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.

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.”