Montana Democrat Sam Forstag Faces Scrutiny Over 2021-23 Lobbying as He Courts Blue-Collar Voters
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Montana Democrat Sam Forstag Faces Scrutiny Over 2021-23 Lobbying as He Courts Blue-Collar Voters
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Summary
Records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Sam Forstag, the Democratic nominee in Montana’s 1st District, lobbied from 2021 to 2023 against bills on drag performances, transgender care for minors, girls’ sports, voter ID and immigration enforcement.
That record cuts against Forstag’s campaign pitch as a smokejumper and working-class outsider focused on affordability and corruption in a heavily Republican state where centrists could decide the race.
Forstag did not dispute the lobbying history, saying he fought for working people and constitutional freedoms, and argued government should stay out of medical decisions and local policing of federal immigration law.
Republican strategist Jake Eaton said the positions could hurt Forstag with swing and blue-collar voters, while Democratic consultant Eric Koch said the record matches his message of keeping government out of personal decisions.
Forstag, backed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, faces Republican Aaron Flint on Nov. 3 for the open House seat being vacated by GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke.