Montana Democrats Sue to Block Green Party from Senate Race

"In a bid to block the Green Party from Montana’s Senate race, Democrats sued Secretary of State Christie Jacobsen."

Article Summary –

Montana Democrats have filed a lawsuit to prevent Green Party candidate Robert Barb from being added to the U.S. Senate race ballot, arguing that his placement was done without proper party approval and claiming past GOP efforts to manipulate Green Party candidates to siphon votes from Democrats. The Montana Republican Party countered, accusing Democrats of planting their own candidates in the Green Party primary and manipulating the process to their advantage. The lawsuit underscores a pattern of both parties influencing smaller political parties in Montana, with similar disputes occurring in previous elections and ongoing litigation in other states challenging the legitimacy of Green Party candidates.


In a last-minute bid, Montana Democrats sued Thursday to block the Green Party’s Robert Barb from the U.S. Senate race. Secretary of State Christie Jacobsen certified Barb for the November ballot by the Aug. 22 deadline, despite the lawsuit.

This marks the third consecutive U.S. Senate election where Montana Democrats have sued to remove Green candidates. Previous lawsuits in 2018 and 2020 were successful. The latest complaint highlights past instances of the Montana GOP aiding the Green Party to siphon votes from Democrats.

Montana Democratic Party chairperson Robyn Driscoll emphasized, “Robert Barb is a Republican, having supported Republicans and promoted right-wing conspiracy theories. His placement on the ballot violates Montana law.”

Green candidate Micheal Downey criticized Barb’s anti-conservation social media posts, claiming Barb isn’t a true Green. Barb, a Darby resident, has a short track record of donations to the Republican National Committee.

The Republican Party countered, accusing Democrats of manipulating Green candidates. “The only shenanigans are from Montana Democrats, who planted Michael Downey in the Green primary,” GOP spokesperson Madison Atkinson stated.

The lawsuit argues Barb’s candidacy didn’t follow Green Party rules, making it invalid. However, no Green Party member claimed disenfranchisement. Barb’s attorney, Rob Cameron, insists Barb adheres to core Green Party principles.

Steve Kelly, leader of the Montana Green Party, confirmed both Barb and Downey were accepted as candidates. Downey, who won the primary but withdrew on Aug. 12, said he didn’t want to be a spoiler in a tight race.

Barb sued the Green Party for the right to replace Downey, having secured 38% of the primary vote. The Senate race between Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy is highly competitive, potentially deciding Senate control.

Downey, like Barb, faced accusations of being a major-party plant, with Downey having donated to Democrats via ActBlue. Montana’s smaller political parties frequently face external influence, especially in U.S. Senate races.

Republicans recently flew Libertarian candidate Sid Daoud to a Trump rally for Sheehy, attempting to pressure him to drop out in exchange for future appointments. Daoud refused.

In previous elections, courts ruled Green Party candidates were illegitimately aided by Republicans. In 2012, Democrats used dark money to support a Libertarian candidate, impacting the race outcome. Democrats have also sued Green Party candidates in Wisconsin, Georgia, and Nevada this year.

After President Joe Biden dropped out, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her nomination for president.



This story was updated Aug. 23, 2024, to include additional comment from the Montana Republican Party.


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