Montana Democratic Party Responds to GOP's Extremist Secession Plan

Helena, Mt. - Today, the Montana State Senate held a hearing on Rep. More's HJ 14. This dangerous resolution relies on radical anti-government rhetoric as it lays out an extremist blueprint for secession from the state of Montana.

Montana Democratic Party Director, Ted Dick, released the following statement on Rep. More's measure:

"If this is what these extremist Republicans think Montanans are concerned about, they are sorely mistaken.

While this secession blueprint may be the top priority for some of the legislature, most Montanans are focused on having a quality job, providing for their family and making sure their children have a world-class education. These extremists should stop making the legislature look ridiculous and start focusing on the people's business."

Even some Republicans are pushing back against the new GOP extremism. In February, when the full House approved the measure, Rep. McNutt (R-Sidney) passionately said, "This needs to stop and stop now. We've heard enough this session. I say stop it here. Quit scaring our constituents and quit letting us look like a bunch of buffoons!"

During the Senate Judiciary Committee discussion on the bill, Sen. Shockley, a Republican, seemed to acknowledge this is a dangerous secession resolution. He pushed for amending the bill to state that in the event of a disagreement between the state and federal government, it must be resolved in the courts--a tacit admission that this measure potentially sets up a serious conflict between Montana and the federal government.