If campaign contributions are pouring into dark money funds that are very dangerous precedent that the USA is for sale when events go very wrong in the world. That is what is so worrisome regarding Alfa Bank’s Brian Benczkowski. After the election of 2016 and Russian interference, all of a sudden a former Russian banker shows up out of nowhere to become Assistant AG. Then the Republicans usher him in as if they know how much dark money actually backed up the appointment.
The Trump Administration has a legitimacy problem now. If the death by high ranking Saudi officials is not dealt with appropriately, the people of the USA have a larger problem with Republicans than just lying. They don’t care about the sovereignty of the country.
Case in point.
October 17, 2018
By Matthew Brown
Billings - Outside groups (click here) and individual donors have poured more than $45 million into Montana's U.S. Senate race as President Donald Trump prepares a third trip to the Big Sky state in his crusade to unseat two-term Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.
The contest is on pace to be the most expensive in Montana history, and it's been driven by Trump's apparent personal interest in Tester's defeat and his efforts to ensure Republicans keep power in the Senate.
Republican challenger and Trump loyalist Matt Rosendale is far behind in fundraising. But he's stayed competitive with $14 million spent by deep-pocketed conservative groups on his behalf, largely on ads attacking Tester on guns, immigration and taxes, according to an Associated Press review of spending reports....
This time it is an Australian company back channeling monies to fight the people. It is a lot of work and dedication and lots of signatures to file a ballot issue. This is exactly the problem. Foreign interests pour money into an election in attempts to override the voices of the people.
October 18, 2018
By Matthew Brown
...In a complaint filed Tuesday (click here) with the Federal Election Commission, sponsors of Initiative 186 alleged campaign law violations by the Montana Mining Association, Sandfire Resources Inc. and others.
Sandfire Resources is an Australian company that's seeking through a Canadian subsidiary to develop the Black Butte copper mine near White Sulphur Springs. Foreign corporations are prohibited under U.S. law from donating to state, local or national elections.
Campaign finance filings show Sandfire Resources America contributed almost $18,000 to the "Stop I-186" political committee and more than $270,000 to the mining association, which also funds the committee.
Sandfire Resources America spokeswoman Nancy Schlepp said the money was paid through a Montana-based subsidiary, Tintina Resources Inc. The mining association did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment....
Protect Montana's $7 billion outdoor economy and property rights. Doesn't Montana have enough dirty water and pollution already?
Protects our water from toxic pollution (click here)
Is pro-responsible mining and does not impact current mines or jobs
Protects property rights
Protects Montana's $7 billion outdoor economy
Is supported by a diverse, bi-partisan group of real Montanans who believe clean water is a vital part of our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a state.
It sounds like a really vital issue for Montana. Water quality issues are populating the election season. Who expected Montana to have a water quality problem that effects the people. Wow.
Toxic pollution from mines – including arsenic, lead and mercury – contaminates our rivers, lakes and streams while threatening public health through our drinking water. When mining companies file for bankruptcy and leave their toxic waste behind, Montana taxpayers get stuck with clean-up costs.
I-186 will ensure that new mines in Montana operate responsibly. It will hold mining companies accountable and no longer allow them to leave behind a toxic mess requiring perpetual treatment of water contaminated by acid mine drainage and heavy metals.
It ain't no joke. This is from the "Outdoor Industry Association."
81% OF MONTANA RESIDENTS (click here) PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION EACH YEAR
Communities across Montana recognize that outdoor recreation supports health, contributes to a high quality of life and—perhaps most importantly—attracts and sustains employers and families. Investing in outdoor infrastructure attracts employers and active workforces, ensuring those communities thrive economically and socially.
MORE FUN FACTS
SPENDING ON OUTDOOR RECREATION in Montana ($7.1 billion) exceeds the value of statewide agricultural crops, livestock and poultry products sold ($4.3 billion)
Montana residents are more likely to participate in day hiking and wildlife viewing than the average American....
Adding another layer of water quality protections is correct. Mining is not contributing very much to Montana's overall economy. The Montana economy would benefit from such actions as clean water and air quality as well. The idea a foreign company can come in and railroad over top of Americans is exactly the problem with our elections. The dark money has to go.
...The goods-based industries of manufacturing, construction, mining, and agriculture now comprise about 24% of Montana’s personal income derived from work. The goods-producing industries are still expanding in terms of the value of their products, generally increasing production value in real terms over time, but their share of the overall economy has shrunk because the service-based industries are growing at a faster rate than the goods-based industries. This trend is expected to continue as Montana builds its post-industrial economy....
