When I think of Montana, things like freedom, self-determination, and rugged individualism come to mind, certainly not socialism. But that may soon change.

On June 2, Sam Forstag will vie to become the Democratic Party’s candidate for Montana’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Forstag, a smokejumper, has received endorsements from socialist superstars like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) as well as a glowing three-part profile in Esquire titled “The Wildfire-Fighting Union Leader Who Could Change Montana Politics.”

Forstag absolutely can change Big Sky politics if he succeeds in becoming the first Democrat member of the House from Montana since 1997.

But is Forstag a Democrat? Or is he more of a democratic socialist?

Based on his policy platform from his campaign website, it sure seems like he leans more toward the latter than the former.

Forstag supports “significant federal investment in affordable housing,” Medicare for All, “universal free childcare," "universal Pre-K,” expanding public lands agencies, expanding Social Security benefits, a $15 federal minimum wage, etc.

He also, predictably, supports huge tax hikes such as a five percent tax on........

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