Montana is home. Montana, as we like to say, is one long Main Street. Over the years, I have no doubt crossed paths with many of you or someone we both know, as I’ve been all over this district during my lifetime. I was born in Townsend in 1960, grew up at the base of the idyllic Bozeman Pass raised around the railroad, pigs and cows, hunting and fishing, and messing around outside. Playing ball for the Park High Rangers I got a chance to see many Montana communities. I have lived as far north as Essex and currently reside near Bonner.

In Missoula I finished high school earned both my bachelor’s,and subsequently a master's, at the University of Montana. During the Lewis and Clark bicentennial I took students out on the trail for Antioch University. For 40 years, I taught about Montana, U.S. government, and world history. Several of those years included coaching young women basketball, meaning I have been in a lot of gyms and met a lot of folks! It is a source of pride for me that repeatedly students complimented me by noting they couldn’t detect my political bias.

I'm an ordinary Montanan, not unlike most people who call this place home. I'm not a millionaire. I stocked shelves at night and worked retail to get myself through college. I climbed telephone poles, dug holes for the railroad, and put in a stint at the paper mill. I’ve also counseled at Boy’s State in Dillon and at both a special needs camp and Camp Fire Girls camp at Seeley Lake. In the Flathead Valley put up a lot of hay and put out a lot of irrigation pipe. Serving through Key Club and Kiwanis has been important throughout my life. After my wife Nancy died from cancer 10 years ago, with a lot of help, I started the Cancer Support Community in Missoula. I'm proud and honored to have given graduation speeches three times. 

As a James Madison Fellow, I studied the U.S. Constitution and its creation in depth for my master’s. I am passionate about the republic Franklin challenged us to keep. Upon retiringfrom Missoula County Public Schools, I shifted to teaching American government at the University of Montana, Missoula College, and Flathead Valley Community College. 

Last year, I was hired to give presentations across the state as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I didn’t as the congressionally approved program was axed by an unelected multibillionaire from South Africa. Thus began the genesis of my genuine concern about the changing direction of our country. We all have watched profits, presidential whims, and party shenanigans become a priority over we the people.

I have served Montana as a citizen in many ways. I am obviously not a professional politician but I had participated in our democracy in most other ways. Besides teaching, I vote, write letters, help register voters, compose guest columns, attend meetings, peacefully assemble, address legislative hearings, try to visit with my members of Congress, closely follow the actions of our government, and speak with other citizens…allthe things I taught my students were obligations to keep this republic.

I cannot stand by and watch the demise of representative democracy. One thing I did not imagine I would do was put my name on a ballot - it felt imperative to do so now.  The government the Framers created to ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty and justice for all, protect the truth that all people are created equallyare in peril. Sadly, current leaders obviously do not embrace those things. I have NO DOUBT men like Washington, Madison, Adams, Mason, Jefferson, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, Eisenhower, Carter, Ford, Reagan, and so many others would agree. The world sees this rupture. Former presidents see this. Three major reports published the beginning of March say there has been “serious damage done to American democracy at a remarkable speed.” Character, kindness, and unity should not be, must not be, things of the past.

At Boy’s State, we strongly encouraged kids to stick their necks out; to be part of the solution. I am doing just that. Pat Williams, a giant in Montana politics, once told my classes that those who run for political office have big egos. He added they mustbecause they needed to believe they can do something. I guess I have a big ego! But, I also am well aware that with collective effort Montana has led the way in the past. We, it won’t be just me, can again.

It is my intention to do whatever I can so future generations can have what I had: the American dream of hope, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness, in a republic which is united, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I want to make America a more perfect union. While some want to look back to some imaginary time I want to move forward. I believe “We the People” can build on what we’ve already accomplished; that with my vote in DC, and yours to get me there, we can add to what generations have built.