By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Democrats held a drive-in rally in Havre on Friday evening where local and statewide candidates stumped on the final weekend before the election.
Dozens of cars packed into the Atrium parking lot on a breezy Friday evening. All statewide candidates spoke in-person, with the exception of Superintendent of Public Schools candidate Melissa Romano, who gave a virtual speech that was played on the big screen.
The first featured speaker of the night was Krystal Steinmetz, candidate for State House District 28.
“I will not stand by while women’s rights are slowly stripped away from us. I will not stand while our rural economies are forced to suffer. I also refuse to stand by while people continue to not wear a mask and put other’s lives (in) danger. We can all do the right thing, and we can do it together.”
Governor Steve Bullock, who is running in a heated and highly publicized race for U.S. Senate against Republican Steve Daines, capped off the rally with a stump speech touting his accomplishments.
“Quality public education is on the ballot. I know, when I walk out of the Governor’s office, we’ll be spending $175 million more each year in our K-12 system. We’ve frozen college tuition six of the eight years. We’ve brought back need-based aid, because access to affordable education is not a Democrat or a Republican value, that’s a Montana value.”
Throughout the night, nearly all of the candidates pleaded with rallygoers to volunteer to help the Democrats as organizers passed around sign-up sheets to those interested.
“What we do between now, tonight, and November 3rd at 8 PM, will determine the outcome of this election,” said Attorney General candidate Raph Graybill. “We all collectively know enough people here that we could literally sway the outcome of one of these super tight races. So what I need from you is commitment to make phone calls. Will you make phone calls? Will you knock doors? Will you share on social media about these candidates? Will you tell your friends about these candidates? Will you tell your family about these candidates?”
Throughout the event, several Trump-supporting vehicles drove around the rally, often honking their horns or revving their engines to try and garner attention.
When Bullock was giving his speech at the end of the rally, the Trump cars joined up and formed an impromptu parade around the parking lot.
After the event ended and cars started clearing out of the area, a number of the Trump-supporting vehicles entered the parking lot while the stage was being taken down. They stayed for less than 10 minutes, conversating amongst themselves before leaving the area.
