Democratic House Candidate Emphasizes Strong Stance on Fentanyl Crisis

Democratic congressional candidate Monica Tranel is making headlines for her strong stance on the fentanyl crisis, a shift from her previous stance on the issue. Tranel, who is running in Montana’s First Congressional District against incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, recently released a campaign ad emphasizing the need for a tough approach to the border and cracking down on drug trafficking.

Tranel’s shift in stance comes after she previously suggested that fentanyl wasn’t coming from the southern border. During her first congressional bid in 2022, she debated Zinke at the City Club Missoula, saying, “It’s a significant issue where we are, but where it’s coming from is not the southern border. It’s made in China, and how it gets here is a complex series of things that are happening, and closing the border is not going to alleviate the fentanyl crisis.”

However, recent developments have shed light on the connection between fentanyl and Mexican cartels operating along the southern border. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 36 million lethal doses of fentanyl were removed from U.S. communities between May and September 2022, with 35 cases directly linked to Mexican cartels. These alarming statistics have prompted Tranel to reconsider its position on the issue and advocate for a more robust approach to border security.

Tranel’s Updated Position on the Fentanyl Crisis

In a new campaign ad released in September, Tranel voiced her concerns about the border crisis and the need to address the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl. She stated, “We have a real crisis at the border. We need to secure the border, hire more Border Patrol agents, and crack down on the drug cartels to stop the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl.” This shift in rhetoric reflects Tranel’s recognition of the changing nature of the fentanyl crisis and the role of border security in combating drug trafficking.

Montana GOP Response

Tranel’s shift in position has not gone unnoticed by her political opponents. Madison Atkinson, a spokesperson for the Montana GOP, criticized Tranel for her apparent shift in position on the border issue and accused her of playing politics in an election year. Atkinson stated, “Trainwreck Tranel talks tough on the border in an election year, but Montanans know she will work directly under the Harris-Walz banner to unleash more crime and border chaos on Montanans while supporting boys to play girls’ sports.” The Montana GOP’s response reflects the contentious nature of the debate over border security and drug trafficking in the political arena.

Tranel’s Commitment to Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis

Despite criticism from her opponents, Tranel remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and securing the border. She emphasized the need to increase resources for border patrol and combat the cartels involved in the fentanyl trade, both in China and at the border. Tranel voiced her support for a border bill that would increase resources for detecting and intercepting fentanyl, and stressed the importance of stopping the supply side of the drug to protect communities.

Tranel also took aim at Rep. Ryan Zinke for his handling of the border security issue, accusing him of prioritizing politics over effective solutions. She stated, “The border is not secure and no one — including Rep. Zinke — has actually done the job of fixing it. I will stand up to any Democrat or Republican who stands in his way. While Zinke caters to special interests and China, I am focused on protecting our communities and stopping the flow of illegal drugs.”

In conclusion, Monica Tranel’s evolving position on the fentanyl crisis reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding drug trafficking and border security. As she continues her campaign for Congress, Tranel remains committed to addressing the root causes of the fentanyl crisis and implementing effective measures to protect communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs.