The first rule of politics, they say, is to show up. I spent last weekend obeying that rule.

Montana tourism continues to thrive this summer. In July visitor spending in Whitefish alone reached a record $15.65 million. In the hope of sparing some other unsuspecting visitor my pain, I share my last tourist experience there.

I've spent the last several weeks doing something I don't enjoy: reading through comment threads, forwarded emails, and private messages where members of this party have torn into one another.

In the three-ring circus of Montana’s current senate race, the Republican candidate’s messaging reflects a philosophy ascribed to P.T. Barnum: “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

If you've felt overwhelmed lately, you're not alone. The headlines move fast, the stakes feel high, and it's easy to feel like none of it is in your hands. Here's the truth: some of it isn’t. But most of it is — and that's where Montana Democrats are putting our energy this week.

Public lands are where our families hunt, fish, hike and camp. They protect the headwaters that supply our communities, provide habitat for wildlife and support outfitters, guides and small businesses across the state. That is why the federal government’s effort to repeal the Roadless Rule should concern every Montanan.

A Missoula City councilor said Monday night that a fellow councilor's dark money organization has helped trickle funding into local political campaigns, including her own race for reelection.

Last weekend, Montana Democrats gathered for our party convention, and I left proud. Proud of the work people put in. Proud of the debates we had. Proud that folks showed up from across this big state, from small towns, tribal communities, ranch country, college towns and cities to do the hard and necessary work of shaping a party from the bottom up.

What happens when men in power are protected, institutions close ranks and victims as well as whistleblowers are ignored? What happens when accountability only comes after the damage is already done?

Every election comes with a lot of promises.