Full U.S. Senate debate with Bankhead, Alme, Bodnar and Austin

[0:10] Welcome to Montana Broadcasters Association, Greater Montana Foundation debate for United States Senator. [0:17] Cameron Maxwell is my name. I'm the President and CEO of Desert Mountain Broadcasting, [0:22] and we welcome you. It's my pleasure to introduce our candidates today from the Field and Stream [0:28] Lodge here in Bozeman, Montana. Typical Montana. Snow is great. It's my pleasure to introduce [0:36] today's candidates. Mr. Seth Bodnar, independent candidate. Welcome, Mr. Bodnar. [0:44] Republican candidate, Mr. Kurt Almey. Democrat candidate, Alani Bankhead. And, excuse me, [0:55] libertarian candidate, Mr. Kyle Austin. The format today will be a direct question to the candidate [1:03] from one of our panelists. The candidate will have 60 seconds to answer, followed by a 60-second [1:08] rebuttal from each of the other candidates. The first candidate will have a final 30-second rebuttal. [1:16] At the conclusion of the debate, each candidate will have a 60-second closing statement. A random [1:22] drawing earlier today decided the order of the first initial response and for the closing statements. [1:29] Our panelists today all represent Montana journalists from TV and radio. Please welcome [1:36] Jonathan Ambarian with Scripps and MTN. Stuart Davis with the Montana Radio Company. Laura Freeman with NBC [1:46] Montana and Ben Weinman from Non-Stop Local. Our first question is from panelists Stuart Davis [1:54] and it's to Mr. Almey. Montanans across the board are paying more for health insurance while facing higher [2:00] deductibles, rising out-of-pocket costs with fewer coverage options. This includes people with employer [2:06] sponsored plans, state employees, and those buying insurance through the ACA marketplace following the [2:12] expiration of enhanced federal tax credits. Meanwhile, nearly nine percent of Montanans are uninsured [2:18] altogether. If elected, what specific policies would you support to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs [2:24] without reducing coverage or access to care? Living all over Montana, I know Montana families are [2:31] struggling with health care. Obamacare was supposed to make health care more affordable, but it failed to deliver. [2:37] Premiums on our exchange are up almost 175 percent and more tax dollars haven't helped. They've just [2:43] subsidized big pharma and big insurance companies. We need to hold them accountable and we need to make [2:49] health care more affordable by making it more transparent, more competitive, and by putting [2:54] patients first. And we can do that with things like being sure prices and costs are more transparent, [3:01] being sure that health care dollars get distributed out to patients so that they can shop and buy the best [3:06] quality policy that they can get, not subsidize insurance companies. And we can go after health [3:12] care fraud like I did as a prosecutor. And know that as we work to lower costs, I will always work to [3:19] ensure that Montana families have access to affordable care, particularly in our rural communities. [3:28] Same question, Ms. Bankhead. I'm the only candidate in this race that is for universal health care. [3:34] We already actually have government-run health care. It's called TRICARE. It's the military health care [3:38] system. It's a single-payer system. Primary care, dental, eyes, and mental health are all covered [3:44] under one system. And we actually have the money to pay for it. It's called all the extraneous overhead, [3:49] the insurance companies, which both of these candidates have actually supported and gone on [3:53] the record as saying that they don't want to get them out of the game. And we can use, [3:58] use, lose government expenses and the illegal war in Iran, which is costing two billion taxpayer dollars [4:03] per day to pay for universal health care. This is the number one issue we hear around the 54 counties [4:09] that we've been to since January, people across the political spectrum. And it's not Republican versus [4:14] Democrat. This is about the 1 percent, the Epstein class, who can afford to pay for health care using [4:19] whatever plan that they want versus everybody else who are struggling just to get basic health care at [4:24] this point. And that's completely unacceptable in the richest country in the world. Thank you. [4:28] Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question, Mr. Austin. [4:31] Montana, I am the only candidate in this race with health care experience. [4:36] Being a pharmacist for 18 years, I know the problems that we have with health care, [4:41] whether it's access, whether it's affordability, whether it's the corruption that we have to clean [4:46] up, whether it's students graduating from the university where we have the workforce [4:51] in Montana to take care of our growing aging population. We have a health care crisis on the [4:56] horizon. And the only person that is going to fix that is myself, Kyle Lawson for United States [5:02] Senate. I am the only candidate that has a unique plan called Health Care 2.0 that identifies the [5:08] issues with our health care system to consolidate it all under one program, to create one set of rules, [5:14] to get the payers to clean up their mess and actually pay our providers what they're worth and keep [5:20] the doors open to rural health care within the state of Montana. I can do that as your next United [5:25] States Senator. And as a leader, I can lead this across the finish line in Washington, D.C. [5:30] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question, Mr. Bodnar. [5:33] You know, the failure of Washington, D.C. to fix this issue is a prime example of why we need [5:39] fundamental change in our political system. While D.C. insiders and politicians in D.C. are enriching [5:44] themselves, trading on insider stocks, Montana's are struggling to pay for health care. I believe strongly that [5:49] every American should have access to health care. No one should go bankrupt because they got sick. [5:55] I'm calling for universal coverage option for every American while maintaining choice [6:00] and competition. That's the type of long-term reform that we need. But we have urgent crises [6:05] that we have to address at the same time. We need to restore the ACA subsidies that caused, [6:10] the elimination of which that caused premiums to spike by almost 30% this year. We need to protect [6:15] Medicaid expansion and we need to reverse the silly paperwork traps that were part of this big, [6:19] beautiful bill last year that are estimated to cause 30,000 Montanans to lose access to health care. [6:25] Now, my Republican opponent will talk about supporting rural health care, but his party just [6:29] decimated our rural hospitals with these changes last year. I will work to fix that. I will fight for [6:34] Montana every day. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. And now Mr. Almey with a 30-second rebuttal. Republicans in Congress just [6:42] passed the Working Family Tax Cuts Act, which my two liberal opponents opposed, which provided $50 [6:48] billion of new investment in rural health care. We can use those dollars to increase the number of [6:54] health care workers we have and bring them in through alternative training programs and we can [6:58] also expand the use of telehealth. Having lived in eastern Montana, I can tell you that rural health [7:05] care is near and dear to me and I'll be sure that Montanans always have access and coverage. [7:09] Next question comes from Ben Wyman. It is addressed to Ms. Bankhead. [7:17] You all have already talked about it so far in the early stages of this debate. You've probably heard [7:21] this phrase campaigning across the state. Everything is so expensive. So let's talk about the economy [7:26] as a whole. Housing, groceries, gas, health care. What is your message to Montanans across the state [7:34] this morning about how much things cost and the way that our economy is potentially going? [7:40] So I've deployed and fought for this country because I believe that America, despite her flaws, [7:45] is still the greatest country in the world and we are the richest country in the world. [7:49] I'm not a politician by trade. I never imagined I'd be in this race, but I'm here because we actually [7:54] had neighbors who couldn't put food on the table, which I find completely unacceptable. [7:58] It is government's job, first and foremost, to ensure it continues existing. That's what's called [8:03] national security. But its second responsibility is to the social contract it has with the people. So that [8:08] means its job is to provide the best possible quality of life for its constituents. And that [8:13] hasn't been happening. Now, this is where I tell Montanans that we have the power to take government back [8:18] for us. You have a lot of dark money flooding into this race so that the DC elites can take charge and [8:25] maintain the status quo and, again, help their billionaire friends make more money. Or we, the people, [8:30] can take this government back. And that's exactly what we've seen. We have one person rising up against the [8:35] AI Data Center in Bonner, Cassie in Yellowstone County. Montanans are rising up all over the state [8:39] to say that we're taking affordability back to us. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question. Mr. Austin. [8:46] We all see the problems out there with the economy and we will address the economy. And the only way we [8:50] can start was with your vote for the right candidate to lead America with an America First agenda. [8:56] The first thing I'll do as United States Senator is end the war in Iran and bring our troops home. [9:01] I'm the only candidate in this race that has endorsed the Defend the Guard Act so we can [9:06] protect our Montana troops and keep them in Montana unless there's a true declaration of war from [9:11] Congress. I will lead by promoting zero percent tariffs. What we see is the tariffs are so high [9:18] on our imports that the consumers are paying a tax. If we lead to zero percent tariffs on our imports, [9:25] we will lower the cost of consumers and we will return the markets to the markets where there is [9:29] competition worldwide to help bring affordability back to America and back to the tables of the [9:36] farms and the ranches, back to bringing down fertilizer prices, back to bringing down the cost [9:41] of fuel so we can get back to doing business again right here in the United States of America. [9:46] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question, Mr. Bodnar. [9:48] You know, the soaring costs we're seeing are a direct result of a broken political system, [9:52] a system where our politicians think they can rig primary elections to get people onto the ballot. [9:59] And then those politicians are accountable to the big corporate interests. They enable corruption [10:04] that enables soaring costs. So when I get to the United States Senate, I'm going to focus first and [10:09] foremost, again, stopping the wars, stop this senseless illegal war in Iran. Number one, [10:15] stop these nonsensical, non-strategic trade wars that are driving up costs for all of us. And then we [10:20] need to lean in and actually try to fix our housing and healthcare crisis that we're facing here. And finally, [10:25] enforce our antitrust laws. Four big meatpacking companies control 85% of the capacity. They drive [10:32] up prices for all of us while squeezing our ranchers. Same with big ag, big health, big tech, [10:37] all of these companies, the politicians are in their pocket. That's who they answer to. If we really [10:42] want to drive down costs, we need to elect people who are accountable to the voters, not accountable to [10:47] big party machines and corporate class. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question, Mr. Olmey. [10:53] Yeah, it's good to see the U.S. Department of Justice having the big four meatpacking plants [10:57] under antitrust investigations right now. And, you know, as I travel around the state and I meet with [11:02] Montanans, they all tell me they're struggling to make ends meet. Everything from gas and groceries to [11:08] housing and healthcare costs too much. That's why as U.S. Senator, my top priority will be to make life [11:14] more affordable. We need to rein in Washington's reckless spending in order to reduce inflation so that [11:20] groceries and everything else are more affordable. We also need to be sure that mortgage rates [11:26] rein in spending to keep mortgage rates down so that people can afford to buy a home. We need to [11:31] keep taxes low so that hard working Montanans can keep more of their paycheck in their pocket. [11:36] And again, as former budget director and revenue director, I'm the only one up here with the [11:41] experience to get these things done. I spearheaded two of the largest tax cuts in state history. [11:47] I help or I balance the state budget and we help make Montana debt-free. And if I go to Washington, [11:53] I'll do it again. Thank you, Mr. Almey. Now, 30-second response. Ms. Bankhead. [11:58] One of the biggest groups that we do need to show support to is our agriculture community. And I've [12:03] been all around the state talking to them. And what they've actually said is, [12:06] we want to produce great quality products for our folks, but we are hamstrung by the federal [12:11] government, their policies and their support of big agriculture right now. I support MCOOL. I support [12:16] providing financial safety nets for local co-ops to be created so that we can start breaking up [12:22] the monopolies. And it is most important that we also provide that mental health support to our [12:27] ag folks so that we can ensure that they're providing the best products for our communities. [12:32] Ms. Bankhead, thank you. Next question comes from Jonathan Amberian. Question goes to Mr. Austin. [12:39] As candidates have alluded to, many Montana farmers and ranchers have reported higher costs and tougher [12:45] markets since the implementation of federal tariffs. What should the federal government be doing [12:51] to either bring an end to the trade disputes or help those who have felt the burdens? [12:56] You know, being the only candidate in this race with agricultural experience, I grew up on the high [13:03] line out of Haver, Montana. I own a farm that was my grandfather's. I'm a fourth generation Montanan. [13:08] And I know the issues that our farmers and ranchers go through, whether it's importing fertilizer from [13:14] Canada and we have the impact of tariffs, whether it's the fuel prices that tariffs have and the war [13:19] in Iran have impacted. As Montana's next United States Senator, my Ag 2.0 plan will overhaul the USDA, [13:26] will overhaul the FSA, will bring the programs that we need to reality to support our farmers and ranchers, [13:33] to make it affordable again so they can take pride in what they do every day to put food on our tables [13:39] without the fear of losing their farm to the bank. That is my promise to the American farmer and rancher [13:45] out there that I will stand behind you a hundred percent. One of my big plans to do this is building [13:51] a fertilizer production facility in eastern Montana. This will bring economic stability, jobs and resources [13:58] in what we need in our economy. Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question goes to Mr. Bodnar. Yeah, thank you. [14:03] I was just recently speaking to a wheat farmer from right here in Belgrade. He told me he was doing the [14:08] math and it cost him about eight dollars per bushel to produce wheat this year. The price that he got [14:13] for that was about six dollars. Two things that are crushing him. One, these nonsensical tariffs [14:18] with Canada that are driving up prices. Why are we entering a trade war with our most important [14:24] trading partner and ally, our neighbor to the north? And then diesel price at over six dollars a gallon. [14:29] Due to a senseless war in Iran, my Republican opponent would just give a blank check to continue that [14:34] a war with no accountability. That is wrong. And you know what? We can talk about, you know, [14:40] DOJ investigating these big four meatpacking companies. It's about time. But I'll tell you what, [14:45] I'm appalled that we allowed these big meatpacking companies to dump over 660 million pounds of South [14:51] American beef into our market at 25 percent below cost, undercutting our ranchers here. We have two [14:57] percent of Americans that feed the other 98 percent of them. They need a senator who's going to have their back, [15:02] not answer to these big party interests and corporate donors. I will. Thank you, Mr. Bodder. [15:06] Same question, Mr. Almy. I believe in free trade and I believe in fair trade. Unfair trade kills American [15:14] jobs and it hurts Montana businesses, farmers and ranchers. I had my doubts about tariffs, but Canada [15:21] has gone with unfair trade for too long. Somebody needed to stand up and push back for a level playing [15:29] field. And now the administration needs to work hard to negotiate every day to get a deal. I want a deal [15:35] and I want it soon. What's not acceptable is for Montana farmers, ranchers and businesses to be caught [15:41] in the middle. As senator, I'll work to be sure we get a deal and I'll work to be sure that any deal that [15:47] comes out of this not only levels the playing field, but that it also provides more trade opportunities for [15:54] Montana wheat and beef and pulses and barley. I'll always fight to put Montana first. Mr. Almy, [16:02] thank you. Next candidate will be Ms. Bankhead. Same question. You just heard my opponent say that [16:08] he was for these tariffs. Well, those tariffs actually cost each Montana household an additional [16:13] thousand dollars in 2025 alone. And actually they violate tribal sovereignty because it violates the [16:20] tribe's ability to cross the borders and do business on their terms as sovereign countries, [16:24] which is completely unacceptable. When I was in Lewistown not that long ago, I met the folks [16:30] that actually own the gas company out there and they said that to provide gas and diesel to ranchers [16:35] and farmers, it costs over 30% more than it did a year ago. And that cost gets passed on to the wheat [16:42] farmer like Bob, who I met, who had to eat that cost. And that's completely unacceptable for our folks. [16:48] What we need to do to support ag is actually hold the administration accountable. This Argentinian mystery [16:54] meat that's coming in completely goes against their best interests and it goes against the will of [16:59] the people, which is to receive great quality meat products produced locally. And so I will go to D.C. [17:05] I will fight. I will listen to ranchers and farmers as I have all over the state to ensure that we're [17:10] representing their interests in D.C. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Now 30-second response from Mr. Austin. [17:15] You know, it surprises me that you hear Seth Bodnar pretend that he knows about the agricultural [17:20] industry. He doesn't. He is endorsed by failed Senator John Tester, who had 18 years to fix the [17:26] problem that we see today in Montana. And John Tester, after 18 years, failed. We still do not [17:32] have a farm bill. The last thing we want to do is elect another protege John Tester to the United [17:38] States Senate and that leaves our farmers and ranchers in the dust. That is where the buck stops with Kyle [17:44] Austin. Thank you, Mr. Austin. Next question comes from panelist Stuart Davis, [17:50] and it's addressed to Mr. Bodnar. One of the most consequential responsibilities of a U.S. [17:55] Senator is voting on federal judicial nominees who can shape constitutional law for generations. [18:01] An independent judiciary is vital to our system of checks and balances. And the next Senate could face [18:06] one or more Supreme Court vacancies. If elected, what qualities and judicial philosophy would you look [18:12] for in a nominee and what standards would determine whether you vote to confirm or reject a [18:18] president's nominee? Thank you. This is vitally important. And I will tell you, this Senate race [18:24] has grave implications, very serious implications, because it is likely that we will see Supreme Court [18:29] nominees once again. And I my duty will be to the Constitution United States judging and asking judges [18:37] important questions about what informs their legal thinking, what how they view fundamental rights, [18:42] whether that's reproductive freedom, whether that's the rights and the responsibilities of the various [18:47] branches of government. You know, but I want to zoom out for a minute, too, because one of the things [18:51] that's vitally important is that we have substantial reform, not just to our political system, but to our [18:57] judicial system as well. And we released a reform agenda. I believe that we need a basic code of ethics [19:03] for our Supreme Court that doesn't exist right now. I believe that we need term limits and age limits for the [19:08] Supreme Court as well, because right now we have a court that that isn't accountable, that has become [19:13] far too politicized. We need to get back to the Supreme Court being an impartial judge of the laws passed [19:21] by Congress. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question, Mr. Olmey. Yeah, as the United States Attorney, I saw [19:27] firsthand how important it is for good judges to impact victims, to impact public safety, and to promote [19:35] respect for the law. As a senator, I will look for these qualities in judicial appointments. We need to [19:41] be sure that we have individuals who are fair. We need to be sure we have individuals who are competent [19:46] and that they're judicial conservatives, and that they will interpret the law and not legislate from [19:52] the bench, and that they'll be firm and fair and consistent in criminal cases. Now, also, we need to talk [19:59] about the Supreme Court. Right now, we've got a provision in Congress by the Democrats to pack the [20:05] Supreme Court with four more justices. They're trying to get through the court, but they can't [20:10] get at the ballot box. I would always vote against that, and I would ask my two liberal opponents if [20:16] they would also vote against packing the Supreme Court. Well, when we're talking about confirming [20:20] judges, we need to get people who are fair, who are competent, and who are judicial conservatives. [20:27] Thank you, Mr. Olmey. Same question, Ms. Bankhead. As a retired federal law enforcement officer, [20:31] it's really important to me that everybody involved in the justice system be fair and impartial. [20:36] Those are the top two qualities that I'll be looking at, and also, obviously, being nonpartisan. [20:41] Politics should never come into play when it comes to the Supreme Court. I, too, am a big fan of term [20:46] limits, and I've also committed to age limits for those individuals as well. And I hate that I even [20:51] have to say it, but any whiff of sexual abuse or any sexual harassment allegations will automatically [20:57] disqualify somebody from the bench for me. It is absolutely critical that we stop taking [21:03] the games to DC and that we remove the partisan politics. When a vacancy comes open, we need to [21:08] do the right thing and work across the aisle to make sure that we're getting the right people [21:12] in the right positions, and I am committing to doing that. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question, [21:18] Mr. Austin. Well, Montana, it's time we come clear with the serious issues that are at hand here, [21:23] and the history of Kurt Almey. Kurt Almey abused his powers ordering raids on Montana business owners. [21:30] Kurt Almey violated and abused his powers ordering raids on gun owners. Kurt Almey ordered raids on [21:37] Montana veterans. And Kurt Almey ordered raids on Native American warriors. That is the that is what [21:44] I'm going to look for in the future of our judicial system is a judicial system and a candidate that will [21:50] stand for the Constitution and that will protect the people from corruption within our government, [21:57] from the corrupt agencies that are out there taking good people and turning them into criminals, [22:02] the corruption that is taking good veterans and turning them into criminals and ruining their lives. [22:08] As Montana's next United States Senator, I will stand behind our veterans. I will stand behind our [22:13] business owners, and I will do the best I can to protect the Constitution of the United States of America. [22:20] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Now 30 seconds for Mr. Bodnar. [22:24] Yeah, thank you. And I appreciate it. We need a strong, impartial court. But we can't ignore [22:29] the fact that we have one branch of our federal government that is absolutely failing in its job, [22:34] and that is Congress, because you have far too many politicians who go there and they swear a blind [22:39] loyalty oath, and they ignore their constitutional obligations, whether that's to negotiate treaties for [22:46] trade, whether that's the solemn duty of declaring war or not. It is blind allegiance to their party. [22:52] Congress is failing. We need leaders who will absolutely represent the voters, not their party. [22:57] All right. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Next question comes from Laura Freeman, [23:02] and it goes to Mr. Bodnar. I'm sorry, Mr. Almy. [23:06] Social Security's combined trust funds are projected to run short by 2034. The Social Security [23:14] Administration says at that point, incoming revenue would cover about 83% of scheduled benefits. [23:21] What changes would you support to keep Social Security financially secure? And who should bear [23:26] the cost of those changes? We made a promise to our seniors, like my mom. If they paid in during [23:32] their working lives, the benefits would be there for them when they retire. And we need to keep that [23:37] promise. Let me be clear. I will never support a cut in benefits for seniors. I'll also support the [23:44] deduction for Social Security contained in the Working Family Tax Cuts Act, which both of my liberal [23:49] opponents opposed. I'll work with anybody, Republican or Democrat, who's willing to strengthen Social [23:55] Security. And I'd start with what I know best and where I've had results as a federal prosecutor, [24:00] stopping fraud. Secretary Besant has estimated that as much as 10% of the federal budget is lost to waste, [24:06] fraud and abuse. And we need to stop that, get those dollars back and use them to shore up Social Security. [24:13] And as a former budget director, I've balanced a budget and I've paid off debt. And if I go to [24:19] Washington, I'll be sure to do that again. Thank you, Mr. Almy. Same question, Ms. Bankhead. [24:27] I've been all over the state and have heard the horror stories of retirees who are not able to retire [24:32] with dignity, which I find completely unacceptable because nobody works harder than a Montanan. [24:37] The solution to the Social Security gap is actually very simple. It's remove the wage limit. [24:43] When we do that, we will fund Social Security in perpetuity and we will fund other programs as well, [24:49] like caregiver support. When I was on Rocky Boy, I met a woman who's caregiver to both of her parents. [24:55] And she burst into tears as she talked to me about how her funding is actually paid for out of her dad's [25:01] Social Security. They're already living on poverty wages. And now she has to put all of her hopes and [25:06] dreams on hold to love on her parents without the appropriate funding. This race is not about [25:12] Democrat versus Republican. It's about the one percent versus everybody else. And what we need [25:16] to do is tax the wealthy. And it starts by ensuring that they pay their fair share of Social Security. [25:21] Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question. Mr. Austin. [25:25] You know, the Social Security program is outdated. It's like an old engine on the farm that we have to [25:31] overhaul. My plan is is encompassed in health care 2.0, where we will take care of the people [25:36] currently on Social Security to make sure they have the tools and the resources they need. But we need [25:41] to overhaul the system for a future, not just for today, not just for tomorrow, but the future generations [25:47] to come. And what I what I propose is a trust fund where your money goes into your account, your investment. [25:55] And at the end of the day, when you're ready for retirement, it's your money, not the government's money. [25:59] That is my plan as United States Senator. But we have to overhaul it because the crisis is on the [26:04] horizon. And if we sit around and keep kicking the can, we're going to be in for a huge wake up call. [26:09] Mr. Austin, thank you. Same question. Mr. Bodnar. [26:13] It's vitally important that we protect the benefits that our seniors have earned. And it's simple. We need [26:18] a fair approach to taxation. You know, it's not it's not right that somebody that pay that makes $75,000 a [26:25] year has 100 percent of their income that's taxable for Social Security purposes, while somebody that [26:30] makes $2 million a year has less than 10 percent of their income that's taxable for Social Security [26:35] purposes. You fix that situation. You fix Social Security. Now, my Republican opponent will talk [26:41] about fiscal responsibility. Now, the reality is that he oversaw the largest budget in Montana's [26:45] history. He had tax giveaways to the wealthiest in this state. And he sets a stage for the property [26:51] tax crisis that we're seeing here. And you can talk a tough game on fiscal responsibility. But what I see [26:56] right now from the Republican Party in D.C. is reckless spending like drunken sailors on vanity [27:01] projects, gilded ballrooms, an arch, billions of dollars on a war in Iran. They talk tough on fiscal [27:06] responsibility. And they've added $4 trillion to the national debt just in the past year alone. And [27:12] most of that is through corruption and giveaways to the wealthiest in this country. It's not right. [27:16] Mr. Bodnar, thank you. Now 30 seconds to Mr. Olmey. [27:20] This is about government living up to its word. We made a promise to our seniors that if they paid in during [27:27] their lives, those benefits would be there when they retire. And we need to live up to our word [27:32] and be sure that those benefits will be there. I'll always fight to be sure that our seniors have [27:37] those benefits. Mr. Olmey, thank you. The next question comes from Ben Weinman, and it's addressed [27:44] to Ms. Bankhead. Let's talk about separation of powers. Everyone learns in civics class here in Montana, [27:51] there are three branches of government. We've got the legislative, judicial, and the executive branch. [27:56] Each one of those has powers assigned to them in the constitution. You all as candidates are trying [28:01] to become part of the legislative branch. How would you respond if one of the other branches [28:07] decided to circumvent or bypass the powers invested in you? I am going to hold the other branches [28:14] accountable. That's exactly what the founders intended. And that's exactly what we need to get [28:18] back to. And unfortunately, right now, the executive has taken too much of Congress's power because [28:23] Congress doesn't have a backbone. And that's exactly what I'm going to do is claw back those powers. [28:27] First and foremost, we're talking about the illegal war in Iran, which costs us almost two billion [28:31] dollars a day. Congress holds the power of the purse, not the president. So enacting the war powers [28:37] resolution, ensuring that the executive is held accountable to make sure that he's meeting [28:41] congressional requirements and limits is going to be one of the top priorities. And also holding them [28:46] accountable for corruption. Same thing on the Supreme Court side. When you do corrupt things, [28:50] you should be impeached and removed. Same thing goes for the executive. I'm the only candidate in this [28:55] race who's actually committed to impeaching Trump, not from a place of retaliation or revenge, [29:01] but because we have to have accountability and we have to get trust back with the people because [29:06] that is government's job is to serve the people. Thank you. Ms. Bankhead, thank you very much. [29:10] Next candidate will be Mr. Austin. You know, the first thing when it comes to the separation of powers [29:15] is we have to follow the Constitution. Where those powers come from, how they're described, [29:19] and who executes them. We have a huge problem in the United States and even in Montana where [29:24] our judicial branch is creating law and ruling from the bench. And no one is overseeing that. [29:31] And that's the duties of Congress is to come in and have judicial committee oversights and calling [29:36] them out and rewriting the laws for what it should be if they're interpreted the wrong way. I'm the only [29:42] candidate in this race who has endorsed the convention of the states because we see a runaway [29:48] Washington, D.C. And if we can't reign in Washington, D.C., then convention of the states [29:53] can come forward and the states can take command of Washington, D.C. and get it right back on track. [29:59] And that's why I endorse convention of the states and I encourage every state legislature to pass that [30:04] in 2027. Mr. Austin, thank you. Next candidate will be Mr. Bodnar. When I was 18, I joined the U.S. [30:12] military and I swore an oath. That oath was to the Constitution, not to a political party. And one of the [30:18] biggest challenges that we have in this country today is that Washington, D.C. is filled with a [30:23] bunch of cowards who answer to their party bosses. They answer to corporate donors. They do exactly [30:29] what they're told and they ignore their constitutional duty. A great example is the war in Iran. [30:34] The U.S. military is filled with lions. The men and women that serve us and protect us are lions. And [30:40] they're led right now by sheep in Washington, D.C. who refuse to hold a commander in chief accountable [30:47] to give a justification for this war, to give a plan for this war, to give a strategy for this war. [30:51] My Republican opponent has said his job is to support the president. No. The senator's job is [30:57] to support the Constitution and to answer to the voters of this state. The last thing that we need [31:02] in Washington, D.C. right now is yet another yes man who will follow order from their party bosses. [31:07] We need somebody who's going to stand up for the voters of this state and carry out their [31:10] constitutional obligations. