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Dems Tap Shirley Hanson for SD 29 Race

Yellowstone County Democrats nominated Laurel resident Shirley Hanson to run this November in Senate District 29, replacing former candidate Friederick Schweitzer, who dropped from the race last week.

Hanson, a retired elementary school teacher and former House candidate, accepted the party’s nomination Wednesday. She named education, renewable energy and fair pay as among her top priorities.

“I have always believed one person can make a difference, and one vote can make a difference,” Hanson said. “Even in the toughest times, I can see the good, and I’m eager to work hard to build on it.”

Five Things to Know About Denny Rehberg

Denny Rehberg is a Tea Party favorite whose fringe views are too radical even for moderate Republicans in Montana. Not only is Denny suing Montana firefighters, he likes to take credit for legislation he voted against in Washington.  

It’s why we’ve put together a list of facts Montanans should know about Denny Rehberg. There’s no political spin -- it’s all based upon his voting record. You can help by sharing these five facts with your friends, becoming a fan of the MDP on Facebook, and checking our homepage for news and updates.

Hundreds attend Sieben Ranch Barbecue and Hoedown

Nearly 400 people turned out Saturday evening at the Sieben Ranch north of Helena to celebrate the legislative accomplishments of Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

Dubbed the Sieben Ranch Barbecue and Hoedown, the event also included Dennis McDonald, Democratic candidate for Congress, and Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, along with a host of Democratic legislators and party candidates.

“The most noble human endeavor is service,” Baucus told the crowd after dinner. “It’s service to family, friends, the church, the synagogue and the community. You are all here, too, because you believe in service and in helping the community.”

Baucus and Tester each touched on the accomplishments achieved this past year by Democrats. They named health care reform, Wall Street reform, and new college opportunities for the working class.

Rehberg Votes Against Montana Teachers, Firefighters and Police Officers

Denny Rehberg today voted against a bill to keep thousands of teachers, police officers and firefighters employed, even though a method to pay for the plan was included in the legislation.

Along with most of his Republican peers, Rehberg voted Tuesday against the bill. The measure passed regardless, thanks to strong Democratic support.

“I am deeply disappointed that Rehberg, once again, has followed Tea Party marching orders and voted ’No’ to a very important education bill,” said Dennis McDonald, Montana’s Democratic candidate for Congress. “Rehberg and his extreme right-wing fringe continues to try and balance the budget on the backs of ordinary Montanans.”

Montana's Women Democrats Enjoy Large Turnout at Celebration

MISSOULA -- More than 140 people turned out Thursday evening at a  ranch outside Missoula to celebrate Montana’s Democratic women and their growing influence in state politics.

Held at the home of Sen. Cliff and Trish Larson and hosted by the Montana Democratic Party, the event included guest speaker Nancy Keenan and several of the state’s top female office holders.

Keenan, Montana’s former Superintendent of Public Instruction, is now president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. She praised Carol and Pat Williams for their recent ranking by a Washington Post blogger as the state’s “Political First Family” and lauded Montana’s Democratic women, who have emerged in recent years with a powerful political voice.

“Montana has done, historically, a wonderful job (at electing women),” Keenan said. “The number of women in the Legislature has increased over the years, not only in the Legislature, but in leadership.”

Montana Democratic Women Poised for Bright Future

Montana’s Democratic women will have a chance to make history this November as they take on Republican challengers in the General Election.

The Montana Democratic Party will have 102 legislative candidates on November’s ballot, and nearly half of them (47) are women.

“The role women play in politics has always been important to the Montana Democrats,” said Jim Elliott, party chairman. “Today we have more female legislators than ever before. We’ve come a long ways, but not all the way. Balance is a role we’ll continue to strive for.”

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