Empty chair ‘debate’ at state GOP event highlights property tax rift

By: Jordan Hansen

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 1,592

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

Body Text Preview

GREAT FALLS — In a visual representation of a deep split among conservatives in Montana, four chairs were laid out on the stage at the Montana GOP kickoff event in Great Falls for a scheduled debate over property taxes.

Only two of those were filled, and with state GOP chair Art Wittich acting as moderator, Sen. Greg Hertz, representing Polson, and Rep. Terry Falk, representing part of Kalispell, outlined many of the things they feel …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us