by Ken Toole | Mar 15, 2025 | Elections, Legislature
Republican Daniel Emrich was elected to the Montana Senate in 2022. He ran a low key campaign, defeating incumbent, centrist Democrat Tom Jacobson by 403 votes. Looking at his campaign contributions, he received significant support from “traditional” Republicans and not the local loopy Freedom Caucus crowd. Contributors to his campaign included Greg Gianforte, Senator Jason Ellsworth (and two of his children for a total of $1,200), Chuck Denowh (lobbyist), and Representative Llew Jones.
“A Good Christian Fellow”
Emrich moved to Montana in 2020. He worked as a car salesman in Tennessee and Colorado before working at Bison Ford in Great Falls. He’s no longer there, and we find no information about where he currently works. The Wonkette blog says Emrich is “a good Christian fellow whose Twitter feed includes posts pushing election denial, accusing Hillary Clinton of supporting “executing human babies,” and asking what crime babies ever committed to deserve a death sentence.
Emrich also said this on Twitter feed in 2021 about the Capitol Insurrection: “Republicans stormed the Capitol building however it is public building and they did have a right to enter and peacefully protest they were denied that right and as a result the protestors got violent police got hurt one died still not sure why and a protestor was shot to death.” (Grammatical errors in the original text)
Emrich Doesn’t Get Science
In his first legislative session, Emrich attracted statewide attention with a bill he introduced to require schools to include only “verifiable facts” in science curriculum. This bill drew only one proponent, a professor, named Patrick Gould asserted that the “theory” of evolution is not supported by facts and is contrary to God and the Holy Bible. Numerous opponents of the bill pointed out the problems in the bill. The bill died in a unanimous vote of the committee. The link below is to a video of the committee hearing.
https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00309/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20170221/-1/46846?agendaId=250997
Old Income Tax Conspiracies
Emrich also introduced a Senate resolution calling for an investigation of the adoption of the income tax in 1913. The introductory “where as” statements of the resolution parrot old debunked conspiracy theories which have been far-right staples for years. The resolution referenced The Law That Never Was, a book by notorious Montana tax protester, racist and vicious anti-semite Red Beckman. Former Republican legislator and current lobbyist for the conservative Montana Taxpayers Association, Bob Story, testified against the bill saying, “I just think it’d be kind of a waste of the legislature’s time to rehash this thing. It’s been studied, it’s been written about, it’s been litigated.” The bill died in committee by a vote of 11 to 1.
13 Bills in 2023. None Pass
Emrich introduced similar bills in the 2023 session. These included eliminating jail sentences for driving without a license (a common practice among the freemen crowd), private school choice, requiring partisan election of judges, expanding the time required for collection of delinquent taxes, providing exemptions for vaccination requirements in schools, general revisions of election laws as promoted by election deniers, and a call for a constitutional amendment defining fertilized human eggs as a “person.” Most of his 13 bills died in their first committee hearing. None made it through the entire process.
2025 Session. More of The Same
In the 2025 legislature, Emrich is carrying bills for others. It is common for administrative agencies and interim legislative committees to request more “experienced” legislators to carry their bills. This session Emrich has requested 36 bills, five of those coming through the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform. For those unfamiliar with this legislature, this committee is intent on Republicans taking over the judicial branch.
This session Emrich introduced SB 381, which requires selling off and subdividing certain public lands. It died in committee. See our previous blog post https://wtf406.com/2025/03/who-says-republicans-dont-want-to-sell-off-public-lands/
Hey Senator Emrich, Measels Much?
He is also carrying SB 382 and SB 474 which allow children whose guardians choose not to have them vaccinated to attend school. This during a measles outbreak in the southwest which has already claimed at least two lives and is causing numerous measles infections. In addition, he is carrying SB 475 which bans aluminum based vaccines.
Emrich has six bills changing statutes relating to child protective services. No one ever knows the exact motivation for these kinds of bills except the sponsor. But here it is worth noting that there is a controversy regarding a decision to remove a child with suicidal ideation relating to gender identity issues from a family in Valley County. Great Falls’ other Republican Senator, Jeremy Trebas, has been engaged in this case, requesting confidential records from DPHHS.
