Democratic congressional candidate Monica Tranel is making headlines for her strong stance on the fentanyl crisis, a shift from her previous stance on the issue. Tranel, who is running in Montana’s First Congressional District against Republican incumbent Rep. Ryan Zinke, recently released a campaign ad emphasizing the need for a tough approach to the border and cracking down on drug trafficking.
Tranel’s change in position comes after she previously suggested that fentanyl was not coming from the southern border. During her first congressional bid in 2022, she debated Zinke at the City Club Missoula and stated, “It is a significant issue where we are, but where it is coming from is not the southern border. It’s being made in China, and how it’s getting here is a complex series of things that are happening, and shutting down the border is not going to reduce the fentanyl crisis.”
However, recent developments have shed light on the connection between fentanyl and Mexican cartels operating along the southern border. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 36 million lethal doses of fentanyl had been removed from American communities between May to September 2022, with 35 cases directly linking to Mexican cartels. These alarming statistics have prompted Tranel to reevaluate her stance on the issue and advocate for a more robust approach to border security.
Tranel’s Updated Stance on the Fentanyl Crisis
In a new campaign ad released in September, Tranel voiced her concerns about the border crisis and the need to address the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl. She stated, “We have a real crisis at the border. We need to secure the border, hire more border patrol agents, and go after the drug cartels to stop the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl.” This shift in rhetoric reflects Tranel’s acknowledgment of the evolving nature of the fentanyl crisis and the role of border security in combating drug trafficking.
Response from Montana GOP
Tranel’s change in position has not gone unnoticed by her political opponents. Madison Atkinson, a spokesperson for the Montana GOP, criticized Tranel for her apparent shift in stance on the border issue, accusing her of playing politics in an election year. Atkinson stated, “Trainwreck Tranel is talking tough on the border now that it’s an election year, but Montanans know she will work directly under the Harris-Walz banner to unleash more crime and border chaos on Montanans while also supporting boys to play in girls sports.” The response from the Montana GOP reflects the contentious nature of the debate surrounding border security and drug trafficking in the political arena.
Tranel’s Commitment to Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis
Despite the criticism from her opponents, Tranel remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and securing the border. She emphasized the need to increase resources for border patrol and combat the cartels involved in trafficking fentanyl, both in China and at the border. Tranel expressed her support for a border bill that would have enhanced resources for detecting and intercepting fentanyl, highlighting the importance of stopping the supply side of the drug to protect communities.
Tranel also called out Rep. Ryan Zinke for his handling of the border security issue, accusing him of prioritizing political gamesmanship over effective solutions. She stated, “The border isn’t secure, and no one – including Rep. Zinke – has actually gotten the job done to fix it. I’ll stand up to any Democrat or Republican who gets in the way. While Zinke cozies up to special interests and China, I’m focused on protecting our communities and stopping the flow of illegal drugs.”
In conclusion, Monica Tranel’s evolving stance on the fentanyl crisis reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding drug trafficking and border security. As she continues her campaign for Congress, Tranel remains committed to addressing the root causes of the fentanyl crisis and implementing effective measures to safeguard communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs.