Incumbents lead in early returns

The Daily Inter Lake

Republican legislative candidates were dominating races in the Flathead Valley once again as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

But in the Columbia Falls and Canyon area's House District 3, Democratic challenger Doug Cordier was narrowly leading three-term Republican incumbent Dee Brown, 51-49 percent.

That possible win, however, would be offset with a Republican leading in a race for a Kalispell House seat that had long been held by a Democrat.

Republican Craig Witte had a 54-46 percent lead over Democrat Randy Kenyon in the Kalispell core area's House District 8. The seat is currently held by Rep. Tim Dowell, D-Kalispell, who could not seek re-election because of term limits.

In the Lakeside area's House District 10, Republican newcomer Mark Blasdel had a commanding 77-23 percent lead over Democrat Carla Augustad. The House seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Bernie Olson, who was defeated by Blasdel in the June primary election.

Sen. Greg Barkus, R-Kalispell, had a handy 59-41 percent lead over Democratic challenger Gerald Reckin in Senate District 4.

Republican Rep. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, had a 63-37 percent lead to move into Senate District 5 with a defeat over Democratic challenger Ric Smith. The seat is currently held by Sen. Bob Keenan, R-Bigfork, who can't seek re-election because of term limits.

In House District 5, covering the northern part of the Flathead Valley, Republican Rep. George Everett was leading Democratic challenger Linda Jaquette, 70-30 percent.

Republican Bill Beck was set to move into the vacant House District 6 seat, with 53 percent of vote, followed by Democrat Scott Wheeler with 36 percent and Constitution Party candidate Rick Komenda with 10 percent. The seat is currently held by Jackson, who could not seek re-election to the House because of term limits.

With just over 1,000 votes counted in House District 7, Rep. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, had a 70-30 percent lead over Democratic challenger Dale McGarvey.

Rep. Bill Jones, R-Bigfork, had a 64-36 percent lead over Democrat Edd Blackler in House District 9.

With fewer than 500 votes counted in House District 4, Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish, was leading Republican Erik Jerde, 70-30 percent.