KALISPELL, Mont. — Republican congressional candidate Aaron Flint has released a new general election advertisement featuring Montana smokejumper and Army Reserve veteran Larry Ashcraft, who criticizes Democratic opponent Sam Forstag’s lobbying history and contrasts it with Flint’s military service.
The advertisement, released Wednesday, Oct. 21, is part of Flint’s campaign for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, where the two candidates are competing ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
“Sam Forstag wants us to think he’s tough, but he’s a phony Portland lobbyist for radical agendas,” Ashcraft says in the advertisement. “Like Biden, Forstag would give amnesty to criminal illegals, allow men in girls’ locker rooms, and raise our taxes.”
Those statements reflect the Flint campaign’s characterization of Forstag’s policy positions, which have become a central issue in the congressional contest.
The advertisement contrasts Forstag’s work as a paid lobbyist in Helena with Flint’s military background, including his two Bronze Stars and service in the U.S. Army.
Flint’s campaign has repeatedly questioned Forstag’s emphasis on his experience as a wildland firefighter and smokejumper while highlighting his previous work representing organizations before the Montana Legislature.
Public lobbying records show approximately $249,000 in fees associated with organizations and firms for which Forstag worked during the 2021 through 2024 reporting periods. The records do not establish that Forstag personally received the full amount.
Forstag’s campaign has disputed Republican descriptions of his lobbying compensation, arguing that the reported fees represent payments to organizations rather than his individual earnings.
The Democrat has acknowledged working in advocacy and lobbying between firefighting seasons, describing that work as an extension of his efforts involving public education, health care and civil liberties.
Flint and his supporters have also criticized Forstag’s previous advocacy on immigration, transgender policies and taxation, arguing that those positions are inconsistent with the priorities of Montana voters.
Forstag has rejected the broader characterization of his record, maintaining that his campaign is focused on affordability, public lands and the economic challenges facing working families.
The latest advertisement adds Ashcraft, a fellow smokejumper and military veteran, to Flint’s campaign messaging as the candidates compete over their professional backgrounds and records of public service.
Flint has emphasized his military experience, support for domestic energy and natural resource development, and proposals to reduce costs for Montana families. Forstag has focused on his firefighting career, organized labor experience and proposals addressing housing, health care and corporate influence in politics.
With Election Day approaching, both campaigns are intensifying their advertising efforts across western Montana.
