In the past 30 years, Montana has gone from a state where Democrats could win the Legislature and most statewide offices to one where Republicans now talk about their hope of controlling all levers of government. Yet, Montana is still not yet considered a ruby “red” state like many of its neighbors, where conservative policy and Republican control is a given. What’s behind this change in the political landscape of the Big Sky State? What makes Montana different from the Idahos and Wyomings of the western world? And, what role might the media play in helping Montanans decide which path they choose?