Theresa Manzella

Flannels, long beards and pocket Constitutions accented the crowd at an event billed as: “Freedom and Property: Cliven Bundy’s Story” in the town of Paradise Saturday night. Men posted around the Old Paradise School Gymnasium eyed the crowd and murmured security updates into earbuds, even through the opening prayer and pledge.

A Ravalli County state representative says she will bring a controversial property rights attorney to present a land use policy workshop whether or not local elected officials chose to participate.

"Absolutely. I’m moving forward," says Theresa Manzella.

Manzella wanted to commission Karen Budd-Falen to make a four-hour land use presentation to the Ravalli County Commission.

A bill that would increase the money state candidates can raise is one vote away from passing the Legislature.

A House committee passed a bill today that would create a ballot initiative that would limit who could deliver a voter's ballot to a polling place, election office or the post office.

Senate Bill 352 would create the "Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act." The bill provides exceptions for family members, caregivers and acquaintances who are authorized to pick up ballots.