Local Democrats say hosting state convention was a success

Earlier this month, the state Democratic party came to Havre to host its state convention, and local Democrats said it was a great success.

“Hosting the statewide convention in Havre for the first time in several decades was a great way to showcase our community to more than 160 folks from every corner of Montana,” Rep. Paul Tuss, D-Havre said. “It was also an opportunity to highlight the issues that are important to rural northern Montana, including support for the incredible programs at (Montana State University)-Northern that are critical to our state’s workforce, the role of agriculture in our economy and support for programs that enhance the livability and vibrancy of smaller communities, including proper funding for the rehabilitation of our infrastructure.”

Tuss is up for re-election this year, facing former Rep. Ed Hill, R-Havre, in a rematch of the 2022 election where Tuss defeated Hill.

Hill County Democratic Central Committee Chair Lindsey Ratliff said the convention lasted for two days, with plank committees voting on platform amendments the first day, then the platform convention starting Saturday, June 8, where delegates voted as a whole body on whether to approve the amendments as is.

“We had passionate and lively debates on housing, the economy and international relations,” Ratliff said. “On Saturday afternoon, we voted for national delegates to represent Montana to re-elect President (Joe) Biden at the (Democratic National Convention) in Chicago in August.”

She said she and other eastern Montana Democratic central committee chairs came up with the idea last summer of having the convention in Havre.

“After our successes in 2022 in flipping a district, we wanted to showcase the importance of engaging rural voters and reminding our interstate city friends that rural Montana is alive and kickings” Ratliff said.

Tuss added that it was good for the local area.

“It’s also nice to know that our local economy got a bit of a boost … as convention attendees from across Montana spent money in our local businesses,” he said. “Hosting the convention was a big win for Havre and Hill County.