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question. Mr. Almy. [31:15] Each branch needs to exercise its powers and right now we need to have Congress do a better job. [31:20] You know, growing up in Montana, growing up in Great Falls to two school teachers, [31:25] I learned the values of faith, hard work, and taking care of our neighbors. [31:29] We lived in, I was blessed to get to live in Dillon, in Victor, in Helen, in Mile City, [31:33] and now we live in Billings. I've never held elected office. I've spent my entire career serving and [31:39] protecting Montana families and at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch caring for our kids. [31:44] I believe in public service and we need to fix Washington. As Senator, I'll bring a bill that [31:50] says if Congress can't balance the budget, Congress doesn't get paid. I'll bring a bill that will say [31:56] that or we'll be sure that we pass term limits. We'll also ban individual congressmen from trading [32:02] in stocks and we'll ban individual congressmen from becoming lobbyists. I'll bring a lifetime of [32:09] Montana common sense to Washington to fix it. Thank you, Mr. Almi. Rebuttal from Ms. Bank at 30 seconds. [32:17] So what the people want is to have trust in government again. And in this race, [32:21] we have two candidates that are elected and two candidates that have been selected by the D.C. [32:26] elites. Almi has gone on the record to say that he actually will support the war in Iran because he [32:30] supported the president's decision to go in there. So we know he's not going to hold anybody accountable. [32:35] And we have the independent here who's backed by the D.C. establishment as well. And millions of [32:40] dollars of dark money are flooding this campaign to support both of them. I'm unbought, unbossed, [32:46] and unafraid. And I'm the only candidate in this race who's already held government accountable and [32:50] I look forward to doing it again. Ms. Bankhead, thank you very much. The next question comes from [32:55] Jonathan Amberian and it's addressed to Mr. Austin. Two of you candidates are running outside the major [33:05] parties. The parties have huge influence in the operations of the Senate, including making [33:09] committee assignments. Will you commit now that if elected, you won't caucus with either party? [33:15] And if so, how can you assure voters you will be effective in the Senate? Mr. Austin. You know, [33:24] when it comes down to being effective in the Senate, it's about it's a matter about leadership, [33:28] not party. As you mentioned, you know, I'm outside the major parties here. But I disagree with your [33:33] statement that, you know, my opponent that's the independent is outside the major party. He has made it very [33:38] clear that he has bought and paid for by far left money, by corrupt money. And he will caucus with [33:43] the far left, where me being the libertarian candidate is the true independent for all Montana. [33:48] And I will go and I will focus on what is right, not as what's wrong for all Americans. And that's [33:55] what my plan is, is to go in and do the right thing for the American people. Mr. Austin, thank you. [34:01] Same question, Mr. Bodnar. I mean, I think it's important to note that the libertarian party itself [34:06] has called Mr. Austin a phony candidate. He's a Republican. He's here to do the dirty work of [34:12] the Republican candidate and others. I am a true independent. I've said again and again that I will [34:17] not caucus with either party. I will be an independent voice for the United States Senate. [34:22] The idea that one cannot get committee assignments if they're not caucusing with either parties or red [34:26] herring, every senator can get committee assignments. And I'll tell you what, an independent senator who has [34:32] the power to say no to the party bosses on either side and has the ability to work with either party [34:38] when it makes sense for Montana, when it makes sense for this country, an independent voice in the [34:43] United States Senate has tremendous power. And I intend to work with other independent-minded [34:48] senators to find a block of independent senators who can move forward common sense solutions. [34:53] All we see in D.C. right now is the two parties fighting with each other. They're getting nothing done. [34:59] They all get rich. We all suffer. We need to change that. An independent U.S. Senate can do that. [35:05] Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question, Mr. Almy. The work in the U.S. Senate gets done in the committees. [35:10] These two candidates have said they won't caucus with either party. They won't get committee assignments. [35:15] Montana will be seriously underrepresented. When I go to Washington, I'm going to be sure that I get [35:21] on committees that are going to help make life more affordable for Montanans, make our community safer, [35:26] and protect our Montana way of life. And I'll be sure that we can get on committees where we can get [35:31] results done. So to make life more affordable, I'll look for committees that will help us rein in [35:36] inflation, keep taxes low, unleash energy, and cut red tape. And to make our community safer, [35:44] I'll work on committees that will help us keep the border secure, will help us go after violent [35:49] criminals and drug traffickers and go after cartels all the way up through the border. And then also [35:56] we'll back the blue to be sure our law enforcement has the resources they need to get the job done. [36:02] And then to protect Montana communities, I'll get on committees that will protect our Second Amendment [36:06] rights, protect our public lands, and protect our veterans, our agriculture community, and our Native [36:12] American nations. Thank you, Mr. Almy. Now, Ms. Bankhead. Thank you. [36:18] So this is quite an interesting conversation because the reality is that you do need committee [36:24] assignments to push things forward. That's where all of the work is done. And it's incredibly naive [36:28] of anybody to say that they're not actually going to be caucusing with anybody. It effectively neuters [36:33] that position. And the reality is that the U.S. Senate seat is unique in that each state gets equal [36:39] representation. They each get two senators. And when you have 50 percent of that delegation that isn't [36:44] actually caucusing, that means less of a voice for the people of Montana. The Independent has said over [36:49] and over again that he won't caucus. And the reality is that he's beholden to D.C., D.N.C. interests. He's [36:56] backed by the D.N.C. machine. He gets dark millions of dollars that are flooding into the state. [37:01] Everybody vote for the Montana plan on November 3rd. And it's hilarious because as we go around the state, [37:06] people tell us all the time that I'm the true independent in the race because I'm not beholden to [37:10] corporate interests or the D.C. elites. I will only represent the people and fight for you. [37:15] And the committees that I would prefer to be on are anything housing, health care and government [37:18] relations. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. 30 seconds. Mr. Austin. You know, Seth Bodnar, [37:24] you need to stop lying to Montana. You are a liar. You're a failed University of Montana president. [37:30] You are nothing but a wolf in sheep clothing. It is time that you tell the truth that you are backed by [37:36] dark money from the Obama trust fund. You are backed by the far left candidates that are pushing you [37:41] across the finish line in disguise. Again, you are nothing more than a wolf in sheep clothing. And [37:47] Montanans need to know that. Next question comes from Laura Freeman. It's addressed to Mr. Bodnar. [37:56] Whistleblowers are warning that artificial intelligence is advancing faster than safeguards can keep up. [38:02] One former anthropic researcher even went as far to say that AI could become an existential threat by the [38:08] end of the decade. To what extent should the federal government step in with mandatory safety [38:13] regulations or should AI companies be trusted to police themselves? This is an area where we [38:20] absolutely need Congress to do its job, but it's failing because of the political machines are bought [38:25] and paid for by big tech companies. The reality is that we need to stop any AI data center that wants to [38:32] come into this state and exploit Montana communities, taking our water, driving up utility rates. I will stand [38:37] against any of that. But you're right. It's so much more than that. We have to make sure that we protect our kids [38:43] from unfettered, unsupervised access to these chatbots. That we protect our workers from being displaced from jobs [38:48] and big tech companies walking away with profits. We need to protect our infrastructure, rural water systems, rural [38:53] electric kids that are absolutely at risk. And we need to protect humanity. We need guardrails in place. And the reality [38:59] is that, I mean, our Republican Senator Steve Daines, you know, who rigged this election to get Kurt Almy onto the ballot has said that [39:05] Congress can't regulate this because they don't understand it. That's insane. We need guardrails in [39:10] place. We need those guardrails in place urgently. We can't bury our head in the sand and kick this can [39:15] down the road two years. We need guardrails in place and we need them now. I'll work every day to make [39:19] sure that Congress does its job. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question goes to Mr. Almy. When we talk about AI [39:25] around the state, I always am talking about data centers. And let me be clear, I will always protect Montana. [39:33] We need to be sure that if a data center company comes into the state, that they're transparent. They're clear about their cost to [39:39] the community and other effects. We also have to have clear guardrails set. Any data center company needs to pay its own [39:46] way and they need to create local jobs. They also need to be sure that they have no adverse water effects, not on water users or [39:55] on water quality. They also need to guarantee that there'll be no electricity increases on Montana families. In fact, they should help [40:03] lower electricity rates. And even if those guardrails are met, data center companies need to work with [40:09] local communities to get their acceptance. So as Senator, I'll work to be sure that we have transparency, [40:16] we have clear guardrails, and that Montana communities are heard. And I'll always put Montana first. [40:22] Thank you, Mr. Almy. The same question goes to Ms. Bankhead. [40:25] I specialize in cyber child sex crimes. And when I was the alternate commander to the Internet Crimes Against [40:31] Children Task Force, I fought starting 15 years ago against big tech to protect our children from [40:37] cyber exploitation and AI type technologies. And even back then, Congress was bought and paid for. [40:43] And tech had them in their pocket. And that is the reason why our children are open to exploitation [40:48] right now. I'm the only one on the stage that has experience fighting big tech, and I'm not bought and [40:53] paid for by the elite. Now, the independent is actually backed by someone who sits on the board of [40:58] anthropic. Make no mistake that this entire election, all roads lead to AI data centers. [41:04] And I am the loudest on the stage about being opposed to them. I was the first one who came out [41:09] against them. Now, if you want more of the same, because we don't currently have AI being held [41:14] accountable and our public lands are being opened up for AI data centers, which the incumbent Steve [41:19] Danes actually supported. So if you want more of the same, you can expect that from the Republican [41:24] candidate. