Montana Republicans Push for Primary Changes and Constitutional Amendments.

Republican lawmakers in Montana are pushing for legislation that would change the state's primary election format to allow the top two candidates, regardless of party, to advance to the general election ballot. The move is seen as an attempt to thwart the reelection of Democratic Senator Jon Tester, who is seeking a fourth term in a state that has recently leaned Republican. The bill, which has passed in the Senate, could potentially keep third-party candidates off the ballot and is being criticized by Democrats as partisan.