The four Republicans campaigning to take on incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester debated in Helena Thursday night . Ballots for the June 5 primary election will be mailed out in two weeks. In the past, the Republicans have said they’ll play nice after the primary and support whomever becomes the party’s nominee. But now with the clock winding down on the race, for the candidates ambitious for the U.S. Senate, the grip-n-grin political courtesy shown just a few weeks ago is fading.

Montana's Democratic U.S. House candidates debate May 3, 2018. The debate includes candidates John Heenan , Grant Kier , John Meyer , Jared Pettinato and Kathleen Williams . Listen or watch here:

Listen to or watch the debate between Republican U.S. Senate candidates Albert Olszewski , Russell Fagg , Troy Downing and Matt Rosendale from Helena, April 26, 2018.

President Donald Trump called out Montana Senator Jon Tester today on national television in the wake of the President’s pick for VA Secretary withdrawing his nomination. On Wednesday Tester, a Democrat running for a third term in November, released a two-page list of allegations against Admiral Ronny Jackson . Tester said they came from 23 active duty military personnel and veterans who served with Jackson, none of whom were identified, because, Tester said, they feared retribution.

Tuesday a state district court judge heard arguments over whether the Green Party should be allowed on Montana ballots in November. The Montana Democratic Party brought the suit against the Greens and Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. MTPR’s capitol reporter Corin Cates-Carney was at the Lewis and Clark County courthouse for the hearing, and spoke with MTPR News Director Eric Whitney.

Senator Jon Tester this afternoon released a two-page summary of allegations against Admiral Ronny Jackson , the physician President Trump has nominated to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. They include accounts of drunkenness, over-prescribing drugs, and creating a hostile work environment.

A Republican-led legislative committee is investigating state settlements paid out to public employees under the administration of Democratic Governor Steve Bullock . The Special Select Committee on State Settlement Accountability held its first meeting via phone conference Wednesday.

A group tasked by the legislature to protect water quality in the Flathead Valley is in jeopardy after its funding was cut during Montana’s special legislative session in November and its executive director was terminated in February. On Wednesday the Flathead Basin Commission will meet in Pablo and reassess its future.

Missoula students from Hellgate High joined a nationwide student walkout today on the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, where 13 people died. Missoula’s walkout started at about 1:30 at the Xs sculpture at the north end of Higgins Avenue downtown. About 50 people were there when it started.

Campaign war chests are growing, some more than others. One Senate candidate looks for help from disgraced General Michael Flynn, and Governor Bullock gets a warm reception in Iowa. Sally Mauk, Chuck Johnson and Rob Saldin look at these stories and the latest ads right now on "Campaign Beat."