It took two tries, but Denver Henderson, a state party committeeman from Missoula, was able to pass a nonbinding resolution on the controversial issue. It passed 25-20 after a different version failed earlier.
The resolution figures to be a testy one, as it has been since Montanans ratified the 1972 state constitution that made 18 the age of adulthood for all purposes.
“The party adopted a resolution that I'm sure will be of concern to many Montanans,” said state Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald. “But again, it's a big tent. We respect a wide variety of points of view.”
Some speakers suggested the Democrats' support for lowering the legal drinking age might attract more votes from young adults, but McDonald was quick to add that the party was not “pandering for votes.”
The resolution notes that once Montanans turn 18 years old, they can enter into contracts, pay taxes, serve as elected officials and defend their country. It said some Montana employers won't even consider hiring someone convicted of illegally possessing alcoholic beverages as a minor.
It said society spends “countless resources” arresting and prosecuting young adults from ages 18 to 21 for consuming alcohol. These efforts have “failed to a high degree” to stop young adults from buying, drinking and possessing alcoholic beverages, the resolution said, and that money could be better redirected to other uses.
It concludes: “The Montana Democratic Party goes on record in support of future legislation to address the double standard of military service and the consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21.”
The resolution has no immediate impact. It probably would require the Legislature to propose a constitutional amendment to lower the legal drinking age and a public referendum on the issue.
Critics of the resolution said the change could cost the state millions of dollars of federal highway money and the loss of “Democratic union jobs.”
Supporters said it was simply a matter of fairness.
Dems adopt platform
By CHARLES S. JOHNSON of the Missoulian State Bureau
MILES CITY - After hours of debate, Democrats adopted a wide-ranging platform Saturday, although the party chairman said candidates will pick and choose what they want from the document.
“I think it would certainly serve as a road map as the Democratic Party goes forth this year,” said state Chairman Dennis McDonald of Melville.
Binding on no one, a party's platform is a broad statement of its principles and goals. For the most part, they are widely ignored in political campaigns by both Democrats and Republicans, as candidates emphasize issues they deem most important in their legislative districts or statewide races.
McDonald said the platform amounts to the Montana Democratic Party's mission statement. How much Democratic candidates will incorporate the platform's provisions in their campaigns varies widely, he said.
“Some candidates probably won't view it much at all, and some will work closely with it,” he said afterward.
McDonald said he was unconcerned about some of the splits in the party evidenced in the platform debates.
“If we all thought the same, it would be a pretty boring place,” he said.
The party's executive director, state Rep. Art Noonan, D-Butte, told delegates afterward how important the process to draft a platform is.
“It's not really an academic process,” Noonan said. “It's a political process. I'm not sure there's anything more important in the world. Government and politics come down to good people getting together and making good decisions.”
While the proposal to put the Democratic Party on record supporting lowering the legal drinking age to 18 drew much of the media interest, McDonald preferred to focus on other issues.
He cited his resolution opposing right-to-work laws, which the Montana Republican Party platform now appears to endorse. Right-to-work laws ban the closed or union shop, which make payment of union dues a requirement of employment.
Montana is surrounded by states with right-to-work laws, which unions believe weakens their ability to organize. Right-to-work backers say these laws give workers the choice of whether they want to join a union or not.
Democrats and unions have long opposed right-to-work laws in Montana, while some businesses and some Republicans have supported them.
“I do believe that (Democratic) resolution reflects the values of Montanans,” McDonald said.
He also highlighted a resolution calling for organized labor to be hired to do environmental cleanup jobs in Montana and urging the state of Montana and unions to work together to develop job training programs for future workers.
Democrats adopted some of these platform stands and resolutions, by topic:
Agriculture
Supported the relaxation of the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba on grounds it would help Montana farmers and ranchers. McDonald criticized Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg for reversing his position on the issue, telling Montanans he supported the relaxation of the embargo, while voting to retain it after receiving $12,000 in political donations from embargo supporters in Miami several years ago. McDonald charged that Rehberg “sold out for chicken feed” and proceeded to pull out some chicken feed to demonstrate his point.
Endorsed Gov. Brian Schweitzer's efforts “for a split-state status that included a separate management plan for brucellosis near Yellowstone National Park.”
Education
Commended Schweitzer and Democratic legislators for increasing the investment in K-12 schools and said the party “looks forward to future gubernatorial and legislative commitment to public school funding and innovative school programs.”
General government
Defeated a resolution by the Montana Democratic Women's Club urging Montana to switch to mail balloting like Oregon. Opponents said it would be a major change that needs more study and research first.
Health care
Went on record for providing health care coverage to all Montana children and endorsed the 2008 ballot measure that would expand the Children's Health Insurance Program to cover 30,000 more Montana youths.
Human rights, social services
Restated the party's support for “legal protection for same-sex unions,” saying people in civil unions should have the same legal benefits, protections and responsibilities as other individuals.
Called for stopping U.S. government torture of prisoners and to follow the provisions of the Geneva Convention.
Criticized predatory lending practices by payday-loan businesses when they “prey upon persons or institutions of disadvantaged economic means.”
Jobs, economic growth
Supported the continuation of passenger rail service along the Hi-Line and urged the reintroduction of passenger rail service to southern Montana.
Natural resources, environment, energy
Supported the call from both industry and environmental groups to adopt federal standards for reducing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide by, among other things, establishing strategies and methods for the capture, transportation, sequestration and liability for the disposal of carbon dioxide.
Peace, foreign policy
Reaffirmed support for policies that promote human and civil rights, including the right to political and economic self-determination for all people and recognized the importance of “seeking multilateral solutions to global problems.”
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