This is the Montana Mileage Report -- a monthly newsletter about Kimberly Dudik and the race for Montana Attorney General. Up until the Coronavirus epidemic caused public gatherings in the US to be heavily restricted, Kimberly was traveling around the state meeting Montanans to discuss the issues that are vital to them. However, as the threat of contagion has become more evident, she has had to cancel her latest events. Still, she is finding means of communicating with Montanans so that she continues to fight for her fellow Montanan's wellbeing in the face of this crisis. Here are some of the things she's been up to this past month.

Meeting with Montanans to Discuss Healthcare
On March 11, Kimberly met with State Auditor candidate Shane Morigeau and interested citizens to discuss how collaboration between the two could help to fight the rising cost of prescription drugs. Now more than ever, it is evident that the issues within Montana's healthcare system are not only draining for the average American family but highly destructive in the event of a crisis.

Dudik, a former nurse with advanced training in public health who has regularly dealt with the healthcare system, could see how these issues in the system put pressure on the average Montanan, even without the widespread surge of illness on the horizon. With the pandemic that will challenge Montanans to look out for one another's health, these issues will only be exacerbated and show how the current healthcare system is highly flawed and unprepared for any surge in community illnesses. Kimberly hopes that all Montanans are taking the necessary precautions and doing their best to keep social distance during this time. Availability of healthcare is especially important, and Kimberly has vowed to fight to improve access and keep the coverage provided by Medicaid expansion (which she helped pass twice as a lawmaker and that helps nearly 100,000 Montanans).

It is also critical that people are aware of their rights when it comes to bad actors who attempt to price gouge for necessary health supplies like hand sanitizers and face-masks. As Attorney General, Kimberly will be an independent watchdog who will fight to ensure bad actors are held accountable when they take advantage of people.

Knowing that domestic violence is all too often hidden in our communities, and it may be worse with people having to stay home, Kimberly has been spreading information to help. If you have to stay at home because of COVID-19 and do not feel safe, you are not alone, and help is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

You can also call a national hotline for support 24/7:
•National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) OR TTY: 1-800-787-3224
•National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
•National Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 or TTY: 1-866-331-8453

Information on the many domestic violence support programs in different areas is available from the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

In the Press
Kimberly has been reaching out across Montana, talking to voters about the importance of this election and hearing from Montanans what their thoughts and concerns are. These events and Kimberly's work have been covered several times throughout her campaign, both in interviews with her and in praise by fellow Montanans.

In her interview on the Montana Post Podcast, she highlighted her unparalleled experience of 20 years in public service and her proven record of delivering results. She was interviewed on KMBR FM, where she showcased her vast network of support to tackle issues from environmental protection to human trafficking as Montana Attorney General. She also spoke to the Anaconda Leader and the Conrad Independent Observer about the importance of the Attorney General race for Montanans' everyday lives.

News media praised other efforts on her part. Kimberly’s proven record taking on tough issues and her plans to continue that work as Montana Attorney General was highlighted in coverage in the Flathead area. Kimberly's proven record of working alongside Tribal leaders in Montana was showcased by statewide coverage of her "Improving Justice in Indian Country" Initiative. Kimberly's appearance in front of the Blackfeet Tribal Council and her drive to help Tribal communities were featured in the Glacier Reporter.

Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
Kimberly is committed to encouraging young Montanans to be involved in their communities in whatever way they can. She and Rep. Laurie Bishop participated in a Livingston event where three high school young women interviewed them about what it is like to run for office and serve their communities, the challenges women can face, and how to be effective in making positive change.

Essential Frontline Law Enforcement Experience & Support:
Kimberly's growing network of statewide support is critical to delivering real results that matter to the lives of everyday Montanans. Kimberly Dudik has the most comprehensive experience in the race for Montana Attorney General in prosecuting criminal cases, fighting for justice, and protecting Montana communities, especially our most vulnerable populations. Her proven record is highlighted by support from frontline law enforcement, including:

• Bill Dial, Whitefish Police Chief
• Kirsten Pabst, Missoula County Attorney
• Doug Chase, Former Polson Police Chief, and former Missoula County Sheriff
• T.J. McDermott, Missoula County Sheriff

Kimberly Dudik's Special Focus on Tribal Communities
Kimberly Dudik brings the needed breadth and depth of experience to the Attorney General's Office. Kimberly’s work to make Montana safer has been influenced by her two decades of experience as a registered nurse, advocate for domestic violence survivors, deputy county attorney, assistant attorney general, substitute judge, and state lawmaker. Kimberly's proven work to improve Montana's Tribal communities, in such areas as human trafficking, missing and murdered indigenous persons, child protection, and criminal justice reform, is well-known.

She has visited the Tribal communities and strengthened her relationships in these areas, working to engage with these communities in the upcoming elections fully. Earlier this month, Kimberly met with the Blackfeet Tribal Council to hear from them the concerns they have for their community and discuss how she can help with these as Attorney General. Her work over the past eight years protecting Tribal sovereignty and working to strengthen Montana's Tribal communities was covered in the Glacier Reporter. Kimberly Dudik met with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Tribal Council about this critical race. You can read more about Kimberly's leadership on criminal justice reform, health care access, and her plans for expanding these as Attorney General here: [Char-koosta News].

Regrouping in the face of the epidemic:
Kimberly has committed herself full-time to this campaign but understands and respects the measures that must be taken to ensure the health of the public during this time. While she is still working every day to be given a chance to improve the lives of her fellow Montanans, she is adjusting her outreach to Montanans and focusing on how best to help her fellow citizens. Watch out for announcements on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram about important issues, like price-gouging, domestic violence, and workers' rights, that intersect with the Attorney General's office and how they are especially relevant at this time.


Thank you again for being a part of our team! This Montana-driven grassroots team fuels this campaign so that Kimberly can keep going. Over 90% of our support is from Montanans like you. Thank you for all that you do -- check back next month for more updates on what Kimberly's up to next!

-- Team Dudik