How Republican Llew Jones became the most powerful legislator in Montana — and why the GOP wants him gone

Llew Jones’ success in the Legislature has made the longtime Republican lawmaker a target within his own political party. The GOP’s right flank has grown increasingly frustrated by Jones’ pragmatism and skill at passing laws by garnering the votes of Democrats and relatively centrist Republicans, effectively sidelining hardliners. Today, Jones is facing the most formidable primary challenge of his political career from Wolf Creek Republican Rep. Zack Wirth. The result could extend Jones’ influen...