Congressman Zinke: "It's not my first rodeo"

Flags, campaign slogans and a multitude of honking horns greeted U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke last Friday as he stood alongside Highway 93 in Polson, holding a big Zinke for Congress sign and waving at passers-by.

The Western District Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior was in the Mission Valley last Friday as part of a campaign sweep through western Montana. In addition to the roadside rally, he also met with veterans in Ronan and Polson and with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Council. 

According to his staff, Zinke had also traveled to Seeley Lake for a conversation about Pyramid Lumber’s closure, Dillon to look at a new jail, and Noxon, which has been isolated due to a bridge closure.

Infrastructure needs appeared to be at the top of his agenda. “I'm looking at a what the federal government should look at, and I'm looking at where Montana has been lagging,” he said.

Between honks and waves, the Congressman spoke to local reporters about a few of his legislative priorities, should he win reelection against Democratic candidate Monica Tranel.

“I believe boys should be playing boys sports and girls should be playing girls sports,” he said. “And we believe that our country should be strong. And we want jobs that are good paying, and not every job needs to be a government job.”

He said his meeting with the Tribal Council had focused on firefighting efforts, “and making sure they have access to the same resources as on the federal side when it comes to firefighting” because “a forest fire doesn't look at what's a reservation and what's not.”

He also mentioned that federal regulations regarding firefighting credentials differ from tribal requirements. “So a lot of it was us trying to break through the bureaucracy to do what's right.”

He added that he respects the sovereignty of the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations, both of which fall within the Western Congressional District. “I listen to the tribes and I do my best to represent their interests too,” he said.

Following last year’s controversy over historically low lake levels, Zinke pointed out that Flathead Lake was full this year. “I say it wasn't by coincidence,” he added. “Whenever we work together, the lake will be full.”

Snowpack levels and spring run-off are also crucial factors in managing the lake level.

Zinke also discussed the lack of affordable housing, noting that the average cost for a home in Montana is $650,000. Affordability is hampered by high inflation, interest rates, and permitting costs, which Zinke says can amount to $250,000 on a new home.

He cosponsored the bi-partisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator and Responder (HELPER Act), which would make first responders and teachers eligible for a first-time home loan with no down payment.

“So there are things we can do, but a lot of it is basic economy 101,” Zinke said. “You've got to punch the interest rates down. And then you’ve got to stop spending so we don't go to the grocery and get grocery shock every time.”

Asked how he felt about his chances for earning a second term, Zinke replied that his experience and name recognition are a plus. “You know what, I get a report card in two weeks.”

“It is not my first rodeo,” he added. “I do what I say I do. I look at where Montana should be, and I don't bend the Constitution.”

    U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke was campaigning for reelection in Lake County last Friday. His visit included a rally along Hwy. 93, organized by Lake County Republicans. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)