Jeff Essmann announced tonight that he will GASP be running for Governor of Montana. In an uncomfortably awkward conference call- townhall meeting, Essmann prosaically listed his accomplishments, forgetting all about the legislation that provided him essential name-recognition. His fluffer, Senator … Continue reading
At last, Montana’s infamous cannabis abolitionist-senator Jeff Essmann wants to clear up some rumors he’s been hearing because you, the voters, “deserve more than rumors”. He’d like you to know that he is “actively considering a run for Governor in … Continue reading
Earlier this week, I received several invitations to the Billings stop of the “Running on Empty” bus tour by Americans for Prosperity. Slated to speak at the event were Sen. Jeff Essmann (author of the infamous “black market” marijuana bill, … Continue reading
Thanks to Montana Cowgirl for picking up my slack…. Senator Jeff Essmann stammered while attempting to answer a question on Aaron Flint’s Voices of Montana this morning. That question? “Senator Essmann, have you ever smoked marijuana?” reminded me of the … Continue reading
Despite Essmann’s confident assertion that his new black market marijuana law is entirely constitutional, Judge Reynolds today issued a ruling today temporarily striking nearly all of the components of the law the MTCIA considered unconstitutional, overly burdensome, or entirely unreasonable. … Continue reading
“Now, more than ever, Montana needs leaders who understand that more government doesn’t mean more prosperity,” said Sen. Jeff Essmann, R-Billings. “Montana needs leaders who know that higher taxes don’t lead to more jobs … and who understand that environmental … Continue reading
Montanans this year have been subjected to extraordinary deception by their elected officials. The following bit of dramatic, nanny government style propaganda appeared in Wednesday’s Billings Gazette. It was written by chief prohibitionist Republican Senator Jeff Essmann. Debunks of his … Continue reading
UPDATE: Zabawa’s testimony on SB 423 today can be viewed here. This morning another of our bloggers received a Facebook friend request from “Mercedes Benz- Billings”, an auto dealership in part owned by one of our favorite prohibitionists, Brother Steve … Continue reading
While prohibitionists in Montana were celebrating the elimination of access for medical marijuana patients, Colorado and Washington were making history by voting to end prohibition in their states. Marijuana activists in Montana were unsuccessful in the 2012 election in an … Continue reading
The following collection of statements from Montana Attorney General Candidate Pam Bucy (D) indicates her position on medical marijuana is confusing at best. From Q2 News: As Montana’s top law enforcement official, how do you plan on enforcing the state’s … Continue reading
This year, Montana’s Republican Party has an opportunity to change the face of the GOP, to elect competent bright leaders who are unsullied by incestuous relationships with lobbyists. Who will win the GOP Gubernatorial nomination and perhaps defeat Steve Bullock … Continue reading
Essentially citing lackluster support, tax-loving prohibitionist Senator Jeff Essmann has decided to focus on electing Republicans rather than waste his coin losing the 2012 GOP Gubernatorial primary election. While I can hardly control my excitement, I must admit that some … Continue reading
The Montana GOP is going to need a bigger tent to fit all of the candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Yesterday, former state transportation director Jim Lynch announced his candidacy in the already very crowded field. Lynch, who … Continue reading
Jeff Essmann plans to make a “major announcement” later today. Perhaps he would like to apologize to the medical marijuana patients and growers for creating health-endangering legislation that makes compliance nearly impossible. More likely, however, Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann … Continue reading
Over six months ago, I wrote “the girl without a party”. It was one of the lowest moments of my life politically. I posted it on my personal blog because I wasn’t yet comfortable associating my name with montanafesto. Concern … Continue reading
Last week, in hopes of providing some much needed publicity for IR-124, I sent the following letter to the editor to 28 small town newspapers in Eastern Montana. During Montana’s 2011 legislative session, 113 of our elected representatives, in … Continue reading
During Montana’s 2011 legislative session, 113 of our elected representatives, in direct contradiction of the expressed will of the people, imposed their self-righteous puritanical views on the rest of us by approving SB 423. The lawmakers, after refusing to draft … Continue reading
Thomas Jefferson once said, “The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing, but newspapers.” Jefferson’s assessment certainly rings true in Montana, especially when regarding the growing controversy of Montana’s medical marijuana industry … Continue reading
Montana’s GOP renounced the tea party in dramatic fashion earlier today. Jennifer Olsen, Queen of the tea people was defeated in her quest to become Vice Chair of the Montana GOP. Incumbent Chair Will Deschamps defeated his less moderate … Continue reading
Confused about the status of SB 423, Senator Jeff Essmann’s bill to eliminate safe access to medical cannabis in Montana? The following provides background into Montana’s initiative, referendum, and repeal process. SB 423 Monitoring: Montana Marijuana Act Initiative Referendum to … Continue reading
Montana is, as of June 1, 2011; issuing medical marijuana patient cards and renewals under emergency rules written by the DPHHS until July 1 when new regulations under SB 423 take effect. A troubling muddle of statements, clarifications, and retractions, … Continue reading
Apparently the tea people takeover of the Yellowstone Central Committee wasn’t quite enough for the Queen of the Tea People, Jennifer Olsen, the Ken Miller for Governor Campaign Facebook Administrator and founder of Montana Shrugged, Tea Party Patriots. Check out … Continue reading
In today’s Billings Gazette, Senator Jeff Essmann, sponsor of SB 423 “The Black Market Bill” said: “Montana voters should be concerned about any group that is selling a schedule-one controlled substance that can raise $50,000 in less than a week,” … Continue reading
Montana’s 62nd Legislative session provided an emotional rollercoaster for Montana’s medical cannabis patients as well as those employed in the industry formed around patients’ needs. After enduring months of being publicly labeled a “scourge”, “cartel”, and a “joke” by newly … Continue reading
In a surprising move (surprising to me at least), Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer called Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann’s SB 423, “unconstitutional on its face”. He expressed his intention to issue an amendatory veto on the legally defective legislation as … Continue reading
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