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question goes to Mr. Austin. [41:29] You know, we have a new generation ahead of us with AI and data centers. We're not stopping it. [41:35] But we have to put safeguards in place. If you go back to the current administration in November of [41:40] 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order called the Genesis Mission. The Genesis Mission [41:46] put the ball in motion for data centers in the United States, data centers in space, and data centers in the [41:52] moon with a very strict deadline of 2030. This is an AI race, not only for national security, but the [41:58] future of America. This is an energy bill to drive energy, drive jobs, and drive our economy. We're not [42:05] stopping it. But what we can do is we can put safeguards in place. And what I want to know, two [42:10] things. How are we going to protect people's privacy? And who's going to have the kill switch when it comes [42:15] time to stop it? I've always said I don't want data centers in my backyard in Montana, but I want them in [42:21] the ocean. So when they get out of control, we can sink them. Thank you, Mr. Austin. Now, [42:26] final response, 30 seconds to Mr. Bodnar. Yeah, thank you. My opponents like to talk about my [42:31] endorsements. And yes, I'm endorsed by former Senator John Tester. I'm proud of that. I'm also [42:35] proud that I'm endorsed by our former Republican governor, our former Democratic governor. I'm [42:40] endorsed by our former chair of the Republican Party in Montana, the former chair of the Democratic [42:44] Party in Montana. I'm endorsed by the unions. I'm endorsed by our conservation groups. I'm endorsed by [42:50] women's reproductive rights groups like Planned Parenthood. And I'm endorsed, the only candidate, [42:54] to be endorsed by the anti-corruption group and Citizens United. And that's because they all know [42:59] that what Montana needs is an independent voice who will stand up for voters all across this state. [43:03] Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Next question comes from Stuart Davis. And it's addressed to Mr. Almy. [43:08] Public office is supposed to be for public service. But Americans have watched many elected officials [43:15] grow significantly wealthier while in office, including through stock trading, [43:19] while receiving information unavailable to the public. If elected, what specific reforms would [43:25] you support to stop politicians from using public office for personal financial gain? And will you [43:30] commit today to banning members of Congress and their immediate families from trading individual stocks? [43:36] Thank you for that question, Stuart. And the answer is yes. And I've already given a lot of my answer to [43:41] this question to response to a previous question. But let me again make clear that I have deep Montana roots [43:49] here. I've spent my career in Montana living in various communities raised by two school teachers [43:55] and raised by our Montana values of faith, hard work, and service to others. And it's those things [44:02] that inform me as well as my longtime service and work in protecting Montana families and working at [44:09] Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch protecting Montana kids that informs how I would approach things in [44:15] Washington. I very much believe in public service and I believe we have to fix Washington. So not only [44:21] do we need to ban individual members from Congress from trading in stocks, we need to ban individual [44:27] members from Congress and becoming lobbyists. We need a bill that's going to say that if we don't [44:32] balance a budget, we don't get paid. And we also need to pass congressional term limits. Thank you, Mr. Almy. [44:38] The same question now goes to Ms. Bankhead. I've been a public servant my whole life. I never saw myself in [44:43] politics, but I, like every other Montanan, has been completely disgusted with what we're seeing [44:47] with the corruption on Capitol Hill. There absolutely should be no stock trading. I think, in my opinion, [44:53] until we can rebuild trust with the people of the United States and the people of Montana, [44:57] congressmen, any elected official should not be trading individual stocks. I have never bought [45:02] individual stocks and I commit to not buying individual stocks because I need to be above reproach [45:07] and ensuring that I have the trust of the people. Now, my independent opponent down there is going to [45:11] talk about an integrity pledge that he took. And the reality is that you don't have to sign a paper [45:16] to have integrity. You just do it. And I have a track record of doing that. I have a track record [45:21] of holding government officials accountable for corruption. I'm the only one on the stage who's [45:25] put handcuffs on corrupt government officials and I look forward to doing it again and holding them [45:29] accountable and impeaching and removing the individuals who violate that trust with the people [45:33] of the United States. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question goes to Mr. Austin. [45:37] Insider trading is just a crumb to the corruption in Washington, D.C. And just to highlight it, [45:43] I'm the only candidate up here that's been funding my campaign out of my own pocket compared to the [45:47] other opponents up here who have been bought and paid for by the corruption in Washington, D.C. [45:52] Insider trading shouldn't stop at just the congressmen. It should go to all government [45:56] employees who have insider information so they are not manipulating the system for personal gain. [46:01] It shouldn't stop there either. It should also go to these corrupt private deals [46:05] that are getting done with our senators and our congressmen. Being the only candidate up here [46:11] that's not bought and paid for already shows a huge sign of integrity for the voters of Montana [46:17] on who will represent them on his own two feet, who will do the right thing and not the wrong thing, [46:22] and who can be bought and who cannot be bought. That is a huge red flag for you Montanans out there [46:27] when you go to the polls and you're choosing your next United States Senator. Thank you, Mr. Austin. [46:33] Next candidate is Mr. Bodnar. Same question. Yeah, look, I'm glad my Democratic opponent has [46:39] recognized that I have signed that political integrity pledge. Frankly, I was the first one [46:43] out with the reform agenda calling for a ban on insider trading, a ban on lobbying, term limits, [46:48] age limits. These things are vitally important to holding government accountable. And I'm proud [46:54] the only only candidate on this stage endorsed by the anti-corruption organization and Citizens United, [47:00] because we need people who are going to stand up for Montanans. Now, my Republican opponent will [47:04] talk tough on crime. He'll talk tough about standing up for Montanans. The fact is that as U.S. Attorney, [47:10] he failed to prosecute the majority of sexual abuse cases that came across his desk. And the fact is [47:15] that he cut a plea deal with a man who sexually abused a six-year-old, served less than a year of time, [47:21] and didn't have to register as a sex offender. And honestly, as a parent, I find it hard to believe [47:27] that somebody who couldn't stand up for a six-year-old will stand up for us in the United [47:31] States Senate. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Now, 30-second rebuttal. Mr. Elmy. Mr. Bodnar lies about my record. [47:39] I believe strongly in protecting sexual assault victims, and especially because I'm a parent. [47:46] I wish we had more evidence to have locked up that individual longer. But my office prosecuted [47:53] every viable sexual assault crime to the fullest extent of the law. And we also, last year, [47:59] prosecuted more criminals than any year in the last 20 years, and we drove violent crime down. [48:05] I'm proud of my record. Thank you, Mr. Elmy. Next question now from Mr. Ben Weinman, [48:11] directed to Ms. Bankhead. President Donald Trump has been stumping for something called the Save [48:18] America Act, which would impose additional requirements and restrictions related to voter [48:23] registration and voting by mail here in our country. Given the president's repeated criticisms of mail-in [48:29] voting, do you agree with him that mail-in voting creates significant risk of fraud? And how do you [48:35] not make sure to disenfranchise Montana voters and interrupt their ability to cast their vote? [48:40] I think it's hilarious that criticism for mail-in voting is coming from the person who sent his ballot in [48:46] by mail. And honestly, this is a great conversation to have because people are really worried about the [48:51] integrity of the election. And what I keep telling folks is we have trust in our polling officials. [48:56] We have trust in our USPS system. As it continues going through the Supreme Court's process, we will [49:02] take it day to day. But what I tell folks is that we have systems that we trust and it is the powers in [49:08] D.C. that are trying to create mistrust so that we end up with a broken system. I tell folks, [49:14] Montanans empower Montanans. If you are worried about the post office system, then walk your ballot [49:20] into the polling place. If you have folks around you that aren't mobile, drive them to drop their [49:25] ballot off. We have things that we can do in our control that will help empower the voting process. [49:32] What they're seeking to do is to disempower and disenfranchise voters to be scared to cast a vote [49:36] and not trust the process. I trust the process. I trust Montanans. And I believe Montana is going to [49:41] surprise the rest of the country on November 3rd. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Next candidate will be Mr. Austin. [49:47] Same question. You know, the Save America Act is a great act. We have to secure our elections. We [49:53] have to rebuild confidence in our elections so people get out to the polls again. How many people [49:59] do not vote because they no longer have confidence? How many people do not vote because they do not [50:04] believe that the next United States Senator will represent them? That is where we have to come in [50:09] with election integrity. We have to restore confidence in the voter. And we can do that. I can, [50:15] I stand behind mail-in ballots. I've been a farmer for years. I've used mail-in ballots because I am [50:21] busy on the road and I do not have time to go stand at the polls. I will secure our mail-in ballots so [50:26] voters can not only stay at home and educate themselves on the issues before voting, but do it [50:30] at the ease so they can still continue to work without taking time away from their family or their job. [50:35] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question now goes to Mr. Bodner. [50:39] Voting is sacred. I put my life on the line to defend our freedoms, to defend the government of [50:45] the people, by the people, for the people. And I'll tell you, we need to make sure our elections [50:50] are secure. And I have great faith in our elections officials here in Montana. Montana elections are [50:56] being run very well. And I am deeply concerned about extensive federal overreach down into the [51:01] states. I think we need to push against that. And I'll tell you, but this is more than just about [51:05] individual voters. You know, we have a system in this country where two big national political [51:09] machines have spent decades choosing their voters, gerrymandering districts all across the state, [51:16] stifling political competition, and then working to do things like rigging a primary election, [51:22] where you disenfranchise Montana voters and you insert my Republican opponent onto the ballot, [51:27] not letting Montanans have a voice. We need to make sure that every Montanan has the ability to vote, [51:32] the ability to express their choice, and that we have elected officials who work for us, [51:37] not for people back in Washington, D.C. