Steve Held: Montana Needs a Congressman, Not a Clown

By Steve Held, Candidate, U.S. Congress, Montana House District 2

For over two decades, Montana has lacked representation in the U.S. House. I will be that member of Congress who actually wants to represent eastern Montana and get things done that benefit our cities, towns and farms and ranches. 

We’ve had a congressman who passed one bill in 12 years, to name a post office. Another grandstanded while making a fool of himself on the floor with every extreme vote. All were looking for their next political post. The House was just a stepping stone to the next rung of the political ladder. 

What they didn’t consider was the Milk River irrigation project, which needed millions of dollars in upgrades to support towns and farms along the Hi Line. They didn’t consider badly needed veterans clinics in small towns and the cities. I've met clinicians on the ground. In the past week, I was the only one, elected or running, who showed up in Lame Deer for the groundbreaking of their new high-speed communications building and attended the Veterans Park services in Great Falls. Thanks Sen. Tester, the Tribal Councils, and Veterans organizations tell me, “follow Tester.” Jon stands up for Montana every day in working with Democrats and Republicans. 

The issues are numerous: a workable Farm Bill that represents family farms and ranches, and cities and towns; securing our border; funding veterans care; and working toward a balanced budget. I know there’s a lot to do, and I also know that sending another millionaire to Congress who wants to get press hits and showboat is not the answer for Montana. 

With 41 counties and six reservations, the diversity of needs for eastern Montana are as big as the prairies and mountains that make up the Second Congressional District. We need a congressman, not a clown. I can pledge that in Congress we won’t agree on every issue. But my office would always be open to everyone, and I would make Montana my number one, two and three priorities. 

I also am not running for this office as a stepping stone. It takes time to build seniority and get on key committees that are most important to Montana. I ask for your vote and pledge to bring my Montana values to Congress. It needs more of us.