This story is published by agreement with The Associated Press. It may not be republished without the express permission of The Associated Press.
In a heated September debate, Montana GOP Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy targeted Democratic Senator Jon Tester over “eating lobbyist steak” during Sheehy’s military service in Afghanistan. However, Sheehy’s own connections to lobbying are revealed in emails acquired by The Associated Press, illustrating his strategy to secure government contracts to grow his aerial firefighting firm, Bridger Aerospace. There’s no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Sheehy’s campaign is deemed a prime GOP opportunity to reclaim the Senate, leveraging his military and business achievements while critiquing Tester for significant lobbyist funding. Though Sheehy’s military career concluded in 2014, his business pursuits continued as CEO of Bridger Aerospace, lobbying for state investment in an aerial firefighting force that would advantage his company.
FIGHTING WILDFIRES FROM ABOVE
Sheehy, after retiring from the Navy, lobbied Montana officials to fund an aerial firefighting fleet. Through meetings and emails, he advocated for exclusive state contracts to ensure aircraft availability. His lobbying efforts were supported by a think tank director who endorsed contract allocation to companies like Bridger Aerospace.
The company secured a contract with the Montana Department of Natural Resources, paying $51,621 daily per plane and $17,605 per hour of flight. In spring 2023, legislation increased state wildfire fighting funds, and a Billings firm secured the first exclusive aerial firefighting contract.
TROUBLED FINANCES AND ALLEGED MISMANAGEMENT
Despite multiple contracts, Bridger Aerospace has faced financial difficulties, including losses, a stock decline, and mismanagement claims. Sheehy did not comment on these issues, though his campaign highlights public praise for his wildfire efforts. Federal contracts accounted for 69% of Bridger’s 2023 revenue, with $450,000 in lobbying reported since 2021.
Tester criticized Sheehy’s federal lobbying during their debate, addressing Sheehy’s Washington lobbying firm. OpenSecrets reports Tester leads in lobbyist contributions, exceeding $500,000.
DIFFERING VIEWS ON A ‘MONTANA SUCCESS STORY’
Sheehy stepped down as Bridger CEO in July to focus on his Senate bid. Despite Bridger’s stock losing 70% over the year, he remains a top stockholder, promising to place his shares in a blind trust if elected. The company aims for positive cash flow after reporting record $67 million revenue in 2023. Critics, including Marc Cohodes, question calling Bridger a success story. The company is vulnerable, particularly as independent voters scrutinize Sheehy’s professional history.
Despite Bridger’s stock drop and financial struggles, analyst Aaron Moeller maintains a positive rating, citing rising demand for firefighting aircraft due to climate change. Sheehy, however, has expressed skepticism about climate change, labeling it a “climate cult.”
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