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question now to Mr. Almay. [51:43] I support the SAVE Act. Having secure elections, free and fair elections that people believe in, [51:49] is a cornerstone of democracy. Right now, there are serious concerns about the integrity of our elections. [51:55] We need voter ID, and we need proof of citizenship. Both of those are supported by an overwhelming [52:01] number of Americans, and they continue to be blocked by Democrats like my two liberal opponents. [52:07] We need to be sure that we put those things through, and I will push for them in Congress. [52:12] And they're not overly burdensome. We all do picture IDs in order to rent a car, [52:17] in order to rent an apartment, in order to get on a plane, in order to buy a drink. That's not burdensome. [52:24] In order to get proof of citizenship, we have to do that also. We have to show proof of [52:31] citizenship to get a real ID, to be on a federal jury, to get a federal job. [52:36] Again, these are not burdensome requirements. They're supported by the majority of Americans, [52:41] and that should be unanimously supported by everyone on this dais. [52:44] Thank you, Mr. Almay. Now 30-second rebuttal, Ms. Bankhead. [52:48] The billionaire class loves to bring this topic up because they want to drive us to fear in [52:54] making our voting decisions. The reality is that they have the money, but we have the many. [52:59] So I would really encourage every Montanan to vote your values and not your fears. [53:04] I've had the privilege of going all over the world, and the reality is there's no community [53:08] that has stronger leadership skills than right here in Montana. We are the state of Jeanette [53:12] Rankin. We are the state that threw out the Copper Kings. We are in Copper Kings 2.0, [53:17] and I know Montana's going to do it again. Vote your values, Montana. [53:20] Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. The next question will come from Jonathan Ambarian, [53:23] and it goes to candidate Kyle Austin. [53:26] This year there have reportedly been hundreds of immigration-related arrests in Montana. [53:32] In recent weeks, a federal judge has ruled there were procedural violations in some of those cases [53:38] and ordered detainees released from custody. Do you think there should be changes in how the Trump [53:43] administration is enforcing immigration laws in Montana? Absolutely. You know, let's go back. Do we [53:50] have an immigration problem in the United States? Absolutely. Should people come to this country legally [53:55] through the process? Absolutely. And as we see the immigrants being arrested, if they're here [54:01] illegally, absolutely. They're committing a crime, but it has to be done humane. And that's the changes [54:06] that I want the Trump administration to do is treat these people like people. Don't lock them up and [54:11] throw away the key like they have been. Have an expedited process through a judicial branch where they [54:16] can get in and prove whether they have a right to be here or not to be here, and get them back home to [54:22] where they came from in a humane matter. That's the difference between me and President Donald Trump [54:27] and the actions of ICE that have gotten out of control in our country. Thank you, Mr. Austin. [54:34] Next candidate, Mr. Bodnar. The problem right now that we have is we have political leaders in D.C. [54:40] who want to use immigration as an issue to fight about rather than one that we need to solve. I want [54:45] to say very strongly that we need strong borders. We need to enforce our immigration laws. We need to remove [54:50] violent criminals from this country. But we can and we must do that without enabling a masked, untrained, [54:58] unaccountable paramilitary force to run through our communities, trampling on the individual [55:02] liberties of American citizens and throwing due process rights out the window. We can do both. [55:07] And furthermore, we need fundamental and substantive reform to our immigration system. I was talking to a [55:13] farmer the other day who just was lamenting the challenge of the H-2A visa process. We need workers [55:19] here. We need immigration reform. And we need political leaders who are actually going to go [55:23] and work to solve this problem. Work with both parties to solve this. Quit using this as a political [55:29] football to fight about to win elections. Start doing your job working for the people of this state, [55:33] working for the people of this country. That's what I'll do. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question goes to [55:38] Mr. Almey. Let's not forget, it was President Biden and the Democrats' reckless border policy that put [55:45] all of us at risk. Millions of illegal aliens flooded into this country, including cartel and [55:51] gang members and violent criminals. It made every state less safe, including Georgia, where Jose Ibarra [55:56] kidnapped and brutally murdered Laken Riley. Also, the flood of illegal immigrants caused 30 percent of [56:02] the increase in housing costs under President Biden. Securing the border is common sense and what [56:09] President Trump has done it. And as United States Attorney, I helped secure our border by prosecuting [56:15] criminal illegal aliens and going after drug gangs all the way up to the cartels. That's why 35 of [56:21] our sheriffs across the state have endorsed me. And what we need to do now to finish the job is we [56:28] need to continue to prioritize keeping the border secure. We need to prosecute and deport criminal illegal [56:34] aliens and we need to stop funding sanctuary cities that allow criminals like Jose Ibarra back out on our [56:40] streets. Thank you, Mr. Almey. Same question, Ms. Bankhead. There is not a single person I've spoken to [56:46] of any political affiliation who doesn't want safe borders. A border should allow good people in and [56:52] keep bad people out. But I am the only candidate on the stage who spoke out against the Bozeman raids [56:58] that happened earlier this year, specifically because of the due process violations that thankfully [57:03] the judiciary actually came out to hold our government accountable for. I'm the only candidate on the [57:08] stage who was an FBI and a Homeland Security Task Force officer, meaning I went through their training, [57:13] I had their badge and credentials. I understand exactly how the border works. The issue is the [57:17] constitutional violations, the lack of due process that no without a doubt is going to filter down [57:23] to U.S. citizens who are born and raised here. Because if they can violate the rights of one person, [57:28] they will violate your rights. And that's exactly what Kyle Austin actually spoke to earlier. [57:32] We need comprehensive immigration overhaul. We need to make it easier. We need to streamline it. We need to make [57:37] sure that we are capitalizing on the brilliance and the assets that immigration provides for our [57:43] country and keeping it great. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Now 30-second reply. Mr. Austin. [57:48] You know, we absolutely do need the secure borders. But the question we have with our economy and the [57:53] affordability from the taxpayers is how do we pay for it? And how do we pay for it for tomorrow? And how do [57:57] we pay for it for the future? Under my immigration policy and reform, I plan to add that entry fee into the [58:04] people that come to the United States. So they are the one flipping the bill for their deportation and [58:09] their export from the United States, not the taxpayer. And that's where we have to overhaul our United [58:14] States, Washington, D.C. policy on immigration, passing the buck to those who cause the problems. [58:21] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Our next question comes from Laura Freeman. It goes to Mr. Bodnar. [58:27] The Forest Service is moving to rescind the roadless rule, a move that could change how millions of acres of [58:32] Montana public lands are managed. What is your vision for Montana's public lands? And what federal [58:38] policies would you support to achieve that? So I am a strong supporter of our public lands. Our [58:44] public lands are sacred. They're a common ground where everybody can hunt, fish, recreate. And I'll [58:49] tell you what, those public lands are not just places where we go to get trophies. I'll tell you, [58:55] our custodial staff at the University of Montana would often, you know, show me pictures of the elk they [58:59] harvested on public lands. That's how we fill our freezers. This is fundamental. [59:03] We need a U.S. Senator who's going to stand up and fight like hell to defend our public lands, [59:09] not be the servant of Mike Lee down in Utah, who's going to do everything he can within the [59:13] Republican Party to sell off our public lands. I'll fight to protect them. And that means making [59:19] sure that we also protect those important habitat, the roadless rule. We do not need to repeal the [59:23] roadless rule. We have 30,000 miles of Forest Service roads in Montana right now that we can't maintain. [59:28] We need to make sure that we're protecting key habitat areas, key species, and that we're funding [59:33] the agencies responsible for smart management, proactive management of our forests. And we've [59:39] seen those agencies gutted in the past year. I will support our public lands and the agencies [59:44] that take care of them. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question goes to Mr. Almy. [59:50] As a Montana native, I will always fight to keep our public lands in public hands, [59:55] and all fight against anyone who tries to sell them off. Growing up in Dillon, I caught my first [1:00:02] fish on Blacktail Deer Creek. I learned how to ski at Maverick Mountain. When we lived in Victor, [1:00:07] we used to ride our bikes across 93 and spend the day fishing the Bitteret. When my family moved to [1:00:12] Helena and then to Mile City, we spent hours outside fishing, camping, hiking, biking, boating, and skiing [1:00:20] all across our state. When I brought my girlfriend here years ago and we took her camping, [1:00:25] I was really pleased to see that she enjoyed Montana as much as I did. And now we've spent a lifetime [1:00:31] with our family out on our public lands. So know it runs deep in me when I say that I will always keep [1:00:38] our public lands in public hands so that our kids and our grandkids can hunt and fish and enjoy them [1:00:45] just like we have. Thank you, Mr. Almy. Same question now, Ms. Bankhead. Well, that's hilarious coming [1:00:51] from the Republican because he's the one who said he was Trump's guy and Trump's the one who's actually [1:00:55] opening up our public lands for exploitation. We absolutely need to keep the roadless rule in [1:01:00] place. And again, make no mistake, this entire race, all roads lead to AI data centers. The [1:01:05] administration has opened up other public lands for exploitation. They're decentralizing those [1:01:11] organizations, those federal agencies from DC to the states. These are all about chipping away at [1:01:16] those infrastructures so that they can put AI data centers on those lands against the will of 82% [1:01:22] of Montanans. We absolutely have to do everything we can to ensure that these bought and paid for [1:01:27] politicians are not put in place to continue the work that Trump and Danes have already started. [1:01:32] So folks, if you want to make sure that our public lands stay open to the people because they are the [1:01:38] crown jewels of this country and nobody knows that better than a Montanan, make sure you're not voting [1:01:42] for that guy. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Same question now, Mr. Austin. As Montana's next United States [1:01:48] Senator, public lands will remain public lands. But what we're seeing is a problem, a problem of far [1:01:55] left agenda starting back in 1966 with the Wilderness Act, where the pendulum has swung too far to left. [1:02:01] And we see that every summer right here in Montana, where we're breathing that smoke, that smoke that [1:02:07] is leading to many respiratory illnesses in the patients of Montana that I treat every day out of my [1:02:14] pharmacy. The roadless rule is necessary to bring that pendulum back because we need access to our [1:02:19] wilderness so we can bring back responsible management of our forest. So we're not paying [1:02:24] for firefighter and we're not paying for the health risks that we endure. The roadless rule will open it [1:02:29] up so we have access for responsible logging. We can bring back the mills so we can build affordable [1:02:34] lumber to build affordable houses, but we will gate that so it does not turn into an interstate and it does [1:02:40] not ruin our environment. Thank you, Mr. Austin. Now time for a 30 second rebuttal, Mr. Bodnar. [1:02:46] Yeah, absolutely. It's easy to give lip service talking about public lands. It's hard to stand up [1:02:52] and actually fight for them. And I'll tell you what, we can hear the Republican on this stage talk about [1:02:58] it. But the fact is, we've seen a relentless push from the Republican Party. Mike Lee, we've seen it in [1:03:04] the Republican Party platform to transfer public lands to the states, which means selling them off. [1:03:10] And I don't know why so many Republican senators feel like they have to answer to Mike Lee in Utah, [1:03:15] but Utah already has two senators. They don't need a third. We need somebody who's going to truly fight [1:03:20] for public lands. