In yet another embarrassing moment for Senate Democrats, a campaign worker was fired after being caught on video appearing to tamper with a ballot box in Montana.
As reported by The New York Post, the state, crucial for Democrats’ hopes of retaining their Senate majority, is now mired in controversy.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) promptly let go of Laszlo Gendler after he was recorded at a ballot box in Glacier County.
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The video, obtained by Fox News, shows Gendler shaking the box briefly before walking away. Gendler, identified by the office of Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, is seen fiddling with the box before pulling out his phone to snap a photo or video.
Federal Election Commission filings reveal the DSCC paid Gendler over $42,000 in salary and travel expenses between September 2023 and August 2024.
His last paycheck came just days before the incident. Richie Melby, a spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office, confirmed that the case was handed over to Glacier County law enforcement.
Glacier County election administrator Crystal Cole flagged the incident to the Secretary of State, citing concerns about Gendler and the Democratic Party’s involvement.
Gendler allegedly claimed he was sent to check the security of the box, yet no prior notice was given to Cole or her office.
Cole also noted that state Democrats didn’t inform her of their intent to contact a local college regarding parking logistics for voters.
The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive, given the highly competitive Senate race in Montana.
Wait…so DC democrats know it’s so bad they fired the guy—but the @MTDems and the Montana press are still sitting silent. Got it. https://t.co/CwUAKhTGDz
— Danielle Tribble (@DanielleTribble) October 24, 2024
Republican Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, is polling ahead of Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Tester, with many expecting Sheehy to win in November.
Maggie Abboud, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said the video is “damning,” suggesting Democrats are “trying to cheat” to hold onto the seat.
Hilarious comment from the DSCC trying to spin their staffer trying to steal a ballot box to stuff it.
He was just trying to make sure it was secure to the wall, but he also got fired?! https://t.co/02CJZTIMty pic.twitter.com/LYGpRVNhhc
— Mike Berg (@MikeKBerg) October 23, 2024
A win for Sheehy could hand Republicans a narrow Senate majority, especially if West Virginia Governor Jim Justice wins his race and other Republican incumbents hold onto their seats.
As tensions rise in Montana, this latest scandal will likely add fuel to an already heated political battle as Republicans continue their march to reclaim control of the Senate.
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