New coalition develops in Montana

The recently adjourned session of the state Legislature was characterized in both House and Senate by compromise and coalition. Democrats and Republicans teamed up to pass key pieces of legislation which largely resulted from negotiations between Democratic Governor Steve Bullock, and the few remaining traditional legislative Republicans.

Coalitions are common in Montana and in legislative bodies the world around. Coalitions are not new, but what has developed in Montana is a new coalition.

A political party that attempts to impose radical change that people aren’t ready for, will not succeed. A party that must force "group think" on its members to carry out its purposes cannot survive.

Coalitions form and end for a reason. Republicans can eliminate the reason for their division either by becoming a more in touch and inclusive party, or a purer, smaller party. If they start down the purification path, it will continually become narrower, and it will lead to Democratic majorities. Then, if they learn from the example of the Republicans, Democrats may not have as great a challenge managing a majority.

— Bob Brown is a former Montana Secretary of State and State Senate President.

http://mtstandard.com/news/opinion/guest/new-coalition-develops-in-montana/article_c8680b63-6efb-5b02-b9ba-65ddce40ff68.html