Letter to the editor: Republican Party has become a disappointment

Watching Montana's election for governor, Senate, U.S. House and others play out, it's hard not to feel real disappointment for what the Montana Republican party has become. Not long ago, home-grown Republicans could move from legislative seats to statewide office. No longer, it seems. Now unless you are an independently wealthy Republican who migrated from New Jersey, Minnesota, California, Maryland or anywhere but Montana, and prepared to write huge checks to your own campaign, don't even think about running for statewide office.

There are many hard working, home-grown Republicans serving in the Montana Senate and House who would no doubt love the opportunity to serve Montana as senator or governor. Yet, they are time and again pushed aside by millionaire out-of-staters, and Republican primary voters keep falling for them, because their vast resources swamp out the less funded home-grown candidates.

So, to all you Republican legislators from places like Dillon, Philipsburg, Kalispell, Great Falls, Scobey; thanks for doing the less glamorous job of lawmaking in the Montana Legislature, but don't get any big ideas about serving in statewide office. Instead stay in your rightful place on the junior varsity and let the wealthy out-of-state rich guys become Montana's governor and senator. It's just sad, how the rank-and-file Republicans allow themselves to be pushed aside. Maybe it's time for them to wake up.

Zach Luebeck,