Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson, Constitutional Convention Delegate: The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana. (see full statement below)

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Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson, Constitutional Convention Delegate: The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana. (see full statement below)

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March 22, 1972 was one of the most memorable days of my life – the day that I proudly joined ninety-nine other popularly-elected Montanans in signing a proposed new Constitution for the State of Montana. Following the Convention and a short 72 day hard-fought ratification campaign, on June 6 Montana voters approved the Constitution by the narrowest of margins.

Montana’s 1972 Constitution has been hailed by scholars, political leaders and citizens alike as a remarkable document. A Lee Newspapers survey conducted late in the last century rated it as the second most influential or important person or event of Montana's 20th century.

Could such a progressive and enlightened document be drafted and approved today? I doubt it. The remarkable period of the 1960s and 1970s was a special time when Montanans believed in the power and ability of “We the People” to create a government that could and would work for and in the best interests of the State and all of its citizens.

The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana.

Thanks to Highlands College of Montana Tech and to Evan for his dedication in creating this important treasure trove of historical information. I know of no one else with the breadth and depth of relationships, knowledge and experiences that could have pulled this off.

Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson
Youngest Constitutional Convention Delegate 1972
Retired Attorney, Dorsey & Whitney
Bond counsel to the State and local government entities

Publication Date

Fall 2015

Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson, Constitutional Convention Delegate: The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana. (see full statement below)

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