History lesson: It was the corporations, not the Copper Kings

Initiative 194, also known as the “Montana Plan,” will restrict corporate money in elections. But as the battle for the ballot unfolds, proponents and opponents both use Montana’s “Copper Kings” as the mythical whipping boys of history. The reality was more nuanced: The problem, then and now, was not individuals, it was corporations, described by [

By: Brenda Wahler

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: June 16, 2026

Words: 697

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

Body Text Preview

Initiative 194, also known as the “Montana Plan,” will restrict corporate money in elections.

But as the battle for the ballot unfolds, proponents and opponents both use Montana’s “Copper Kings” as the mythical whipping boys of history. The reality was more nuanced: The problem, then and now, was not individuals, it was corporations, described by I-194 as “artificial persons (created by) statute that exist only by virtue of powers affirmatively extended by the state.” …

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.

About

FAQ

Email Us