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. The next question comes from Stuart Davis [1:03:24] to Mr. Almy. China is increasingly challenging the United States economically, militarily, [1:03:33] and technologically while competing for influence around the world. Tensions over Taiwan, trade, critical [1:03:39] minerals, artificial intelligence, and China's growing military could shape U.S. foreign policy [1:03:44] for decades. What do you see as the greatest challenge China poses to the U.S. this century? [1:03:50] And what should America do right now to meet that challenge? [1:03:53] Good question. Our foreign policy should always put America first. Our country has always been safest when [1:04:02] we've pursued peace through strength. China is our biggest geopolitical enemy right now in the world [1:04:08] because of their significant economic and their military investments. We can't be part of, [1:04:14] they can't be part of our national security supply lines. We need to decouple from them, [1:04:19] including critical minerals, so that we're producing them here or in other locations that are safe. [1:04:25] As United States Attorney, I also saw firsthand how China was trying to get to technological parity [1:04:31] through intellectual property theft. We need to put that, put a stop to that. And also as U.S. Attorney, [1:04:37] I saw how China was the major producer of meth and fentanyl precursor chemicals that are poisoning our [1:04:43] country. We need to continue to pressure China to stop sending those here. We need to stand firm against [1:04:50] China and other adversaries. And as United States Senator, I'll always put America first. [1:04:57] Thank you, Mr. Almey. Same question goes to Ms. Bankhead. [1:05:00] 15 years ago, I was the chief of counterintelligence support to research development and acquisitions. [1:05:05] That's a fancy way of saying it was my job to make sure that 220 Air Force units worldwide ensured that [1:05:11] China didn't get access to our most sensitive technologies and equipment. And I last year actually [1:05:20] rewrote the policy pivoting our warfighters and counterintelligence away from the global war on [1:05:25] terror to the great power competition, which is the federal government's term for fighting against [1:05:29] China. The reality is that as I sat in Crystal City in a basement with wood paneled walls 15 years ago, [1:05:36] I saw firsthand how unaccountable government allowed China to start actually being able to compete with [1:05:42] us on these issues. That is completely unacceptable. I had a front row view to this. I'm the one who [1:05:47] understands the inherent threat that China is to the United States. And I'm ready to take that fight [1:05:53] to China. But the first thing we have to do is clean our own house up first, make sure that Montanans [1:05:57] have money in their pockets. They're able to take care of our kids before we can take the fight to China. [1:06:02] Ms. Bankhead, thank you. Same question. Mr. Austin. [1:06:05] You know, as Montana's next United States Senator, I will be I'll have an America first agenda where we [1:06:11] become less dependent upon China. That is where we failed as a nation before as we became too heavily relied on [1:06:16] China. And we have given them the power to beat China in the future. It's a Genesis mission is [1:06:22] right where President Donald Trump executive order put us in the AI race. We have to be ahead of that. [1:06:27] We have to beat China in the AI race. We have to have the data center somewhere where it's safe for [1:06:32] our environment. We have to control them in space and we have to control them on the moon. As we move [1:06:37] forward with independence from China, we have to look at relaxing our regulations right here in the United [1:06:43] States so we can mine those rare earth minerals. We can process those rare earth minerals right here [1:06:48] in the United States to build the chips that we need for the industrial revolution that's going to [1:06:54] come for the future to stay competitive against the foreign powers in this world. Thank you, Mr. Austin. [1:07:00] Same question now, Mr. Bodnar. I was U.S. Army Green Beret. As part of my training, I studied Chinese [1:07:05] Mandarin because every Green Beret has to know a language. We work with other militaries. I understand [1:07:10] the threats that China poses better than anyone on this stage. And I believe strongly that American [1:07:16] security is best pursued through strength. But I also know that we are strongest when we have healthy [1:07:22] and robust alliances in which the United States is playing a leadership role. And what we've seen over [1:07:26] the last year and a half is a decimation of our alliance with Canada, our alliances across NATO. [1:07:32] We need to rebuild those alliances. At the same time, we need to get our own house in order. Over a decade ago, [1:07:37] Admiral Mike Mellon, the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff at the time, said that our biggest risk [1:07:41] was our soaring national debt. Since that time, we've seen it almost double. Just since this [1:07:46] Republican administration came into office 18 months ago, we've seen it go up by $4 trillion. [1:07:51] Another $4 trillion. They're spending like drunken sailors, mortgaging our future, putting us even more [1:07:57] at risk to China and other global adversaries. We need people who can say no and stop this nonsense and [1:08:03] stand up for a true America first security policy. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Now final 30 seconds goes to [1:08:09] Mr. Almey. We can't depend on China for our national security. We need to stop China intellectual property [1:08:16] theft and cyber security threats against this country. And we need to stop allowing them to [1:08:23] undermine the United States with meth and fentanyl. But the same token, we need to support Montana agriculture. [1:08:30] That's one of the largest agricultural markets in the world. We need to continue to work with China to [1:08:35] open up their market so that we can provide them with our wheat, our beef, our barley, and our pulses. [1:08:41] Thank you, Mr. Almey. The next question now from Ben Weinman, addressed to Ms. Bankhead. [1:08:46] February 28th of this year was when the war with Iran began. And as we are approaching November, [1:08:53] there is still no end in sight. Oil and gas prices are skyrocketing. The Strait of Hormuz [1:08:57] is still partially closed today. Yes or no question. Do you still support the war in Iran? [1:09:05] Absolutely not. I do not support the war in Iran. It is a war we never should have gotten into. [1:09:09] Even Trump's director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said that there was no imminent [1:09:14] threat in terms of Iran getting a nuclear weapon, that there was no imminent attack on the United [1:09:18] States. I've been to the most senior colonel schools that the DoD has to offer. And what we [1:09:23] understand about making war is that we don't want to make war. We want to use economic tools, [1:09:30] information tools, and diplomatic tools to create the security that the United States needs. [1:09:35] The administration campaigned on no new wars. And what we hear all over the state is Republicans [1:09:41] really upset that Trump got us into this war. And any private or airman basic understands that the [1:09:46] Straits of Hormuz is the one place in the world geopolitically that you don't mess with because Iran [1:09:51] controls the oil supply. All of our costs have gone up. You can't even use a five dollar bill to pay [1:09:57] for one gallon of diesel because of the decision of one person. And I'm going to fight like hell to [1:10:01] make sure that we end this war in Iran. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Next candidate will be Mr. Austin. [1:10:07] No, I do not defend the war in Iran. I do not believe we'd be there. And if it was me and as your next [1:10:12] United States Senator, I would end the war in Iran and I will bring our troops home. As I mentioned before, [1:10:18] I endorse the Defend the Guard Act. And that would keep our troops from Montana getting deployed unless [1:10:23] there is an actual declaration of war. And that will put pressure on the federal government for [1:10:28] continuing this. The only people paying the price in this war are the American people. You're paying [1:10:34] it out of your pocketbooks. You're paying it with struggling putting food on your table. You're paying [1:10:39] it by failing or having a problem paying your utility bills. You are paying the price for this. The only way you [1:10:45] can fix it is by voting in the next best United States Senator that is not going to fall in line [1:10:51] with the current administration that will force them to bring our troops home and end the war in Iran. [1:10:57] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question now to Mr. Bodnar. Absolutely not. You know, [1:11:01] I met with a group of veterans a week and a half ago. One of the gentlemen at that meeting had a shirt on [1:11:06] that said, live a life worthy of their sacrifices. We need you as senators who are going to lead in a way [1:11:15] that is worthy of the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform make on our behalf every single [1:11:19] day. Unfortunately, right now, what we have in Washington, D.C. is a group of cowards who are [1:11:25] afraid to stand up to their party bosses who, like my Republican opponent, says, my only job is to [1:11:30] support the president. And that is absolutely wrong. Our sons and daughters that are spilling blood on [1:11:37] foreign soil right now are paying the cost of that cowardice. And so are the Montanans who are paying [1:11:42] six dollars plus for diesel who are seeing soaring fertilizer prices, the price of groceries, [1:11:47] everything soaring because we don't have the political courage to buck your party when it makes [1:11:53] sense for the people. That needs to change. