Montana's attorney general must stand up for our values

There is no place like Montana. Our state is defined by rugged landscapes and rugged individualism. Montanans cherish our freedoms, work hard, act with integrity, and treat each other with respect. We also know that actions speak louder than words.

As the 2024 elections approach, we should use Montana values to assess our candidates and ask ourselves: Do they represent the interests of all Montanans or the interests of one political extreme or another? Do they focus on doing their job or on advancing their political careers? Do they bring people together or drive us apart?

This is especially true for the attorney general, a position critical to maintaining our way of life. The attorney general protects Montanans by impartially enforcing the laws, defending our freedoms, and guarding Montana’s legal and ethical standards. The office is not a stepping-stone for career politicians. It is an essential part of our democracy. Unfortunately, the current attorney general has failed to meet the standards for that office set by his predecessors, both Republican and Democrat.

The 1972 Montana State Constitution establishes our freedoms and prevents government overreach. It provides that power does not belong to the government but is derived from the people, to be used for the benefit of the people. The attorney general’s role is not to wield the law for personal gain or political favors. Whoever holds this role serves as an impartial enforcer of our constitutional rights and laws to ensure the freedom and privacy of all Montanans are upheld. The attorney general must focus on protecting Montanans, not bringing Washington-style politics to Montana.

I am running for attorney general to uphold those principles. I have been defending the rights of Montanans in court for almost 20 years. I have represented individuals and businesses, fought for access to public lands, taken on the government, challenged powerful corporate interests, and defended law enforcement.

I am a husband, father of four, and a fourth-generation Montanan. I am not running for public office because it is in my best interests. I am running because I am concerned about our state and our country. In my view, the government is not functioning well because everything has become hyperpolitical. And I think people are sick and tired of it.

My promise is that I will do the job of attorney general and that I will do it well. I will place the safety, security and freedom of Montanans first. I will administer justice impartially and fairly based only on the facts and the law and without regard for politics. I will reduce crime and promote public safety by focusing on what can be done in our state.

The 2024 elections provide an opportunity for Montanans to stand up for our values. We can ignore identity politics and focus on the ideals of freedom and justice that made this country great. We can unite against divisiveness and protect the foundations of our democracy. We can ensure that our children inherit the same Montana that we had an opportunity to enjoy.

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Democrat Ben Alke is a candidate for Montana attorney general.