The Montana Democratic Party held its Officers and Rules Convention in Helena July 12-13, and journalist Alex Sakariassen and Montana Public Radio capital reporter Corin Cates-Carney were there to cover all the action as the 2020 election season gets underway.

One key takeaway was the party's ambition to reconnect with rural voters in Montana. Another was an emphasis on crafting a message that will appeal to both the party base and independent voters who feel disenfranchised by Donald Trump but are turned off by the so-called liberal resistance.