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Attorney Alme Defends Controversial Plea as Senate Race Opens

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme approved a 2020 plea that let officer Mychal Thomas Damon avoid registration and serve less than a year.
Alme’s office, which declined 64% of sexual-assault cases, saw his campaign dismiss criticism as partisan, saying DOJ policy required pleading to the most provable charge.
Senator Steve Daines withdrew minutes before filing closed, opening the race for Kurt Alme against Democrat Alani Bankhead and independent Seth Bodnar.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme approved a 2020 plea that let officer Mychal Thomas Damon avoid registration and serve less than a year.
Alme’s office, which declined 64% of sexual-assault cases, saw his campaign dismiss criticism as partisan, saying DOJ policy required pleading to the most provable charge.
Senator Steve Daines withdrew minutes before filing closed, opening the race for Kurt Alme against Democrat Alani Bankhead and independent Seth Bodnar.