In 2008, while Republicans struggled across the country, the MRLCC recaptured the State Senate and helped Montana become one of only three states in the nation to flip control of a legislative chamber from Democrat to Republican. Building on that success, Republicans captured an historic 68 House seats in 2010 and went on to expand our Senate majority in 2012. While facing an uphill battle against a new Democrat gerrymandered legislative map in 2014, the MRLCC held on to our majorities in the State House and Senate.
The MRLCC spent heavily on independent expenditures to help Sterling Small pickup this seat on the Norther Cheyene Indian Reservation against Democrat incumbent David Roundstone.
In 2008 Doug Kary took on longtime Billings Democrat incumbent Wanda Grinde, coming up just 200 votes short of unseating her. For the 2010 rematch the MRLCC made a substantial investment on Kary’s behalf, helping propel him to a 400+ vote victory.
In what would become one of the most expensive House District races in Montana history, political newcomer Austin Knudsen defeated two-term incumbent Democrat Julie French visit site. The MRLCC invested heavily in this race conducting an aggressive independent expenditure campaign.
With the incumbent Democrat barred from running again due to term limits, Senate District 18 in North Central Montana, represented one of the best pickup opportunities in 2008. John, a longtime Scobey area farmer and businessman, defeated his Democrat opponent despite her advantage of being from the most populous area of the district. To help … Continue reading 2008- Senate District 18, John Brenden
Over the three previous elections, House District 1 had a well earned reputation as a perennial nail biter. When the incumbent Republican Representative decided not to see re-election, Jerry Bennett stepped up. The MRLCC invested over $10,000 putting up billboards, sending out direct mail, airing radio ads and calling voters to help Jerry retain this … Continue reading 2008 – House District 1, Jerry Bennett
In one of the most expensive state legislative races in Montana history Taylor defeated the incumbent Democrat, Senate Leader Lane Larson. Combined the two campaigns spent in excess of $150,000. The MRLCC sent out nearly 30,000 direct mail pieces, aired over 300 radio ads and made over 12,000 phone calls to help pave the way … Continue reading 2008 – Senate District 22, Taylor Brown