State of Montana Archives: on Crime
Albert Olszewski:
Supports death penalty
Q: Do you support the death penalty?A: Albert Olszewski's answer: Yes
Q: Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?
A: Albert Olszewski's answer: No
Source: iSideWith.com on 2018 Montana Senate race
Jan 1, 2018
Amanda Curtis:
No to capital punishment; yes to alternative sentencing
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?A: No.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
A: Yes.
Source: Montana Legislative Election 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Bill McChesney:
No to capital punishment; yes to prosecuting minors
Q: Do you support capital punishment? A: No.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling?
A: Yes.
Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
A: Yes. This is complex and I don't want to overreact. In some instances criminal charges are very likely warranted. So in some instances YES.
Source: Montana State Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Bob Kelleher:
Alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders
Kelleher supports the following principles regarding crime: - Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
-
Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
- Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
Source: Montana 2004 Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Brian Schweitzer:
Supports the death penalty
Q: What are your views on the death penalty?A: I support the death penalty.
Source: 2004 Montana Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Brian Schweitzer:
End parole for repeat violent offenders
Q: What are your views on crime & drugs?A: I support ending parole for repeat violent offenders. I support vocational and substance abuse programs for non-violent offenders.
Source: 2004 Montana Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Casey Schreiner:
Reformed child sex abuse law, justice for Indigenous women
He was proud to lead during the legislative session that delivered crucial reforms to the statute of limitations on child sex abuse crimes and
gave law enforcement the tools to seek justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CaseyForMontana.com
Dec 31, 2019
Champ Edmunds:
Capital punishment , but not for juveniles
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?A: Yes.
Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
A: No.
Source: Montana Legislative Election 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Corey Stapleton:
Support death penalty; private prisons; sex offense registry
Stapleton indicates support for the following principles to address crime. - Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
- Support the use of the death penalty.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex
offender moves into the community.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational & job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
Source: 2000 Montana State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Gary Perry:
Replace death penalty with life imprisonment without parole
Excerpts from legislation: SB 236: AN ACT: abolishing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole; revising eligibility for bail; and revising the affirmative defense of compulsion.A person
convicted of the offense of deliberate homicide shall be punished by life imprisonment without possibility of parole [was "shall be punished by death, life imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison for a term between 10 and 100 years "].
The governor may offer rewards up to $1,000 each, for the apprehension of any convict who has escaped from the state prison or any person who has committed an offense punishable by life imprisonment without possibility of parole [was "who
has committed an offense punishable by death"]
Legislative Outcome:Sen. Perry voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 27-23
Source: Montana legislative voting records: SB 236
Feb 17, 2009
Gary Perry:
Key supporter of death penalty ban
In previous sessions, Perry was one of the vocal
Republican proponents of a ban on the death penalty, which helped get that bill out of the Senate.
Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Montana legislative voting record
Apr 23, 2009
Greg Gianforte:
Philosophically OK with death penalty; but is it worth it?
Q: Should the state eliminate the death penalty and opt for life without parole?
A: I have no philosophical objection to the death penalty; however, we should question if it is an effective deterrent to crime and if it is worth the price.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
May 10, 2016
John Bohlinger:
Supports stricter sentencing, including death penalty
Bohlinger Indicates support of the following principles to address crime.- Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
- End parole for repeat violent felons.
-
Expand the use of the death penalty for additional circumstances relating to murder.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
-
Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Increase state funds for programs that rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
- Support laws requiring restitution to crime victims at
the personal expense of the criminal.
- Establish daytime speed limits (75mph on interstate highways, 65mph on two lane roads).
- Q: Should criminal sentencing address restitution for victims?
- A: Yes.
Source: Montana Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Judy Martz:
After 100 years, we have enough prison cells, for now
For the first time in a century Montana has enough cells for those who are sentenced to Montana State Prison. For the first time in a long time judges know that if they send a person to MSP their sentence will be served in the place they belong.
The Department of Corrections could be called the water heater of the State budget. It is something no one wants to spend money on. It's not something you show off to your friends. And yet, it's just plain necessary. Public SAFETY is our most
important responsibility. Without it, everything else we try to do in society is jeopardized. In just eight years we're nearly caught up in prison space after a hundred years of underfunding. Not bad. We have enough cells. For now.
We have more probation and parole officers for more effective supervision. For now. Our Pine Hills juvenile facility will be receiving accreditation/certification for its new sex offender facility. We're well equipped. For now.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Matt Rosendale:
No capital punishment; yes prosecute minors as adults
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?A: No.
Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
A: Yes.
Q: Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
A: Yes.
Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Michael Lange:
Supports the death penalty
Lange supports the following principles regarding crime:- Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
Source: Montana Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Michael Lange:
Reduce prison sentences for non-violent crimes
Lange supports the following principles regarding crime:- Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
-
Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
- Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
Source: Montana Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Ryan Zinke:
Supports death penalty but also hate crime legislation
Zinke indicates support of the following principles regarding crime.- Support the death penalty in Montana.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
-
Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Support hate crime legislation.
