Pete Buttigieg Steps Into Montana’s Fight Over Money In Politics

Pete Buttigieg To Visit Butte Montana For Town Hall

A high-profile political figure is set to make a stop in Butte, bringing a little extra attention to a political fight happening here in Montana.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will be in Butte for a town hall on May 17, where he’s expected to show support for what’s being called “The Montana Plan.”

What The Montana Plan Aims To Change

If you’re not familiar with it, The Montana Plan is aimed at scaling back the effects of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC by pushing for a new state law that would block corporations from spending money on politicians or ballot issues.

At the core of it, the goal is to reduce so-called “dark money” in politics. Something polling has shown that 80% of Americans agree on regardless of political party affiliation.

Right now, The Montana Plan is still just that. A plan. Initiative I-194 needs around 30,000 signatures by June 19 to qualify for the November ballot. Organizers are hoping a visit from Buttigieg helps bring more attention to the effort, and it’s no accident the stop is happening in Butte.

Changes To Initiative I-194 Explained

Butte has a long history tied to labor movements and early clashes between working people and powerful corporate interests, especially during the era of the Copper Kings.

It’s also worth noting the measure itself has shifted since it first started. What the Transparent Election Initiative started with originally was intended to be a constitutional amendment, but it has since been reworked into a statutory initiative, which would change state law instead of the Montana Constitution.

The town hall on May 17 will take place at 1 p.m., with the location to be announced later. Learn more about the Montana Plan here.