Emrich Still Going After The Library
Emrich is also carrying two bills which clearly flow from the library mill levy controversy here in Great Falls. SB 396 which dictates where “materials of a sexual nature” can be placed in a library and directs numerous actions relating to library administration. SB 451 limits public libraries to only provide “core functions” listed in the bill and prohibits activity that is not listed in the bill. Both bills were tabled in committee
Next Election, Democrats Best Shot
Emrich is up for election in 2026. Most people in Great Falls are not aware of Emrich, but Republican activists here certainly are. If the last election is any indication, his support from the traditional Republican crowd will dry up, and he will be challenged in the Republican primary. Democrats are well positioned to win the seat regardless who the Republicans run. It’s going to be an interesting election.
by Ken Toole | Mar 5, 2025 | Legislature
Meet Great Falls Republican Senator Daniel Emrich
Great Falls Senator Daniel Emrich sponsored SB 381 which directs the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) to sell certain public lands. The bill allows people who have lived in Montana for at least ten years to purchase up to five acres of certain state lands to be identified by DNRC.
Emrich pitched his proposal as one way to provide affordable housing and to raise state revenue at the same time. After the committee hearing, where numerous questions were raised which Emrich could not answer, he punted to the DNRC, saying that the agency would have broad rule making authority which would fix any problems that came up. Deferring to administrative rule making is common among legislators who are poorly prepared to advocate for their own bills.
The Poorly Prepared Senator
Emrich’s bill drew immediate opposition from tribal governments, conservation organizations and others. During the hearing it became apparent the bill was poorly thought out and raised many questions which could not be answered by Emrich or the staff of DNRC. Follow this link to watch the full hearing. https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?dp=1&key=2415978-5d89fc62191832280e209a7897242cbb&start=744&end=1698
No Supporters So The Bill Died (Thankfully)
No supporters testified on behalf of Emrich’s bill. Several days after the hearing, the committee voted unanimously to table (kill) the bill.
by Ken Toole | Feb 26, 2025 | E-City Beat Watch
In the last couple of weeks, city commissioners Rick Tryon and Joe McKenney have come out in strong defense of allowing local governments to control management of their various functions. But they kept on their blindfolds and didn’t name which political party is stifling local governments. Too bad both of them ignore the fact that the vast majority of the laws on the books which are strangling local governments came from conservative Republicans in the legislature. All of this, done in the name of reducing regulations and taxes, leaves cities, counties and school districts struggling.
McKenney Is Upset He Didn’t Get The Memo
McKenney bent over backwards to put a conservative polish in his blog post. Lamenting the anti-local government bills in this legislature, he wrote, “Last time I checked, conservatism was about keeping the government small and decisions local. Since when did ‘Big Government Knows Best’ become a conservative slogan? Did I miss the memo?”
McKenney didn’t miss the memo. Republican hostility to local governments hasn’t changed much over the years. Republicans in the legislature were pretty much the same during McKenney’s four terms in the Montana House of Representatives. Maybe he wasn’t paying attention. Or maybe his service on the city commission changed his opinion?
Tryon Piles On. . .But Never Mentions It’s The Republicans
Then there is Rick Tryon’s blog post on the same topic. Tryon’s ire is directed at Great Falls Republican Senator Jeremy Trebas’ SB 266, which takes certain planning decisions away from local governments. In his usual bombastic style, Tryon writes, “Hey, Great Falls, do you want Big Brother Helena to control how citizens in Great Falls choose to budget, zone our community, and manage our resources? I say, ‘Hell no!’”
In a report on legislative property tax bills, The Montana Free Press quoted Tryon saying, “I directly blame the Montana legislature for the property tax problem. And it’s strangling local government.” Tryon’s only half right. Governor Gianforte’s inaction in the face of inflationary property values in Montana, and then blaming local governments, is also a driver in the current property tax mess.