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question now, Mr. Olmey. [1:12:00] Our foreign policy must always put America first. Our country is most secure when we pursue peace [1:12:06] through strength. And let me be clear, I'll never support having our sons and daughters boots on the ground [1:12:12] in another forever war. But we can't allow that regime to have nuclear weapons. We need to support [1:12:19] the president, our troops and our diplomats as they work to set back Iran's nuclear program [1:12:25] and work to reopen their control of the straits. As senator, I will push for a quick and a successful [1:12:34] end to the conflict. But we can't vote to stop allowing weapons use against Iran. We would cut our [1:12:42] diplomats off at the knees and we would get a terrible deal. Iran would immediately start [1:12:46] rebuilding its nuclear weapons, would take control of the Gulf, and we would see permanently higher [1:12:52] oil prices. We always have to put America first. Thank you, Mr. Olmey. Now final 30 seconds to Ms. Bankhead. [1:13:00] Let's talk about the real reason why this war started. To distract from the Epstein files. That's all [1:13:05] this was, folks. You want to talk about America first, we have to provide for the security and safety of [1:13:10] our children first. And the incumbent who crowned the Republican candidate for the Republican seat, [1:13:19] is what they're hoping, actually was the one who voted not to open up the Epstein files, [1:13:23] not to release the Epstein files. I'm the only one on the stage who's put handcuffs on the Epstein class. [1:13:28] I look forward to doing it again, starting at the very top of this government. Thank you. [1:13:32] Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Now the next question comes from Jonathan Ambarian. It goes to Mr. Austin. [1:13:40] The federal government has many important interactions with Montana's tribal nations, [1:13:46] particularly in law enforcement. What do you think federal authorities can do to work more effectively [1:13:53] with Montana tribes to resolve missing and murdered indigenous persons cases? [1:13:59] Absolutely. So being the only candidate up here that was born and raised on the High Line, [1:14:03] I have many Native American friends. I have many, many Native American neighbors, and I support the [1:14:09] Native American reservations within our state. As we know, missing women, indigenous women, [1:14:15] is a huge problem. But we also have barriers. We have barriers between federal law enforcement and [1:14:21] tribal law enforcement. And what it comes down to is when the reservation asks me for help, [1:14:27] I'm there to help them. I'm there to provide a solution. I'm there to provide the resources that [1:14:31] they need to solve that problem. We'll work hard outside the reservations to do what we can to put an end to [1:14:37] this crime, this criminal action out there. But when they need help on the reservation, I will be [1:14:42] there to provide that support, whether it's monetary or whether it's boots on the ground. [1:14:46] Thank you, Mr. Austin. Same question out of Mr. Bodnar. [1:14:50] So we need a U.S. senator who's going to stand up and fight for Indian country, who's going to take [1:14:55] just as serious a crime that happens on a reservation as one that happens in Billings. And we need people [1:15:00] who are going to aggressively go after criminals or anyone who's taken advantage of anyone in our [1:15:07] state on a reservation, off a reservation. And I'll tell you what, what that requires is a U.S. [1:15:12] senator who respects not just every life in this state, but who respects tribal sovereignty and who [1:15:18] will honor the treaties that the United States entered into with tribal nations across Montana and [1:15:24] throughout the entire United States. You know, I have a strong record of working in partnership with [1:15:29] tribal communities across this state. We grew Native American student enrollment at the University [1:15:33] of Montana by 40 percent when I was there to the highest level ever. And we did that through [1:15:39] partnership by building trusting relationships over time to work in the best interests of everybody. [1:15:45] That's the same way that I would work in the United States Senate. [1:15:48] Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. Same question now to Mr. Almey. [1:15:51] As United States attorney, I worked regularly with our tribal governments across the state on public [1:15:57] safety issues. And I'll continue to work with them regularly as United States Senator. [1:16:02] As United States attorney, I met with not only the councils, but also the courts, the law enforcement, [1:16:08] drug prevention and treatment organizations, always trying to make our communities safer. [1:16:14] I also ensured that our office prosecuted every violent, every viable violent crime [1:16:19] to the fullest extent of the law. And I also focused on our sexual assault response teams, [1:16:25] which were used to ensure that sexual assaults get prosecuted and that women and children victims [1:16:30] are cared for. We also prosecute, we also focused on drug trafficking, not just on prosecuting, [1:16:36] but on expanding wellness courts so that we could help drug users get reunited with their families. [1:16:41] But also we focused on missing and murdered indigenous women. I brought about nationwide tribal [1:16:47] community response plans so that tribes can know how to respond immediately when someone goes missing. [1:16:53] And I'll keep those strong relationships with our tribes. Thank you, Mr. Almey. Same question, [1:16:57] Ms. Bankhead. It has been the honor of my lifetime to stand between the bully and the bullied. [1:17:04] When I was in Hawaii working those internet crimes against children task force issues, I worked very [1:17:08] closely with the native Hawaiian community. And you can go to my website and see testimonials from [1:17:12] native Hawaiian trafficked individuals who talk about the actual work that I've done. [1:17:18] And again, this all ties back to the Epstein class. And this is not about Republican versus Democrat. [1:17:23] This is the one percent versus everybody else. When the Epstein issues first came to light, [1:17:27] I said, oh, look, it's a Tuesday. And unfortunately, our indigenous persons are at the center of this [1:17:33] and nobody has their back. I am the only one on the stage that has a track record of putting handcuffs [1:17:38] on those who exploit indigenous individuals. And I look forward to protecting our women and children [1:17:44] in Congress. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bankhead. Now the final 30 second rebuttal. Mr. Austin. [1:17:50] Montana, don't be fooled by baby boy Bodnar. He follows the footsteps of former Senator John Tester, [1:17:56] who made empty promises to our Native American friends and our Native American neighbors. [1:18:01] And he never followed through on those promises. The problems we see on our tribal reservations today [1:18:07] are a result of Tester's failed policy. The same Tester who endorsed Seth Bodnar. If Seth Bodnar is [1:18:14] elected as your next United States Senator, he will follow those footsteps and he will fail you. [1:18:19] Thank you, Mr. Austin, for our final rebuttal. As with the drawing for who goes in which order, [1:18:27] we did another drawing for our closing statements. Ms. Bankhead drew number one. So our closing [1:18:34] statements, Ms. Bankhead. Well, it's been such an honor to spend a little bit of time with you. I'm [1:18:40] a retired Lieutenant Colonel Special Agent who's hunted terrorist spies and child sex abusers all over [1:18:45] the world. I'm one of two candidates on the stage who is really against AI data centers. The people of [1:18:51] Montana do not want them. I'm the only one on the stage who's held government accountable by putting [1:18:55] handcuffs on corrupt government officials. I'm the only one on the stage for universal health care. [1:19:00] I'm the only one on the stage who has trust built with DC folks who I've grown up with since the 90s [1:19:06] who are now in charge of things in government. And we've spent the last 20 years protecting you from [1:19:11] corruption. I'm not beholden to DC. I only take individual contributions. And you know, [1:19:17] I got this amazing $5 bill from a gentleman named Bill in Glendive. And he gave it to me after he [1:19:24] heard me speak. And he was so bought into the mission that he gave $5 that he didn't have. And [1:19:29] I carry that $5 with me because it shows and reminds me that I'm only beholden to the people. [1:19:35] I do not take APAC money. I do not take corporate money. You can check my FEC filings. But you know that [1:19:41] I will absolutely fight for the people of Montana because I'm unbought and unbossed and unafraid. Thank you. [1:19:46] My name is Spankett. Closing statement. Next drawing was Mr. Almy. [1:19:51] I have deep Montana roots and I'm the only candidate up here with a proven record of cutting taxes, [1:19:57] balancing our state budget and locking up violent criminals. I have an endorsement from the NRA and [1:20:03] an A rating. My two liberal opponents have F ratings. They'd take us back to the Biden policies of open [1:20:10] borders, defunding the police, reckless spending, higher taxes, woke DEI, and boys and girls sports. [1:20:18] All push forward Montana common sense agenda to rein in Washington spending, to keep our taxes low, [1:20:25] protect our public lands, to secure our borders and our elections, and to confirm judicial [1:20:32] conservatives to the Supreme Court. I've spent my career serving and protecting Montana families, [1:20:38] and I'm ready to step up and serve again to make our lives more affordable, make our community safer, [1:20:44] and protect our Montana way of life. I'm Curt Almy and I'd be honored to have your vote. [1:20:50] Thank you, Mr. Almy. Now closing statement from Mr. Austin. [1:20:54] My fellow Montanans, when it gets to time to go to the polls or those ballots are right in front of you [1:20:59] today, you got to look at them. Who is the real Montana conservative out there with Montana values? [1:21:05] Who is the candidate with the most integrity and who has the deepest roots that can serve you day in and [1:21:11] day out? I feel I can be that candidate. I am the only candidate in this race with agricultural [1:21:16] experience that can lead the economy for the future and not the failed policies that are out there. [1:21:21] I'm the only candidate in this race with healthcare experience that can turn around and get healthcare [1:21:26] changed around for the future of tomorrow and future generations to come. I'm the only candidate in [1:21:31] this race who is a small business owner that understands the struggles that our small businesses go [1:21:36] through with the government red tape and the challenges of competition in a new internet era. [1:21:41] I am not bought and paid for by my opponents. As I mentioned, I am here on my own money. It is time [1:21:47] that we retire Curt Almy and we elect a real conservative as myself to the United States Senate. [1:21:53] And Seth Bodnar, you will never be my senator. Mr. Austin. Final closing statement goes to Mr. Bodnar. [1:22:03] This country was founded on a promise. The promise that we govern ourselves and that those that we elect [1:22:10] work for us. I put my life on the line to defend that promise. But that promise has been broken. [1:22:16] Today, Washington DC is filled with cowards. Cowards who answer to their party bosses, [1:22:22] their corporate donors. They spout party line talking points like you've heard on this stage today. [1:22:28] They work for the insiders, but not for you. And now we have a choice this November to choose a status quo [1:22:35] and to continue the broken policies that are driving soaring costs, rampant corruption, [1:22:40] endless wars, or to have an independent voice who actually works for the people of this great state. [1:22:47] And we have a chance in Montana to tell Washington DC that neither party owns this state and that nobody [1:22:53] gets to take us for granted. Because you know what? Montana is my party. And I hope all of you [1:23:00] will join me. Thank you very much for your time today. Thank you, Mr. Bodnar. And I want to thank all [1:23:06] four of our candidates, Mr. Bodnar, Mr. Almey, Ms. Bankhead, Mr. Austin. Thank you very much. And [1:23:13] thank you all for joining us today on this wintry Montana morning. I'd also like to thank our panelists [1:23:21] for their great questions for all the topics that do concern all Montanans. So thank you panelists. [1:23:27] The Greater Montana Foundation, who helped fund this very broadcast, we thank you. To the Montana [1:23:35] Broadcasters Association, who put everything together, Montana PBS, thank you. We hope today [1:23:40] was informative to everyone and helps you form your opinion when you go to the polls. Thank you for [1:23:47] joining us from the Field and Stream Lodge here in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Goodbye.