When we say "We the people of Montana," who do we really mean? Who’s included, who’s left out, and what’s that mean this November? Listen now on Shared State , a podcast about what's driving Montana's 2020 elections and where the outcomes could lead us.

The candidates for Montana’s state auditor office squared off in a televised debate Sunday hosted by MTN News. The Republican candidate touted his past business experience as making him the most qualified to run the office. The Democrat argues he’s best prepared for the job due to his work as an attorney and state legislator.

As of Friday, 45 of Montana’s 56 counties have filed plans to hold all-mail elections this November after Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive in August allowing counties to do so. However, some people are pushing back against the measure and Republican officials have filed a lawsuit trying to stop it.

In case you haven't been turning on the TV or opening the paper, we're in the thick of campaign season and there are big, competitive races up and down the ticket, some of which could flip the governor's office red or turn our whole congressional delegation blue. Money is pouring into these races from around the country, and the stakes are high. But this election is also about something deeper: What the candidates say they care about and how those ideas could impact the rest of us. From Montana

Republicans try to impede Montanans voting by mail. A new ad resurrects "Hanoi Jane." Sen. Daines says a proposed climate action plan would hurt Montana's economy. A democratic protest rings hollow. And a new campaign ad checks all the Montana boxes. Listen now on Campaign Beat with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Gwen Florio.

The Republican and Democratic candidates vying to be Montana’s state schools superintendent each pitched themselves as the best person for the job during a debate hosted by MTN News on Sunday. The Republican incumbent is an advocate for local control of public schools, saying “one size fits all” policies don’t work. The Democrat challenging her is pushing to expand statewide education programs.

The pandemic response remains an issue in Montana's Senate race. Postal service cuts may factor in the governor's race. New ads in the House race feature candidates filleting a fish and changing a tire. The Greens are, once and for all, off the ballot. and "Trumptana" debuts at the Republican National Convention. Listen now on Campaign Beat with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

A group of Montana lawmakers studying tax reform decided on Tuesday to not recommend a statewide sales tax bill to the next Legislature. While the Tax Study Committee agreed it’s important to discuss the idea, they were not ready to advance the policy to the full Legislature next year.

If you’ve turned on the TV in Montana recently, you’ve probably been bombarded with advertisements propping up — or tearing down — candidates for political office. Each contender claims they’re the best choice to uphold “Montana values.” But what does that mean? Who is that promise for? And how do those unspoken values shape Montana’s politics?

Montana's Secretary of State loses his battle to keep Green Party candidates on the ballot. New campaign ads focus on family and gun rights. The two candidates for governor release their health care plans. The national party conventions may hold little sway over Montana races. And Governor Bullock rebukes State School Superintendent Elsie Arntzen in their ongoing dispute over school masking policy Listen now on Campaign Beat with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.