State of Montana Archives: on War & Peace
Albert Olszewski:
When possible, we need to keep our troops out of harm's way
Sending our military into harm's way is the gravest decision any senator can make. Our nation faces threats to its safety at many levels.
From international conflict with North Korea and Syria, and our war against ISIS,
America must remain vigilant and be prepared to defend itself at a moment's notice. As a military physician trained to treat the casualties of war,
I understand the true human costs of engaging in any type of military conflict. Sending our troops into combat should only occur when all other methods of diplomacy have failed.
Source: 2018 Montana Senate campaign website AlForSenate.us
Aug 8, 2017
Albert Olszewski:
Balance diplomacy with waging war as a last resort
Q: What is your foreign policy?A: Force is legitimate but it should definitely be something we use only when there's no other resort.
Nothing else is left for us to work with. So balancing diplomacy with the waging of war is something that I take very seriously.
Source: KGVO Newstalk Facebook posting on 2018 Montana Senate race
Apr 28, 2017
Albert Olszewski:
War is last resort, but must stand firm
Our nation faces threats to its safety at many levels. From international conflict with North Korea and Syria, and our war against ISIS, America must remain vigilant and be prepared to defend itself at a moment's notice. Sending our troops into combat
should only occur when all other methods of diplomacy have failed. I am committed to provide our troops with all the resources necessary to be successful in times of war and peace. We must stand firm with our allies to defend our freedoms.
Source: 2018 Montana Senatorial website AlForSenate.us
Oct 1, 2017
Jon Tester:
Iran nuclear treaty is only option
Q: Iran: Support withdrawal from treaty limiting Iran nuclear capability while lifting sanctions?Matt Rosendale (R): Yes.
Jon Tester (D): No. Supports treaty as "only option" to prevent nuclear weapons development.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Michael Lange:
Withdraw US troops from Iraq
Q: Should the United States maintain its troop levels in Iraq?A: No.
Q: Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?
A: Yes.
Q: Discuss your proposals for Iraq.
A: The Iraq situation must come to a timely and effective conclusion.
At this point, we must have assurance that IRAQ will not become an adversary when we leave. Troop drawdown cannot happen overnight, and must be done in a responsible manner. We must get it right.
Source: Montana Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Sam Rankin:
Timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan
Q: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?A: No.
Q: Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
A: No.
Q: Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
A: No.
Source: Montana Election 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Steve Daines:
The best way to ensure Mideast peace is Israeli strength
Steve Daines, back from a weeklong trip to Israel sponsored by a pro-Israel group, said he came away convinced that maintaining a strong defense is the best foundation for securing peace and stability in the Middle East. Daines and two dozen other
Republican US House members made the trip. They met with Israeli and Palestinian officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Daines said he asked the prime minister about President Barack Obama's plans to reduce America's nuclear weapons arsenal, and that Netanyahu said he had concerns because of nuclear weapons that could be developed by enemies of
Israel in the Middle East. "The prime minister, as I do, believes that one of the best ways to ensure peace is to have strength," Daines said. "It's important for the United States to maintain a strong defense."
Source: Ravalli Republic coverage of 2014 Montana Senate debate
Aug 20, 2013
Tanner Smith:
Peace through strength is best deterrent, in Israel too
Tanner Smith for Governor: October 9: "Tanner Smith for Governor is in 100% solidarity with Israel during this tragedy. Times like these remind us that peace through strength is the best deterrent. Evil exists in this world and this is why we don't let
Chinese Spy Balloons fly over Montana. As Governor I would have taken that balloon down at the border. Keeping Montanans safe is my top priority. Actions speak louder than words and Tanner Smith doesn't write letters."
Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race
Nov 16, 2023
Alani Bankhead:
Opposed to illegal war with Iran
I am opposed to the war. So I'm a retired lieutenant colonel and special agent, like I mentioned. I actually was the commander of the counterintelligence unit in Kuwait. So that's the same unit that lost three F-15Es a few weeks ago. And that is my
worst nightmare. So, frankly, it's an illegal war because Congress was not did not provide the approvals for that conflict to begin.
Source: KTVQ.com on 2026 Montana Senate race
Apr 3, 2026
Kurt Alme:
Compelling interest preventing Iran getting nuclear weapons
Alme is in lockstep with Trump on Iran--he says there's a
compelling national interest in preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon.
Source: MSU Exponent on 2026 Montana Senate race
May 7, 2026
Reilly Neill:
President has no authority to take this country to war alone
We need new leadership in the Senate. We need leaders who will stand up to abuses of power and do their job upholding the law and the Constitution. When the rule of law is tested, the response must be grit, courage, and action.
No president has the authority to take this country to war alone. The Constitution places that decision with Congress for a reason. War carries consequences that reach every community in Montana, from our service members to our economy.
Source: 2026 Montana Senate campaign web ReillyForMontana.com
Jun 19, 2026
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026