Please follow us on X and Telegram.

Montana Representative Ron Marshall abruptly resigned from his House District 87 position in the middle of Montana’s legislative session, stating, “The corruption is more than I can stand. Lobbyists run this country. The people have no voice.”

House District 87 encompasses Victor and Pinesdale, MT. One Twitter user requested that he provide more information, stating, “Can you drop us some details? We can’t fight what we don’t see.” Marshall did not respond to this inquiry.

He did respond to a different questioner on Twitter regarding the idea of “staying in the fight”: “It’s a no-win. The corporations run our state government. It’s not about the people; it’s about the money. It’s all a game. Stop the ride because I want off.”

In answer to a commenter who accused Marshall of letting the lobbyists win, Marshall responded, “You don’t understand. They already did. They have everyone from the AG’s office to leadership in both houses in their pockets. Let them win? This game was over before it started.”

It appears that Marshall’s decision may have been influenced by lobbyists from the tobacco industry regarding legislation aimed at regulating nicotine vapor products. Marshall owns two vape shops in Montana, and thus, he was directly affected by this legislation. Marshall points out that tobacco companies were supporting H.B. 525, which would create a registry for vape products and require marketing authorization from the FDA. Marshall explained, “The only authorized products that are on the market right now through the FDA are Big Tobacco products […] This bill, basically what it is, is a monopoly bill.”

There are concerns that Marshall’s district may be left without representation, but Ravalli County Commission Chairperson Dan Huls expects that the commissioners will fill Marshall’s position quickly.

Marshall also stated, “The people need to understand that if you want your voice heard up here, you get rid of all these lobbyists. Get rid of them all because it’s the absolute worst thing that could happen to a citizen government.”

‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!‘