer Jon Tester has made a clean sweep of major newspaper endorsements.  Here's more: 

“In this year’s race for U.S. Senate, Montanans have a choice between the incumbent senator who is completing his first six-year term and the state’s sole U.S. representative who has been in that office for 12 years… A hard-working moderate, Sen. Jon Tester has accomplished more for Montana in his first term than Rep. Denny Rehberg has in twice that time… Tester brings a Montana can-do approach to Congress... as the candidate best able to work across the aisle and get important things done for Montana and the country.” –The Billings Gazette, 10/21/2012

Multimillionaire Congressman Dennis Rehberg's support for ending Medicare as we know it came into sharp focus at tonight's U.S Senate debate in Bozeman.
 
In 2009, Rehberg voted for Congressman Paul Ryan's first controversial attempt to "replace the traditional Medicare program with subsidies" [AP, 

Sales tax lobbyist-turned-Congressman Rick Hill is having a hard time getting over his longtime infatuation with sales taxes.   

At last week's debate Hill said, “I have never suggested that a sales tax would be part of an agenda for the Hill Administration.” On the contrary, Hill has touted his support for a sales tax throughout his entire campaign.

See this video of Congressman Hill on his sales tax, and this transcript:

Lobbyist-turned Congressman Dennis Rehberg, who failed to appear at several of his own campaign events last weekend, is cashing in on his "K Street Cred" to help out his struggling Senate campaign.  

Fellow lobbyist-turned-politician John Thune, a U.S.