Controversy Surrounds Tim Sheehy’s Remarks on Native Americans
Tim Sheehy, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, has come under scrutiny following remarks he made about the Crow Indians. In response to public inquiries, Sheehy claimed on Fox News that recordings of his comments had been altered to portray him negatively. However, an investigation by the Daily Montanan found no evidence of tampering, with the original quotes accurately reported by Char Koosta News, a newspaper from the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Char Koosta News released additional tapes revealing Sheehy’s repeated disparaging comments about the Crow people, adding to the controversy. These recordings also capture Sheehy making unsubstantiated claims about abortion and expressing skepticism about Senator Jon Tester’s record on veterans’ issues.
Contentious Remarks and Campaign Response
Sheehy’s campaign has yet to address requests for clarification regarding his statements. The recordings, released by Char Koosta, include Sheehy’s comments made at several campaign events, such as the Big Sky Motel in Superior and Clark’s Family Restaurant in Shelby. In these recordings, Sheehy describes experiences of having beer cans thrown at him on the Crow Reservation, remarks that have sparked demands for an apology from tribal organizations.
Sheehy has repeatedly told stories of these incidents, claiming that his experiences on the reservation, where he engages in ranching activities, are met with hostility. He has also suggested that Native Americans should align more with the Republican Party, citing issues such as crime and drug cartels.
Views on Education and Federal Departments
Throughout the recordings, Sheehy advocates for significant cuts to the federal government, including the elimination of the Department of Education. He criticizes public education as an “indoctrination factory,” promoting an agriculture and faith-based curriculum for his children, whom he and his wife home-school.
Sheehy also supports relocating federal agencies away from Washington, D.C., suggesting that the USDA could be moved to Iowa and the FAA to Oklahoma City. He argues that this would enhance agency competency by placing them closer to the industries they regulate.
Claims on Reproductive Rights and Voting
Sheehy’s remarks extend to the topic of reproductive rights, where he echoes claims about post-birth abortions, a statement often associated with former President Donald Trump and debunked multiple times. He argues that the Republican Party needs to better engage young, female voters.
On voting, Sheehy calls for reforms including paper ballots and voter ID laws. While he stops short of claiming the 2020 election was fraudulent, he emphasizes the need for Republicans to expand their voter base and engage younger demographics.
Criticism of Jon Tester
Sheehy frequently criticizes Senator Jon Tester, portraying him as a socialist and questioning his effectiveness in supporting veterans. He accuses Tester of being responsible for issues within the Veterans Affairs system and suggests that Tester has failed to genuinely support veterans despite his position as chairman of the VA committee.
Tester, known for his advocacy for veterans, co-sponsored the PACT Act, which extends benefits to veterans affected by toxic exposures. Despite this, Sheehy argues that Tester’s efforts have been insufficient, urging voters to hold Tester accountable by electing new leadership.
Sheehy concludes by emphasizing the need for the Republican Party to focus on forward-looking messages to capture the support of young voters, warning against dwelling on past grievances.
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