The Montana Free Press story went on to explain that HB 20 is one bill that seems to have “legs.” Great Falls area legislators supporting this bill are Buttrey, Fitzpatrick, Miner, Nikolakakos (George and Melissa), Tilleman, Gist and McKamey. These are all Republicans. The lone “no” vote so far in the process is Democrat Jane Weber.
It’s good to know Tryon and McKenney support local government authority and autonomy. But their effort to put that in the context of “conservative values” rings hollow. Truth is Republicans love playing “reduce regulation and cut taxes” politics. It’s great for getting elected, but not so good for actually managing city government. This is what you get when your rhetoric outpaces common sense.
by Ken Toole | Feb 20, 2025 | Elections
I wrote this February 25, 2011, 14 years ago. I wrote it in response to the drubbing democrats took in 2010, Obama’s first mid-term election. Since that time we have had more elections dominated by republican victories. Every time democrats lose we engage in self flagellation and hand wringing about needing a new “message”. Committees form, discussions follow, and fingers point. In the end we settle for the lowest common denominator and messages we think will attract the “moderate middle”. Clearly, that approach has failed us.
Dear Democratic Leaders,
I am Democratic base. Please feed me!!
I’m tired, weak and discouraged. I haven’t been fed in a very long time. Last election I just couldn’t muster the strength to get out to the polls, let alone write checks or volunteer. Please feed me!! I need red meat. I can’t survive on a diet of gun rights, tax cuts and developing natural resources. I don’t get excited about shooting wolves, or selling coal to China, or cutting the business equipment tax. And extending the Bush tax cuts and opposing the Dream Act gave me a stomach ache.
Republicans Don’t Do It This Way
The Republicans feed their base. They never miss a chance to drop a big t-bone on the plate. They stand up and talk about banning abortion, putting a pistol in every pocket and making gay people illegal. They smother the red meat with spices like deregulation, privatization and cutting taxes. I can still watch their base gnawing on the bones. They are so fat and sassy they sometimes bite each other because they are so darned energized. Why can’t you feed me?
I know, I know, you’re feeding me jobs, jobs, jobs. And that’s just fine, I suppose. . . .if you like bland oatmeal all day, every day. Of course we all like jobs but what is behind the problem? Why aren’t you talking about deregulated corporations out-sourcing work, the attack on labor unions and bankers sitting on piles of cash? What you are feeding me is more like day old bread than red meat.
What About Traditional Democratic Message?
I really liked it when you fed me things like helping senior citizens, protecting the environment, and making rich people pay their fair share of taxes. Now, that was really good stuff. It gave me a lot of strength and energy. It was good for my digestion.
A couple of years ago you gave me some really good appetizers. All the talk about reforming health care and addressing climate change really got me salivating for the main course. But when I sat down at the table I ended getting served gruel prepared by big special interest groups. . . .just like I had been getting for years.
Only Yellow Lines And Dead Skunks In The Middle Of The Road
You seem more interested in inviting those other guys to dinner than making sure I have enough to eat. You love using their recipes and serving their wine. Well, I don’t like their food and I don’t like them preparing the menu. In fact, I don’t like having them at our table. It gives me gas.
I know you think I’m peevish and demanding. You think I’m idealistic and don’t understand how to cook a good meal. That’s fine, but you still seem to want me in the kitchen all the time. What am I supposed to do there. . . .the dishes?
Please, Give Us Some Red Meat!
Put a menu in front of me with recipes made from the ingredients we both used to love so much. Put a thick steak on the grill exposing how the super rich are screwing the rest of us and cover it with a special sauce made with traditional Democratic values like standing up for the little guy, investing in education, and controlling big corporations. I can almost smell the sweet aroma now.
So feed me! I want to be there for you. I want to have the strength to help you carry the day. But I just can’t do it without some protein.
Ken Toole
With apologies to my vegetarian friends
by Ken Toole | Feb 16, 2025 | Guest Articles, Uncategorized
Senators Daines and Sheehy certainly can’t stand on principle when they can’t stand at all.