- Zinke adds, "I support work programs for minor offenses and streamlining our judicial system. "
Source: Montana Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Ryan Zinke:
Replace death penalty with life imprisonment without parole
Excerpts from legislation: AN ACT: abolishing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole; revising eligibility for bail; and revising the affirmative defense of compulsion.-
A person convicted of the offense of deliberate homicide shall be punished by life imprisonment without possibility of parole [was "shall be punished by death, life imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison for a term between 10 and
100 years "].
- The governor may offer rewards up to $1,000 each, for the apprehension of any convict who has escaped from the state prison or any person who has committed an offense punishable by
life imprisonment without possibility of parole [was "who has committed an offense punishable by death"]
Legislative outcome: Zinke voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 27-23
Source: Montana legislative voting records: SB 236
Feb 17, 2009
Steve Bullock:
Arrest and prosecute sex predators and scam artists
As Attorney General, Steve works hard every day to make our state better for the next generation of Montanans. Since taking office, Steve has:- Put more cops on the street--and on the computers--
preventing, investigating, arresting and prosecuting sex predators and those that abuse children.
- Cracked down on scam artists who prey on small businesses and Montana consumers.
Source: Montana Governor campaign 2012 website, www.stevebullock.com
Nov 6, 2012
Steve Bullock:
Block police from receiving some military equipment
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Steve Bullock: Yes. Signed bipartisan bill blocking police departments from receiving certain military equipment. Promised to consult with Native American leaders before sending
police assistance to Standing Rock protests.
Steve Daines: Mixed. Co-sponsored reform bill for more police accountability on use of force and an amendment blocking transfer of military equipment to police. Doesn't support efforts to cut police budgets.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Montana Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Steve Daines:
Don't cut police budgets, but more accountability
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Steve Daines: Mixed. Co-sponsored reform bill for more police accountability on use of force and an amendment blocking transfer of military equipment to police. Doesn't support efforts to
cut police budgets.
Steve Bullock: Yes. Signed bipartisan bill blocking police departments from receiving certain military equipment. Promised to consult with Native American leaders before sending police assistance to Standing Rock protests.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Montana Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Tim Fox:
Endorsed by National Association of Police Organizations
On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), I am very pleased to formally announce NAPO's endorsement of your campaign for Governor of Montana. NAPO's endorsement is upon the recommendation of our member group,
the Montana Police Protective Association. NAPO is pleased to support your campaign and is confident you will continue your strong support of Montana's law enforcement community as Governor.
Source: 2020 Montana Governor race endorsements: NAPO
Sep 12, 2019
Tanner Smith:
Firm on crime; no exceptions; see something, say something
- November 12: "Many police departments have volunteer programs that allow citizens to support law enforcement through various activities. Explore opportunities to volunteer and contribute your skills and time to help make your community safer."
- October 26: Let's make Montana safe again. Be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or activity to the police. Your observations could assist in preventing crimes or identifying potential risks." If you see something, say something.
- September 17: "The most fundamental way to support law enforcement is by being law-abiding citizens. Respect and obey the rules and regulations in your community".
We can also aid in the effort by NOT implementing bad policies.
- August 14: We need to be firm on crime! No exceptions.
Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race
Nov 16, 2023
Jon Tester:
Support rehabilitative programming and fix sentencing laws
Criminal Justice How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?Jon Tester (D): Supported funding to hire more officers. The police have "my strong support." The 2020 Republican reform bill did not "address
the problems" such as chokeholds. Voted for a bipartisan bill to support rehabilitative programming and fix sentencing laws."
Tim Sheehy (R): "Cops are good, criminals are bad." Opposes "soft-on-crime policies, defund the police."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Montana Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Tim Sheehy:
Cops are good; criminals are bad
Criminal Justice How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?Tim Sheehy (R): "Cops are good, criminals are bad." Opposes "soft-on-crime policies, anti-cop policies, defund the police." Will approve
only "pro-law enforcement and pro-rule of law" judges and cabinet members.
Jon Tester (D): Supported funding to hire more officers. Voted for a bipartisan bill to support rehabilitative programming and fix sentencing laws."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Montana Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Greg Gianforte:
Can't prosecute criminals without a place to put them
We can't find and prosecute criminals if we don't have a place to put them. For the safety of our communities, we must fix this. Building on the work of legislators, stakeholders, and agencies, we should expand capacity in our state prison by 500 beds
by spending $150 million of one-time-only funding, and keeping an eye to the future, we invest $250 million in one-time-only funding to develop and execute a long-term plan to improve public safety and keep criminals off our streets.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 13, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026