Democrats Concerned as Montana Court Rules for Green Party Candidate

On September 18, the Montana Supreme Court made a significant ruling in favor of including Green Party candidate Robert Barb on the ballot for the upcoming U.S. Senate election on November 5. This decision rebuffed an effort by the Montana Democratic Party to eliminate Barb from the race, a move they believed could facilitate Republican challenger Tim Sheehy’s chance of defeating incumbent Democrat Jon Tester.

The potential implications of this ruling are profound, as a loss for Tester could shift control of the U.S. Senate towards the Republican Party. In August, the Montana Democratic Party initiated a lawsuit against Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and the Montana Green Party, seeking to prevent Barb’s candidacy. The Democratic Party alleged that the Green Party made a late change to its candidate lineup, which they contended should disqualify Barb from the ballot.

Earlier, on August 30, Judge Mick McMahon from the Lewis & Clark County District Court ruled against the Democratic Party’s request. The case was subsequently appealed to the Montana Supreme Court, where the judges examined the arguments presented.

In its ruling, the Montana Supreme Court stated that the Democratic Party did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the Montana Green Party violated its internal rules when it appointed Barb to fill a vacancy. The Green Party defended itself by asserting that its bylaws regarding candidate replacements are vague and do not outline a specific protocol for such changes.

Both the lower court and the Supreme Court highlighted that the arguments put forth by the Montana Democrats were based on speculation concerning whether the Green Party adhered to a legal process for contesting nominations. The courts indicated that this speculative nature of the Democratic Party’s claims significantly undermined their case.

The Supreme Court also rejected the Democratic Party’s request to intervene and impose an injunction against Barb’s candidacy, further solidifying the Green Party candidate’s position on the ballot.

Robyn Driscoll, chair of the Montana Democratic Party, reacted to the ruling by labeling Barb as a “well-known Republican” who allegedly advocates right-wing conspiracy theories and does not recognize climate change as a legitimate issue. This statement highlights the Democratic Party’s concerns that Barb’s presence on the ballot could detract crucial votes away from Tester.

Polling suggests that Tester is currently facing challenges against Sheehy, and the inclusion of Barb as a Green Party candidate could further complicate his path to re-election. Political analysts are speculating that former President Donald Trump’s potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election could bolster Sheehy’s campaign. Trump had a notable win in Montana over President Biden by a margin of 16 points in the 2020 election.

As the race heats up, the dynamics created by multiple candidates could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the election. Senators like Tester, who are in tight contests, may find themselves in an increasingly precarious position as they seek voter support amid a landscape that appears more competitive.

In summary, the Montana Supreme Court’s ruling to keep Barb on the ballot has introduced a layer of complexity into the electoral process for the upcoming Senate race. This situation not only affects the candidates directly involved but could also have wider implications for party control in the Senate, especially as the country looks towards the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections.

Source: UPI