Montana Governor Steve Bullock says get dark money out of politics

A crowd of around 80 people came out to the Lingonberry in Decorah Friday afternoon to hear Montana Governor Steve Bullock talk about his candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for President.

While Bullock discussed a wide range of issues because of questions from those in the audience, his prepared remarks centered on the influence of dark money in politics.  Bullock told the crowd that money has had a corrupting influence in politics and is responsible for the current problems in Washington, D.C.

He said that Washington, D.C. "is swampier than ever before," despite Donald Trump's promise as a candidate that he would "drain the swamp."  Bullock told the audience that Montana was able to pass legislation putting limits on the amount of campaign donations and requiring public disclosures.

Bullock said by contrast Washington, D.C. is a place where "laws are written or regulations are gutted because of the influence of dark money."  Bullock, who was re-elected Montana Governor by 4 percentage points in 2016 at the same time Montana residents elected Trump president by 20 percentage points, said, "folks have to believe that government and the economy will work for them."

Bullock also spoke of his record of getting Medicaid expansion in Montana for 100,000 people and getting other legislation passed by talking with Republicans, who hold a majority in the Montana Legislature.

While Bullock has not qualified for the next Democratic Debate because of his low standing in the polls, he told the Decorah audience, "I don't think it's debates that determine this election--it's you."