Quite suddenly, and unexpectedly, thanks to a reported outburst from a politician seeking election to Congress, a special election might loom as a referendum for the nation.

Republican Greg Gianforte is running against Democrat Rob Quist for Montana’s at-large congressional district; they are seeking to succeed Ryan Zinke, who now serves as Interior secretary in the Trump administration.

Then something happened to potentially place this election on the national stage. Gianforte “body slammed” a reporter, Ben Jacobs, who was questioning him about the Republican health care alternative to the Affordable Care Act. Gianforte reportedly attacked Jacobs, busting the young man’s eyeglasses and possibly injuring one of the Jacobs’ elbows.

Here’s what we ought to look for: Gianforte’s alleged outburst could produce one of two results. Voters could be so outraged that he would assault a reporter that they’ll elect Quist; or they’ll cheer the politician’s outburst against a so-called “liberal reporter” seeking to upend the political equilibrium in a state that voted overwhelmingly for Donald J. Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

This special election was supposed to be a slam-dunk for Republicans in Montana. It doesn’t look like one tonight.

Then again …

I think we should watch the returns come in Thursday night under the Big Sky.