It will measure whether Montana’s proud history of political individualism is sustainable in an era when voters are more polarized than ever. “Montanans vote for the person,” said Jon Tester (D), the state’s senior senator who fended off a Trump-backed challenger in 2018. Outside groups poured $3.8 million into Bullock’s race and $3.5 million to support Daines as of last week, a sign of the intense national interest in the race. Bullock’s handling of the virus has tested him with voters like Schreck, even as he’s credited with keeping infection rates relatively low. After he announced a mask-wearing mandate in public places in July, opponents protested in front of the governor’s mansion in Helena.

Source: Washington Post August 09, 2020 10:40 UTC